Uncrowded Northern Chiba Hanami Spots

What a shock to the system we experienced freezing temperatures and snow across the Kanto region on March 22nd. In my little corner of northern Chiba Prefecture, the snow stuck while we were gripped by a cold snap after a few days of warm weather. In fact, it was so warm the week before I’d also started to wear zori without socks.

And then I wondered about the cherry blossoms. Would they endure the chilly conditions? I got out on my bicycle after the cold snap and it looks like the cherry trees have held their blooms. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has a recent and detailed cherry blossom forecast indicating that the trees will be in full bloom right on time.

In the northern part of Chiba Prefecture, close to home, there are some popular spots to stroll under the profusion of pink flowers. But some of them are not that crowded even in an average year. These are some spots that I go back to again and again to appreciate the fleeting cherry blossoms by myself.

Muryojuin

Out of the way Muryojuin for solitary hanami

Deep into Noda City’s rural landscape near the Tone River, Muryojuin, a Shingon sect temple is mostly a mortuary temple with a big cemetery. In the spring, it’s a glorious hanami spot with a spectacular shidarezakura tree in the front garden and a red gate flanked by mature cherry trees. When you visit on a weekday, you have the whole place to yourself as it’s out of the way.

Shimizu Park

The oldest cherry tree in the park, planted in 1868

In central Noda City, Shimizu Park has lots to do in any season. Within the park, Konjoin has a cherry tree planted in the first year of the Meiji era. It’s also one of the earliest to bloom. There are many more cherry trees scattered throughout the park and along the avenue to the west side. Most people put down their picnic sheets in front of the gate, but there are other lawns where you can stretch out and paths you can stroll in solitude.

Hondoji

Pink snow at Hondoji

Sometimes referred to as the Meigetsuin of the east after Kamakura’s famous temple because like its namesake, Hondoji in Matsudo City has a huge range of hydrangeas you can enjoy in the rainy season. But it’s also got some lovely cherry trees in front of the pagoda and along the paths of the gardens. It's a popular spot but nothing like more famous and crowded parks in Tokyo.

Tokiwadaira

Spend an hour walking Tokiwadaira avenue

Matsudo City’s Tokiwadaira is one of Japan’s noted 100 cherry blossom avenues. I usually start at Mabashi Station on the Joban Line which has tall cherry trees at the west exit that give you an idea of how full the blossoms may be. The avenue stretches from Route 6 to Tokiwadaira Station for about 3 kilometers with half a century-old cherry trees creating a tunnel over the street.

Issa Soju Memorial Hall

Sakuracha to warm up on a cold March day

A cute tea house in Nagareyama City, Issa Soju Memorial Hall, was the retreat of the poet Kobayashi Issa and his friend Soju. Here the pair wrote haiku while gazing out at the landscape garden. One of my favorite experiences at the house was sitting on the veranda with a warm cup of sakuracha to dream up some spring haiku. The times I've visited only a handful of visitors was there.

What's your favorite out-of-the-way cherry blossom spot in your region?