Local Parks for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Aoba no Mori Park is a local favorite that is easily accessed from downtown Chiba. With a mix of early and late-blooming cherry blossom trees, this park is bustling with spring energy for a comparatively longer time than other spots. The park not only has open fields for play and barbecue, but also the “sculpture square” with 19 realistic statues to enjoy. If you want variety, accessibility, and are maybe looking for some dinner or shopping after your day in the park, then this place is for you. While it is popular, it is also guaranteed to be less claustrophobic than the crowded cherry blossom spots in Tokyo.

Located in Ichikawa City, which is just across the border from Tokyo, Satomi Park makes for a perfect day-trip destination from the nation’s capital. A local castle once stood here during the Warring States period, just above Tokyo Bay on the Edo River, and remnants of this history can still be observed here. The cherry blossoms are a big draw of course, and a gorgeous line of them begin right at the bus stop to lead you into the park. Over 200 individual trees make for a thrilling site, but people also come here for the regionally famous rose garden. There is also a viewpoint to give you a panoramic view of the Edo River, a sight that’s sure to contribute to your day enjoying the flowers and history here.

This park located outside Tokyo in the city of Funabashi is a local favorite, and is known for being a year-round flower viewing spot. Cherry blossom fans flock here in spring to admire the sakura trees that line the pathways leading to the park’s famous windmill. You’ll also find playscapes, animal rides, and even a mini-golf course, making it a great destination for families looking to enjoy a day out in nature. A variety of facilities around the park also sell food and refreshments, so you’re sure to find something to fit the tastes of everyone in your party.

One of the most famous spots in the northern Chiba area for flower appreciation, Omigawa Joyama Park sees visitors flocking to see each season’s spectacles. Aside from the seas of pink cherry blossoms in the spring, summer sees a bloom of hydrangeas, and autumn a stunning bloom of fragrant olives. Traces of a castle that once stood here can be seen, and many also come here for the athletic courses as well as the Seifuso Center, which is a popular spot to rent for various traditional activities like flower arranging and tea ceremonies. This is a great park to enjoy for a family looking for a fun-filled day, but also a place to have a quiet afternoon enjoying some of northern Chiba’s best nature.