When sakura season hits Tokyo, almost everyone seems to go to the usual spots like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed, low-key hanami experience, Shioiri Park in Arakawa Ward is a hidden gem that’s totally worth checking out.

Why Visit Shioiri Park for Cherry Blossoms?

Shioiri Park sits right by the Sumida River, making it a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms without too many crowds.

It’s spacious, peaceful, and has awesome views of Tokyo Skytree in the background. Perfect for a chill picnic or just walking along the river. I think this is quite a popular spot in the area- there’s quite a lot of families having picnic, riding bikes, or just strolling around by the river.

Best Time to Visit Shioiri Park

Sakura usually bloom in Tokyo from late March to early April, but it depends on the weather each year.

During the week that I was in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms were not blooming just yet. It’s probably due to the prolonged cold weather or something. However, after a quick Google and Tiktok search, it seems that people are spreading the news that sakuras at Shioiri Park have fully bloomed.

So we went there, and we glad we did. We went on 31 March 2024.

Moral of the story is, if you’re in Tokyo early before the cherry blossoms start blooming, be sure to check out Shioiri Park 😉

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If you’re after an anime-like, underrated hanami spot in Tokyo, Shioiri Park is a solid pick. It’s got the beauty, the views, and the chill vibes—without the stress of huge crowds.

Definitely worth a visit if you want a more relaxed sakura experience!

Klook.com