Arriving in Japan, the very first time, on the peak of Tokyo cherry blossom season is a part of why I fell so instantly in love with the nation. The sensation was so particular, actually, that I tried to re-create it in 2018 (and, later, 2025) by taking devoted Tokyo sakura journeys.
The excellent news? Despite solely giving myself a four-day window (which I later found was an enormous mistake), I managed to see most of Tokyo’s greatest hanami spots at full bloom. The higher information? In practically lacking mankai, I tremendously elevated my information of the cherry blossom season’s nuances, which I’m excited to share with you under.
So, the place can see you cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and when? I’ll reply these questions and lots of extra over the following a number of paragraphs.
That is When Sakura in Tokyo Attain Full Bloom
Image it: April 2, 2014. I get up my first actual day in Tokyo, after having arrived at Narita Airport simply because the solar was setting the day earlier than, and arrive at Chidorigafuchi moat, below a cloudless and completely blue sky, on the apex of full bloom in Tokyo. It was a serendipitous prevalence in additional methods than one: Cherry blossoms in Tokyo sometimes attain mankai a bit sooner than this; in a standard 12 months, I’d have been just a few days too late.
To make sure, no matter which Tokyo hanami spots you find yourself selecting, Tokyo’s cherry bushes typically begin blooming someday within the third week of March; full bloom virtually at all times happens earlier than April 4. With out pinpointing a exact date—I don’t wish to set you up for disappointment—I’d say that if you happen to plan to spend the final week of March in Tokyo, you’re principally assured to have the ability to take pleasure in Tokyo at full bloom.
The place to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi Moat
Chidorigafuchi moat was the primary Tokyo cherry blossom spot I visited for a motive. Juxtaposing water and cherry bushes with Tokyo’s skyscrapers, it’s some of the iconic views in Tokyo, bar-none. To get right here, you’ll be able to both trip the Tokyo Metro to Kudanshita station, or just head to Tokyo Station, and make the 15-20 minute stroll counter-clockwise across the Tokyo Imperial Palace (the place you’ll additionally see some bushes at varied levels of bloom).
Asakusa
One other a part of city you’ll wish to be sure to go to throughout Tokyo cherry blossom season is Asakusa, one of many historic areas of Tokyo. Well-liked sakura spots right here embrace the long-lasting Senso-ji temple, in addition to varied spots alongside the Sumida River. If you happen to discover simply the precise assortment of bushes, you’ll have the ability to body the Tokyo Skytree with cherry blossoms, as I’ve achieved within the cowl picture to this submit!
Meguro River
On the alternative finish of Tokyo (within the southwest, in comparison with Asakusa within the northeast) you’ll discover Meguro River. It’s ironic that that is now thought-about some of the lovely locations to go to in Tokyo throughout cherry blossom season, given that previously, it was a hideous drainage ditch that many locals and vacationers averted altogether. Be aware that one of the best station from which to entry Meguro River is Naka-Meguro station.
Ueno or Yoyogi Parks
Probably the most widespread photographs of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi however, is of blue tarps laid out beneath sakura billows: That is the basic hanami picnic. Though these happen throughout Tokyo (and certainly, throughout Japan), maybe essentially the most well-known place to take pleasure in them in Tokyo is Yoyogi Park, situated not removed from Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Avenue in Harajuku. Alternatively, if you wish to take pleasure in sakura in a park, however don’t must have a picnic, Ueno Park is likely to be a better option.
Kamakura
Though not in Tokyo-proper, Kamakura and its varied temples and shrines make for nice sakura settings, whether or not you’re at a vacationer entice just like the Daibutsu-ji “Large Buddha” or at a few of the lesser-visited temples north of town middle close to Kita-Kamakura station. In your approach again to Tokyo (the place you’ll be able to go to massive parks like Shinjuku Gyo-en and Koishikawa Koraku-en to see late-blooming cherry bushes, if you happen to’ve missed the height), I’d additionally advocate stopping at Sankei-en in Yokohama.
The place to Keep in Tokyo in Spring
The dangerous information? A lot of one of the best low cost motels in Tokyo I’ve listed on this submit aren’t so low cost throughout the spring, when the sakura are nearing full bloom and in any other case. The excellent news? If you happen to’re versatile about the place you keep—which is to say, a minimum of one among them is prone to have rooms at affordable charges, even if you happen to ebook throughout the first couple of weeks at March, you’ll be able to most likely discover a place to remain in Tokyo that gained’t break the ginko.
In fact, if cash is not any object for you in your Tokyo cherry blossom season journey, why not reside it up at one among Tokyo’s finer motels? The five-star Tokyo Station Lodge, for instance, is just not solely situated inside the historic facade of the Tokyo Station constructing, however is only a quick stroll by way of the skyscrapers of Marunouchi to the Tokyo Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi moat, the very spot I first fell in love with Tokyo (and Japan).
Different High Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan
Wish to benefit from the Japan sakura season in locations apart from Tokyo? Beneath, I’ll record a few of my favorites, in addition to one of the best time to go:
- Shikoku (final week of March)
- Kyoto (first week of April)
- Himeji Citadel (first week of April)
- Fuji 5 Lakes (second or third week of April)
- Hirosaki Citadel (final week of April)
- Hakodate (first week of Might)
Different FAQ About Seeing Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
What month is cherry blossom in Tokyo?
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms have a tendency to achieve mankai (full bloom) over the last week of March. In some years, nevertheless, this could occur as early as March 20 or as late as April 1. The extra versatile you may be, the better probability you could have of having fun with Tokyo’s cherry blossoms to their fullest.
The place can I see cherry blossom in Tokyo?
My favourite locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo embrace Chidorigafuchi moat close to the Imperial Palace and the Meguro River in western Tokyo. Asakusa can be an superior place to see sakura, whether or not at Senso-ji temple or alongside the waterfront of the Sumida River.
When is one of the best time to go to Tokyo?
For the needs of this text, I’d say cherry blossom season—late March or generally early April—is one of the best time to go to Tokyo. With this being mentioned, Tokyo may be very a lot a 365-day vacation spot. You possibly can take pleasure in your journey right here irrespective of the the month or season, and no matter what the climate is doing.
The Backside Line
The place are you able to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and when? The Tokyo cherry blossom season comes early—however typically unpredictably so. You’ll have a better probability of success the extra versatile you may be together with your plans, whether or not reserving your flights to Japan simply a few weeks prematurely, or committing to a comparatively very long time in Japan so you can also make your method to Tokyo internally. Alternatively, if you happen to arrive too late for the principle mankai (peak), actually spots in Tokyo function early- or late- blooming bushes; you may also take day journeys to cooler or larger elevation areas. Do all these particulars make your head harm? Fee a customized Japan cherry blossom itinerary, and let me fear about them!