Hanami -Cherry Blossom Viewing

For most Japanese, the cherry blossom epitomizes the spirit of springtime. When the flower emerge, groups of friends, coworkers, and neighbors gather outdoors under cherry trees to hold lively parties known as “hanami.” During the Hanami season, TV weather forecasts keep close tabs each day on expected blossom dates and the actual flower conditions everywhere in Japan.
It is, of course, quite possible to take pleasure in the glory of cherry blossoms while traveling alone. One of the best known locations for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo is Ueno Park, visited by up to 300,000 people a day and packed with food stalls. For a more stately and aesthetic cherry blossom experience, take a rowboat trip through the Chidorigafuchi moat surrounding the ruins of Edo Castle. As another option only two stops from a nearby subway station, Shinjuku Gyoen is a convenient destination for hotel guests. The large, carefully tended space of this park accommodates around 1,500 cherry trees of 50 different varieties. Some trees bear flowers as late as the end of April. For more information, please feel free to contact Guest Relations.