View on Map
Discover Details:
Park of the Studio "Universal"
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.
Check out the food options before you go. I regrets not looking it up - some places are way overpriced and not that great. Look for places that locals recommend.
Shinjuku Gyoen
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!
Osaka Castle Park
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
I suggest packing a light lunch and a couple of drinks. There are nice spots by the cherry blossom trees to sit and relax, rather than eating at crowded cafes.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
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!
Look out for the free guided walking tours available in the area. I stumbled upon one and learned so much more than I would have on my own. Super helpful and impactful!
Try to grab lunch at one of the nearby local eateries instead of the big chains. The authentic Japanese food is an experience in itself and is usually a lot cheaper too.
Ueno Park
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!
If you're planning to visit the museums in the park, my advice is to allocate a whole day. The Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science are huge and worth the time! I rushed through and wished I had stayed longer
Sapporo Odori Park
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.
My advice is to bring a light picnic. There are plenty of green spots to chill, and grabbing a snack from a nearby konbini is budget-friendly and delish.
Yoyogi Park
Wear comfy shoes! The park is pretty big, and you'll want to stroll around and explore all the hidden spots without sore feet.
Bring a picnic! You can grab food from nearby shops and enjoy a relaxing lunch under the trees—way cheaper and more fun than eating out
If you’re into people-watching, head to the large open area near the entrance around 2 PM on weekends. You’ll catch live performers and interesting locals.
Kasai-Rinkai
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.
Shiba
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.
My advice is to explore the lesser-known spots within the park. I stumbled upon a cute little tea house that was a highlight of my trip!
Hibiya Park
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!