Tucked away in Tokyo’s quiet Suginami Ward, Zenpukuji River and Zenpukuji Park offer a tranquil retreat during cherry blossom season. With hundreds of cherry trees lining the riverbanks and surrounding two scenic ponds in the park, this hidden gem provides a serene alternative to Tokyo’s more crowded hanami spots. Whether you’re strolling beneath a pink tunnel of blossoms or boating across a reflective pond, Zenpukuji delivers a uniquely intimate sakura experience.

Why Visit Zenpukuji

• Cherry Blossom Tunnel Experience – Around 700 cherry trees create an enchanting tunnel along a 4.2-kilometer stretch of the river, forming a pink canopy that stretches over the water.
• Multiple Viewing Options – From riverside paths to pondside promenades, Zenpukuji offers diverse perspectives for cherry blossom viewing.
• Relaxed Atmosphere – With fewer tourists than major sakura hotspots, this area promises a peaceful, crowd-free hanami.
• Boat Rentals at Zenpukuji Park – Enjoy cherry blossoms from the water by renting a rowboat at the upper pond, Kamino-ike.
• Family-Friendly Green Spaces – Wadabori Park and Zenpukuji Park provide play areas and sports facilities for families.

Zenpukuji Cherry Blossoms

Zenpukuji River is famed for its “sakura tunnel” — a breathtaking stretch where Somei Yoshino cherry trees arch over the water, their blossoms forming a soft pink corridor. The most popular photo spots include Aioi Bridge and Ozaki Bridge, where you can see the cherry trees beautifully mirrored in the river’s surface.

Nearby, Zenpukuji Park enhances the experience with its scenic landscape of Kamino-ike (Upper Pond) and Shimono-ike (Lower Pond). Cherry trees encircle the ponds, and visitors can rent rowboats on Kamino-ike to enjoy blossoms from a unique angle. Somei Yoshino dominates the park as well, with possible appearances of Yamazakura and Shidarezakura.

Viewing Points

• Aioi Bridge: Famous for overhanging sakura reflected in the river.
• Ozaki Bridge: A favorite photo spot during full bloom.
• Kamino-ike & Shimono-ike (Zenpukuji Park): Ideal for waterside hanami and boating under cherry blossoms.
• Wadabori Park: Offers open spaces for laid-back cherry blossom enjoyment and even BBQ.

Zenpukuji Facilities & Amenities

Wadabori Park and Zenpukuji Park are well-equipped for visitors. Families will appreciate the children’s play areas, ballparks, and ample open lawns. Restrooms are available throughout the parks, and accessibility is decent for wheelchairs and strollers. Clean river water attracts wildlife like ducks in the winter, adding to the peaceful, nature-rich atmosphere.

Dining Options

While no yatai (food stalls) are found within Zenpukuji Park itself, nearby Nishi-Ogikubo offers excellent dining:

• A Tes Souhaits: A cozy café famed for its pastries.
• Uohide: A seafood restaurant known for fresh, seasonal dishes.
• Burg Tezukuri Pan: A local bakery offering sandwiches and baked goods — perfect for take-out picnics.

Visitors can also bring their own food for a DIY hanami picnic.

Travel Tips

• Aim for Midweek Mornings: Zenpukuji is less crowded than major sakura spots, but visiting on a weekday morning ensures even more solitude and ideal lighting for photos—especially at Aioi and Ozaki bridges.
• Time It Right: Blossoms typically peak from late March to early April. The cherry tunnel looks its fullest right around this time, so check local bloom reports before heading out.
• Bring a Blanket and Snacks: BBQs are permitted in Wadabori Park, but if you’re visiting Zenpukuji Park, it’s better to bring your own picnic. Grab baked goods from Burg Tezukuri Pan or pastries from A Tes Souhaits nearby.
• Stroll Different Sections: Walk the full length of the riverside trail if time allows—each bridge and stretch of path offers a different cherry blossom composition, and you’ll encounter fewer people the farther you go.
• Be Prepared to Walk: The area is not directly next to a train station, so wear comfortable shoes for the 10–20 minute walk from Nishi-Ogikubo, Shin-Koenji, or Eifukucho stations.
• Respect Local Vibes: These are residential neighborhoods. Keep noise levels low, take your trash home if bins are full, and avoid blocking paths for long photo sessions.

How to Get to Zenpukuji

• By Train:
  • 20-minute walk from Shin-Koenji Station (Marunouchi Line) or Eifukucho Station (Keio Inokashira Line).
  • From Shin-Koenji, you can also take a 5-minute Kanto Bus ride to Narita Sanchome, then walk.
• By Car: Limited parking; public transportation is recommended.

Nearby Attractions

• Nishi-Ogikubo Antique Street: Known for its vintage shops and quaint cafés.
• Otaguro Park: A peaceful Japanese-style garden ideal for post-hanami relaxation.
• Igusa Hachimangu Shrine: A historic shrine surrounded by trees, offering a spiritual break.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

• Inokashira Park: A classic hanami destination with boating and vibrant spring scenes.
• Koganei Park: Home to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and wide sakura-filled lawns.
• Omiya Hachiman Shrine: A serene local shrine just a short distance from Zenpukuji Park, known for its peaceful grounds and cherry trees that frame the traditional architecture beautifully.