Tokyo’s Top Family-Friendly Hanami Spots

With the weather finally warming up, it's time for one of the most popular pastimes of spring in Japan: hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.

­While hanami often involves the consumption of alcohol and is a popular corporate outing in the spring, it is also a great way for families to spend time in the outdoors while letting the kids blow off some steam. Here are our picks for the most family-friendly hanami spots to enjoy some cherry blossom viewing.

­Shinjuku Gyoen

One of our favorite family-friendly hanami spots is Shinjuku Gyoen. There are more than 60 varieties of cherry blossoms trees within the park vicinity. With the big open space and an alcohol ban, there are plenty of great picnic spots for your family.

Meguro River

© Photo by iStock: violet-blue

If your family enjoys a stroll rather than sitting in one spot, then a walk along Meguro River is a must. With 800 trees spread along the river over 3 areas, near Ikejiri-Ohashi Station, in between  Nakameguro and Daikayama, and the Meguro Station area, there are plenty of blossoms in view for everyone to enjoy. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the trees will be lit up every evening for those who would like to view the beautiful blossoms under the stars.

Inokashira Park

© Photo by iStock: 7maru

If boating is your thing and you’d like to combine it with a family picnic, Inokashira Park in Kichijoji is the place perfect for you. With over 250 cherry blossom trees surrounding the pond, along with swan boats available for hire, Inokashira Park makes for a great family day out.

Sumida Park

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On the other side of Tokyo, Sumida Park in Taito Ward, another type of hanami experience on the water is available: a floating restaurant (yakatabune). You and your family can enjoy the spectacular view of more than 600 cherry blossom trees blooming at the same time along the Sumida River, with Tokyo Skytree in the background and somebody else doing all the hard work.

Toneri Park

Hanami and hanabi (fireworks) at the same time? Why not? At Toneri Park in the Adachi Ward, the Spring Fireworks with 1,000 Blossom Trees Festival is annually held on the first weekend of April, with the fireworks on Saturday evening. This is a great combination of two of the favorite pastimes of Japanese spring and summer. (Unfortunately due to covid-19 the 2022 festival has been canceled.)

Mount Takao

© Photo by iStock: Natsunokujira

Most of the cherry blossoms will only be blooming for about two weeks, so if you and your family wish to extend this lovely activity, a hike at Mount Takao will be perfect for you. Blooming time is usually about two weeks after the full bloom of cherry blossoms in the Tokyo metropolitan area. With over 250 varieties of sakura trees, it’s one of the favorite nature hikes for families around Tokyo.

Wherever you decide to hold your hanami festivities this year, we hope you will enjoy the lovely warm weather with your family in and around Tokyo while viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms around town.

If you’re looking for more hanami locations around Tokyo don’t forget to check out 10 Of Tokyo’s Most Beautiful Sakura Viewing Spots as well. And for those of you who also want a deeper understanding of the history of hanami take a look at Cherry Blossom Viewing Over The Ages.

Happy Hanami!

Text by Anna K.

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