Cherry blossom viewing is extremely popular in Tokyo. Here’s a hidden gem I recommend: Koishikawa Botanical Garden.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a historic botanical garden managed by the University of Tokyo. It was originally used as a medicinal herb garden during the Edo period.
Admission is 500 yen. Considering the size and what you can experience here, it’s great value.
During cherry blossom season, Somei Yoshino trees spread across the entire garden. No matter where you walk, you’re surrounded by sakura.
I visited on a weekday during the day, and the atmosphere was very calm. Most visitors were families and older locals, with very few tourists. It feels like a place where you can quietly enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Part of the original herb garden still remains, and you can even see an old well from that time. It’s a place where you can feel the history of Edo-period medicine and herbal culture.
You’ll need at least an hour just to walk around. It’s not a place you want to rush.
I recommend going early on a weekday. With fewer people, you can really take your time. If the weather is nice, bring a camera—you’ll get some great photos.
If you’re planning to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a great choice. Unlike crowded famous spots, this is perfect if you want a more relaxed hanami experience.
It also has ginkgo trees, autumn leaves, and plum blossoms, so it’s worth visiting outside of sakura season as well.
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