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#25

Beyond Sakura : Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Flower-Filled Parks this Spring

by Rachel Anne

Spring in Japan isn’t just about the cherry blossoms (though, of course, those are stunning). As the weather warms up, a kaleidoscope of flowers begins to bloom across Tokyo and its surrounding areas. If you're ready to experience the season in all its colorful glory, why not take a break from the typical sakura crowds and explore some of the city's most beautiful parks, bursting with blossoms of all kinds? From fields of blue to vibrant tulips, here’s your guide to the most flower-filled parks near Tokyo that will make your spring even more memorable.

1. Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture)

How to get there : Take the JR Joban Line from Tokyo Station to Katsuta Station (about 1.5 hours), then take a bus or taxi for a short ride to the park.
Entrance Fee : ¥450 for adults.
Why You’ll Love It: Hitachi Seaside Park is like stepping into a floral wonderland. It’s famous for its incredible fields of nemophila (baby blue eyes) in spring, but that’s just the beginning. Think tulips, lavender, and stunning cosmos—the park transforms into a colorful canvas that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Tip : Visit in mid-to-late April when the nemophila bloom in waves of blue.

Reference : https://www.wamazing.com/media/article/a-3283

2. Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa, Tokyo)

How to get there : Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Nishi-Tachikawa Station (about 30 minutes), then a 10-minute walk to the park.
Entrance Fee: ¥450 for adults.
Why You’ll Love It: This park offers a bit of everything: flowers, history, and even a tranquil Japanese garden where you can take in the wisteria in full bloom. Rent a bike and zoom around the sprawling grounds to enjoy the vibrant flower displays.

Reference : https://www.tokyoweekender.com/event/flower-festival-2024-at-showa-kinen-park

3. Omiya Park (Saitama Prefecture)

How to get there : From Tokyo Station, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Omiya Station (about 30 minutes), then walk for 10 minutes.
Entrance Fee : Free
Why You’ll Love It : Omiya Park is a quiet oasis with a diverse range of flowers. Beyond the cherry blossoms, you’ll find fields of azaleas and irises, which add to the park’s quiet charm.
Tip : If you're in the area, check out the nearby Omiya Bonsai Village for a unique cultural experience.

Reference : https://en.photo-ac.com/photo/4422948/omiya-park-funayu-pond-and-sakura#google_vignette

4. Inokashira Park (Kichijoji, Tokyo)

How to get there : Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Kichijoji Station (about 20 minutes), then a 5-minute walk.
Entrance Fee : Free
Why You’ll Love It : Inokashira Park is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe. While it’s known for its cherry blossoms, the park also features beautiful irises, lotus flowers, and other spring blooms around the tranquil pond.
Tip : Rent a rowboat and glide across the pond while taking in the view of the flowers around you.

Reference : https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-sakura-spots-in-tokyo-vol8-inokashira-park-acd411adc14f

5. Mito Kairakuen Park (Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture)

How to get there : Take the JR Joban Line from Tokyo Station to Mito Station (about 1.5 hours), then take a bus or taxi to the park.
Entrance Fee : ¥400 for adults.
Why You’ll Love It: Mito Kairakuen is one of Japan’s top three most famous gardens, and it’s known for its stunning ume (plum) trees that bloom in early spring. But that’s just the start—azaleas and cherry blossoms follow, offering a beautiful range of colors.
Tip: Visit in mid-February to March to see the plum blossoms in full bloom.

Reference : https://visit.ibarakiguide.jp/en/sightseeing/22383

6. Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi Prefecture)

How to get there : Take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Tokyo Station to Oyama Station, then transfer to the JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Flower Park Station (about 1 hour and 40 minutes total).
Entrance Fee : ¥500–¥1,900 depending on the season.
Why You’ll Love It: Ashikaga Flower Park is world-famous for its breathtaking wisteria tunnels that bloom in late April to early May. The cascading purple flowers create a dreamy atmosphere, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit in Japan during spring. Beyond wisteria, the park showcases seasonal blooms year-round, including roses and hydrangeas.
Tip: Visit in the evening for a magical illuminated wisteria experience.

Reference : https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/ashikaga-flower-parks-famous-wisteria-are-blooming-early-this-year-041421

7. Sakura-no-Yama Park (Sakura, Chiba Prefecture)

How to get there : From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line to Sakura Station (about 1 hour), then take a 10-minute bus ride.
Entrance Fee : Free
Why You’ll Love It : If you’re looking for a quieter, more serene spot, Sakura-no-Yama Park in Chiba is the place to be. The park is known for its magnificent wisteria flowers that bloom in late spring, making it an ideal escape for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Tip : Check the wisteria bloom forecast to visit when the flowers are at their peak.

Reference : https://www.nrtk.jp/translate/index.php?lang=en&path=/mypage/00153.html

While sakura may steal the spotlight in Tokyo’s spring season, there’s a whole world of other flowers just waiting to be discovered. From the dramatic fields of nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park to the breathtaking wisteria tunnels of Ashikaga Flower Park, Tokyo and its surroundings offer a wide range of floral experiences. So, pack your camera, take a deep breath of fresh spring air, and explore the many hidden floral gems that await you!

Posted : 07 March 2025