If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Tokyo during the blooming of the Sakura trees consider yourself very lucky! Sakura Season is one of the most beautiful times of the year, pretty much anywhere in the world. Sakura, or cherry blossoms, sprout in the springtime. They bloom anywhere from the middle of March to the first few weeks of April.
The fact that there is no hard date for the blooms makes planning your trip in advance very difficult. I’ve known many people who had hopes of seeing the precious petals who missed out by only a few days. Luckily, Tokyo is such a fantastic place that you really don’t feel down for too long. But, if you’ve arrived in time, then there are some absolutely magical places you MUST try to visit. Do all you can to take in all this short-lived season has to offer. Here are my favourite places to see the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo!
I have an entire post dedicated to the wonder that is Shinjuku Gyoen. This incredible urban oasis located just 10 minutes from one of Tokyo’s busiest neighbourhoods. It is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Unlike some of the other parks on this list, this park does require an admission fee of 500 yen. But seeing as it isn’t free, this means it will be slightly less crowded than the free parks. The park is also enormous. There are plenty of spots to spread out and have a hanami party. The park is also home to three different varieties of sakura trees. Each species blooms at different times in the spring. This means that if you arrive slightly too early or slightly too late, there might still be a few trees here that are blooming!
Ueno Park is probably the most famous spot for cherry blossom park in all of Tokyo. Since the 16th century, people have been making a pilgrimage to Ueno to soak in the glory of the sakura. This enormous park is home to 800 cherry trees spread over 53 hectares of green space. This makes it an ideal place to set up your hanami party. But even with all that space, this park gets BUSY! If you want to ensure you get a spot on the grass, arrive as early as possible and avoid the weekends. On the plus side, Ueno Park is free to enter.
The park is famous for having some of the best onsite food stalls to delight your taste buds. A fantastic way to taste popular seasonal treats while sitting under the petals. Shinobazu Pond on the south-west end of the park is home to the iconic swan boats. You can rent one of these boats and peddle along the perimeter of the pond. This area is dotted with trees like a colourful pink ring encircling the water. And honestly, who can resist these adorable little paddle boats?
Chidorigafuchi Moat is the image you might have in your mind who you picture sakura season in Tokyo. This is because this landscape often graces the cover of many a travel guide. It is such an impressive sight that it has become one of the most outsourced images of Japan.
The moat was initially designed to protect the internal grounds of the Imperial Palace during the Edo period. 1,000 cherry trees surround the canal. The branches seem to lean towards the water as if going to get a drink. The sakura trees along the moat are the earliest to bloom in the spring. And the delicate blossoms only open for only a short time. Catching them while they decorate the water is an exceptional sight to see. This area is so popular that it is even illuminated at night. This ensures people can enjoy the blooms no matter what time of day it is. Especially handy for workers who might not be able to see them during their busy day.
The Chidorigafuchi Moat offers another opportunity for getting out onto the water. You can rent rowboats for 700 yen and get a picture of the “sakura tunnel” from below.
Located in the neighbourhood of Shibuy ais Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is one of the largest parks in the city and home to those almost white-hued cherry blossom trees. This park is famous for the large groups it hosts. It isn’t as romantic as some of the other parks and has a more gregarious, party-type atmosphere. If this is your jam, then head over to the park and make some new friends. If you have a bottle of sake in your hand, this is sure way to win anyone over.
It is essential to consider heading a little outside of Tokyo’s city center during cherry blossom season. The further away from the most touristy areas, the better chance you’ll have of having more space to yourself. One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo is Kichijoji. Inokashira Park is a gorgeous place to visit while you’re there to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
If you found the line for the boats at Chidorigafuchi too long, you can also rent one here. Take one of their colourful rowboats out on the water and paddle along the picturesque pond. From here you have such a beautiful view of the cherry trees. There are over 500 sakura trees spread throughout the large park, so it’s easy to walk around and find someplace a little less crowded than in the city center.
Further west of Kichijoji is Koganei Park. This park is about an hour outside the city but well worth the journey. Koganei Park is home to Tokyo’s most extensive collection of cherry trees! There are over 1,700 sakura trees and over a dozen different varieties as well! On the first weekend in April, a huge festival is held here. At the festival, you can enjoy traditional street food as well as traditional customary dancing and musical performances.
Asukayama Park, located on the northern tip of Tokyo, and is a real hidden gem. The further you get away from the city, the more tourists you escape. Plus this area feels most local and less geared towards just tourists. The park here is notable for the colourful lanterns that hang in the trees, which perfectly match the pale pink sakura blossoms.
The center of the park is one of the most unique playgrounds I had ever seen! There was a train yard with old trains on display and a massive play castle in the center. All surrounded by those iconic blossoms. When you head out of the park, back to the city, see if the monorail is running. This track runs above the park and is one of the rarest opportunities to see the cherry trees from above.
While suggesting a cemetery to view beautiful cherry trees might seem like an odd combo to some, I find the mixture of death and beauty to be one of the most potent combinations. Located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, this cemetery has lovely paved walkways lined in hundreds of sakura trees. Creating this blanket of flowers above your head. There is no picnicking or drinking is allowed here. Instead, let this place be an opportunity for a solemn walk of contemplation. Life is short, just like the bloom of the sakura. Live your life to the fullest while you can. And hope that you will have a resting place as beautiful as this, under the sakura trees, when the end finally comes your way.
In the heart of Asakusa, you’ll find the riverside Sumida Park. Located just off the banks of the Sumida river. From the park’s western side, you can get a shot of the iconic Tokyo Skytree, with a layer of sakura flowers flanked in front.
Since the area of picnicking here is relatively sparse it’s not the best option for a hanami party. And due to the location and popularity, it can get very crowded! My advice: plan to come here for a short photo opportunity and then head off to another location for a longer stay or picnic.
South of Tokyo Skytee is his rival, Tokyo Tower. And surrounding the tower, you’ll find Shiba Park. Although it’s only home to around 200 cherry trees, the fact you can get a picture with the brightly blossoms in front of the Tokyo Tower’s neon orange structure is a fantastic photo opportunity. This park is actually really interesting and easy to explore. There are so many little treasures hidden in this small space.
I am in love with the layout and landscaping of Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. Like Shinjuku Gyoen, this park also requires an admission fee to enter. But just look what you get to experience for only 300 yen! The gardens were created in 1629, making it one of Tokyo’s oldest parks. One of the best parts of the natural playground is the many ponds dotted throughout. Each one creating a mirrored effect, reflecting the image of the cherry trees down, doubling their blossoms. No picnics are allowed in this park, which is the only real downside. But there are several tea houses in the park which offer macha tea and sweets to enjoy. All while under the watchful eye of the sakura trees.
While Rikugien Gardens isn’t known for its sheer number of cherry trees, the one they do have is creature unlike any other. The 18th century Rikugien Gardens became home to the “weeping cherry blossom tree.” this famous plant grew to be over 20 meters wide and 15 meters tall! When it blooms, it looks like a waterfall of flowers cascading to the ground. At night it is illuminated, making the effect all the most impressive. The cost to enter the park is 300 yen and you’ll find it is more than worth the price!
Tucked away, on the edge of the Chiyoda neighbourhood, is the Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine was founded by Emperor Meiji in June 1869. It commemorated those who died in service of Japan in various wars throughout history. There are over 2,466,532 names listed on the shrine to whom it is dedicated. What is usually a reasonably sombre place but a rush of excitement and chatter flood the space come cherry blossom season.
A grouping of trees outside of the shrine light up the street. Vendors from the neighbourhood come down to feed the revellers. The bright white blossoms against the shrine’s copper roof and dark wood exterior make for the most complimentary combination and something not to be missed.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Meguro River. This is maybe the most popular spot for taking photos of the iconic sakura trees. 800 cherry trees blossom along the edge of the river, a stretch of over 3 kilometres. One of the reasons I put this last is that although this place makes for a great photo, the areas on either side of the river are very narrow. It gets super crowded in the spring. And even though the area’s restaurants capitalize on the influx of people and set up food and drink stands, there really isn’t anywhere to easily enjoy eating anything. I think this place is a pop-in and pop-out type of stop and not one to plan your hanami around.
I’ve outline all the locations from this list in the map below so feel free to add these spots to your Springtime Tokyo travel plans. I really hope the blooms manage to coincide with your trip as catching them even for a moment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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