Mitsuike Park Cherry Blossoms
A tranquil cherry blossom haven in YokohamaSpot: Mitsuike Park (三ツ池公園)
Blooming Period: February to April
Hanami Parties: Allowed, but open flames are prohibited
Light-up Event: Available
Festival: Mar 16 to Apr 15,
Food Stalls: Available
Cherry Blossom Varieties: Yokohama Hizakura, Kawazu Sakura, Kanzakura, Somei Yoshino, Ukon
Reccomended Viewing Spots: Ponds
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Nestled in the Tsurumi Ward of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Mitsuike Park is a celebrated destination for cherry blossom viewing. Known for its approximately 1,000 cherry trees spanning 70 unique varieties, the park offers a long sakura season from mid-February to mid-April. Recognized as one of Japan’s “100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites,” Mitsuike Park provides a serene yet captivating setting for hanami enthusiasts.
Why Mitsuike Park is Worth Visiting
- Rare Cherry Varieties Showcase: Home to 78 cultivars, the park features rare varieties such as the pale yellow Ukonzakura, the dark pink Yokohama Hizakura, and the early-blooming Kawazu sakura.
- Extended Blooming Season: With varieties blooming successively from February to April, Mitsuike Park ensures visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms over a prolonged period.
- Three Scenic Ponds: The park’s three ponds—Kami, Naka, and Shimo—create picturesque reflections of the blossoms, enhancing the hanami experience.
- Cultural Highlights: The Korean garden within the park adds a unique cultural element, inspired by traditional Korean mountain villas.
Mitsuike Park Cherry Blossoms
Mitsuike Park boasts a stunning array of cherry blossoms, offering an unforgettable hanami experience. The early blooming Kanzakura kicks off the season in February, followed by the vibrant Kawazu-zakura and the popular Somei Yoshino variety in late March to early April. The Yokohama Hizakura, a deep pink cultivar unique to this park, blooms in early April, providing a memorable conclusion to the sakura season.
The park’s name, translating to “three ponds park,” highlights its scenic water features, which beautifully reflect the cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the 1.4-kilometer trail encircling the ponds or capture breathtaking photos of the blossoms mirrored in the water. The tranquil setting, complemented by the diversity of blossoms, makes Mitsuike Park a must-visit location for sakura enthusiasts.
Mitsuike Park Facilities & Amenities
Mitsuike Park offers excellent amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. The park is equipped with restrooms, a shop, and a parking lot with space for up to 146 vehicles, including accommodations for large vehicles and disabled visitors. Families with children will appreciate the playgrounds, which feature slides and obstacle courses, as well as the open plaza and sports facilities. During summer, a fountain area provides a refreshing retreat.
The park also houses a Korean garden, designed as a replica of traditional Korean aristocratic mountain villas, offering a serene and culturally rich experience. With its well-maintained facilities, Mitsuike Park guarantees a pleasant visit for all.
Dining Options
While Mitsuike Park has limited dining options on-site, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic mat and enjoy their own meals under the cherry trees. For those seeking nearby dining, Yokohama offers a variety of options. Tsurumi Station’s surrounding area features local izakayas, ramen shops, and bakeries that cater to various tastes. Be sure to visit the nearby LaLaport Yokohama for more diverse culinary choices, including cafes and international cuisine.
Travel Tips
- Bring Essentials: Carry a picnic mat, snacks, and beverages, as on-site food options are limited.
- Hanami: Picnics and parties are allowed, but open flames are prohibited. Visitors must also take their trash home.
- Photography Tips: Visit in the early morning to capture serene reflections of cherry blossoms on the ponds.
- Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival: Typically held from mid-March to mid-April, the festival features special events and illuminations.
How to Get to Mitsuike Park
Mitsuike Park is conveniently accessible from Yokohama and Tokyo. From JR Tsurumi Station, take bus numbers 6, 67, or 104, bound for “Kashiyama” or “Shin-Yokohama,” and get off at the “Mitsuike-Koen-Kitamon” stop. The park entrance is just a 3-minute walk away. Alternatively, from Shin-Yokohama Station, transfer to the same bus routes heading towards Tsurumi Station. For drivers, the park’s parking lot operates from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM (5:30 PM from November to mid-March).
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Mitsuike Park:
- Sankei-en Garden: A sprawling traditional Japanese garden in Yokohama, featuring historical buildings, ponds, and seasonal flowers.
- Yokohama Chinatown: One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, offering vibrant streets filled with restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks.
- Minato Mirai: Yokohama’s waterfront area, known for its futuristic skyline, shopping malls, and entertainment options.
Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots
Enhance your sakura journey with these nearby spots:
- Negishi Forest Park: A spacious park with sprawling lawns and over 2,000 cherry trees, perfect for family outings and picnics.
- Okamura Park: Known for its quiet atmosphere, this park offers beautiful cherry blossoms and views of Yokohama’s cityscape.
- Yamashita Park: A picturesque seaside park featuring cherry blossoms, gardens, and views of Yokohama Bay Bridge.