Yokohama Hanami Hotspots

It's that time of year again, when we look forward to warmer weather and the rebirth of spring. In Japan, that also means the brief return of "sakura" (cherry blossoms) and "hanami" (flower viewing). All across the country, cherry trees will explode in whites and light-and-dark pinks, inviting people to sit underneath, celebrating their beauty while eating and drinking and singing songs.

Yokohama has many wonderful hanami locations; here are the most popular, as well as one or two lesser known, places.

Mitsuike Park
Boasting over a thousand cherry trees, Mitsuike Park is the only park in Yokohama recognized as one of Japan's best 100 hanami spots.
http://www.kanagawaparks.com/mitsuike/

Sankeien Garden
Beautiful all-year round, this Yokohama tourist mecca is especially gorgeous in early April when hanami is in full bloom.
http://www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about/index.html

Honmoku Sancho Park
One of the lesser known fantastic spots, Honmoku Sancho Park is a local favourite.
http://sancho-yokohamaueki.com/

Negishi Forest Park
Another local favourite, this park is awash in cherry trees and other peaceful views.
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kankyo/park/yokohama/kouen010.html

Mitsuzawa Park
Known for its various sports facilities, especially football (soccer) and tennis, this park comes alive during hanami season with cherry trees scattered all across the park.
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kankyo/park/yokohama/mitsuzawa.html