Aoyama Cemetery, Tokyo - a cemetery with a large rock in the middle of it
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Aoyama Cemetery Tokyo

4.4
·311 reviews·Minato City, Japan

A serene government cemetery renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms and peaceful atmosphere, offering a unique blend of remembrance and public spac...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late March - Early April

Peak cherry blossom season

CrowdHigh
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Aoyama Cemetery, Tokyo - a cemetery with a large rock in the middle of it

Aoyama Cemetery Tokyo

Best Time

Late March - Early April

Peak cherry blossom season

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene government cemetery renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms and peaceful atmosphere, offering a unique blend of remembrance and public space.

4.4
(311 reviews)

"A peaceful escape with breathtaking cherry blossoms, a unique blend of solemnity and public enjoyment."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during late March/early April for stunning sakura. Weekdays are best to avoid crowds.

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Wanderer

It's a popular walking spot, but remember it's a cemetery. Be mindful and quiet.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cherry Blossom Avenue

Cherry Blossom Avenue

Central path

A breathtaking tunnel of cherry blossoms in spring, creating a magical, ethereal atmosphere.

Foreigner's Section

Foreigner's Section

Western part

Discover unique gravestones and historical figures, offering a glimpse into international connections.

Peaceful Stroll

Peaceful Stroll

Various paths

Enjoy a tranquil walk amidst lush greenery and quiet contemplation, a serene escape from the city bustle.

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Aoyama Cemetery is a place of rest. While it's a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and walks, remember to be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the grounds. Keep noise levels down and avoid disruptive behavior.

Best Time for Blooms

If cherry blossoms are your main draw, aim for late March to early April. This is peak season, but also the busiest. Consider weekdays to avoid the largest crowds enjoying the sakura.

Best Times

When
Late March - Early April
Why
Peak cherry blossom season
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Nighttime
Why
Eerily quiet escape
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Want to visit a cemetery but don't want to be disrespectful.

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during late March/early April for stunning sakura. Weekdays are best to avoid crowds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Wanderer

It's a popular walking spot, but remember it's a cemetery. Be mindful and quiet. Reddit

reddit.com

A Grave Mistake You Should NOT Make

reddit.com

What are your favorite places to walk around at night in Tokyo?

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great for photography, especially during cherry blossom season. Capture the serene beauty. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly Paths

Many locals walk their dogs here; it's a pleasant, open space. Reddit

reddit.com

Tokyo walking day suggestions

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Cherry Blossom Peak

Visit during late March/early April for stunning sakura. Weekdays are best to avoid crowds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Respectful Wanderer

It's a popular walking spot, but remember it's a cemetery. Be mindful and quiet. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great for photography, especially during cherry blossom season. Capture the serene beauty. Reddit

🐕 Dog-Friendly Paths

Many locals walk their dogs here; it's a pleasant, open space. Reddit

🌃 Nighttime Serenity

Experience an eerily quiet and unique atmosphere after dark. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(311 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Aoyama Cemetery is appreciated for its serene atmosphere and stunning cherry blossoms, offering a peaceful escape and unique photographic opportunities. While some find the nighttime eerily quiet, most visitors enjoy its tranquil beauty and the distinct character of its sections.

"Interesting cemetery with Japanese and foreign sectors and the most notable grave there is the grave of Hachiko and his owner"

Stefan Odd Gruszczynski

"Passed there by mistake on my way to Roppongi, and I thought it was a beautiful quiet area in the middle of the city. Quite interesting. Beautiful boulevard in the center lined with trees in north sides."

Haggai Be'er

"A quiet, clean and well-kept place, with lots of wonderful plants and special funerary monuments, including Hatchiko's monument, next to that of his master. Suitable place for walking, meditation, especially in cherry blossom season."

Amalia Bindea

What People Like

Beautiful cherry blossoms
Peaceful atmosphere
Unique foreigner section

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during peak season

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aoyama Cemetery is accessible via public transport. The closest stations are Nogizaka Station (Chiyoda Line) and Aoyama-Itchome Station (Ginza, Hanzomon, Toei-Shinjuku Lines). From Shinjuku, you can take a long walk through or around Shinjuku Park to reach it. Reddit

Yes, it's a large, well-known government-run cemetery. Its central location makes it relatively easy to access from many parts of Tokyo. Reddit

A decent long walk is possible from Shinjuku, passing through or around Shinjuku Park and then heading towards Aoyama Cemetery. Reddit

The Chiyoda Line to Nogizaka Station or the Ginza/Hanzomon/Toei-Shinjuku Lines to Aoyama-Itchome Station are convenient options. Reddit

While it's a public space, dedicated visitor parking is limited. Public transport is highly recommended for easier access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Aoyama Cemetery is a public park-like space and generally free to enter. Reddit

The cemetery is typically open 24 hours, making it accessible for nighttime strolls. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter Aoyama Cemetery. Reddit

Yes, Aoyama Cemetery is known for being eerily quiet and a good escape at night. Reddit

It's generally accessible at all times, offering a unique nighttime experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere

Absolutely! It's renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and offers a serene, picturesque environment for photography year-round. Reddit

It's a peaceful and tranquil place, often described as a pleasant park. People walk dogs, take photos, and children play, creating a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. Reddit

The peak cherry blossom season, typically late March to early April, offers the most stunning photographic opportunities. Reddit

While photography is generally allowed, always be respectful. Avoid intrusive shots and be mindful of the solemnity of the location. Reddit

The foreigner's section features a variety of unique gravestone designs and commemorates historical figures, offering a different perspective than the Japanese section. Reddit

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy peaceful walks, admire the cherry blossoms in spring, explore the distinct Japanese and Foreigner sections, and find a quiet spot for contemplation. Reddit

Yes, it's a very pleasant place for a walk. Many locals use it for exercise and relaxation, with people walking dogs and enjoying the open space. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available. However, there are no cafes or shops within the cemetery itself, so plan accordingly. Reddit

You can spend anywhere from an hour for a quick stroll to several hours if you wish to explore thoroughly, especially during cherry blossom season. Reddit

While it's a government-run cemetery, it has become a popular spot, especially for its cherry blossoms and as a pleasant place for a walk. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Aoyama Cemetery can be a surprisingly pleasant outing for families, especially during cherry blossom season. The wide paths make it easy for strollers, and the open green spaces offer room for children to move around. It's a great opportunity to teach children about nature and respectful behavior in a calm environment. Reddit

While it's a cemetery, the atmosphere is often relaxed, with many locals using it as a park. The cherry blossom avenue is particularly magical for kids during spring. Just ensure children understand the importance of being quiet and respectful of the resting places. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers

For solo travelers or those who enjoy a good walk, Aoyama Cemetery is an excellent choice. It offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying the scenery. The Foreigner's Section provides an interesting historical element to explore. Reddit

Nighttime visits offer a unique, albeit eerie, experience for those seeking solitude and a different perspective on Tokyo. Reddit The accessibility via public transport makes it easy to incorporate into any itinerary. Remember to be mindful of the surroundings and any local customs. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Aoyama Cemetery is a dream for photographers, especially during the spring cherry blossom season. The iconic cherry blossom avenue creates stunning, ethereal shots. Beyond the blossoms, the diverse gravestones in the Foreigner's Section offer unique architectural and historical subjects. Reddit

Even outside of spring, the cemetery's mature trees, winding paths, and serene atmosphere provide ample opportunities for capturing beautiful, contemplative imagery. Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Aoyama Cemetery: More Than Just Graves

Aoyama Cemetery, a sprawling government-run resting place in Tokyo, offers a unique dual experience. It's not just a site of remembrance but also a beloved public space, particularly famous for its stunning cherry blossom displays in spring. The cemetery is divided into distinct sections, including a Japanese section and a Foreigner's Section, each with its own architectural and historical character. Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere, where locals can be seen walking their dogs, enjoying a quiet stroll, or simply taking in the greenery. Reddit

This blend of solemnity and public enjoyment makes Aoyama Cemetery a fascinating destination. The Foreigner's Section is particularly noteworthy, featuring a diverse array of gravestones that tell stories of international connections and historical figures. It provides a different visual and historical perspective compared to the more traditional Japanese graves. The cemetery's accessibility and open nature mean it's not just for those paying respects, but also for those seeking a tranquil escape within the bustling city. Reddit

For those interested in photography, the cherry blossom avenue is a must-see during peak season (late March to early April). The trees form a breathtaking canopy, creating an almost magical tunnel of pink. Even outside of blossom season, the cemetery's mature trees and well-maintained paths offer a serene backdrop for photography. It's a place where one can find both quiet reflection and visual beauty, making it a surprisingly popular and rewarding spot for visitors. Reddit+1

Navigating Aoyama Cemetery: Practicalities

Getting to Aoyama Cemetery is straightforward, with several subway lines offering convenient access. The closest stations are Nogizaka (Chiyoda Line) and Aoyama-Itchome (Ginza, Hanzomon, Toei-Shinjuku Lines). For those starting from Shinjuku, a longer but scenic walk is possible, passing through or around Shinjuku Park. Reddit The cemetery itself is a large, open space, and while it's a place of rest, it's also treated as a public park by many. This means you'll often see people enjoying leisurely walks, exercising, or even walking their dogs. Reddit

While the cemetery is generally open 24 hours, offering a unique nighttime experience for the adventurous, most visitors prefer daytime exploration. Facilities like restrooms are available, but there are no cafes or shops within the grounds, so it's advisable to bring any snacks or drinks you might need. The cemetery's serene environment makes it ideal for photography, especially during the cherry blossom season, but always remember to be respectful of the surroundings. Reddit+1

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