Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s best-known cherry blossom spots, but I didn’t realize until I got there just how lively the hanami atmosphere would be.
Under the fully blooming cherry trees, people were everywhere—sitting on the ground, drinking, and hanging out. Around us were the sounds of food stalls and stage performances, and it honestly felt like a festival. It really showed me how passionate Japanese people are about cherry blossom viewing.
If you’re coming to Tokyo for cherry blossoms with a group of friends and want to drink, celebrate, and experience the energetic hanami culture, this would definitely be my top pick.
Ueno Park | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Akabeko
JR Ban-etsusai Line, JR Tadami Line and Aizu Railway all converge at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, a center in Aizu Region. Its building looks like a castle and is selected as one of the Top 100 stations of the Tohoku District. At the east entrance of the station, a big Akabeko greets everyone who visits Aizu, which is a popular photo spot.
I’d always known that Fukushima’s mascot is the red cow, but I didn’t expect to walk out of Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and actually be greeted by one right away!
All I can say is that this city feels completely taken over by red cows. You see them everywhere. Even the sightseeing loop bus had a red cow design. I got so influenced by it that when I saw a capsule toy machine in Nanukamachi, I couldn’t resist getting a red cow one as a souvenir. -
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Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
It’s not my first time in Tokyo, but every time I see Tokyo Tower, my heart still skips a beat.
Someone once asked me why I like Tokyo Tower so much. Maybe it’s the way it stands, or maybe it’s its glow. To me, this orange-red tower is more than just a tourist spot—it’s the symbol of Tokyo. -
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Oishi Park
Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the Oishi district of Yamanashi Prefecture, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji across the lake. The park, with its photogenic landscapes, attracts many tourists.
Oishi Park is pretty much one of the places everyone visits when they come to Lake Kawaguchi. I went in winter, so I didn’t get to see the famous flower fields with Mount Fuji in the same view. There were also a lot of tour groups there, which made the whole park feel a bit crowded and mixed.
But if you walk a little farther to the playground area, it gets much quieter. Sitting there, eating some bread, and looking at Mount Fuji in front of me still felt worthwhile.
If you come during flower season, this place is definitely worth a visit. But if you come at the wrong time, you might want to think twice. -
