Sakura (cherry blossom) season is one of the major attractions of Japanese tourism. However, with young children, the crowds can be overwhelming. In this journal, I’m sharing my 3 favourite cherry blossom spots in Tokyo with kids — quiet, offbeat places perfect for family Hanami.
Starting late March until the beginning of April the streets and parks turn into soft pink galore. Sakura starts earlier every year, because of the changing climate. Needless to say, it’s a beautiful and a symbolic moment for Japan and although it’s crawling with tourists, it’s worth it.
Watching sakura is called hanami, literally translated as ‘flower watching’. Some of the best places to do hanami are Nakameguro River and Yoyogi Park, but often those spots are littered with people and with kids you might want to avoid crowds! Therefore, I’m sharing three of my favourite hanami spots. Mind you: they are still packed with people, because that’s Tokyo and that’s hanami. But at least you won’t be drowning in tourists, but in locals!
The Coffee and Lullabies Tokyo guide, shares many more parks and places that are suitable for hanami and other lovely things to do!
3 x my favourite hanami, cherry blossom watching, spots in Tokyo with children.
Himonya Park, Gakugei-daigaku St.
Himon-ya Park is truly beautiful. It’s perfect in spring, with lots of sakura. And there is a small pond in the centre of the park with a small shrine. There is also a playground where I spent some hours in awe, because there were kids from a kindergarten with their teachers and my kid played with them while I was enjoying the calm. Please refer to the map to see the places I marked and decide if it’s worth going for you.
Inokashira Park, Kichijoji St.
Calm and beautiful park, a perfect cherry blossoms spot in Tokyo with Kids. The park is situated in the young and hippie neighbourhood Kichijoji. This park has iconic swan peddle boats, (about 700 Yen for 30 minutes) although there is the urban legend that you should never enter one of the swans with a lover.
The park is a bit off-route. However, you can make it a perfect day with Ghibli Museum – a must visit. Besides, you can enjoy the lovely neighbourhood.
Setagaya Park, Sangenjaya St. or Ikejiri Ohashi St
Setagaya Park is a great place with children, also for watching Cherry Blossems. It’s a beautiful park and a popular spot for sakura season. There are lots of activities for children. There is an adventure playground; a skate park; a regular playground with a sand pit; swing and slide and a miniature steam locomotive track running through the park. Situated next to the park is a public swimming pool which opens in July and August. It almost sounds like a theme park! However, in the midst of all the activities is the serenity of lots of green. The park is surrounded by amazing take away shops, where you can go to get lunch, wine or snacks. (Check the guide for all the adresses!)
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