Springtime in Japan means one thing, and one thing only: cherry blossoms. The trees transform into dreamy pastel clouds, parks come alive with picnickers, and brands everywhere release their pink seasonal merchandise. While you may think of heading somewhere like Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park to see the blooms, why not try something a little different, like, say, a cherry blossom river cruise?
Despite its urban megalopolis facade, Tokyo is actually home to a number of rivers and canals—some of which (namely the Meguro, Sumida, Kanda, Shakuji and Tama Rivers) are flanked by hundreds of sakura trees. Cruise companies have capitalised on this delightful pairing and offer petal peepers the chance to hanami via boat.
Set sail on a cherry blossom river cruise
Wanting to try something new, we found a cruise company named Zeal that was running Meguro River hanami cruises departing from Tennozu Isle. For a shared boat, cruising for around an hour, expect to pay about ¥5,000 per adult.
Our boat was open-air with rows of bench seats, allowing unobstructed views of the overhead blossoms and bridges. We were told there was a toilet below deck, however, nobody needed it.
Eat with your eyes and mouth
It wouldn’t be hanami without an accompanying snack. At the boarding location, the cruise company was selling food and drinks, however they said it was OK to bring your own, too. A strategic stop at the convenience store for supplies was exactly the right move.
Not long after we set sail and entered the Meguro River, we began seeing the fluffy pink sakura flanking the stone river banks. Some of the branches dipped so low overhead, letting us get up close and personal. Adding to the charm were the lush green vines snaking down toward the water. Naturally, we sailed under countless bridges and even some train lines, which added another fun element to the sights.
Boat etiquette
During our cruise, we passed a group of jet skiers and some kayakers who were taking in the sakura sights in yet another format. Thus commenced the waving portion of our tour.
It’s common boating etiquette that if you wave at people they will wave back at you. We encountered many people on the river banks and bridges cheering us on, including one dog whose paw was waved to us by the owner. It certainly adds an element of connection and community spirit, however fleeting.
More cherry blossoms
After the cruise, we still had room for more blooms so made our way to a local park to join in with some hanamiing friends. This is the beauty of the cherry blossom season – there are so many ways to enjoy it.
Other popular spots we’ve covered include Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Inokashira Park, Sakura Jingu and the Meguro River cherry blossom promenade in Nakameguro. As mentioned above, you can also see sakura along the Sumida, Kanda, Shakuji and Tama Rivers.
There are so many other places to see cherry blossoms, too. Depending on where you are staying, you may chance upon a local neighbourhood park or green path lined with trees – often just as gorgeous and without the crowds. You can even enjoy private boat charters or yakatabune dinner boat hanami tours. I guess our advice is to always keep an eye out and enjoy the sakura adventure!
Post by Japan Journeys.
