All aboard for hanami

Although cherry trees (sakura) have taken root all over Japan, there are few places where they are more widespread than in Tokyo. The somei-yoshino variety of cherry tree is now so widespread that it’s become one of the most popular types of flowering cherry tree in Japan – and it was first cultivated towards the end of the Edo period in Somei village (close to the present-day Komagome station on the Yamanote Line).

The great things about the high density of cherry trees in a city like Tokyo is the splash of excitement they give to the otherwise potentially drab commute of workers and school children for the two or so weeks that they come into flower. Whether the view is as short as a few seconds or as long as three minutes, anyone on a train with a view of cherry trees during hanami (blossom viewing) season will invariably look up, look out the window and, for moment or two, be able to appreciate the exquisite beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom from a singular perspective.

Chuo Line (between Iidabashi and Yotsuya)

Running from Tokyo station to Shinjuku, the Chuo Line traces the paths of the old Edo castle moats between Ochanomizu and Yotsuya. Just past Iidabashi station, the famous sakura of Sotobori Koen promenade come into view. To the right are the cherry trees planted along the far side of Ushigome and Shinmitsuke moats and on the left are the cherry trees that line Sotobori-dori (outer moat street). This 2km line of trees creates a stunning view of light pink blossoms visible from both sides of the train that lasts approximately 3 minutes. Another suggestion might be to appreciate the scenery created by the blossoms and the trains from the perspective of one of the boats available for rental from Canal Café, a café that operates locally by the riverside. Also not far from here is another particularly famous Tokyo hanami spot, Yasukuni shrine.

Saikyo Line (between Itabashi and Jujo)

Although Tokyo is crossed with various rivers such as the Kandagawa and Sumidagawa, historically, to avoid water shortages and to control floods people dug canals. An example of such a canal is the Shakujii River, which runs through Tokyo’s northern flatlands. Many of the ‘rivers’ dug during the time of the Meiji Restoration were lined with cherry trees, and the banks of Shakujii River, which runs for over 20km, is lined with cherry trees for most of its course. Structurally, the section of Shakujii River that crosses the Saikyo Line just past Itabashi station is just another typical, concrete-lined urban canal; however, during the hanami season, the sakura surrounding it transform it into a place worth noting. Be sure to take a good look at the gentle curve of the river here, which adds to the scenery to create a place that – for a moment at least –seems like a valley of cherry blossoms.

Tobu Isesaki Line (between Asakusa and Narihirabashi)

The Isesaki Line begins in the same building as a department store, at Asakusa station, and as the trains depart the rails force the train to curve to the right and the wheels to screech. Despite the vaguely ominous start, as the line crosses Sumidagawa River the surrounding cherry trees, including those in Sumida Koen Park, spring into view. On a clear day, the stark contrast between the gloomy platform at Asakusa and the radiant scenery, created by the rays of light that reflect in the river and the cherry blossoms, adds a little extra to the sense of wonder and enjoyment.

Toei Shinjuku Line (between Funabori and Higashi-ojima)

The Komatsugawa-senbon-zakura planted along Arakawa River make up one of the best hanami spots in Tokyo. From the direction of Chiba prefecture, heading towards the centre of Tokyo you’ll see a high-rise apartment block next to the elevated Funabori station. From here, the line remains elevated above street level before crossing Arakawa River via an iron bridge that continues for 500m and affords a view of the cherry trees that line this huge levee for nearly 2km. This particular spot is home to one hundred cherry trees of ten different varieties, including somei-yoshino, oshima-zakura and yama-zakura varieties; and since the trees here were planted as recently as 2003, it’s also one of Tokyo’s newest large-scale cherry blossom viewing spots.

Tokyu Toyoko Line (between Tamagawa and Shin-maruko)

Tamagawa River runs through both Tokyo and Kawasaki prefecture. On the Tokyo side, the Tamagawa-tsutsumi-dori (Route 11) follows the path of the river. The cherry trees that line this river, especially those between the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line, are renowned for being large and distinct. Compared to those normally found inside the city, the cherry trees here are bushier and wider, giving them an overall grander, more majestic feel. Due to redevelopment, the numbers of cherry trees around Futako-tamagawa, on the Den-en-toshi Line, are actually decreasing; however, on the Tokyu Toyoko side, there are still plenty of trees left unaffected. As an added bonus, some of the cherry trees in the sunny area to the right of Tamagawa station often blossom early.

Keihin Tohoku Line (between Kami-Nakazato and Oji)

Many of the sakura spots visible from trains are centred around rivers, moats and other waterfronts. However, there are also those that exist elsewhere. From Tokyo station the Keihin Tohoku Line heads northward and, after passing Kami-Nakazato station, passes Asukayama Park on a hill on the left hand side, just before reaching Oji station. The park was developed from a hill into a recreational ground by Yoshimune Tokugawa, the eighth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, for use by the people of Edo. The development resulted in the planting of cherry blossom trees and the licensing of the grounds for various events and banquets. Up until then, the idea of ‘blossom viewing’ was mainly based on plum trees (ume); however, along with the spread of cherry trees, ideas regarding blossom viewing were beginning to change. Nowadays, the park plays home to 650 cherry trees and is one of Tokyo’s top spots for cherry blossoms north of the Imperial Palace. One point to keep in mind, however – many of the cherry trees visible from Tokyo’s trains are either below or at the same level as the train windows. The blossoms at Asukayama Park, however, are actually above the trains – so be sure to look up and not accidentally miss the view.

Related articles:
・Extraordinary hanami spots
　8 ways to see sakura from boats, streetcars and roller coasters
・Tokyo’s cherry blossom lanes
　In Tokyo, you’re never far away from a street lined with cherry trees
・Enjoy the sound of Tokyo trains
　Forget the sights, focus on the sounds