03/16/2018

Almost it is cherry blossom season!!! In Tokyo, you can see cherry blossoms in various places, and "Somei Yoshino (one of Sakura)" is also certified as "Flower of Tokyo."  In the cherry-blossom season, a lot of company employees / friends bring their foods and drink to each other, and gathered up under the cherry blossoms. It's like an image of  banquet; everyone holding beer in one hand, and enjoying party.

 

However, this time I want to focus on the few sightseeing spots and restaurants that is suitable for families, which children can enjoy without getting tired, and can enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms.

 

In the previous article of "Spring Is Coming!!! ~Let's Gather Up and Have a Cherry Blossom Viewing Party!! ",  we introduced the cherry-blossom viewing spots of "Ueno Onshi Park", "Inogashira Park" and "Yoyogi Park." Please refer to this together as well.

 

◎Spring Is Coming!!! ~Let's Gather Up And Have A Cherry Blossom Viewing Party!! ~

http://www.intheluggage.com/japan-tokyo-whole_tokyo-travel_guide-guide_event--spring-is-coming-lets-gather-up-and-have-a-cherry-blossom-viewing-party.html

 

Okay, let`s start!!

 

Ueno: Easy to Access! Suitable For Those Who Want to Check Many sightseeing Places

 

Speaking of Ueno, the cherry-blossom can be seen at  "Ueno Onshi Park." It is one of a cherry-blossom viewing spot that is famous throughout Japan. Not only during the day, but also can see cherry blossom at night, so during the cherry blossom season, it is always full of people. Here you can see about 50 kinds of cherry blossoms with more than 1,200 pieces.

 

 

Inside the park there are Ueno Zoo, the National Museum of Western Art, registered as a World Heritage Site, various museums, Shimizudo, Ueno Toshogu Shrine etc. There are plenty of sightseeing spots besides Ohanami.
One of the sightseeing spots is “Ueno Toshogu Shrine.”, Ueno Toshogu Shrine is a shrine located in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, which was established in 1627. Existing shrine was built by Ko Iemitsu in 1651 (Keio 4 years), and it is also called "Golden dresser" because it was very gorgeous using plenty of gold. It is said that the existing shrine built at the time is miraculous, it is also said to be the gift of the mighty God's virtue.

 

 

Moreover, the Ueno Park Zoo that Panda is topic now,  and National Science Museum where you can learn about the dinosaurs and various creatures is a place that children can enjoy throughout the day!

 

 

Detail

 

◎Ueno Park Zoo

Access＆Price

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.intheluggage.com/japan-tokyo-ueno-sightseeing-zoo_aquarium-zoo--ueno-zoo.html&sa=D&ust=1519612194574000&usg=AFQjCNGwEfXUu74XrrccpMB2MfrpruZ6Ow  (EN)

URL: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/index.html&sa=D&ust=1519612194568000&usg=AFQjCNHw-Oa_jAS4EmYoy3kg3TMl73VdBg  (EN)

 

◎National Museum of Nature and Science

Access&Price：http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/userguide/access/index.html  (EN)
URL: http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/  (EN)

In addition, there are plenty of sightseeing spots around Ueno such as Shitamachi (downtown)  museum, Ameyoko and Takeya etc. At here, the sightseeing and shopping can be done in one day!

 

 

Here is the Recommended Restaurant for Kids and Parent!

 

◎Italian & Bal Aqua Ueno

 

It is a Italian restaurant,  a 2 min walk away from Ueno station. You can enjoy a wide varieties of napoli pizza baked by stone oven and pasta etc.

 

 

The most popular signature menu here is one whole  “Roasted chicken.” It is so crispy and tasty that you can not miss!

 

 

The restaurant accept take out and delivery, so you also can bring out the food and have it under the cherry blossom. This restaurant does not provide kids menu, but there is a dessert of an image of animal named,  ”Animal Series.” It is so cute, it makes a smile just by looking at it!

 

Shop Detail

 

[Operation Hours] Lunch: 11:00～16：00　(LO: 15：30)
Dinner: 17：00～23：30
(Food LO: 22：45 Drink LO: 23：00)
[Address] 1F Pasela Resort, 2-14-30 Ueno Koto-ku, Tokyo
[Access] 2 min walk from JR Ueno station: Shinobazu exit
30 seconds from Keisei Ueno station
URL: https://www.pasela.co.jp/shoplist/aqua/ueno/　

You also can see food strolls  during the Ohanami season. It maybe one of the fun to eat it at a food stroll too.

 

 

This is the Event for Those Who Loves Classic!

 

◎Spring Festival in Tokyo!! Tokyo Opera no Mori 2018

 

During March 16th - April 15th, 2018, you can listen to classical performances of various artists such as orchestras and operas at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Hall, museums and science museums etc. Also  hold a free mini concert "Sakura-no-machi music concert" in additional price.

 

Here is the detail :

URL:  http://www.tokyo-harusai.com/index_e.html

 

Kichijoji: For Those Who Want to Relax with Your Family  

 

Next place,  I want to introduce is Kichijoji area! If you walk 5-10 min from Kichijoji station, there is Inogashira pond in Inogashira park which is known as one of the  Musashino 3 major spring water ponds. If you compared to Ueno park, it is more relaxing, a lot of couples and families visit here, and can enjoy seeing Somei Yoshino, Yaezakura, Shidare sakura etc. At daytime, it is nice to see the cherry blossoms from different viewpoint riding on the boat or from under the cherry blossoms. Here, also do light up,  and can see cherry blossoms at night.

 

 

 

 Let's Explore More Around Inogashira Park!

 

The "Inogashira Natural Cultural Park" in Inogashira park is divided into "Zoo” and  “Water Biological Park”, and more than 200 species of animals is raised at here. This "Inogashira Natural Cultural Park" is about the size of about 1/3  of the Inogashira park. It seems fun to touch various plants and animals and enjoy nature with children!

Detail

Inogashira Natural Cultural Park

[Operation Hours] 9:30〜17:00
[Holiday] Monday（It will closed on Tuesday when Monday is public holiday)
[Entree fee] 400 yen
[Tel] 0422-46-1100

Near the park, there is  “Ghibli Museum Mitaka” of director Hayao Miyazaki, which is famous for “Neighbour of Totoro.” It is a museum where visitors can enjoy director Miyazaki`s world popular animation, such as ”Spirited Away” and ”Laputa:Castle in the Sky" etc.

 

 

This museum is differ to other museum because it feels like you got lost in director Miyazaki`s animation. There are frescoes spreading over the ceiling, and also “Glass Dome” which is a open ceiling space from basement 1 to 2nd floor and etc. The image exhibition room, "Doseiza (Saturn)" on the basement floor is a small movie theater, and visitors can see the original short animation of Ghibli!

 

 

◎Where to buy a ticket?

The reservation is required for “Ghibli Museum Mitaka.” Each month ticket will be on sale at Lawson ticket on the 10th of every month. Here is the detail → http://www.lawson.co.jp/ghibli_museum/english.html#top (EN) 　※ONLY SELL IN JAPAN!!

It is also possible to purchase in overseas. Depending on the countries, it can be purchase at JTB Group Overseas →　http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/ticket-information/ (EN)

Detail

Please see the link below for further information→
http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/　（EN)

[Holiday] Tuesday

[How to go to “Ghibli Museum Mitaka”? ]  ↓

http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/howtogo/  (from Mitaka station)
※“Ghibli Museum Mitaka” is located between Kichjoji and Mitaka station.
It's takes about 10 min walk from Inogashira park

Besides this, there is "Kichijoji Sunroad shopping street" at north entrance of kichijoji station, and "Harmonica Yokocho" where can feel the Showa era after the war.

 

 

 

Here is a Recommended Restaurant for Parent and Kids Around Kichijoji Area!

 

 

◎Cafe Amrita

 

“Cafe Amrita” is a Thai cuisine based on Ethan food from northern Thailand.

It is an authentic Thai cuisine that is easy to enter even with a child, and there is a wide varieties menu! Please note that you can not bring food other than baby food, but there are also kid menu, so you do have to worry about it →   http://cafeamrita.jp/kids.php

 

This is grand menu. They are pictures of standard Thai food: Phad Bai Gaprao rice, Phad Thai and Thai omelet. Besides this, there is more menu to choose from  such as papaya salad and green curry, you may lost what to eat.

 

Phad Bai Gaprao rice

 

 Top left: Phad Thai,  Bottom left: Thai omelet

 

For lunch,  they served daily lunch menu, Thai curry and Thai ramen etc. There is also “Amrita Special” that can select your main dish from green papaya salad,  flavour minced pork, vermicelli salad and flavour pork neck with the grilled chicken and Thai rice. All set menus includes salad buffet and soup. The lunch curry will change every one to two month period. This is the lunch menu →  http://cafeamrita.jp/lunch.php　

 

If you tell the staff in advance, they will also handle allergies. It is possible to enter with a baby stroller. If you are Thai cuisine lovers, definitely this is a place to visit!

Shop Detail

 

[Operation Hours]　Weekdays：11:30〜15:30（LO 14:50）17:00〜22:30（LO 22:00）
Weekend&Holiday：11:30〜22:30（LO 22:30）※Lunch L.O: 15:00
※Sunday and last day of holiday will be closed 22:00 (LO 21:30)
※The operation hours may change due to the weather.
[Holiday]　New year, Irregular on May and September
[Address]　１F, Fujiya Building, 2-17-12 Kichijoji Honmachi,  Musashino-shi Tokyo, 180-0004
[Access] 5 min walk from Kichijoji station （JR/Inogashira Line）North exit

 

Toshimaen: For Those Who Want to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Until Late Evening

 

At last, I want to introduced is “Toshimaen” operates by Seibu group. "Toshimaen" is an amusement park with pools and attractions, and many families and couples come here to visit for fun. Mainly,  pool and attractions are popular at here, but besides that there are also a pet garden where children can meet pleasant animals, forest insectarium,  fishing and game plazas, and ice skating rinks in winter (until the end of February). Since there are various attractions, you can spend the day without getting tired, and in the spring you can see about 500 of Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura.

 

※Seibu Holding Inc. is one of the biggest company in Japan, and it is a corporate group centered on Seibu railway and Prince Hotel. They also operating golf course and ski resort.

 

 

This is "Eagle" which rises to 35m above the ground. In the cherry blossom season, you can see the full of cherry blossoms from directly above "Eagle." Moreover, the children can see the cherry blossoms while riding from the "Mini Cyclone" which is popular among children and the "Challenge Train" the ride that children can operate mini train by themselves.

 

 Let`s Experience a Little Unusual Cherry Blossom Viewing

Cherry blossom viewing is normally takes place in the early morning, spreads blue sheets under the cherry blossoms, brings in each lunch boxes or catering and have party! However,  at Toshimaen, you can experience a little unusual cherry blossom viewing.

 

The "Ohanami Banquet Plan" set up in part of the park, at here they set up all kotatsu seats for dining and it is a pleasant place to have no troubles such as searching the places in early morning for cherry-blossom viewing. ※ “Kotatsu” is one of the Japanese heating equipment Japanese have been used since Muromachi period(year of 1336 – 1573). It is a table with an electric heater attached to the underside of the table, and it is one of the heating equipment we need during the winter seasons.

 

It's nice viewing the cherry blossoms under the sun in daytime and also at night ! Since it is a barbecue buffet style with free flow drink plan, you can also enjoy the barbecue atmosphere! For drinks, besides beer, there is  wine, Japanese sake etc. as well as non-alcohol drinks. For barbeque, they provide Japanese beef and pork, vegetables, sausages and side dishes to dessert! Because it is kotatsu, it is nice that we do not have to worry about get freezing!

 

 

Isn`t it  beautiful after the light up of cherry blossom?

 

The "Sakura Night" will be held from March 24th to April 4th, 7th and 8th, 2018, and both the cherry blossoms and the illumination can be enjoyed at this event. A pink american car and a gas stand will appear, and about 200 lanterns with an image of good old USA  is also a highlight.

◎Sakura Night

[Entrance Fee]　500 yen
[Sakura Night Pass]　Entrance＋Free Rides
Adult (Above Intermediate）1600 yen /  Child（Height above 110cm *3.6ft ）1300 yen

[Kid Night Pass]　Entrance Fee＋Kids Free Rides

Adult（Attendant / Over 20 years old）1100 yen  / Child（Height below 110cm *3.6ft）1100 yen
※All tax included
※The ticket will be sell from 15-19pm. The last entry is 19:30 pm (Until 20pm)
※Kid Night Pass is a free pass limited only for children（Vehicles is limited. 12 kinds after 17:30pm）

 

◎ "Ohanami Banquet Plan" (Reservation is required)

[Operation Period] March 17, 2018ーApirl 8, 2018
※Depending on the situation of cherry blossoms, it may be extended
[operation Hours]　Lunch:12:30~14:30　Dinner：18:30~20:30
[Tel] 03-3990-0884

Reservation time: 10:00～16:00
※The phone will not be connected when amusement park is closed (March 6,7,13&14）

Price

[Barbecue]

Lunch:12:30~14:30　Dinner：18:30~20:30

 

VIP Seat

Lunch（Mon~Fri)  : Adult (Above highschool）6200 yen /  Child (Over 3 years old ~intermediate）3500 yen
Lunch (Sat・Sun) ： Adult （Above highschool）7200 yen　/ Child (Over 3 years old~intermediate)  4000 yen
Dinner：Adult （Above highschool）7200 yen /  Child (Over 3 years old~intermediate） 4000 yen

Pair seat

Lunch  (Sat・Sun),  Dinner (Mon～Fri, Sat・Sun) : Adult　5700yen

 

Standard Seat

Lunch（Mon~Fri)  : Adult (Above highschool）4700 yen　/  Child (Over 3 years old ~intermediate） 2500 yen
Lunch (Sat・Sun),  Dinner： Adult (Above highschool）5700 yen　/   Child (Over 3 years old ~intermediate） 3000 yen
Lunch (Ladies Course）: Above highschool　4200 yen　/  Elementary・Intermediate　 2100 yen　/ 　Preschool child (Over 3 yeard old～） 1000 yen
※Adults are offered "Toshimaen Garden no Yu" discount ticket and "two-time free ride tickets", and children and preschool children are accompanied by "two-time free ride tickets".

 

Notes

※About booking cancellation: 50% will be charged 3 days before, and 100% will be charged on the day.
※There are cases in which cancellations are made due to rain (Please call the restaurant for specific information)
※For those who have  tattoo (including seals), the  entrance is strictly prohibited.
※If you are allergic to foods, please tell the staff in advance.

Detail of Toshimaen

[Operation Hours] The amusement park is usually from 10-17pm. During the Sakura Night period is from 10 to 20 pm. Also,  there is a possibility that amusement park will going to have irregular holidays, so please check on the official website: http://www.toshimaen.co.jp/calendar/index.html

[Toshimaen Entree Fee]　

・Adult（Above Intermediate）1000 yen / Child（Over 3 years old）500 yen

[1 day free ride ticket（Entrance+Rides）]
・Adult（Above Intermediate）4200 yen / Child（Over 3 years old）3200 yen {One day free kid ride（Vehicles are limited）}
・Adult（Attendant / Over 20 years old）2900 yen  / Child（Height below 110cm *3.6ft）2400 yen

[Address] 3-25-1 Koyama Nerima-ku, Tokyo, 176-0022
[Tel] 03-3990-8800
[Access] 1 min walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Toshimaen” station
2 min walk from Toei Oedo Line “Toshimaen” station A2 exit
1 min walk from Seibu Yurakucho Line “Toshimaen” station

Shops and tourist spots that appeared in the guide articles

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