Hama-rikyu Gardens Cherry Blossom 浜離宮恩賜庭園の桜

Cherry blossom, or sakura, is synonymous with spring when the whole country becomes awash with pale pink. Open spaces draw huge crowds as hanami or cherry blossom viewing parties enter full swing. If you wish to see the delicate petals in peace and quiet, consider a trip to Hama-rikyu Gardens .

Hama-rikyu Gardens is a short walk from a few stations and can be reached via the water bus from Asakusa .

The garden is a 12-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station. It takes about seven minutes to reach the garden from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line or the elevated Yurikamome Line.

It is also possible to arrive at the garden via the water bus. The Sumida River Line runs from Asakusa to the garden, and the 35-minute trip makes a refreshing alternative to the subway. The entrance fee to the grounds is included in the fare. You can travel back to Asakusa via Hinode Pier from the garden.

The sakura trees rooted in the garden are set against a backdrop of the skyscrapers of Shiodome , offering a great contrast of modern and age-old Tokyo. Beautiful even on cloudy or rainy days, the sakura trees take on a further magical hue especially on sunny days, reflecting their mesmerizing pinks in bright sunlight.

The cherry blossoms in Hama-rikyu Gardens bloom around the end of March until mid-April, depending on the species. The opening hours of the garden are usually extended during the blooming time.