Yoyogi Park

This lush and green park offers the grandest panorama of Tokyo’s sky and is also famous for its cherry blossom viewing. The area was first used as a US army housing site and then as the grounds for the Olympic village, before it became the present park. Cycling on rented bicycles is a great way to explore Yoyogi Park.

One of Tokyo’s largest parks, located next to Meiji Jingu shrine and Harajuku station, it features a bicycle path and, rare for Tokyo, a dog run where you can let your dog off the leash. You can drink in the park and bicycles are available for rental. Groups often gather on Sundays to practice music and dance. The impressive Tokyo Olympic Stadium, designed by architect Kenzo Tange, is adjacent.

With a lot of green grass and countless cherry trees, this is great place to hold a hanami party of your own. But be sure to come early as it will fill up fast. With its proximity to Harajuku, it is very popular with young people. Many expat groups also gather here to join in the celebration.