Top Parks in Japan

If you're planning to buy souvenirs, consider getting them at the end of your visit. I spent more than I planned at the start and had to cut back later!

I suggest arriving around 9 AM sharp. We got there exactly then and it was a game changer. We hit a few popular rides before the crowds rolled in.

Make sure to bring a portable charger for your phone. I wasn't thinking and my battery died while trying to take pics. It’s a total bummer when you can’t capture the fun!

Don't miss the night parade! It was magical, but I think people start lining up at least an hour beforehand for a good spot.

I suggest getting there right when the park opens at 9 AM. Trust me, it’s so peaceful then and you can avoid the crowds as you stroll through the beautiful gardens. It's way more enjoyable!

If you're planning to take photos, go for the early morning light. I messed up and went in the midday sun; it totally washed out my pics. Early birds get the best shots!

I recommend checking the seasonal highlights before you go. When I visited in spring, I missed the cherry blossoms by a week—bummed me out! Timing is everything!

My advice is to bring a packed lunch! The food in the area can be pricey, but having a little picnic on the grass is super nice, especially with the Sakura blossoms if you're lucky!

Don't buy souvenirs at the first shop you see near the castle. They are usually way overpriced. I found better stuff at stores further away from the castle entrance.

Be sure to wear comfy shoes! The park is bigger than it looks, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. I regretted wearing flip-flops as my feet hurt by the end.

If you can, visit in the early morning around 8 AM. The park is much quieter then, and you can take great photos without tons of people in the background. I loved it!

I recommend downloading an offline map before you go. Cell service got a bit spotty at times and I didn’t want to get lost while exploring the park

Don’t skip the museum. It’s small but powerful. I spent a couple of hours there, and it was totally worth the entry fee. Just be ready for some emotional moments.

I highly recommend visiting early around 8 AM before the crowds roll in. You’ll get to enjoy the park in peace and snap some great photos without too many people around.

I suggest bringing a portable charger. I found myself taking so many photos and ended up running low on battery. Good pic stoke a must while you’re there!

My advice is to wear comfortable shoes! The park is larger than it looks and involves a lot of walking. I wish I had known that before my visit!

I suggest planning your visit on a weekday. The park is less crowded and you can really soak in the atmosphere. I ended up there on a weekend and it was overrun with people!

If you want to see the pandas at Ueno Zoo, get there right when it opens at 9 am. The crowds can get crazy later, and I waited in line for ages last time. Early bird gets the panda.

Check out the cherry blossoms in spring if you can! They were absolutely stunning and so many people set up picnics. I wish I brought my own mat and snacks to enjoy the vibe instead of hunting for a spot later!

I recomment grabbing lunch at one of the street food stalls or small cafes within the park rather than paying for the sit down restaurants. The food is cheaper and really tasty, plus you can eat while exploring!

Check out the Odori Park fountains, they're stunning! However, I think it would be even better if they had more seating areas nearby to just relax and enjoy the view.

I suggest avoiding weekends if you can. It gets really crowded with local events, and finding a peaceful spot to sit becomes hard.

If you're into photography, come during the golden hour – the park looks magical then. I missed out on this and regretted it!

I recommend visiting early in the morning, like around 7 am. The park is super peaceful, and you can enjoy the morning breeze without the crowds.

I suggest visiting Yoyogi Park on a weekday if you can; it's way less crowded and you can truly enjoy the vibe without the weekend hustle.

Bring a portable charger! There are so many photo ops, and you'll want to capture all the memories without worrying about your phone dying.

Check out the Meiji Shrine while you’re there—it’s right next door and totally worth the stop. It’s peaceful and the architecture is stunning.

Don’t miss the seasonal events, like hanami in spring for cherry blossoms or summer festivals—check local listings before you go for any fun activities!

I recommend getting to Kasai-Rinkai by 9 AM. The park is super peaceful early in the morning, and you can beat the crowds while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Check the weather before you go! It can get super windy near the coast, and I ended up underdressed on a chilly day. Layer up just in case!

I suggest wearing comfortable shoes because you'll find yourself walking a lot. There's so much to explore, and you'll want to check out the seawall and flower gardens.

I suggest checking out the views of Tokyo Tower from the park, especially at sunset. It’s totally Instagrammable! Just don’t forget your camera.

If you're planning to stroll around, wear comfortable shoes. The paths can be tricky with uneven ground, and I regretted not wearing my best sneakers

Make sure to bring some snacks if you plan to chill out! There are limited food stalls nearby, and I ended up eating overpriced bento at the train station.

I think you should try to visit during cherry blossom season. It gets crowded but trust me, the views are worth it! Just go on a weekday if you can.

If you can, visit on a weekday. The weekends can get super crowded, and you'll wanna enjoy the tranquility without all the noise.

I suggest packing a picnic if you wanna save some cash on food... There are tons of nice spots to chill and eat! The benches fill up fast during lunchtime, though, so try to get there before noon

If you’re like me and enjoy a good stroll, take the time to explore all the little paths and corners of the park. It’s easy to miss the hidden gems, and trust me, it’s worth it!