After some unusually cold days and even a few snowflakes spring has finally arrived in Tokyo and it is Sakura cherry blossom time. Most Tokyoites will use this weekend to go out and see the cherry blossoms, have a Hanami picnic with friends under the trees, and take pictures of the flowers that are coloring the city pink and white.

Time to celebrate spring and enjoy the season!

The Japan Weather Association declared the start of the cherry blossom season last Saturday, a few days earlier than in usual years. The weather forecast for the next week is good. We have several days of milder spring temperatures ahead of us, perfect for being outside. Here are some Hanami tips.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park, one of the most famous Sakura spots in Tokyo, has over hundred thousand people visiting every day. Don’t let that put you off. Seeing the crowds and feeling the cheerful atmosphere is part of the experience here. Ueno Park has over 1200 cherry trees, more than 800 of them of the Someiyoshino type. Their pale pink and white cherry blossoms nearly cover the park and are illuminated after sunset. The Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) is held until April 8, 2018.

Tokyo National Museum Garden in Ueno Park

The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park is showing a special cherry blossom exhibition until May 20, 2018. And the Museum Garden is open for the spring. It is a traditional Japanese garden with a pond and teahouses. The garden will be illuminated in the evenings until 19:30 on March 30 & 31 and April 6 & 7. Tokyo National Museum: www.tnm.jp

Sumida Park & Tokyo Skytree

Cherry trees line both sides of Sumida River near Asakusa. This is a great place to take a walk or have a Hanami picnic. Near Kototoi-bashi Bridge there is also a playground that small children love. The Sumida Koen Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) is held in the park until April 8, 2018. On the March 31, April 1 weekend the Sakurabashi Hana Matsuri is also held here. The venue in the park is located between Sakurabashi Bridge and Kototoi-bashi Bridge on the Asakusa side of the river.

Take pictures of flowers with Tokyo Skytree in the background from Sumida Park. In the evening the cherry blossoms are illuminated and Tokyo Skytree is scheduled to glow in Sakura pink befitting the season. The color for the tower changes and many people like to photograph it after dark. For daily lighting information see http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/enjoy/lighting/.