Now that the greeny buds are at its full growth, the long-waited spring is finally 
knocking our doors, bringing back the cool spring breeze and the delightful 
cherry blossom. It's time to relax and take in a full breath of the spring air.

You might be wondering why not other main train lines like Tokyo Metro Subway Lines, but Toei Subway Lines? Firstly, it is because I take Toei Trains almost every day to school and work for almost 3 years, so I pretty much have the route map of the line in my head. Secondly,  this train line going around Tokyo is a bit underrated in the eyes of both local people and tourists from my personal observation.

Evidently, even though the Toei Lines do run through the central areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno,  getting on Toei Lines will be a bit of a hassle due to constant transfers to bigger train lines. Moreover, it will cost you a few more yen (like 10 – 50yen) compared to Tokyo Metro Lines. That’s why people love Tokyo Metro more than Toei Subway, maybe. 

However, you can not know any country deep enough if you don’t let loose and explore the off-the-beaten-path destinations, right? I’m have been taking Toei Train for long, and I’m here today to introduce you to some of the best places for Hanami (花見) – Cherry Blossom Viewing on Toei Transportation Lines. 

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Toei Subway Route Map. Toei Subway – TOEI TRANSPORTATION www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

※Note: This article is comprised of places that I have been to during my 3 years living in Tokyo, and places that Toei Transportation Company recommends for tourists and ex-pat folks living in Japan. I’m not receiving any commission or extra fees for introducing the company, I’m doing this merely for fun and hope that anyone who is not familiar with the Toei Train Line could have a fun ride during this springtime.


Click on the name of the place to access to its Google Map Link!

Toei Subway Lines & Nippori-Toneri Liner

Photo Credit: www.gotokyo.org › spot

隅田公園 – Sumida Park
7-min walk from 「Asakusa Station」on Toei Asakusa Line

Only a short walk from Asakusa station, why not have a day trip to this peaceful area? Hanami during the day, visit Asakusa Sensoji in the late afternoon and have fun dinner time at one of Asakusa Izakaya Venues. Isn’t it gonna be a great day there?

Photo Credit: https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/

小松川千本桜 – Komatsugawa Senbonzakura
5-min walk from 「Higashi-Ojima Station」on Toei Shinjuku Line

A 2-km-long sidewalk full of majestic cherry trees along Arakawa river, it’s a perfect place for groups of friends, family, and couples to settle down for picnic time, enjoy the spring breeze and relax. 

Photo Credit: https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-ueno/article-a0003134/

上野恩賜公園 – Ueno Onshi Park
12-min walk from 「Ueno-Okachimachi Station」 on the Toei Oedo Line

Ueno Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with a vast open space consisting of Ueno Zoo, Ueno Onshi Park, Shinobazu Pond, and many famous museums. Spending a day in Ueno Park? That surely might not be enough. 

Photo Credit: https://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura18/180326_tokyo.html

皇居東御苑 – The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
5-min walk from 「Otemachi Station」 on the Toei Mita Line

Planted inside the garden of the Imperial Palace, more than 30 types of sakura add a vast pink lace shade to the green scenery of the ancient garden. It would be best to visit the place during April when the cherry blossom reaches full-bloom. 

Photo Credit: www.gotokyo.org › spot

舎人公園 –  Toneri Park
Right next to 「Toneri-Koen Station」 on the Nippori-Toneri Liner

Just imagine how magical it will be when 1000 sakura trees in the park bloom simultaneously. The park is definitely a great open green space for people to have some quality slow moments together!

 


Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) 

Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is the only Toden tram line left in Tokyo, which runs from Minowabashi Station to Waseda Station (12.2 km / 30 stations). Wanna travel back in time and feel the nostalgia of modern Japan? Take a loop trip on this vintage tram and you are good to go.

Photo Credit: https://jw-webmagazine.com/

飛鳥山公園 – Asukayama Park
Right next to 「Asukayama Stop」 and 「Oji-ekimae Stop」 on the Tokyo Sakura Tram

Coming to Asukayama Park, you would be able to immerse yourself with the antique atmosphere the place has embraced for hundreds of years since the Edo Period. 600 sakura trees have been standing tall and strong along with history, showing off so many beautiful seasons of cherry blossom.  This is the place that’s worth the respect from generation to generation.

Photo Credit: https://www.enjoytokyo.jp/amuse/event/562411/

尾久の原公園 – Ogunohara Park
10-min walk from 「Higashi-ogu-sanchome Stop」on the Tokyo Sakura Tram 

For anyone who loves hanging out with your loved ones in a small space, not too crowded and loud, Ogunohara Park is the place. The park has around 170 sakura trees, many of which are Shidarezakura and Ujoshidarezakura (weeping sakura). The pale pink shade of Shidarezakura lightened the whole area, enveloping the atmosphere with an antique and romantic touch.

A blissful place to sit down to have some tea and sweet treats, isn’t it?

Photo Credit: https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/cherry-blossoms-in-tokyo

面影橋・神田川 – Omokage Bridge・Kanda River
1-min walk from 「Omokagebashi Stop」 on the Tokyo Sakura Tram

Omokagebashi Sakura Walking Street is like a small version of the famous Meguro River Sakura Road. A picturesque spot for people to have a leisurely walk and talk relaxingly with each other under the sakura petal rain. Oh, definitely recommend this place to those photography and model hobbyists, don’t ever miss cherry blossom during springtime. It’s the perfect background for a photoshoot. 

Photo Credit: https://medigaku.com/zoushigayakishimojin-houmyouji/

法明寺 – Houmyouji Temple
8-min walk from 「Kishibojimmae Stop」on the Tokyo Sakura Tram

Nobody would think that such a peaceful place like Houmyouji Temple could stand along with the cruelty of history that long in a busy city like Tokyo. This 1200-yr-old temple offers one of the best views of cherry blossom. Not many sakura trees in the courtyard, but enough to flutter your heart with their pure beauty. What do you think?

Let’s take a visit real soon, shall we?

There are so many places out there that have a marvelous view of cherry blossom. Don’t just stick around the city center, get out of your comfort zone and explore the city in your own way. Tokyo has so much more to offer than just Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Tachikawa Park.

Find you Tokyo!