---
title: Tokyo's cherry blossom spots
url: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/notes/tokyos-cherry-blossom-spots/
lang: en
journey: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/episodes/sakura/
---

# Tokyo's cherry blossom spots

A little of each town’s story　/　Kagawa, Ehime & Tokyo

Ueno Onshi Park has cherries from kanzakura blooming in February to Kanzan at its best in mid-to-late April, and draws close to 3.3 million visits in the blossom season. The Chidorigafuchi Greenway runs about 700 meters, lined with some 230 cherry trees, led by Somei-yoshino, and has a ward-run boat pier. The Meguro River's cherry trees began when local people planted both banks during river works in the early Showa era; today there are about 800, said to be the third generation after replanting. At the foot of Kototoi Bridge in Sumida Park stands a monument to the song "Hana," with lyrics by Hagoromo Takeshima and music by Rentaro Taki, erected in 1956.

## This moment in the journey: The Showa-born cherries of the Meguro River

Then the Meguro River, popular with young people for its many stylish cafés and restaurants. At a shop by the river, strawberries were being dropped one by one into slender glasses.

A sparkling strawberry drink with a skewer of berries on top: I held it up against the blossoms for a photo. Branches from both banks met over the water, and the bridge was packed with people.

These cherry trees were born in the Showa era. They began, I learned, when local people planted both banks during river works in the early Showa years. They have grown up alongside the development of this modern part of Tokyo.

![Cherry trees arching over the Meguro River](https://karigurashijourney.com/img/sakura/s38-1200.jpg)
- Sources: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/midokoro/shizen
- Sources: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/446
- Sources: https://www.city.meguro.tokyo.jp/meguroplus/20230322.html
- Sources: https://t-navi.city.taito.lg.jp/spot/1107

Read this scene in the full journey: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/episodes/sakura/