We rented our swan boat during the peak cherry blossom viewing season which offered a break from the crowds admiring the quintessential Japanese blooms and obscuring almost every walkway.  Our float around the pond provided some relaxation and great views of the cherry blossoms!

If you aren’t floating away a half hour in a swan, you can rent a more nondescript pedal-powered boat, or go for the traditional row boat like the couple below.

Looks romantic doesn’t it?  I wouldn’t know – I was in a swan with my mother-in-law sitting between my husband and I…

I still can’t think of a better way to relax on a sunny spring afternoon during cherry blossom season in Japan, can you?

Shinobazu Pond Boat Rental

Take the Shinobazu exit from JR Ueno station and take the short stroll to the east side of Shinobazu Pond.  Take the bridge to Benzaiten Temple and continue past the the temple and across another bridge to the rental boat dock. Ueno Map (PDF)

Cost: Y600 – 700 for 30 minutes depending on which vessel you choose.
Hours:  Daily from 9:30AM – 5PM

Image Credit:  Personal Collection