Tram to Enjoy Spring to the Fullest! Use the Toei Marugoto Kippu (Toei One-day Pass) to View the Cherry Blossoms♪
When sightseeing around Tokyo, public transportation is a convenient way to go if you use it wisely. Save money by using the economical Toei Marugoto Kippu, a one-day pass offering unlimited rides on all types of Toei transportation, such as subways, buses and the tram.
In this article, I'll introduce a plan including a fashionable sundries shop and cafe you can enjoy while going around to see the cherry blossoms in several places along the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line). For this itinerary, make use of the Toei Marugoto Kippu to take unlimited rides on the Tokyo Sakura Tram.
What is the Toei One-day Pass?
Valid for one full day, it offers unlimited access to Toei subways. This allows users to freely hop on and off Toei buses (including the Tama area), the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), and the Nippori-Toneri Liner. Mastering the Toei lines enables users to make their way smoothly without missing anything that Tokyo has to offer.
Toei Marugoto Kippu (Toei One-day Pass)
- Fares
- ¥700 for Adults, ¥350 for Children
- Sales locations
- Ticket machines in all Toei subway stations and Nippori-Toneri Liner stations, and on Toei buses and trams.
★My Recommended Cherry-Blossom Viewing Plan using Toei Marugoto Kippu★
At 9:45 am, Start from Takadanobaba Station
This trip starts from Takadanobaba Station. Walk along the Kanda River for about 15 minutes until you reach Omokagebashi Bridge. The splendid scene of cherry blossoms blooming like clouds is not to be missed!
10:00 am Walk Along the Kanda River (Around the Omokagebashi Bridge)
Every year at the end of March, cherry trees burst into full bloom along both sides of the Kanda River. Especially in the area around the Toden Omokagebashi stop, gaze at the waterfall-like scenery of cherry blossoms above the river. After the peak season has passed, the scene of pink petals floating down the water is also breathtakingly beautiful!
Once you've enjoyed the views of the cherry blossoms along the Kanda River, take a short walk to the Omokagebashi stop for the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line). From there, ride 4 minutes to the next stop, Kishibojimmae.
12:00 Visit Japanese Sundries & Secondhand Books Tabineko Zakkaten
Walk 6 minutes from Kishibojimmae and you'll reach Tabineko Zakkaten. From all over Japan, unique Japanese sundries and toys have been gathered here. It's so pleasant to casually drop into a shop like this, with its friendly atmosphere. Their adorable sundries make perfect souvenirs of your trip to Japan!
Basic information on Japanese Sundries & Secondhand Books Tabineko Zakkaten
- Address
- 2-22-17 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Tel
- 03-6907-7715
- Business Hours
- 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm (11:00 am - 6:00 pm on Sat., Sun., Hols.)
- Closed
- Mondays and Tuesdays *Open on Monday if it falls on a National Holiday
- Accepted credit cards
- JCB/MasterCard/Visa (For purchases of ¥3,000 or more)
- URL(Japanese)
- www.tabineko.jp
After enjoying the sundries shop, go back to the previous stop, Kishibojimmae, and ride the tram about 22 minutes to the next stop, Oji-ekimae.
1:30 pm Try a Treat at Wagashi Tanukiya, a Japanese Sweets Shop
From Oji-ekimae stop, it's a 5-minute walk to Wagashi Tanukiya, a Japanese sweets shop that has been in business for over 70 years. They usually have a selection of about 14 or 15 different kinds of fresh sweets. The Tanuki Monaka is a popular treat made in the shape of a mythical raccoon called "Tanuki". It's filled with sweet bean jam upon ordering.
Basic information on Wagashi Tanukiya
- Address
- 1-23-1 Ojihoncho, Kita-ku, Tokyo
- Tel
- 03-3908-3004
- Business Hours
- 9:00 am - 7:00 pm (Closes when sold out)
- Closed
- None scheduled
- Accepted credit cards
- Not accepted
3:00 pm Take a Stroll in Otonashi Shinsui Park
Walk about 3 minutes from Wagashi Tanukiya and you'll reach Otonashi Shinsui Park. This is a hidden gem located near Asuka-yama, a famous spot for cherry-blossom viewing. Enjoy looking at the dynamic cherry trees overhanging the gorge in this park, which was designed in the shape of a natural river. Along the "river" is a pedestrian path upon which you can stroll. Look up and marvel at the magnificent "Sakura tunnel" above! Evening illumination of the cherry blossoms offers visitors another way to enjoy the scenery.
Basic information on Otonashi Shinsui Park
- Address
- Near 1-1-1 Ojihoncho, Kita-ku, Tokyo
- Tel
- 03-3908-9275 (Kita Ward Roads and Parks Section)
- Business Hours
- 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Some parts close at night)
- Closed
- Open 365 days
Once you have fully enjoyed viewing the cherry blossoms at Otonashi Shinsui Park, move on to your final destination. Go back to Oji-ekimae stop and take the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) for 5 minutes, getting off at Arakawa-shakomae stop.
Goal! 5:00 pm Take a Break at Cool Cafe
The final place to visit on this trip is Cool Cafe, a 2-minute walk from Arakawa-shakomae stop. Their fluffy French toast, as soft and moist as a custard, is extremely popular! It's best savored with a cup of coffee brewed with care by the pour-over method using a flannel filter. Their Hamburg steak, overflowing with meat juices, also enjoys a favorable reputation here.
Basic information on Cool Cafe
- Address
- 8-38-1 Nishiogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
- Tel
- 03-6458-2660
- Business Hours
- 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Closed
- Tuesdays
- Accepted credit cards
- Not accepted
- URL(Japanese)
- http://cool-cafe.net
The itinerary above shows how to enjoy spring and cherry blossom viewing by taking a cute tram using the Toei Marugoto Kippu (One-day Pass). Besides those spots, there are many other places to view the cherry blossoms along the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakara Line).
This spring, why not take a stroll along the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line)?
In "your Tokyo", you can enjoy the beautiful cherry trees and attractive tourist spots to the fullest with the wise and economical Toei Marugoto Kippu (One-day Pass)!
Let's also refer to this article, which introduces a selection of Tokyo's cherry blossom spots for your consideration.