10 Best Spots for Enjoying Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo: Japanese Springtime is All About Sakura!
If we’re talking about Japanese flowers, cherry blossoms are the first to spring to mind. Called "sakura" in Japanese, this flower has been loved by Japanese people since olden times as a flower that heralds the warm springtime. The culture of hanami, or flower viewing, where you watch the sakura while drinking and having fun, was born in Japan. There are many spots in Tokyo with beautiful sakura! To help you plan, here 10 particularly recommended spots for enjoying cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
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1. Ueno Onshi Park, Ueno
Popularly known as Ueno Park, with an art gallery and a zoo, this is a hugely popular spot for everyday hangouts and sightseeing. During sakura (cherry blossom) season, it’s even livelier. The spacious park has about 800 sakura trees of 50 different species planted here and when they bloom, the park is painted in pink.
There are lots of people who enjoy sitting under the sakura trees, drinking and talking. Among them, there are also the drunk people singing loudly or sleeping. It’s a perfect place for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the lively Japanese hanami atmosphere.
You can also ride the boats on the Shinobazu pond in the park and enjoy hanami. There are normally rowboats but why not try riding the cute, swan-shaped, foot-propelled boats? Your hands will be free so you can take photos and videos as you move around.
If you're visiting Ueno, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Ueno, Japan's Leading Arts and Culture Hub!
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Ueno Onshi Park
Opening hours: 5:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: 2 minute walk from Ueno Station
Address: 5-20, Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp/jigyo/park/kouenannai/park/ueno/index_top.html
2. Meguro River, Meguro
In Japan, sakura are planted along the roads and rivers so while you’re walking, there are many sakura trees that you can enjoy looking at. Among these, one of the most well-known and popular places is Meguro River and its rows of sakura trees. There are about 800 sakura trees planted along a 4 km stretch of this river.
Looking at the sakura along Meguro River from the ground is the norm, but you can also enjoy it from the river itself. Because the sakura branches hang over the side of the river, you can gaze at the flowers up close. You can enjoy the beautiful spectacle of the surface of the river being colored pink when the sakura falls.
For the duration of the sakura blooming season, the area is lit up until 9pm. The sakura that are illuminated by the gentle light from the paper lanterns have a magical atmosphere that’s totally different from the daytime.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Meguro River
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Price/fee: Free
Access: 2 minute walk from Meguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko line.
Address: 1-13-7 ,Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): meguro-kanko.or.jp
3. Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen is located in the metropolis of Shinjuku with its many rows of skyscrapers. Inside the park, there are about 1,100 sakura trees blooming with about 65 different varieties. Because their blooming times vary, you can enjoy looking at the flowers for up to a month when usually it’s only about 2 weeks.
When you’re surrounded by so much nature inside the park, you tend to forget that you’re actually in Shinjuku. However, based on the angle you're at, you can also see lots of skyscrapers. The unique combination of the skyscrapers and the sakura is a great Tokyo-esque springtime scene to capture with your camera.
There is an entrance fee and because it’s forbidden to bring alcohol, the park has a calm atmosphere. A recommended spot for anyone who wants to view the flowers quietly.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Late April
About Shinjuku Gyoen
Opening hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed: Mondays (Except March 25 - April 24, November 1 - 15)
Price/fee: Adults: 200 yen, Elementary/Middle School Students: 50 yen, Infants: Free
Access: 5 minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen-Mae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line
Address: 11, Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): fng.or.jp/shinjuku/
4. Chidorigafuchi, Kudanshita
The Imperial Palace where the Emperor of Japan resides was once the site of Edo Castle. The remains of this castle is still in the vicinity of the Imperial Palace. In spring, Chidorigafuchi which is the walkway that runs along the west side of the Imperial Palace, has around 260 sakura trees in bloom. Here you can gaze at the sakura blossoms while walking, jogging, or even riding in a boat.
The walkway around the Imperial Palace is spacious and has many paths where vehicles are forbidden so you can relax, take your time and view the flowers. It’s also great so sit on a bench under the sakura and eat a bento (boxed lunch).
During the Chiyoda Sakura Festival, the area is illuminated and even the boats continue business during the night. Looking up from the water at the magical sakura at night is bound to be a memory you’ll never forget. Also, on days when it isn’t windy, the surface of the water is like a mirror and the sakura reflected on the surface is even more beautiful.
We've got plenty of suggestions for how to enjoy this beautiful area of Tokyo. For more about what to do here, read our guide to 20 Spots for Enjoying a Relaxed Stroll in the Hanzomon Area of Tokyo.
Peak Cherry Blossom Season: Late March - Early April
About Chidorigafuchi
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: 5 minute walk from Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku/Hanzomon/Tozai lines.
Address: Sanban-cho, Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): fng.or.jp/koukyo/
5. Yasukuni Shrine, Kudanshita
Yasukuni Shrine which is highly popular with tourists has about 500 sakura trees planted on the grounds. During the sakura season, there are food stalls inside the shrine so if you get a little hungry, go ahead and have fun walking around and eating. It’s close to the Imperial Palace, so it's easy to fit into your travel plans.
Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 making it a comparatively new shrine. However, the Japanese-style structures goes extraordinarily well together with the sakura. You may feel like you've gone back in time!
Yasukuni Shrine is always quite crowded during sakura blooming season. If you want to see the sakura at a more quiet time then you can try the main shrine which is a little bit separated. If you roam inside for a bit, you just might find a flower viewing spot all to yourself.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Yasukuni Shrine
Opening hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm (January, February, November, December), 6:00 - am 6:00 pm (March - October)
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: 5 minute walk from Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai/Hanzomon/Toei Shinjuku lines
Address: 3-1-1, Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (English): www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/index.html
Website (Japanese): www.yasukuni.or.jp
6. Asukayama Park, Oji
Asukayama Park is a park in Oji, Kita-ku which is the Northern part of Tokyo. It’s been famous as a place for sakura for 300 years. To get there, you should definitely ride the last remaining tram in Tokyo on the Toden Arakawa line. It’s quite lovely getting to see the sakura from the window of the retro tram.
Inside the park, there are about 600 sakura trees. The entirety of the park is actually a small mountain so the park goes up and down, making for great exercise. For those who find it a bit hard to walk, we recommend the free monorail (Asuka Park Rail) that takes you to the top of the mountain. That being said, it’s quite crowded during sakura season.
In Asukayama Park, there is a pansy flower garden and you can also enjoy looking at their vivid blooms. Also, there are many azaleas planted and if the season matches up, you can watch the sakura and azaleas compete against each other to bloom.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Asukayama Park
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: 4 minute walk from Oji Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line and Toei Namboku Line, or Asukayama Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.
Address: 1-1-3, Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.city.kita.tokyo.jp/dourokoen/bunka/koenichiran/asukayama.html
7. Sumida Park, Asakusa
Sumida Park is a park in Asakusa that is one of Tokyo typical tourist spots. When the 600 sakura trees are in full bloom, the sakura and Skytree along with Sumida river create a unique scene that combines the traditional and the modern.
The park has two separate pathways. The upper path is usually crowded but you get to be up close with the sakura and look at them along with Skytree. On the lower path you have to see the sakura from far away but there are less people so you can leisurely stroll around.
Another great way to take in the sakura is by cruising down the Sumida River. At night, when the sakura trees are illuminated and Skytree is reflected on the water’s surface, you can enjoy the twinkling, dazzling romantic atmosphere.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Sumida Park
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Price/fee: Free
Access: 3 minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza or Skytree lines
Address: 1-1, Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): visit-sumida.jp/spot/6133/
8. Shiba Park, Hamamatsucho
Although the Skytree is extremely popular, we can’t forget about Tokyo Tower! It doesn’t have the futuristic feeling of the Skytree, but its warm color and lovely curved shape is a great match with sakura blossoms. Shiba Park is located close to Tokyo Tower so you can see these iconic Japanese sights together.
It’s nice seeing the sakura during the day, but you should definitely pay a visit at night. There are many glass-paneled skyscrapers around Shiba Park, and if the light is right, the sakura blossoms can be reflected in the building windows, creating a very beautiful urban scene.
The lights of Tokyo Tower change for limited periods of time. When the lights on the tower change, the color of the sakura also change. On different days you can enjoy different colors of the sakura at night. Sounds nice right?
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Shiba Park
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: 2 minute walk from Shibakoen Station on the Toei Mita Line.
Address: Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (Japanese): www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index001.html
9. Mori Garden, Roppongi
Located in the heart of the city, Roppongi is a rather modern and refined town. Mori Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located near to the popular shopping spot, Roppongi Hills. There are only around 13 sakura trees, but they are effectively placed surrounding the pond, and the illuminations from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm each evening is immensely beautiful.
From Mori Garden, you can take photos of the sakura together with the Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills complex. Go ahead and search for the best photo spot while strolling through the gardens.
Although Mori Garden is easily accessible from the train station, it’s not likely to be too crowded. At lunchtime, business people and neighborhood parents with children relax and enjoy viewing the sakura. If you're here for lunch, you won't have to go far to find a delicious meal in Roppongi! Check out our picks for 20 Affordable Must Try Lunch Spots in the Roppongi Area.
Peak cherry blossom period: Late March - Early April
About Mori Garden
Opening hours: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Never
Price: Free
Access: Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Address: 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website: www.roppongihills.com.e.nt.hp.transer.com/green/
Website (Chinese): www.roppongihills.com.t.nt.hp.transer.com/green/
Website (Japanese): www.roppongihills.com/green/
10. Showa Memorial Park, Tachikawa
Showa Memorial Park is ideal for sakura viewing if you’re the active type. The park is spacious and has features like cycling roads and a massive trampoline. There are also spots where you can see the sakura and rapeseed blossoms at the same time.
There are about 1,500 sakura trees here. The sakura are concentrated in the central area of the park, so you can see fields of them spreading out before your eyes. Also, because the sakura spot is quite wide, it feels fairly peaceful even if there are a lot of visitors.
The park has about 30 different varieties of sakura. You can see the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry) with branches that hang downwards. It’s nice to sit under the tree that you like while eating your bento and appreciating the beauty of it.
Peak cherry blossom season: Late March - Early April
About Showa Memorial Park
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (March 1st - October 31st, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (November 1st - End of February), 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (Weekends and holidays from April 1st to September 30th)
Closed: December 31st, January 1st, the 4th Monday of February and the following day.
Price/fee: 15 years and over: 410 yen, Elementary & Middle school: 80 yen, 65 years and over: 210 yen.
Access: 10 minute walk from Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo line
Address: 3173, Midoricho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo (Google Map)
Website (English): www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/schedule-english/
Website (Chinese): www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-chinese/schedule-chinese/
Website (Japanese): www.showakinen-koen.jp
Conclusion
Quietly or lively; sitting down or strolling through; there are many ways to enjoy sakura. If you visit Japan during sakura viewing season, you’ll probably gain an even deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
For more about cherry blossoms, check out our 2020 Cherry Blossom Forecast. We've got all you need to know about the best times and key spots to see cherry blossoms in all regions of Japan in 2020!
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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