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Published in: April 2007
    Regulars > Reviews and Commentary > Urban Escape: Tokyo
 
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Urban Escape: Tokyo
With the cherry blossom season in full swing, now is the time to visit Tokyo or add a few more days to your business schedule to enjoy this unique spectacle. We show you the most luxurious way to enjoy this vibrant city in bloom.

Tokyo is a vast, heaving metropolis that pulsates to its own vibrant beat. Blinding neon, bustling industry, and wild fashions abound. And yet, a serene, poignant sense of culture and history are omnipresent.

For the uninitiated, the best time to visit Tokyo is in late March or early April to witness one of the country's age-old attractions, the Hanami festival. Every year, for a week, the country's cherry blossoms (or Sakura) blossom in an enchanting mass explosion of colors and beauty. Hanami refers to the act of watching the flowers, which is an annual ritual for locals and visitors alike.


 

To fully enjoy the Sakura experience, one really does have to get out there and walk through the parks and green spaces, such as at Chinzan-so Gardens, where you can enjoy tea and scones at the Four Seasons Hotel. If you want a cultural experience, then join the masses and head to Ueno Park, the definitive destination to view the blossoms. There you will find 1000 cherry trees, as well as several world-class museums, a popular zoo, shrines and temples. It is best to avoid the park on weekends, however, as the crowds can be maddening, and chaotic. For a more refined experience, try sitting alfresco at Café Madu, in Omotesando, and enjoy a coffee or a glass of champagne while taking in the views of the Sakura across the way.

Besides admiring the blossoming scenery, Tokyo has plenty of activities for the discerning traveler looking for something other than a sightseeing adventure.

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