Not just hanami at the Eur lakes: 5 unmissable places to admire the cherry trees in bloom in Rome

The cherry blossom season has begun, and if you want to experience the magical atmosphere of hanami in the meanders of the capital, you are in the right place: here are 5 unmissable places.

The Japan Walk to the Eur lakes

The symbolic, inevitable place. The path that runs alongside the reservoir is home to cherry trees donated by the city of Tokyo in 1959 as a gesture of friendship between the two countries. For a few days a year it transforms into a tunnel of pink petals that has nothing to envy of the parks of Kyoto. Free entry, Metro B stop Eur Palasport or Eur Fermi.

The Botanical Garden of Rome – Trastevere

On the slopes of the Janiculum, within the 12 hectares of the Sapienza Botanical Garden, there is a Japanese garden designed by architect Ken Nakajima – the same one who took care of that of the Japanese Cultural Institute. Ponds, waterfalls and cherry trees in bloom against the backdrop of the domes of Rome. From 4 to 6 April the Hanami event was held at the Botanical Garden with guided tours, ikebana, literary tours and Japanese street food. Entrance is paid.

The garden of the Japanese Cultural Institute – Valle Giulia

Few know him, and it’s a shame. In via Antonio Gramsci 74, in the Parioli district, the Japanese Cultural Institute – founded in 1962 and the first branch of the Japan Foundation abroad – houses a garden that is the first in Europe designed by a Japanese landscape architect. Eight cherry trees, a pond, rocks and lanterns: an authentic, silent corner of Japan that can be visited for free with reservation.

Via Panama – Parioli

Less known but with a fascinating history. This street in the Parioli district, once called Via del Japan, is home to a row of cherry trees which are said to have been donated by Emperor Hirohito in 1921, on the occasion of his visit to Italy. No tickets are needed and there are no queues, just an urban walk among pink petals and Art Nouveau buildings, to be repeated every April.

The Appia Antica Park

For those looking for hanami away from the crowds. Along the paths of the Parco degli Acquedotti and Caffarella, cherry trees bloom dotting a landscape that mixes Roman ruins, meadows and silence. A slow walk between history and nature, without timetables or entrances.

Happy spring!