Spring is a great time to see Sakura or cherry blossom which can be seen in many parks, streets and rivers.
One great place to see cherry blossom is along the Ookagawa river in Yokohama. This is located between Sakuragicho station on the JR Negishi line and Gumyoji Station on the Keikyu Line.
This is a pleasant five kilometre walk which follows the river all the way from Sakuragicho to Gumyoji making it very easy to enjoy. Just in case you don’t feel like walking the whole distance you can easily take the train from several stations on the Keikyu line which runs parallel to this river.
If you’re feeling energetic, I would highly recommend making a slight detour up to Yokohama Navios Hotel, opposite World Porters shopping centre. This area offers some great panoramic views of the Minato-Mirai area including Landmark Tower, (the third tallest structure in Japan), Landmark Plaza, Queens Square and a giant Ferris Wheel.
To get there, simply exit Sakuragicho Station from the left hand side, crossing the main set of traffic lights directly ahead. You will see Cross Gate shopping centre on your right. Follow this road all the way to the next set of traffic lights then cross over the main road and carry on walking along several old railways bridges up to the entrance of Navios Hotel. After taking in the sights head back the same way towards Sakuragicho station.
To get to the Ookagawa river from Sakuragicho Station turn right and head towards an underpass, then follow the signs leading to the Noge-Cho exit. Once outside this exit there should be a Lawson convenience store on your right. Follow this road for about 500 metres until you reach a big crossing. Turn left where you can immediately see the Ookagawa river.
From this point you can follow the entire river all the way to Gumyoji where you can see many pleasant local shops, restaurants and cafes which offer plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation.
Depending on your pace and how many ‘pit-stops’ you make, this walk can easily be done in under two hours.
You will soon notice that there are many bridges along this river. Whenever you reach one of these don’t forget to look back in the direction towards Sakuragicho for some great photo opportunities. Some good places for doing this are; 黄金橋 Kougane-cho- bashi, 末吉橋 Suiyoshi-bashi, or 太田橋 Oota-bashi.
Along the way you can see many stalls selling a wide variety of delicious food, sweets and, of course, drinks. I would highly recommend trying some toffee apples or chocolate covered bananas!
Towards the end of your walk you will reach Gumyoji where the station is about 5 minutes away; follow the indoor shopping arcade to get there.
Before reaching the station you might be interested in visiting Gumyo-ji Temple 弘明時観音 which is located on the left hand side of the street opposite Doutor Coffee shop. After climbing a staircase you will be rewarded with a pleasant view of the street below as well as the temple itself which has several interesting sculptures.
When you’re finished, go down the stairs and walk several minutes to the station where the train back to Yokohama takes about 10 minutes.
