Somei Cemetery
A serene cemetery famous for its namesake Somei Yoshino cherry trees, offering a peaceful escape and stunning floral displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene cherry blossom viewing
Somei Cemetery
Best Time
Serene cherry blossom viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene cemetery famous for its namesake Somei Yoshino cherry trees, offering a peaceful escape and stunning floral displays.
"A peaceful place here, especially during cherry blossom season."
🚶♀️ Walk from Komagome Station
Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms along the road by taking the Komagome Station route. :cherry_blossom:
🤫 Quiet Respect is Key
Remember this is a cemetery; eating, drinking, and loud noises are prohibited. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Somei Yoshino Cherry Trees
Throughout the cemetery
Witness the breathtaking bloom of approximately 100 cherry trees, the namesake of the Somei Yoshino variety.
Foreigner (Gaijin) Section
Designated area
Discover a unique section with traditional tomb-body burials for foreigners, including notable figures.
Illuminated Cherry Blossoms
Throughout the cemetery
Experience the magical illumination of cherry trees, with colors changing throughout the evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Cherry Blossoms
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Komagome Station
Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms along the road by taking the Komagome Station route. :cherry_blossom:
🤫 Quiet Respect is Key
Remember this is a cemetery; eating, drinking, and loud noises are prohibited. :pray:
📸 Photographers Welcome
Many photographers visit, especially for wild birds and the cherry blossoms. :camerawithflash:
🌸 Check Bloom Status
Bloom status varies; check local reports for peak flowering, often around early April. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Komagome Station
Enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms along the road by taking the Komagome Station route. :cherry_blossom:
🤫 Quiet Respect is Key
Remember this is a cemetery; eating, drinking, and loud noises are prohibited. :pray:
📸 Photographers Welcome
Many photographers visit, especially for wild birds and the cherry blossoms. :camerawithflash:
🌸 Check Bloom Status
Bloom status varies; check local reports for peak flowering, often around early April. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Somei Cemetery is highly praised for its stunning cherry blossoms, particularly the namesake Somei Yoshino variety, offering a peaceful and beautiful viewing experience. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere, the unique 'Gaijin' section, and the magical evening illuminations. While it's a cemetery, its natural beauty draws many, though respect for the solemnity of the grounds is paramount.
"Not small Tokyo government public Somei Cemetery here. Not sure how old, but well kept up. I was interested to find a foreigner Gaijin section also, obviously with tomb-body style burial, not current cremation. A missionary Rev. G.E. Woodhall, a Scottish man from Glasgow who succombed to cholera in 1886, and an “Oriental Nightengale” was the only grave with a special recent post and flowers. Not sure of this person or story."
Harold Archer
"A peaceful place here"
Caba1a
"The illumination of the Somei Yoshino cherry trees has begun again this year. The color of the illumination here changes depending on the time of day. It looks like they're about 30% in bloom right now, but when they're in full bloom, the approximately 100 cherry trees will be a sight to behold. Because it's a cemetery, there are no revelers and it's a place where you can quietly admire the flowers.
Added 4/4: They'll probably be in full bloom tomorrow!"
Michael Su
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Somei Cemetery is accessible via public transport. It's about a 10-minute walk from both Komagome Station and Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line. The Komagome Station route is recommended for its scenic cherry blossoms along the way.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark, especially during cherry blossom season. Follow signs from Komagome or Sugamo stations.
Limited parking may be available, but public transport is generally more convenient due to potential congestion during peak seasons.
Many visitors enjoy walking from Komagome Station, taking in the cherry blossoms lining the streets.
Local bus routes serve the areas around Komagome and Sugamo stations, providing further access options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Somei Cemetery is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. Admission is free for all visitors.
As a cemetery, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific closing times may vary, but it's typically open from morning until early evening. It's best to check for any seasonal adjustments.
The cemetery is most popular during cherry blossom season, typically early April, when the Somei Yoshino trees are in full bloom.
While the cemetery is generally open during daylight, special illuminations for cherry blossoms sometimes occur in the evenings, offering a unique viewing experience.
Visitors are expected to be respectful. Eating, drinking, and loud activities are prohibited as it is a place of remembrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Somei Cemetery is a dream for photographers, especially during cherry blossom season. The serene atmosphere, combined with the stunning blooms and unique gravestones, offers incredible shots. Photographers often capture wild birds here too.
Focus on the avenues lined with cherry trees, the 'Gaijin' section for its unique gravestones, and any areas with particularly striking floral arrangements. The illuminated blossoms at night are also a popular subject.
While tripods are generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and ensure you are not obstructing pathways or disturbing the peace. It's always best to be discreet.
The main restriction is to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography of mourners or their graves. Focus on the natural beauty and the historical aspects of the cemetery.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination for cherry blossoms. Evening illuminations provide a dramatic, ethereal glow. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Gardens
The cemetery is famous for its numerous Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which are a hybrid variety said to have originated in the Somei area. You'll also find fresh greenery contributing to the serene landscape.
The cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom in early April. The exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.
While cherry blossoms are the main floral attraction, the cemetery also features fresh greenery and other seasonal plants that contribute to its tranquil ambiance.
Yes, some visitors have noted groups of photographers looking for wild birds within the cemetery grounds, suggesting it's a habitat for local avian life.
No, picnics are strictly prohibited in Somei Cemetery as it is a place of remembrance and quiet contemplation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. This allows for a more peaceful experience and gives children space to observe without feeling overwhelmed. The 'Gaijin' section might spark curiosity about different cultures and histories, offering a subtle learning opportunity. Remember to bring water bottles that can be consumed outside the cemetery grounds before or after your visit.
📸 Photographers
Early mornings are ideal for capturing soft, diffused light that enhances the delicate colors of the blossoms. The evening illuminations offer a dramatic and ethereal mood, with changing colors creating a magical scene. Be prepared for other photographers, particularly during peak bloom, and always be mindful of respecting the solemnity of the location. Look for opportunities to capture local wildlife, as some visitors have noted the presence of wild birds.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Enthusiasts
Plan your visit for early April, but always check bloom forecasts as they can vary. Consider visiting on a weekday to experience the blossoms with fewer crowds. The cemetery's quiet ambiance allows for a deeper appreciation of the transient beauty. The evening illuminations provide a different, enchanting perspective on the blossoms, transforming the landscape into a glowing wonderland.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Origin of the Somei Yoshino Cherry
During cherry blossom season, the cemetery transforms into a sea of delicate pink and white. Visitors can wander through the grounds, admiring the blossoms that frame the gravestones, creating a poignant and beautiful contrast. The illumination events held in the evenings add another layer of magic, with the trees glowing in changing colors, offering a serene and unique viewing experience away from the usual festive crowds found in parks.
Beyond the cherry blossoms, the cemetery itself is a place of historical significance, housing the graves of notable figures such as Okakura Tenshin, Takamura Koun, Takamura Kotaro, and Futabatei Shimei. This blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Somei Cemetery a uniquely tranquil and historically rich destination.
Navigating Somei Cemetery: Etiquette and Experience
Despite being a cemetery, it has become a popular spot for appreciating the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. During peak bloom, you might encounter other visitors, including photographers and locals enjoying the scenery. However, the atmosphere remains significantly more subdued than in public parks. The presence of a dedicated 'Gaijin' (foreigner) section adds a unique historical dimension, with gravestones of early foreign residents, including missionaries and diplomats, offering a glimpse into Japan's past interactions with the West.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Mornings offer a peaceful experience with soft light, ideal for photography and quiet contemplation. Evenings can be magical with special illuminations, though they may attract more visitors. The cemetery is easily accessible by train, with a pleasant walk from nearby stations, often lined with more cherry trees, enhancing the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit