A quick google search shows that there are around 2.7 million visitors to Japan for this year's spring season. If you have ever visited to see the famous cherry blossoms, surely, you've experienced the overwhelming crowd that goes along with it. This may be part of the charm and fun of Sakura viewing, the liveliness and shared excitement on everyone’s faces as they stare up at the gorgeous Sakura petals crowning the surroundings.
Cherry Blossoms at Ikegami Honmonji
Although Hanami picnics are very fun with lots of people around, it would also be nice to experience walking under the trees without literally squeezing yourself among the throngs of people.
So if we want peace and quiet, there may be no better place than... the cemetery?!
This place may not be for the superstitious though.
I may have found my favorite Sakura spots and let me introduce two of them! Of course, there may not be many Yatai or temporary street shops, but you can always go to Meguro river for that. I like these places because I can just appreciate the Sakura trees and have a pleasant leisurely walk without the stress of seeing a lot of people.
Aoyama Cemetery
Near the Roppongi district (to which you can walk to for more Sakura at Roppongi Midtown, they also have beautiful light up at night in that area), the main street is aligned on both sides with a very long line of Sakura trees. Scattered among the area are many sakura trees as well.
Not to say that there aren't any people around, there are still visitors walking around the area, but not as crazy as other famous Sakura spots (which are of course have attractions of their own such as light up, canoeing, etc).
Ikegami Honmonji
We jus stumbled upon this area and it's so random, it's also not very accessible from the main city. But if you happen to be staying near the area, it's quite a pleasant walk to this spot. If you're taking a bicycle--which we did, be prepared that there are a lot of uphills going there!
However, if it’s not really an ideal place to do picnics (which are usually in the parks). If you prefer more “normal” hanami,
last year I also posted about where to see Sakura in Tokyo, you can check it our here.