At the KNOT TOKYO SHINJUKU, we offer bike rentals to both our guests and visitors in Tokyo with our good friends at Tokyobike Rentals.

During the peak of the sakura cherry blossom season, when the lush green parks turn pale pink, we held our OH!Hanami Bike Tour over one weekend.

The word “Ohanami” means flower viewing in Japanese. In Japan, people take this very short 2-week window to celebrate and watch these temporary and beautiful flowers bloom, by having picnics under the sakura trees.

As we departed for our bike tour from THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku, we were met by clear skies and a slightly cool breeze. Our route took us through local roads, passing in between small neighbourhoods, cafes, shops and bakeries.

Our first stop: KITIN, a very small bakery in Daitabashi, specializing in handmade chocolate and select baked goods. When Valentine’s Day and White Day* rolls around, KITIN is a local must for finding the perfect gift for your loved ones, friends and family.

*March 14th in Japan- typically when men return gifts to women

As we biked through local parks and neighborhoods, we stopped by some very residential and hidden spots to view the blossoms.

Riding along the Zenpukuji River in West Tokyo, we finally reached our destination, a local park of Suginami located some 10km away from THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku. We celebrated the short blossoming of sakura, with a Hanami picnic under the trees, drinking coffee and eating KITIN sweets and tasty handmade sandwiches, from our very own MORETHAN bakery.

With a beautiful view and wonderful company, we wrapped up a weekend of hanami and bike-riding. Here at THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku, we look forward to exploring Tokyo with Tokyobike and all the explorers that join us throughout the year. Stay tuned for future rides by checking our website.