Ueno Park is the oldest park in Japan and is known for its cherry blossoms and Shinobazu Pond, called the Cultural Forest. It has been known as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period, when the area was the precincts of Kan’eiji Temple on Toeizan, and the priest Tenkai, who was fond of cherry blossoms, had them transplanted from Yoshino-yama.
If you’re planning to be in Tokyo in the spring, one of the top things on your must-see list should be the Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival. It is one of the best spots in tokyo for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. With over 1,200 cherry trees, it’s no wonder that an estimated two million people visit the park each year to experience the beauty of the pink and white blossoms.
During the cherry blossom festival, the park comes alive with food vendors, live music, and nighttime illuminations of the trees.
Key Takeaways:
- The “cherry blossoms at night” illuminated by the lights of snow caves worth seeing\
- Located on the Yamanote Line, Ueno Park is easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo.
- cherry blossoms near Shinobazuno Pond
- The park is planted with approximately 1,200 cherry trees, centering on the rows of cherry trees at “Sakuragaoka,”
- You can also Take a boat ride on the pond
- cherry blossoms near Benten-Michi are a highlight.
- The cherry blossoms are only in bloom for a brief two-week window, usually in late March to early April.
- The festival can be crowded, with an estimated two million people visiting the park each year.
- Bring food and drinks for a picnic under the cherry blossoms.
- Home to several other events including a summer festival and a winter light display.
History of Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Ueno Park is one of Japan’s oldest and most popular public parks, in the Taito district of Tokyo. It was opened to the public in 1873, and its official name is Ueno Onshi-Koen, meaning “the Ueno Imperial Gift Park.” The park was originally a part of the temple grounds of Kan’ei-ji Temple, which was destroyed during the Boshin War in 1868.
Today, it is famous for its cherry blossom trees, which were first planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in the early 17th century. The park has over 1,000 cherry trees, including some that are over 100 years old, making it one of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
The Festival, held annually from late March to early April, is one of the most popular events in Tokyo. During the festival, the park is illuminated at night, and you can enjoy food stalls, traditional Japanese music and dance performances, and other cultural activities.
Best Time See Ueno Park’s Cherry Blossom
Ueno Park is one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. It is home to over one thousand cherry trees, and the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest and most crowded in all of Japan. If you’re planning a visit to Ueno Park to see the cherry blossoms, here’s what you need to know about the best time to go.
The cherry blossoms in Ueno Park typically bloom from late March to early April. However, the exact timing of the blooming season can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. The Japan Meteorological Corporation gives you a cherry blossom forecast each year, which predicts the dates when the cherry blossoms will reach full bloom in different parts of Japan.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Ueno Park is early in the morning, around 6-7am. This is when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in relative peace and quiet. However, if you want to experience the festive atmosphere of the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, you should plan to visit during the peak bloom period, which is usually around late March to early April.
Note that the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are not the only attraction. The park is home to many other sights and activities, such as the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and Shinobazu Pond. If you’re planning a visit to Ueno Park, be sure to set aside enough time to explore all that it has to offer.
Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Ueno Park
With over 1,000 cherry trees, the park transforms into a sea of pink blossoms in late March and early April. Here are some of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Ueno Park:
- Shinobazu Pond: Located in the center of the park, Shinobazu Pond is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The pond is surrounded by cherry trees, and you can rent rowboats to enjoy the view from the water.
- Ueno Park Main Street: The street leading towards the National Museum is lined with over 1,000 cherry trees and is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom parties. During the peak season, the street is crowded with cheerful and festive crowds.
- Ueno Toshogu Shrine: The Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in the park. The shrine is surrounded by cherry trees, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while exploring the shrine’s beautiful architecture.
In addition to these popular spots, you can also find cherry trees scattered throughout the park. A stroll through the park during cherry blossom season is always fun.
Cherry Blossom Festivals in Ueno Park
The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest and most crowded in all of Japan. it features cheerful and massive crowds along Main Street, as well as nighttime illuminations of the cherry trees. You can enjoy picnics and food stalls throughout the park, and there are also various performances and events during the festival.
Another popular cherry blossom festival in the Park is the Ueno Sakura Matsuri. This festival features traditional Japanese music and dance performances, as well as various food and craft stalls.
For those who want to experience cherry blossom viewing in a more peaceful setting, the Shinobazu Pond area of Ueno Park is a great option. The area is home to several varieties of cherry trees, including the weeping cherry tree, which is especially beautiful when in bloom.
Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo. Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Timing is key. The cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April. Check official Sakura forcast for updated information on the blooming forecast.
- Go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. Ueno Park can get very crowded during peak hours.
- Bring a picnic mat and snacks to enjoy a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic under the trees.
- Take a stroll around the park to see the different varieties of cherry blossom trees. Some of the popular spots include Shinobazu Pond and the Tokyo National Museum.
- Be respectful of the park and other visitors. Do not litter and follow park rules.
Ueno Park also offers night-time illuminations during the cherry blossom season. The park is open until 8 pm during this time, providing a unique and beautiful view of the cherry blossoms at night.
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park. With these tips in mind, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Ueno Park’s cherry blossoms.
The Sum Up
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival is an event that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The park is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms while also experiencing Japanese culture and traditions.
During the festival, you can participate in Hanami parties, which are picnics held under the cherry blossom trees. The parties continue well into the night, with lanterns illuminating the pathways and creating a magical atmosphere.
If you’re planning to be in Tokyo during the spring season, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ueno Park and witness the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossoms.
| Park Name | Ueno Park（Ueno Onshi Kouen) 上野恩賜公園 |
|---|---|
| Park Address | 5-20, Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo |
| Access (by train) |
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