Sakura in February? Here’s How to Enjoy Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo, Japan Without the Crowds
Is a Japan cherry blossom trip at the top of your travel #bucketlist? Known as Sakura, the flowers are generally found in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Japan.
Sakura season in Japan heralds a whole line-up of festivals, as well as night light-up festivals. Join the locals in packing a hanami (“cherry blossom viewing”) picnic; or revel in yozakura, the art of viewing illuminated blossoms after nightfall.
Let’s admit it: the crowds can put a dampener on the viewing experience. The flowers may be stunning and all but hey, how much can you really enjoy them when multiple selfie sticks are waving in your face?
Well, if you’re yearning for a more peaceful experience — you’re in luck. Bet you didn’t know that sakura doesn’t only bloom during the usual period that everyone knows about. Read on to find out more!
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Why is Sakura season so popular?
As beautiful as it is fleeting, sakura typically only peaks for around 10 days from late March to early April each year — making it an extremely coveted sight. Due to this, Sakura season generally sees large crowds, with travellers arriving from all over the globe to enjoy the pink-and-white spectacle.
What are the different types of Sakura?
The type of Sakura that blooms during the typical late March to early April season is the Somei Yoshino, which usually takes on a whitish sheen. This is the most famous and popular type of cherry blossoms, as it makes up around 80% of Japan’s Sakura trees.
This isn’t the only type of Sakura, however! Other types include Yaezakura (from mid-April to mid-May), Yamazakura (from late March to early April), Shidarezakura (from late March to early April), Kanhaizakura (mid- to late March), Kawazuzakura (early February to early March), and more.
If you want to get a jumpstart on Sakura season before anyone else, time your trip for the blooming of the Kawazuzakura!
All about Kawazuzakura
Originating from Kawazu city in the 1950’s, the Kawazuzakura typically starts flowering in early February. This type of Sakura sure takes its time, and opens much slower compared to the other types. However, this doesn’t come without its perks: Kawazuzakura can be enjoyed for around a month, versus the usual 10-day period.
February is technically still winter in Japan, earning Kawazuzakura the nickname of the early-blooming “winter Sakura”. Compared to the white petals of Somei Yoshino, the Kawazuzakura are coloured a deeper shade of pink.
Where to view Kawazuzakura in Tokyo, Japan?
1. Shinjuku Gyoen
Photo credit: Visit Japan Now on Facebook
One of Tokyo’s most famous Sakura hotspots, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to more than 1,500 cherry blossom trees! Offering a serene respite from the chaos of Shinjuku, the park is home to plenty of Kawazuzakura trees.
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm, closed on Mondays
Entry fee: 500yen (~S$4.70)
How to get there: A five-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae station, or a ten-minute walk from Shinjuku station
There’s lots to do in Shinjuku too: shop at mega department stores, go bar-hopping at Golden Gai, find the Godzilla statue at Kabukicho, and even pamper yourself on a night foodie tour.
2. Sakura Jingu Shrine
Sakura Jingu Shrine has two magnificent Kawazazakura trees. The scene is an explosion of pink, made even more so with pink ribbons tied on the branches. These ribbons carry handwritten wishes from visitors, and can be purchased for 500yen (~S$4.70) each.
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, daily
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A two-minute walk from Sakurashinmachi station
3. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park boasts an impressive 700 Sakura trees on its grounds, and is especially popular among the locals for hanami picnics. During peak blooming season, it’s imperative to snag a picnic spot early in the morning; however, you won’t face any such issues during Kawazuzakura season!
Opening hours: Open around the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A two-minute walk from Yoyogi-koen station, or a five-minute walk from Harajuku station
Whilst you’re in Yoyogi, create beautiful memories with a private photoshoot, visit a micro pig café, and explore Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street.
4. Kitajukken River
Photo credit: 東京スカイツリー / Tokyo Skytree on Facebook
Snap a beautiful shot of Tokyo Skytree surrounded by the blooms at the Tokyo Skytree. For the best angle, head to Kitajukken River, which can be found next to the Tobubashi Bridge.
Opening hours: Open around the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A one-minute walk from Oshiage station
5. Ueno Park
Ueno Park has over 50 varieties of Sakura, and more than 1,000 Sakura trees. To see Kawazuzakura in all its glory, head to the Shinobazu Pond. The park is also great for museum buffs: check out the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo National Museum, and the National Museum for Western Art. It also has the cute Ueno Zoo, which is Japan’s first-ever zoo!
Don’t forget to visit Ameyoko, a bustling street market nestled under overhead railway tracks.
Opening hours: Open around the clock; attractions are generally open from 9am to 4pm or 5.30pm, and are closed on Mondays
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A five-minute walk from Ueno station
6. Inokashira Park
Located near the whimsical Ghibli Museum, Inokashira Park is a great family-friendly spot that has many types of Sakura trees, including Kawazuzakura.
Rent a swan boat to sail among the flowers; and visit the zoo, which has a guinea pig petting area, a wildlife encounter field, and a small amusement park.
Opening hours: Open around the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A two-minute walk from Kichijoji station
7. Happo-en Garden
Photo credit: Happo-en on Facebook
Step into olden Japan at Happo-en Garden, a 300-year-old traditional Japanese garden with lush bonsai trees, a koi pond, and Kawazuzakura trees. The garden belongs to the Happo-en Hotel, which organises many Sakura-themed events.
Savour the blooms from the Japanese tea room and, if you’re lucky, you might even witness a local wedding take place (more than 2,000 ceremonies are held here each year)!
Opening hours: 10am to 8.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 8.30pm on weekends
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A three-minute walk from Shirokanedai station
8. Shiba Park
Catch a sight of Tokyo Tower framed by Kawazuzakura at Shiba Park, which is famous for its Zojo-ji Temple.
Opening hours: Open around the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A seven-minute walk from Shibakoen station
9. Nishigahara Minnano Park
For an even more local experience, head for the Nishigahara Minnano Park, a residential enclave nestled in Northern Tokyo. There aren’t big open spaces like the usual parks, but there are plenty of benches for you to enjoy the blooms from — with a gorgeous Sakura canopy to boot.
Opening hours: Open round the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A four-minute walk from Nishigahara-yonchome tram station
10. Kyunaka River
Found in Eastern Tokyo, Kyunaka River is a tranquil spot that’s popular for canoeing and kayaking. Stroll under a canopy of Kawazuzakura trees along the river bank, all against a backdrop of the majestic Tokyo Skytree.
Opening hours: Open around the clock
Entry fee: Free
How to get there: A ten-minute walk from Hirai station
Why not savour a panoramic view whilst you’re at it? Head up to the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree, which is also home to the Sumida Aquarium. If you’re looking to visit both attractions (and more!) during your trip, check out the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo — which can snag you up to 48% off entry rates!
Photo credit: Visit Japan International on Facebook
#KlookTip: Arm yourself with the Tokyo Subway Pass (think: unlimited rides for 1, 2, or 3 days) for your Kawazuzakura adventure, which will get you to most of the above places. Can’t get enough? Take a trip out of Tokyo to view more Kawazuzakura at Kanagawa, as well as Kawazu itself and Minamiizu in Shizuoka.
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