In Ikebukuro, cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshii) start blooming in full glory every year from around the end of March. However, there are some early-blooming cherry blossoms that start blooming from the end of February and March. In this article, we will share the cherry blossoms that bloom in the Ikebukuro area in late February and March.
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1. 【Within walking distance of Ikebukuro Station】6 early-blooming cherry blossoms
There are also “early-blooming cherry blossoms” within walking distance from Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo)!
1-1.Koyasu Inari Shrine
Koyasu Inari Shrine is located in a residential area, about a 15-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, over the Metropolitan Expressway Route 5 (Ikebukuro Route) .
It has long been beloved by local residents as a shrine for raising children.
The “upside-down Kawazu cherry blossoms” reflected in the main hall are just beautiful.
※Photo taken on February 27, 2021
1-2.Mejiro Garden
This is a small Japanese garden located about a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station (about 3 minutes from JR Mejiro Station).
In early March, the double winter cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
The buds are red and plump and cute (*￣ー￣*)
※March 6, 2021
1-3. Near Ikebukuro Station Exit 35, along Green Boulevard
There is a double-flowered winter cherry tree along Green Boulevard, right in front of the east exit of Ikebukuro Station.
I took a photo of it with the happy yellow Ikebasu (￣▽+￣*)
It’s close to red, so it suits the red Ikebus very well.
When I see these red flowers, they feel like saying, “Spring has come to Ikebukuro.”
※March 4, 2021, March 10, 2023
1-4.Shounji Temple
Kawazu cherry blossoms can be found in front of Shounji Temple, which is a 6-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station (3-minute walk from Kanamecho).
About once a week, we have a cafe called “Bouzu’n Coffee” and a bar called “Bouzu’n Bar.”
It’s a great place to go to the cafe or bar while admiring the Kawazu cherry blossoms.
2. 【Within 30 minutes from Ikebukuro】7 recommended early-blooming cherry blossom spot
I recommend the early-blooming cherry blossoms, which can be reached in less than 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station.
2-1.Kita Ward Nishigahara Minna no Park
From Ikebukuro Station, walk for about 10 minutes to Higashi-Ikebukuro 4-Chome Station on the Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line).
Get off at Nishigahara 4-Chome Station on the Sakura Tram, walk a little way and buy some Matoi Monaka at Kajinoen, then walk for about 4 minutes to arrive.
This is the only “Petit Kawazu Sakura Avenue” near Ikebukuro.
Families who seemed to be locals were enjoying cherry blossom viewing, having laid out tents and mats.
Geek sat on a bench and munched on some Kajinoen Matoi Monaka (→Official Instagram) that he had bought along the way.
It’s a little inconveniently located, but it’s worth the trip.
※March 11, 2023
2-2.Gokokuji Temple
Take the Yurakucho subway line from Ikebukuro to Gokokuji Station, two stops away, where you can enjoy a long period of cherry blossom viewing, from early-blooming cherry blossoms to late-blooming cherry blossoms.
Although it is not lit up, the cherry blossoms at night are beautiful.
And best of all, it is very close to the station!
Why not stop by on your way home from work?
※March 13, 2023
2-3.Jisho-in Temple
Jishoin Temple, about 20 minutes from Ikebukuro by bus or Seibu Ikebukuro Line, is home to a cat Jizo statue.
With double-flowered Kanhizakura cherry blossoms on its back, it looks its cutest at this time of year.
Although it’s out of season, the rare Gyoikou (green cherry blossom), double-flowered cherry blossoms, and plum blossoms are all in bloom. This is an irresistible place for fans of seasonal flowers.
※March 6, 2021
2-4.Tetsugakudo Park
Tetsugakudo Park, just over 20 minutes by bus from Ikebukuro, was designated a national scenic spot in 2020.
Go down from the area with the old buildings and you’ll come to a pond with beautiful reflections.
A little further away, at the back of the pond, you’ll find Kawazu cherry blossoms, so try and find them.
※February 23, 2021
2-5.Komagome Fuji Shrine
Fuji Sengen Shrine in Komagome, three stops on the JR Yamanote Line from Ikebukuro Station, is a hidden gem where you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long period of time, including early-blooming cherry blossoms, (we believe) Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, and late-blooming cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossoms stand out against the Fujizuka and torii gates! I recommend visiting it together with Rikugien Garden.
2-6.Minaminagasaki Sports Park
To get to Minami-Nagasaki Sports Park, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station, then walk or take a bus from Higashi-Nagasaki Station. Sakura blossoms line the soccer field.
This is a lesser known cherry blossom viewing spot.
The Tokiwa-so Manga Museum is nearby, so why not visit it as well?
【Map】 Early-blooming cherry blossoms, around Ikebukuro Station
▼Cherry Blossoms（Sakura）11 Spots in Ikebukuro（Tokyo,Japan）
▼Cherry Blossoms（Sakura）【12Spots】 near Ikebukuro（Tokyo,Japan）
