Crowded But Worth It? A Review of Hanami at Kinuta Park
Editor’s Note: This article was written in the spring of 2024, reflecting our personal experience during that year’s unique cherry blossom season. While park details remain relevant, the bloom conditions and weather were specific to that time.
What does a truly local hanami experience feel like in Tokyo? In 2024, I skipped the usual tourist spots and dove into a weekend at Kinuta Park, a sprawling, family-favorite destination. While it was packed with people, the vibe was completely different. In this review, I’ll share what it’s like to join thousands of Tokyo families for a celebration of spring.
I have to mention the weather, as the 2024 cherry blossom season in Tokyo was challenging. A persistent cycle of rain and cold snaps meant the blossoms had a difficult time, and many hanami plans were washed out. That’s why I felt incredibly lucky to catch this one perfect, beautiful day at Kinuta—it made the experience feel even more special.
What kind of park is Kinuta?
Kinuta is, above all, a sprawling, family-friendly park. Think of Inokashira Park minus the central pond and temple. Originally a golf course, its past life is evident in the vast, open lawns that allow it to absorb large, happy crowds.
It’s a beloved spot for local families who come to spread out their picnic blankets, let their kids run free, and enjoy a relaxing day under the trees. This relaxed, local atmosphere is a huge part of its charm.
So, is it crowded?
Let’s be perfectly clear: I visited on a beautiful spring weekend, and the park was absolutely packed. But this is where Kinuta Park’s magic comes in. Because it’s a massive, wide-open space, it doesn’t feel suffocating. The crowd isn’t made up of frantic tourists, but of local families and friends spread out on picnic blankets, playing games, and genuinely relaxing.
Yes, it was super crowded, but it felt like a joyful community festival, not a stressful tourist jam. If you want true solitude, go on a weekday morning. If you want to experience an authentic, lively Tokyo weekend hanami, Kinuta is perfect.
The 2024 cherry blossom experience
I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cherry trees at Kinuta. Some of the thick, gnarled trunks told stories of many seasons past. Their sprawling branches created a dense, pink-and-white canopy overhead, making it feel like I was walking through a floral tunnel.
With approximately 930 trees, the park offers an immersive experience. It was a thrill to discover types I’d never seen before, like the Oshima Cherry, which is native to the Izu Peninsula. The main varieties you’ll find include:
- Someiyoshino (the classic Yoshino Cherry)
- Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry)
- Yaezakura (Double-Flowered Cherry)
- Oshima Cherry
Best of all, there are no ropes or barriers. You can walk right up to the trees and enjoy your bento directly underneath them, embracing the true hanami experience.
Spring is more than cherry blossoms
During my visit, I also stumbled upon a beautifully maintained bed of vibrant tulips. It was a stunning splash of extra color and a reminder of the dedicated work of the park’s gardeners.
Planning your visit: Food, access, and parking
Food options
While there are food vans and a restaurant at the on-site Setagaya Art Museum, they can be pricey. For the most authentic and budget-friendly experience, do what the locals do:
- Bring your own homemade or store-bought bento (lunch box).
- There’s a supermarket near the park if you need to grab supplies.
- Crucially, remember to take all your rubbish home with you.
Getting there & parking
My wife and I drove, which has pros and cons. The park is about a 20-minute walk from the nearest train station (Yoga Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line). Driving can be more convenient, but be warned: Kinuta Park is on Kampachi-Dori, a major road. On a beautiful weekend, the traffic was intense, and our 20-minute drive turned into an hour.
The park has a large paid car park, which is convenient. Parking is not free, but the fees are reasonable for Tokyo (typically ¥300 for the first hour, and ¥100 per 30 minutes after). The cost is well worth it for the convenience, especially for families.
Photo gear for these pictures
Conclusion
My 2024 visit proved that Kinuta Park is a true gem for hanami in Tokyo, offering a rare combination of magnificent trees, vast open space, and a wonderfully authentic, family-friendly atmosphere. While you won’t find solitude here on a sunny weekend, you will find a joyful and breathtaking local hanami experience that I can’t recommend enough—all completely free.
More spring articles
External related websites
- Kinuta Park (official website)