Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2012
A Moving Sight
Ambulant alternatives to the hanami party
Boat
Take to the water during the Edo Fukagawa Sakura Matsuri in a variety of different boating experiences offered by the local tourist board. The night cruise among the illuminated trees has to be a winner.
- Foyboat: ¥500. From 9:30am, Mar 31, Apr 1, 7-8 & 14-15. Kurofunebashi. Nearest stn: Monzennakacho.
- Motorboat (day): ¥600. 9am-2:30pm, Mar 31, Apr 1, 7-8. Nihonbashi. Nearest stn: Nihonbashi.
- Motorboat for up to 30 people: ¥1,500 per person (inc. tea/sweets and guide). 9:30am-5:20pm. Kurofunebashi. Nearest stn: Monsennakacho.
- Night cruise: ¥1,200 (tea & sweets). 4:30-8pm (every 30 min), Mar 31, Apr 1 & 14-15. Kurofunebashi. Nearest stn: Monzennakacho.
Koto-ku no Mizube ni Shitashimu Kai. Tel: 03-5639-2818. www.mon-naka.com/sakura
Horse
Get equine with the Japan Racing Association Sakura Festival where you can grab a free ride on their horses around the sakura-filled Baji Koen, JRA’s 180,000m2 equestrian park. First-come, Mar 30 & Apr 1, 2-1-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku. Nearest stn: Sakura Shinmachi. Tel: 03-3429-5101. www.jra.go.jp/bajikouen
Rickshaw
Sit back while someone else gets really good exercise. A man-powered rickshaw will take you on a tour of the most popular hanami spots in Kamakura. Grab 13 minutes for ¥2,000, half an hour for ¥5,000 and a full hour for ¥9,000, for you and a partner. Available 9am-5pm while the flowers last. Kamakura Jinrikisha Yufutei. Tel: 090-3137-6384. Nearest station: Kamakura.
Train
Board the 1944 retro steam locomotive Paleo Express for an adventure across the Arakawa River, and gaze on the blushing blossoms from Kumagaya station all the way to Mitsumineguchi station. Unreserved seating is ¥500, but reserving is recommended for just ¥200 more. Chichibu-Railway. Tel: 048-523-3317. www.chichibu-railway.co.jp
Rides
To soar over the cherry blossoms like a drunk pigeon, Yomiuri Land offers a variety of options. The Sky Shuttle (¥300 one way/¥500 return) and ferris wheel afford you a bird’s eye glimpse of their 270-meter-long colonnade of 1,000 trees. If that ain’t enough, rush through the trees on a 110km/h rollercoaster ride. ¥1,200 (adults)/¥600 (children and seniors). 4051-1 Yanoguchi, Inagi-shi. Tel: 044-966-1111. www.yomiuriland.co.jp.
punk
Join international and Japanese fans of everyone’s favorite Victorian sci-fi fashion mode for a trendy moshpit amongst the cherry blossoms, aka Sakura Steampunk. Bring food, musical instruments and yourself—dressing up not mandatory, but you might feel dumb if you’re the only one not wearing a steel girdle. Apr 1, free. Yoyogi Park. Nearest stn: Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. http://meturl.com/21
tidbits
Topped with delicate cherry blossoms, the Sakura Mont Blanc Roll Cake (¥1,900, http://meturl.com/sakcake) is the perfect dessert to round off your hanami party and make you the envy of all the expat wives. Match your booze to the views with Sakura Wine (¥1,200/500ml bottle, http://meturl.com/sakwine) a light rosé with floating blossoms making for a delicate, fruity flavor.
app
If your phone is smarter than the average bear, grab the free app Yahoo O-hanami Navi 2012 (http://sakura.yahoo.co.jp/app). Contains all the best hanami spots countrywide, an up-to-the-minute blooming schedule/calendar, as well as recipes and a photo gallery. Set the tarp on fire with Joysound Karaoke (http://meturl.com/appkaraoke). Free to download, ¥250 per month for unlimited song downloads. (Both apps in Japanese).
