10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Yokohama, Japan's Beautiful Port City
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, south-west of Tokyo, Yokohama is one of Japan's best known port towns. There are many things to do in the city, including amusement parks and the city's famous Chinatown area. With a refined atmosphere and easy access from Tokyo, it's a popular sightseeing spot. In the spring, there are also plenty of places in Yokohama to enjoy cherry blossom viewing. Here are our picks of the top 10 places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Yokohama!
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1. Motomachi Park (Yamate)
Motomachi Park is a quiet and pretty park in the Motomachi area of Yokohama. Around 80 sakura trees are planted in this neatly organized park. It's located fairly close to the central part of Yokohama, so it's easy to come and take a casual walk here on your way back from shopping.
There are some old western buildings from Meiji period here, which lends the park an international atmosphere. The lighthouse-like telephone booth in the park is still in operation, and is a famous spot for photo shoots among locals and tourists alike.
Standing right next to the park, Yokohama Christ Church is a historic Anglican church that was built in the mid 20th century. It is open to the public every Saturday and holds services every day except Monday, so you may want to check it out while you explore the cherry blossoms here.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Motomachi Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around an 8-minute walk from Motomachi Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line
Address: 1-77-4, Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/park/motomachi/
2. Mitsuike Park (Tsurumi)
Mitsuike Park is listed on Japan's Top 100 Sakura Viewing Sites, and features around 1,600 Sakura trees of 78 different varieties. Because of this incredible biodiversity, the cherry blossom season in this park lasts over two months, compared to the average two-week long season in other parts of Japan.
70% of the cherry blossoms in Mitsuike Park are the somei-yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) variety, which is the most common type in Japan. That said, as you wander the park, you'll likely spot a variety or two you've never seen before. Keep your eyes peeled for variations like the number of petals or the depth of color to really get a sense of the range of cherry blossoms in Japan.
There are three ponds in the park, and a popular way of enjoying the cherry blossoms is during a stroll around these areas. There is also a cottage by the pond where you can relax and have a little break while enjoying the view.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Mid February - Late April
About Mitsuike Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Take the Yokohama Municipal Bus bound for Shin-Yokohama Station from Tsurumi Station for 15 minutes. Park is located around a 3-minute walk from Mitsuike Kouen Kitamon bus stop.
Address: 1-1, Mitsuike Kouen, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.kanagawaparks.com/mitsuike/
3. Sankei-en (Motomachi Chukagai)
Sankei-en is a traditional Japanese garden with a total area of 17,5000㎡. It is located in Yokohama, but its traditional atmosphere might feel a little more like the ancient capital of Kyoto! The park features about 300 cherry blossom trees that surround the three-storied pagoda standing in the center of the park.
There is a range of beautiful architecture to see here. Some of them are designated as National Important Cultural Properties, and all look beautiful against a backdrop of the park's cherry blossoms. This park is an ideal place to get a sense of Japan's traditional spring-time scenery.
In Japan, there is a tradition called yozakura, which literally translates to "night cherry blossoms". During cherry blossom season in Sankei-en, the park opens a bit longer than usual to host some beautiful evening illuminations. You don't want to miss the majestic view of these cherry trees at night. For more about the differences between cherry blossom viewing at night, we've gone in-depth in our article, Day & Night Hanami: Annual Cherry Blossom Viewings in Japan.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Sankei-en
Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last admission: 4:30 pm) / Late March - Early April: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm（Last admission: 8:30 pm）
Closed: December 29th - 31st
Admission: General: 500 yen / Children (Age 12 or below): 200 yen
Access: Take the Yokohama Municipal Bus Route 8 or 148 from Motomachi-Chukagai Station and ride for 15 minutes. Alight at Sankeien-Iriguchi bus stop and walk for around 5 minutes.
Address: 58-1, Honmokusannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (English): www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about/index.html
Website (Japanese): www.sankeien.or.jp
4. Yokohama Negishi Forest Park (Negishi)
Yokohama Negishi Forest Park is a huge park located on top of a hill. About 350 cherry blossom trees are planted around the grass field here, which makes for an ideal spot for hanami, the name for a cherry blossom viewing picnic. People sit under these trees and enjoy their time under the blossoms with some fun conversation, food, and drinks. This is a family-friendly park and filled with kids playing with family and friends. If you want to throw a hanami picnic of your own, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Hanami Etiquette!
The park used to be a horse racing track, and some of the old facilities are still there. These buildings are not open to the public but you can still enjoy the architecture and the cherry blossoms planted around them.
The park also has a lot of other flowers such as roses and water lilies. Canola flowers, in particular, bloom around the same time as the cherry blossoms, which makes for a lovely sight that's worth seeking out.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Yokohama Negishi Forest Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 15-minute walk from Negishi Station or Yamate Station
Address: Negishidai, Kana-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): https://www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/park/negishi/
5. Ooka River (Hinode-cho)
Around 500 cherry blossom trees are planted along a 3 km stretch of Yokohama's Ooka River. Their season is relatively short, but the view when the trees are in full bloom is simply stunning.
Japanese people appreciate the sight of cherry blossoms not only when they bloom but also when the petals start to fall. The view of river boats cruising through a river of fallen petals is very special in and of itself, but if you're visiting the area, we recommend giving one of these river cruises a try for yourself!
From 6:00 pm. to 10:00 pm in the evenings, the trees along the river are illuminated. Street markets are also held along the river so visitors can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms while enjoying Japanese festive foods.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Ooka River
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 4-minute walk from Hinodecho Station
Address: 1-22, Hinode-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): river-sakura.com
6. Yamashita Park (Motomachi-Chukagai)
Yamashita Park is a park by the sea that attracts a lot of tourist attention throughout a year. The park only has 25 cherry blossom trees, but the sight of blossoms with the sea in the background is something unique to Yokohama.
Turing back to the port, you will find Yokohama Marine Tower standing watch above the trees. The white of this former lighthouse matches well with the pinks of the cherry blossoms and the blue spring sky. It also makes for a beautiful sight when the tower is lit up at night.
The big ship you'll see from the port is called Hikawa-Maru, and used to be a cargo passenger ship. It is now a museum, and makes a very photogenic sight when it's illuminated with the cherry blossom trees.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Yamashita Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 3-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station
Address: 279, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (English): www.yokohamajapan.com/things-to-do/yamashita-park/
Website (Traditional Chinese): www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/ja/tourism/courses/course.php?mid=m003
Website (Japanese): www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/ja/tourism/spot/details.php?bbid=190
7. Kishamichi Promenade (Sakuragi-cho)
Kishamichi Promenade is an unusual promenade that crosses the harbora! It creates a shortcut from the train station to the local shopping mall, Yokohama World Porters. Cherry blossoms are planted along the promenade, making this a popular site for both cherry blossoms and shopping.
At night, you can also enjoy the view the cherry blossoms and Yokohama's skyscrapers. If you like a sophisticated, urban atmosphere, this is the spot for you!
Just across the water you can spot some of Yokohama's iconic buildings including its Cosmo World Ferris wheel and the sail-shaped InterContinental Hotel Yokohama. Enjoy a springtime night walk through the cherry blossoms without having to leave the city center!
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Kishamichi Promenade
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 6-minute walk from Sakuragi-cho Station
Address: 2, Shinkou, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (English): www.yokohamajapan.com/things-to-do/kishamichi/
Website (Traditional Chinese): www.welcomeyokohama.com/tc/jingdian_nr.php?id=989
Website (Japanese): www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/ja/tourism/spot/details.php?bbid=738
8. Kamonyama Park (Sakuragi-cho)
With more than 200 cherry blossom trees on the grounds, Kamonyama Park is a popular hanami spot in Yokohama. The park is located on a hill, giving visitors a beautiful view of the city center.
In the center of the park you'll find a statue of Naosuke Ii, a prominent daimyo (feudal lord) from the 19th century Japan who promoted the opening and modernization of Japan. The statue was built when the Ii family bought the land, and is over 11 meters tall! The statue surrounded by beautiful cherry blossom trees makes a great photo spot.If you're looking for other Instagram-worthy spots in Yokohama, we've got you covered! Check out our roundup of 16 Photogenic Spots in Yokohama for all the inspiration you could want.
Although, the park is a renowned place for cherry blossom viewing, it's relatively less crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere.. You are allowed to drink in the park, so it's a good place to sit down and enjoy a Japanese hanami picnic.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Kamonyama Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 15-minute walk from Sakuragi-cho Station
Address: 57, Momijigaoka, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/nishi/miryoku/kouen/kamonyamakoen.html
9. Shomyoji-Temple (Kanazawa Bunko)
If you like Japanese culture and traditions, temples should be your go-to spots for cherry blossom viewing! Shomyoji-Temple was built in the 13th century, and was designed in the Jodo style. This type of garden is intended to replicate the Buddhist heaven, Gokuraku Jodo, and the whole temple grounds are filled with a warm and calm atmosphere.
There are about 70 cherry blossom trees throughout the grounds here, but the ones along the main approach are particularly beautiful. The branches grow over the path, so when they are in full bloom they form a cherry blossom tunnel.
The temple has one very rare species of flower, the Genpei Shidare peach blossom. These trees bloom at the same time of a year as cherry blossoms, and have both white and red flowers on the same tree. They are planted close to the gate, so make sure to keep an eye out!
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Shomyoji-Temple
Opening Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 12-minute walk from Kanazawa Bunko Station
Address: 12,Kanazawa-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.yokohama-kanazawakanko.com/spot/institution/tera/tera001.html
10. Mitsuzawa Park (Kami-cho)
Mitsuzawa Park is a athletic park that has a track and soccer field. The park is a full-scale sports facility, and even hosts the J League (Japanese professional soccer league), but it also has another face as a spot for cherry blossom viewing. In a hill on the north side of the park you'll find around 1,370 sakura trees to enjoy.
The hill is called Sakura Mountain by the locals, and is filled with cherry blossom viewers when the season comes. This area has a vast grass field, so you're likely to find a good spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the trees, even during the busy periods.
Sakura petals are fragile and fall easily in the wind or rain, but even the fallen petals are still beautiful! If you walk around the park around mid-April, you see a carpet of pink spread throughout the grounds.
Cherry Blossom Peak: Late March - Early April
About Mitsuzawa Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access: Around a 15-minute walk from Mitsuzawa Kami-cho Station on the City Metro
Address: 3-1, Mitsuzawanishi-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/park/mitsuzawa/
Conclusion
Yokohama has both traditional and modern spots for sakura viewing. It is an attractive city with a lot of sightseeing spots. Take a little break from Tokyo and enjoy the great cherry blossom views in Yokohama.
For more about cherry blossoms in Japan, check out our 2020 Cherry Blossom Forecast! There you'll find up-to-date forecasts and information about the most beautiful cherry blossom spots throughout Japan.
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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