Cherry blossoms
A family holiday in Tokyo
Charlotte studied and lived in Tokyo before settling in Rotterdam and Paris with Julien (Japanese / French) and their two daughters, Lila, 5, and Ima, 2. She worked as a film programmer for ten years and has always written about film and the arts. The family returns to Tokyo every year, and friends ask Charlotte how she survives the metropolis with two young children. This inspired her to create »Coffee and Lullabies«, a family guide to Tokyo, combining her passions for writing, photography, and travel.
Sakura (cherry blossom) season is one of the major attractions of Japanese tourism. From late March until the beginning of April, the streets and parks turn into soft pink galore. Sakura starts earlier each year because of the changing climate. Needless to say, it’s a beautiful and symbolic moment for Japan, and although it’s crawling with tourists, it’s worth it.
Watching Sakura is called Hanami, literally translated as ‘flower watching’. Some of the best places to do Hanami are Nakameguro River and Yoyogi Park, which are littered with people. With small kids, you might want to avoid crowds. Therefore, I’m sharing three of my favourite Hanami spots. Mind you, they are still packed with people because that’s Tokyo, and that’s Hanami. At least you won’t be drowning in tourists but in locals!
The »Coffee and Lullabies« Tokyo guide shares many more parks and places suitable for Hanami, plus other lovely things to do!
Himonya Park Himonya Park is really beautiful. It's perfect in spring, with lots of sakura. There is a small pond with a small shrine in the middle of the park. There is also a playground where I spent a few hours in awe because there were children from a kindergarten with their teachers, and my child played with them while I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
The Gakugai-Daigaku family area is also surprisingly great. Check out the bookshop Books & Son, and be sure to buy some taiyaki (sweet bean cakes) at Meguro Hiiragi before you go.
Inokashira Park Inokashira Park is quiet and beautiful, located in the young and hippie Kichijōji district. You can hire the iconic swan pedal boats, although there is an urban legend that you should never enter one of the swans with a lover.
The park is a little off the beaten track, but you can make it a perfect day with a visit to the must-see Ghibli Museum and enjoy the lovely surroundings.
Setagaya Park is another beautiful park and a popular spot during the Sakura season. There are lots of activities for children: an adventure playground, a skate park, a regular playground with a sand pit, and a miniature steam locomotive track. Next to the park is a public swimming pool which opens in July and August. It almost sounds like a theme park, but amidst all the activity, there is the tranquillity of lots of greenery. Besides, there are hardly any tourists. The park is surrounded by good take-away shops where you can go to get lunch, wine, or snacks. Make sure to get onigiri and natural wine at My Eats & Drinks. And the donuts of Park Store are amazing! At last, you can have a great, fresh dinner at Citrus.
written and photographed by
CHARLOTTE SATO