【2018 Edition】10 Select Spots in Tokyo for Great Photos of Cherry Blossoms

1. Sumida Park

This is a park that has been renowned for its cherry blossoms since the Edo Period (1603 - 1867). It spans across Taito Ward to the west of Sumida River and Sumida Ward to the east, and has approximately 640 cherry blossoms over a span of about 1km from Azuma Bridge to Sakura Bridge. The cherry blossoms are lit up in the evening, and it is also popular to see the blossoms from roofed pleasure boats. TOKYO SKYTREE, which is nearby, is also lit up in cherry-blossom themed colors during the season so you can enjoy the combined view of the tower and the cherry blossoms at night. The park is along a river, so there is an unobstructed view of SKYTREE.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April

2. Ueno Park

This is one of the most famous spots in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms and approximately 2 million people visit each year for the cherry blossoms. There are about 800 cherry trees in the park that are lit up in the evening by the glow of 800 paper lanterns. The blossoms in the area from Hakamagoshi Square near the Shinobazu-guchi entrance to the Funsui-ike pond are particularly beautiful.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April

3. Chidorigafuchi

This is a path that runs approximately 700m along the moat of the Imperial Palace and is one of Tokyo\'s most famous spots to see cherry blossoms. During the peak of the season, approximately 260 cherry blossoms bloom and can be enjoyed from a variety of different places, such as the bridges over the moat. The recommended way of seeing them is from a rowboat on the moat. The cherry blossoms can look quite different when seen from the moat.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April
Boat rental fee: 800 JPY/30 minutes during the cherry blossom season

4. Rikugien Gardens

This is a garden that was built in 1702 and is considered a place of special scenic beauty. There are approximately 40 cherry trees on the grounds, of which the weeping cherry tree, which is a symbol of the park, is a must see. It is a huge tree that is 15m high and 20m wide with beautiful weeping branches of blossoms that is reminiscent of a waterfall. The park is lit up with mystical lights in the evening. There is a Fukiage Chaya teahouse on the grounds where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms with matcha green tea and Japanese sweets.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Mid-March - early April
Entrance fee: 300 JPY/general, 150 JPY/age 65 and older, free for elementary school age and younger

5. Meguro River

Meguro River, which flows through the wards of Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa into Tokyo Bay, is one of Tokyo\'s most popular spots to see the cherry blossoms. The approximately 800 cherry blossoms along a stretch of about 3.8km between Ikejiri Ohashi and the Kamenoko Bridge under the Tokyu Meguro Line blossom beautifully in the spring. There are also many chic shops and cafes along the river, so be sure to visit. The blossoms are also lit up beautifully in the evenings.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April

6. Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is an area with great natural beauty despite being in the middle of a metropolis, just three minutes from Harajuku Station, the holy site of Japan\'s "kawaii" culture. It has approximately 700 cherry trees of different varieties. The Central Plaza is the recommended spot to view the cherry blossoms in this vast park. You can sit on the wide swath of lawn in the spacious plaza and relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April

7. Inokashira Park

This is a park that is symbolic of the town of Kichijoji, a town full of trendy shops. The park has about 500 cherry trees and the recommended spot to see the blossoms is around Inokashira Pond, which has a history dating back to the Edo Period. Take a boat ride through the falling petals and you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view of cherry blossoms all around you.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April
Boat rental fee: 600 JPY/30 minutes and other rates depending on the type of boat

8. Asukayama Park

This park has been famous for its cherry blossoms since the Edo Period. It is on a hill, so you can enjoy the fantastic scenery created by approximately 600 cherry blossoms from below and above. Take a ride on the monorail on the grounds for easy transportation with a fabulous view of the cherry blossoms.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - late April
Monorail: Free

9. Hibiya Park

This is a famous park that was opened over 100 years ago. It has great historical value as the first Western-style park in Japan. The park has numerous fountains, large and small, and a variety of ponds, and is full of flowers including cherry blossoms. It is a place where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure. In particular, the Seagull Plaza, with a fountain that surrounds a seagull statue, is a recommended spot to view the cherry blossoms.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Late March - early April

10. Shakujii Park

This park is on the site of the resident castle of Toshima, a warrior lord who was active at the end of the Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333). It is also famous as the park with the Numazawa Plant Community, which is designated as a natural treasure of the country, and is popular for its untouched nature and the beauty of its rows of cherry blossoms. The recommended spots to see the cherry blossoms are around two ponds with different characteristics: The Sanpoji Pond, which is a relatively quiet area to see the blossoms at your leisure, and the more crowded Shakujii Pond area.

Usual peak time for the cherry blossoms: Mid-March - mid-April

There are still some cold days in the spring, especially if you are going to see the blossoms at night, so be sure to dress warmly.