
Before turning into one of Tokyo's largest city parks featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas, it was also the site of the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Now as a park, many Japanese love to go there for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities.
Yoyogi Park has a whole area filled with Sakura trees {about 10 minutes walk from the main entrance} and it makes for a nice ohanami spot in Spring. It is always known for its ginko tree forest which turns beautifully gold during Autumn, so that's another great season to visit the park.

I prefer to admire the Sakura flowers in peace and quiet, but that can be hard in the more popular places for Sakura viewing, like in Yoyogi Park. You usually have to go way out of the city for that kind of luxury.
So, I thought we should go early in the morning. We took the train to JR Harajuku station then walked across the bridge to the park. However, I took a right turn and walked in towards Meiji-jingu instead of a left to the park! Continued on when I realised my mistake as I thought there would be an entrance to Yoyogi Park from there but there wasn't. Oh well..

The gravel path makes it a little tougher to walk through with the stroller and what would usually take 10-15 minutes for others to reach the main complex would probably take around 20 minutes for us. It's good exercise and well worth the walk though.

Many tourists stop to gawk and snap photos but I think it's still crucial to respect the couple on the most important day of their lives. Please don't stalk them, make too much noise or even intrude by asking to take photos/ selfies with them!

It was a weekday when we went and the crowd definitely gets worse on the weekends!


Pre-packed rice onigiri is cheap {around 85 yen to 130 yen each} and you can easily get it from any convenience store or supermarket.






Anyway I don't drink but here's a special limited edition packaging for Asahi beer during the Sakura season. It's just normal beer and not Sakura-flavoured beer... although that would be interesting!!

Tips:
- The park is pram/stroller and pets-friendly.
- Bring food and a mat before you go to the park for Sakura viewing.
- Bring a small plastic bag for your rubbish and remember to take it along with you when you leave.
- Nearest convenience store or fast food restaurant {McDonald's, Lotteria etc.} is at Harajuku Takeshita street
- There's a small food/drinks kiosk and toilets at the entrance near JR Harajuka station.
Yoyogi Park {代々木公園, Yoyogi Ko-en}
2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Nearest station: JR Harajuku station {Yamanote line} or Yoyogi-koen station {Chiyoda line}
Best time for Sakura viewing: Late March - Early April
Opening hrs: 5am to 8pm daily {or until 5pm mid-October to April}
Fee: Free
14 comments:
Our first trip to Japan will be this Japanese summer - but I'm already planning a trip back in Sakura season one year! It looks so beautiful. I'm now going to read through ALL your Japan posts! Thanks. (Came via #FYBF)
So so beautiful... Makes me want to go.
Those are absolutely gorgeous. I love how pretty and springy they are.
Everywhere you turn there are flowers on trees. How pretty! I love it.
Fairlie: there's a lot of festivals and events on during Summer. It's a great time to visit too :)
Kaz: hope you'd have a chance to!
Masshole Mommy: I miss them already...
Alissa: Yes such a joy to see!
Oh my, how spectacular! I have always wanted to experience the cherry blossum season. My sister in law is from Japan and returns with her two daughters every year and every year I dream of being her travel buddy. My husband has been three times (without me). He owes me a trip one day!
Those are white magnolia flowers! I loved taking macro shots of them in the US and UK, where they are common trees grown along sidewalks.
Wow, the cherry blossoms are are so beautiful! I'd love to visit one day ;)
The Sakura blooms are gorgeous! Would love to go see them one day with my family but hubby is not keen about the crowds.
So beautiful! That white flower one is very striking too.
Those large blue mats are privately owned? Looks like everyone has the same type/colour?
It does look like a wonderful place to visit. I don't know what kind of flowers the white ones are, but they're pretty.
Vicki: All the more reason to visit since you have family there! Hope you make it there soon!!
L Lee: Ah I see! Thanks for letting me know :)
M: Please do!
Susan: There's lots of other places to admire them too. Just out of the way but I guess it's worth going to get away from the crowds!
Stacy: Yup they are bought from the convenience stores. All the same hahaha..
Mial4Rosey: My friends told me they are magnolias :)
Your photos here and on IG got me soooo natsukashiiiiiii!!!
I love how all of Japan celebrate sakura season. It's such a wonderful time of year.
As long as you can avoid the crowds! Looks like you managed to do that! :) x
Such a stunning sight! So lovely to enjoy your photos. And those Asahi cans are adorable!
Post a Comment