Tokyo Cherry Blossom Walk 🌸

#cherryblossom25 I often take leisurely walks from Nakano to Kanda River and explore nearby temples and shrines during cherry blossom season. I snapped the wedding photos here a couple of years ago, and although the blossoms aren't fully in bloom yet this year, they’re still gorgeous. This walk is inspired by some shared itineraries on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), and I put together a walking route with a little surprise at the end for those who want a cherry blossom adventure in the coming days. Here’s the route I recommend: Nakano 🌳 Nakano’s cherry blossoms are truly spectacular! If you love cityscapes, this is a great spot. However, be cautious as the sidewalks are quite narrow—don’t try to get the perfect shot by stepping onto the road. From JR Nakano Station North Exit, the main road you’ll see is Nakano-dori, lined with beautiful cherry blossoms. Head north and take the first intersection to the right to Nakano Broadway, a famous shopping center filled with vintage toys and figurines—definitely worth checking out. After this, continue heading north or slightly northeast toward Arai Yakushi-mae Station. From here, you can capture shots of the yellow tram tracks framed by cherry blossoms (see image⑤). If you're into street photography, it's a perfect spot. Bring a zoom lens (I used a 70mm lens) to capture the scene more clearly. Once you’ve snapped your shots, hop on the tram and head towards Kanda River. Kanda River 🌸 Kanda River runs a long stretch, with cherry blossoms blooming especially near Waseda. To get there, take the Seibu Shinjuku Line from Arai Yakushi-mae Station and get off at Takadanobaba Station. From there, walk north and head east for about five minutes along the river. You’ll catch the view of the tram crossing over the river, framed by cherry blossoms (image⑥). The blossoms here are starting to reach their peak as well. A popular spot for photos along the river is Omokage Bridge—it’s famous, especially with Chinese tourists, so be mindful as vehicles pass through. Make sure not to block the road while taking photos. After crossing the bridge, more cherry blossoms can be seen. You can either keep walking east or catch the Arakawa Line from Omokage Bridge Station to Ikebukuro for a change of pace. Bonus: Temple with Cherry Blossoms ⛩️ For a little surprise, hop on the Arakawa Line and get off at Onigomochi-mae Station. Head north, and you’ll find a lovely temple surrounded by cherry trees along its path (see image⑩). When I visited, the temple was about to close, and many street vendors were packing up due to the rain, so I got to enjoy the entire view almost in solitude. It was a peaceful moment that felt like a secret gem! From what I’ve read online, this temple gets quite busy on weekends, so I consider myself lucky. I also had an adorable encounter with a cow cat 🐱—a cherry blossom surprise! #travel