2012.03.30

The perfect sightseeing event!
New Tokyo style hanami Vol.2

Cherry blossom viewing (hanami) season is finally upon us! From grabbing a spot, to arranging food, to the surprisingly chilly weather, Japan’s normal “party style hanami” can be a bit tough for visitors. But not to worry; the latest new hanami styles are thoroughly enjoyable as sightseeing events! (Photo above: Chidorigafuchi Pier）

Like! Japan

Chock full of fun events!
Festival style hanami

From traditional festivals to stylish new events, there is always something happening to celebrate cherry trees (sakura) blooming in Japan. We'll introduce some restaurants and exciting events to make your trip more enjoyable.

Ueno Sakura Festival - the quintessential Tokyo sakura event!

Ueno Park was chosen as one of Japan's 100 premier areas for cherry trees, which form a tunnel along the street as far as the eye can see.

The park is crowded at night when the cherry trees are lit up. Don't miss the outdoor restaurants that are an integral part of Japanese festivals!

Ueno Park, where some 1100 cherry trees bloom at once. The Ueno Sakura Festival held here is Tokyo's premier hanami event, with some years seeing over 2,000,000 visitors. In 2012 over 1000 paper lanterns light up the cherry trees. The antique market, product exhibition, and Edo-style traditional entertainment make it a lively event. The park is famous for its luxurious “party style” hanami. Catch a glimpse of this Japanese way of welcoming Spring for a truly memorable vacation.

63rd Ueno Sakura Festival

Date: Mar. 27 - Apr. 15, 2012 (tentative) Place: Ueno Park (Ueno Koen - Ikenohata 3-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo) Night viewing: 17:30 - 20:00
For more information contact the Ueno Sightseeing Federation (9F 88 Bldg., Ueno 2-1-3, Taito-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3833-0030)
http://www.ueno.or.jp/ichioshi/ichioshi_25.html

Midtown Blossom 2012 - a new Tokyo hanami style

150 sakura bloom at the popular Tokyo Midtown sightseeing spot.

The ever-popular season Sakura Café. This year features the Sakura Sparkle Lounge, with champagne and sparkling wine served.

Midtown Blossom is a new kind of hanami event at Tokyo Midtown.

Celebrating its 5th year, Midtown Blossom 2012 features the ever-popular Sakura Sparkle Lounge outdoor café. Here you can enjoy a stylish hanami sipping champagne and sparkling wine. The kimono rentals and dressing services make this a must-see event!

[Snapshot]
Midtown Blossom 2012

Date: Mar. 28 - Apr. 15, 2012 Place: Tokyo Midtown (9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo and other locations) Night viewing: 17:00 - 23:30 (in front of Garden Terrace along Sakura-dori)
For more information, contact Tokyo Midtown Call Center Tel: 03-3475-3100
http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/

The perfect sightseeing event!
Hanami by boat

A nice boat trip is perfect entertainment unto itself. Add sakura viewing to it and it becomes an extravagant event. The interesting sakura lining the waterfront are a must-see!

Tokyo Mizube Line - the gorgeous pairing of Sembon Zakura with Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Mizube Line offers additional boats for cherry blossom viewing along the Sumidagawa River. There are also live performances of Tsugaru shamisen.

The Tokyo Mizube Line Asakusa - Odaiba Cruise is a popular cruise along the Sumidagawa River, which was vital for transportation during the Edo Period. The cruise is even more crowded in Spring with people enjoying cherry blossoms along the river.
Another spectacular area is Sumida Park, which is one of Japan's 100 premier areas for cherry blossoms. The sakura blooming along the 1km long Sembon Zakura lane, coupled with the sight of the nearby Tokyo Sky Tree, makes for a gorgeous pairing. It is close to sightseeing in Odaiba and Asakusa, making the perfect place for visitors to see cherry blossoms.

[Snapshot]
Tokyo Mizube Line

Tel: 03-5608-8869
Asakusa (Nitenmon) Pier: In front of 2-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo Odaiba Kaihin Koen Park Pier: In front of 1-chome Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Closed Mondays (closed the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/waterbus/

Enjoy rowboats for a romantic hanami experience with Chidorigafuchi Boat

Boats available until 20:00 during cherry blossom season.

Cherry trees sagging under the weight of their blossoms until they almost reach the water.

At the Chidorigafuchi Pier on the moat of the Imperial Palace at the heart of the city, you can rent a rowboat and enjoy the cherry trees in full bloom. The contrast between the cherry trees and the blue skies above you in the afternoon is striking, while the reflection of the lit-up flowers on the water at night is romantic!
Nearby you'll find the Hananouki Bridge, where petals float on the water like a bridge, and other sights. A walk provides just as much adventure as the boat ride. It's fun to wander along the moat to other hanami spots like the Chidorigafuchi pedestrian path and the Kitanomaru Koen Park.

[Snapshot]
Chidorigafuchi Pier

In front of 2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3234-1948
Sakura Festival: Mar. 30 - Apr. 8, 2012 (tentative)
Hours: 9:30 - 20:00 (last boat rental 19:30) Open throughout the period Rental cost: JPY 800 (30mins)
Normal hours: Open 3/1 - 11/30 9:30 - 17:30 (hours vary by season) Closed Mondays: Rental cost: JPY 500 (30mins)
http://www.kanko-chiyoda.jp/tabid/1517/Default.aspx