Best cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities I’ve visited. Modern and traditional, vibrant and serene, a place of contrasts and surprises like no other. It was the first destination of our cherry blossom itinerary in Japan and left me in complete awe. The city comes alive during sakura season, with countless cherry trees in bloom and hanami celebrations filling the air with joyous energy. Exploring Tokyo amidst the cherry blossom festivities was a truly magical experience, and I believe there’s no better time to visit the city than spring. If you’re planning a visit soon, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find the most curated list of cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo, from popular to lesser-known locations. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover in this article:
-
This year’s predictions are out. Here are some important full bloom dates for 2024:
Tokyo: 29th of March
Kyoto: 31st of March
Osaka: 1st of April
Kanazawa: 6th of April# -
Most popular cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Toky, cherry trees in full bloom urge locals and visitors to pause and appreciate life’s fleeting beauty. From parks to lively streets and tranquil riverbanks, Tokyo transforms into a picturesque landscape adorned with sakura blooms in shades of white and pink. The city truly comes alive with the hanami celebrations, as families and friends gather to revel in the arrival of spring. The joy in the air is infectious and I had the best time exploring the city’s best things to do and sakura locations. As a cherry blossom lover, I went above and beyond to uncover the best locations to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and it was a dream come true. Here are my top recommendations:
Explore all of our curated travel guides about Japan!
1) Senso-ji temple and Sumida River
No visit to Tokyo would be complete without an exploration of Asakusa, an enchanting neighborhood steeped in history and tradition on the eastern fringes of central Tokyo. It’s one of my favorite areas in Tokyo, especially during cherry blossom season. While visiting the timeless Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park, I found myself surrounded by a sea of blooming cherry blossom trees.
I recommend visiting the temple as early as possible, as this is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo. Then head to Asakusa Shrine and stroll the Nakamise-dori Street, filled with interesting shops and restaurants. Soon enough you’ll reach Sumida Park, where families and friends gather to celebrate hanami. We took our sweet time strolling through the park and riverbanks of Sumida River admiring the canopy of sakura blossoms and the urban landscape in the background. I recommend you plan at least half a day to do the same!
2) Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a cherished haven of nature amidst the bustling heart of Tokyo. As one of the oldest public parks in Tokyo, it offers a serene retreat year-round, boasting lush landscapes and captivating cultural attractions such as temples and the Ueno Zoo. But it’s during sakura season when Ueno Park truly shines, adorned with the delicate blooms of more than a thousand cherry trees. As one of Japan’s liveliest spots for hanami celebrations, the park comes alive with the vibrant energy of locals and visitors gathering beneath the pink canopy of blossoms. Although we visited Ueno a few days before full bloom, we could sense how popular this place is, there were dozens of groups celebrating and we loved wandering the streets leading to the National Museum and surrounding Shinobazu Pond.
Our favorite spots at Ueno Park were Toshogu Shrine, a hidden gem of sprituality and beauty. Also, Shinobazu no Ike, an island temple surrounded by a beautiful lotus pond. This location is adorned by dozens of cherry trees in bloom and it’s a perfect place to rent paddle boats and enjoy the park from a different perspective!
3) Chidorigafuchi Park
Nestled along the moats of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Park is one of the cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo. While Hanami picnics may not be permitted, visitors can rent boats and glide along the moats immersing in the unique atmosphere of the cherry blossom season in Japan. The experience is nothing but unforgettable and you can get really close to the hundreds of cherry trees in the banks. Make sure to reach Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier as early as possible to beat the crowds. Then visit Kitanomaru Park and Yasukuni Shrine which are nearby and filled with blooming cherry blossom, before heading to the next spot on the list.
Discover our top 8 cherry blossom destinations in Japan!
4) Imperial Palace Gardens
The Imperial Palace Gardens offers a serene escape from the concrete and glass Marunouchi, Tokyo’s vibrant business district. While not regarded as an optimal hanami spot, it’s worth strolling through the charming east garden while visiting the area. Perhaps you can even combine with a more complete exploration of the Imperial Palace?
5) Meguro River
Stretching for about 8 kilometers in the South of Tokyo, Meguro River emerges as one of the most magical cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo during full bloom days. Approximately 800 cherry trees adorn the riverbanks creating a lively and romantic atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors. Especially during evenings and weekends, when food stalls and artistic presentations line up the river. We visited Meguro on a Saturday and were completely taken away by the myriad of attractions.
On our stroll, we enjoyed presentations of traditional dance and music and nibbled on street food. The stretch between Meguro and Nakameguro stations was our favorite and I couldn’t recommend more taking part of the Nakameguro Sakura Festival. Despite the urban setting, this area offers a unique and unforgettable cherry blossom experience that captures the essence of Tokyo’s dynamic fusion of nature and modernity.
6) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In the vibrant district of Shinkuju lies one of the best cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. With over a thousand cherry trees of different varieties and colors, this is one of the most popular places to celebrate hanami in the capital. Due to the presence of early and Iate bloomer trees, this is a perfect location if you’re visiting Tokyo outside of full bloom days. In 2024, you need a previous registration to enter the park on weekends and national holidays, so make sure to plan in advance!
7) Yoyogi Park
Visiting Yogogi Park is one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo, especially during sakura season. This expansive park boasts over 600 cherry trees and is a perfect spot to enjoy hanami picnics under flowering sakuras in Tokyo. I fell in love with the joyous atmosphere of Yoyogi Park, and strongly recommend a visit to Meiji Shrine as well. Although there’s a lot to do in the proximity, we took our time strolling through the park. So, I suggest you plan for a full day visiting Yoyogi and Shinjuku Parks combined with Harajuku, Shibuya and Omoide Yokochō.
Read our curated list of best things to do in Tokyo and make the most of your trip!
Lesser-known cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo
Now that you’ve discovered the most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, let me present you with lesser-known locations. They’re equally or even more enchanting than the main hanami spots,
Copy our 2-weeks itinerary in Japan during cherry blossom season and make the most of Sakura full-bloom!
8) Koishikawa Korakuen
A perfectly groomed japanese garden boasting a diverse array of cherry trees and away from the crowds. Just what you were looking for, right? Koishikawa Korakuen is not only an off the beaten track cherry blossom spot in Tokyo, but also one of the best places in town to admire the iconic weeping cherry trees. While admission is required, the investment is well worth it for the opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor or this garden and celebrate hanami at a peaceful and beautiful spot.
9) Yanaka Cemetery
Tucked away in the historic streets of Yanaka lies a true hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo: Yanaka Cemetery. While it may seem an unconventional place to visit while traveling, this tranquil spot is adorned with the dozens of cherry blossoms and offers the opportunity to appreciate the sakuras away from the crowds. The juxtaposition of life and death is the appeal of this spot and represents a unique experience for those visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season.
10) Inokashira Park
Slightly away from central Tokyo lies Inokashira Park, a sakura heaven in the neighborhood of Kichijōji. This is a very popular cherry blossom spot for locals, but very few tourists actually visit it and that makes of it a more authentic place for hanami celebrations. More than 500 cherry trees envelop the park and moats creating a dreamy atmosphere. It’s possible to rent swan-shaped boats to get a different perspective of the area and the trees in full bloom.
11) Aoyama Park
Only a couple of minutes away from Nogizaka Station lies one of the most charming streets in Tokyo during cherry blossom. Aoyama Park is a hidden gem mostly visited by locals and in the mornings it’s possible to enjoy the place basically to yourself, so definitely worth paying it a visit!
Tokyo Cherry blossom festivals
Cherry blossom season isn’t just about admiring the stunning sakura flowers. It’s also a time to celebrate cycles and honor the fleeting nature of life with loved ones. In Tokyo, as well as in the whole of Japan, people gather in lovely Hanami picnics and sakura festivals. If you want to make the most of your trip to Japan during sakura season, you should definitely join the locals in celebrating. Here are my suggestions of sakura festivals in Tokyo:
12) Meguro River sakura festival
This lively festival was one of our favorite experiences in Tokyo. The river is 8km long, but the sakura-lined pathway stretches approximately 5 kilometers, from Gotanda to Meguro Sky Garden. We strolled along the scenic route and had a blast watching traditional music and dance presentations and browsing food stalls and cute shops. If you’re in a hurry, start your walk at journey at Meguro Station and stroll towards Nakameguro station, as this is a stretch filled with highlights.
13) Ueno park cherry blossom festival
The liveliest sakura festival in Tokyo, where locals gather and enjoy picnics under the cherry trees. During full bloom, food stalls offer delicious Japanese street snacks. The festivities continue after sunset and the park becomes even more romantic illuminated by Japanese lanterns.
14) Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival
Lively festival at Sumida Park with food stalls and boat tours being offered. Visit in the afternoons and stay until after sunset to enjoy the lantern illumination.
15) Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
Lively festival at Chidorigafuchi Park with views to the Imperial Palace. Embarking on a serene rowboat excursion along Chidorigafuchi is one of the most unique experiences in Tokyo during sakura bloom. It’s better enjoyed during the day, but special illumination is turned on during evening hours throughout the festival.
You can find more information about other cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo here.
Best hotels in Tokyo for cherry blossom season
Considering Tokyo’s immense popularity, especially during the cherry blossom season, it’s essential to plan your accommodation well in advance. I recommend booking your stay with free cancelation as soon as possible, based on last year’s full-bloom dates. Once the yearly full bloom predictions become available, you can promptly revise your travel itinerary and secure permanent reservations. Given the abundance of attractions in Tokyo, I recommend a minimum stay of 4 nights. Here are my favorite hotel picks in Kyoto:
In case you want to explore other hotel options besides the ones I recommended above, please research using our Booking.com link. When you book through this link, we may earn a small commission and you won’t pay extra for this. It’s a win-win, so thanks in advance! 🙂
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo in 2024
In 2024, full bloom in Tokyo is expected to happen on the 29th of March. So, to make the most your time in the city, I recommend arriving in the city between the 27th of March and 1st of April. Timing is crucial when it comes to enjoying the cherry blossom season in Japan. The delicate Sakura flowers have a brief lifespan, transitioning from buds to scattered petals within a matter of days. Usually, the blossoms start to fall shortly after reaching their peak, and within a week, the trees are left bare.
