People flock to Japan during cherry blossom season to take in the mystical beauty of trees adorned with gorgeous pink flowers. Sakura season calls for springtime celebrations in Japan. You will find yourself thrust into several cultural tributes and festivals that are an ode to the cherry trees. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Japan!
Quick Jumplinks
When Is Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo?
In Japan, you can look forward to the annual cherry blossom forecast from the Japan Meteorological Corporation. This forecast can be of great help to tourists planning to catch a glimpse of the Sakura in Tokyo.
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo typically runs from late March to early April. This year, in 2024, the cherry blossoms were forecast to bloom around March 20th, with peak bloom expected in early April.
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park in Tokyo is primarily used to host events and marketplaces but it is also the best place to see Sakura in Tokyo. It is quite close to the Shinjuku area and has about 600 trees that are of a similar kind to the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, except for a slightly darker shade of pink. These trees are the early blooming variety so you would be able to admire them early on in the cherry blossom season.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Offering free entry to all, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are perfect for taking a relaxing walk and is one of the famous picnic spots in this area. The cherry trees here are of a light pink hue and are absolutely beautiful to sit under and admire throughout spring. Being in the heart of Tokyo’s city center, these gardens offer a necessary refuge from the busy city life and the tall concrete buildings. You must also visit the nearby Chidorigafuch which is a cherry blossoms-filled area with a moat running through it, where you can get a boat rental and cruise through the canal while admiring the cherry blossoms. These gardens are close to the Tokyo Station.
Showa Memorial Park
Are you looking for the best place in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms? Look no further. Located on the peaceful outskirts of Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park is a 40-minute train ride away from the bustling Shinjuku area. Also called Showa Kinen Park, this is one of the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo as it has over 1500 cherry trees, spanning over 30 different varieties of beautiful cherry blossoms. We recommend renting a bicycle here to go around the park and explore it to its fullest.
Meguro River
A gorgeous 4-kilometer-long river that is lined with over 800 cherry blossom trees, Meguro River is a sight to behold, with the petals of its beautiful cherry trees falling onto the canal, thereby creating the most picturesque spots for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo. This river offers the unique experience of lit-up cherry blossom trees at night which has a very fairytale-like feeling. Every year, the cherry blossom festival is celebrated in a grand manner at Meguro River with lots of food stalls lining the river.
Sakura Viewing Spots In Kyoto, Japan
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of the most crowded places to see cherry blossoms as many people come here to attend Hanami parties (cherry blossom viewing parties). This is a huge park that has between 800 to 1000 early-blooming cherry blossom trees. Most people plan a picnic here and it’s an amazing place to see cherry blossoms in full bloom. The gorgeous large pond in the park also adds to the picturesque nature of the park.
Sumida Park
Offering a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms during spring with the Tokyo Skytree and Sumida River, Sumida Park is a wonderful place to spend a considerable amount of time enjoying cherry blossom viewing. You will see over 1000 cherry blossom trees lining the Sumida River and you can even take a cruise through this river to enjoy the cherry blossom view. This park stretches from the Azumabashi Bridge to the Sakurabashi Bridge in Tokyo.
Asukayama Park
The Asukayama Park is quite unique as you will find a monorail that takes you from the entrance to the hilltop which has 600 cherry trees. This is an absolute favorite of both locals and tourists alike as it is one of the oldest cherry blossom viewing spots or Hanami spots in Tokyo. This is one of the most scenic spots with its red tram, spectacular views, and a variety of cherry blossoms that are both light pink and dark pink, and they’re also illuminated at night!
Rikugien Gardens
These are traditional Japanese landscape gardens that are home to a breathtaking large weeping cherry tree which is lit up after dark and is almost 50 feet tall. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo, this lush and zen garden is perfect to visit for a peaceful afternoon or evening. It is full of lush trees that would have pockets of bright color during springtime. The large pond in this garden makes it all the more peaceful.
Must-Visit Places In Tokyo
The Best Hotels For Viewing Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
Tucked away within Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, a sprawling 50,000 square meter garden acts as a tranquil escape in the heart of the bustling city.
This urban oasis boasts a magnificent display of cherry blossoms, with around 100 trees encompassing 20 different varieties. The cherry blossom season starts in February, with early bloomers like the Kawazu cherry and winter-flowering cherry taking center stage.
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo is a short distance from Keikyu Shinagawa Station. Right outside, a vast Japanese garden encompassing roughly 20,000 square meters unfolds before you. This captivating landscape is home to 210 cherry trees boasting an impressive diversity of 17 distinct varieties.
Among these are the Kawazu-sakura, known for their early blooms starting in February, the delicate Somei Yoshino, and the Kanzan, which graces the scene with its late-blooming beauty in April. This offers a prolonged opportunity to witness this captivating natural spectacle.
New Otani Inn Tokyo
The hotel boasts a sprawling 40,000-square-meter Japanese garden bordering the outer moat of Edo Castle. This garden is a haven for cherry blossom enthusiasts, featuring 58 trees of 19 varieties, including mountain cherry, Somei Yoshino, and double-flowered specimens.
Best Hotels In Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo typically bloom in late March to early April. For the most up-to-date forecast, you can check Japan Meteorological Corporation around the beginning of the year.
Which are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
To experience cherry blossoms in Tokyo, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for its diverse blooms, Ueno Park for a lively hanami atmosphere with locals, Chidorigafuchi near the Imperial Palace to enjoy the blossoms from a boat on the moat, Meguro River for a peaceful escape, and Inokashira Park with its swan boats and shrines.
What is Hanami?
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. It involves gathering under the cherry blossoms to enjoy their beauty, often with picnics, food, and drinks.
Are there any festivals or events during the cherry blossom season?
Yes, several festivals and events take place during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. These events often feature nighttime illuminations of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, creating a magical atmosphere.
Which are the best places to see Sakura in Japan?
Some of the most popular destinations for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan include Tokyo, Kyoto, Yoshino in Kansai, Himeji Castle in Kansai, Fuji Five Lakes in Chubu, and Hirosaki Castle in Tohoku.
