In Tokyo for cherry blossom season? Here's your quick guide to town
There's magic in the air when Tokyo's cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Here are a local's tips on where to eat, drink and stay when visiting.
- March 2019
If you’re in Tokyo for cherry blossom season you’ll find picnicking under the great big rosy coloured trees is a common activity. Blue plastic picnic sheets are for sale at most convenience stores, while packed bento box lunches can be picked up at any supermarket. However, if you’d like to treat yourself to a hot gourmet meal or a cocktail, here are the recommendations from a local on where to go…
Where to eat
Styled like a traditional riverside house, Yakitori Akira is a casual restaurant offering beautiful views of the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River, with delicious char-grilled chicken.
Tucked away in Happo-en garden by a carp pond, Thrush Café is a secret spot for cherry blossoms. Farm-to-table dishes and seasonal cocktails enhance the experience.
Where to drink
Every spring, the luxury Tokyo Midtown mall creates an outdoor bar with exclusive cocktails and pink furnishings. Martini Blossom Lounge lights up dramatically every night, with the cherry blossoms offering the perfect view while you drink.
Where to stay
An easy walk from Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery, Hotel Graphy Nezu is a charming, inexpensive hotel in a residential area, giving you a real sense of downtown Tokyo. Nearby Nezu Shrine is a must-see, with cherry blossom trees and an azalea garden. After a day out, enjoy a drink on the hotel rooftop.
