Minato-ku Sakura Theater, Act Ⅴ -Standard and hidden cherry blossom spots-
This section includes a selection of well-known cherry-viewing spots in Minato-ku, along with some hidden spots favored by local residents.
Tokyo Tower
- Cherry blossoms go well with Tokyo Tower
From Tokyo Tower, you can see one of famous hanami spots in Minato-ku, the scenery of Shiba Park. Please have a look at the view from the Tower’s observation deck before you enjoy the cherry blossoms from the ground below. From 250 meters above the ground, the scene looks like a sakura-colored carpet. You can also enjoy the cherry blossoms over a cup of tea or coffee in the cafe on the observation deck.
| Tokyo Tower | |
|---|---|
| Open: | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Closed: | Open throughout the year |
| Fee: | Main observation deck Adults (high school students and older) ￥820; children (elementary and middle school) ￥460; infants (4 and over) ￥310 To Special observation deck: admission to main observation deck +￥600; children +￥400; infants +￥350 Special observation deck may close under certain weather conditions |
| Address: | 4-2-8 Shibakoen; Minato-ku |
| Transport: | 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line; 6-minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Mita Line |
| Inquiries: | Tokyo Tower Tel: (03) 3433-5111 http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/2005/ |
Zojo-ji (temple)
Zojo-ji (temple) is one of popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Minato-ku and has a 600-year history as the Tokugawa family’s temple. The precincts become full of cherry blossoms in spring and many people visit each year. A huge weeping sakura sways importantly in the breeze in front of the large bell. Cherry trees also line the road from the main hall to the cemetery, creating a beautiful scene. There are many other places to see cherry blossoms within in the temple precincts as well.
- Beautiful cherry blossoms in the temple precincts under a clear sky
- Weeping sakura in front of Shorodo (bell tower)
| Zojo-ji (temple) | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 4-7-35 Shibakoen; Minato-ku |
| Transport: | 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line; Asakusa Line・5 minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Daimon Station |
| Inquiries: | Daihonzan Zojo-ji (temple) (03) 3432-1431 http://www.zojoji.or.jp ※Entrance to the temple precincts at night is prohibited. |
Shiba Park
One place that always comes to mind as the place for cherry blossom viewing in Minato-ku is Shiba Park. There are about 200 cherry trees of different species in this park surrounding Zojo-ji (temple).
The best scenery can be found around the Maruyama Kofun (mounded tomb) on the south side of the park and around Benten-ike (pond) and the Health Walk path in the southwestern section. Families come to picnic under the blue skies during the day, while at night, lit paper lanterns welcome people gathering after work to enjoy hanami parties.
Many people visit this area to enjoy the nighttime light-up of both Tokyo Tower and the cherry blossoms.
- Paper lanterns are lit at night
- People visiting Shiba Park to see the cherry blossoms
| Mouri Garden | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Area around Shibakoen 4chome; Minato-ku |
| Transport: | 3-minute walk from Shibakoen Station on the Mita Line; 3-minute walk from Akabane exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line |
| Inquiries: | Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, Shiba Park Administrative Office Tel: (03) 3431-4359 |
Iikura Park, Mamiana Park
Walk towards Shinichinohashi Crossing from the Nakanohashi exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line and you will see Iikura Park at the corner of the Higashi-azabu Shopping Street. If you walk toward Ichinohashi Crossing from the same exit and turn right at the third traffic signal, you will find Mamiana Park. Both parks are frequented by local residents. These parks are equipped with running water and toilets so you can relax and enjoy viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms while picnicking on food and drinks purchased in the nearby Higashi-azabu and Hatsune Shopping Streets. But please remember that these are residential areas and mind your manners.
- Cherry trees surrounding the park
- Cherry tree welcoming visitors at the entrance
- Branches gently enfolding the torii gate
| Iikura Park, Mamiana Park | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Iikura Park: 1-21-8 Higashi-azabu; Minato-ku; Mamiana Park: 63 Azabu-mamianacho; Minato-ku |
| Transport: | Iikura Park: 1-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line Mamiana Park: 10-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line |
- Colorful ingredients are also beautiful, “O-Hanami Gozen”（Spring 2006 Menu）
＜Sakura and Food＞
Japanese cuisine during the cherry blossom season: Tokyo Prince Hotel “O-Hanami Gozen” The Japanese restaurant Shimizu on the first floor of the Tokyo Prince Hotel, situated at one corner of Shiba Park, offers a special seasonal menu during cherry blossom season. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is often crowded and window seats hard to come by.
- Open:11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed:Open throughout the year
- Address:Tokyo Prince Hotel, 1st Fl.; 3-3-1 Shibakoen; Minato-ku
- Transport:
- 1-minute walk from Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line; 7-minute walk from Daimon Station on the Asakusa and Oedo Lines
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- Inquiries:
- Tokyo Prince Hotel, Japanese cuisine, Shimizu (03) 3432-1143
