Ueno Park was my first destination, and timing really is everything with Tokyo’s cherry blossoms. Early spring here means everything’s on the verge of blooming but hasn’t quite committed yet. The famous Sakura 桜 were mostly absent – just a few scattered early bloomers giving hints of what’s to come.
With the park’s main attraction still dormant, I didn’t bother with the zoo. But holy cow, the panda obsession here is next level – I’m talking panda merchandise on literally every corner, a massive panda statue dominating Ueno Station, and they’ve actually named the main bridge “Panda Bridge.” The entire district basically worships two chunky bamboo addicts, though even that can’t compete with Japan’s full-blown cherry blossom mania.
Benten-dō became the highlight of my morning. This temple sits serenely in the middle of Shinobazu Pond, where pink swan-shaped paddle boats bobbed empty at the dock – too chilly for anyone to brave the water, which was oddly melancholic. I walked into a small ceremony in the main hall, and the atmosphere was contemplative and unhurried – a stark contrast to the tourist bustle I expected at Sensō-ji in Asakusa later. With few visitors around, there was something genuinely meditative about the space.
The temple’s island setting felt almost otherworldly, like stepping into a scene from a Miyazaki film. I made a mental note to return during full bloom season when the surroundings would transform completely.
I spotted the National Museum and Science Museum nearby – useful backup options for any rainy days ahead. While circling the pond, I also managed to book Sky Tree tickets for later in the week.
Even without the cherry blossoms, the park offered its own quiet beauty. Sometimes the anticipation of a season can be as compelling as the season itself.