Expertise the gorgeous great thing about Tokyo’s cherry blossoms with our checklist of the most effective viewing spots within the metropolis. From conventional gardens to fashionable parks, these places supply the right backdrop for a memorable hanami (flower viewing) expertise.
Tokyo’s intertwining community of bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and tranquil parks connects over 37 million folks. But, regardless of the hustle of on a regular basis life, time appears to face nonetheless when cherry blossoms bloom. The blossoms’ smooth colours distinction fantastically with the city backdrop of Tokyo, providing moments of serene magnificence. I’ve explored the megacity’s 2,194 km² (okay, not all of it…) to focus on the highest 10 spots you need to go to through the particular spring season.
In case you haven’t already, you may make amends for my Nara and Kanazawa cherry blossom guides to assist put together to your subsequent journey to Japan!
Meguro River (目黒川)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
One of the fashionable cherry blossom spots in central Tokyo is alongside the Meguro River. Rows of cherry timber stretch roughly 5 km from Gotanda to Meguro Sky Backyard, with probably the most frequented space being between Nakameguro Station and Meguro Station.
As you stroll alongside the river, you’ll be greeted by the attractive aroma of basic avenue meals from quite a few meals stalls. Bask in yakisoba, takoyaki, and candied sweets. Bear in mind, as this can be a residential space, it’s essential to respect the setting by taking your trash with you and disposing of it in designated areas.
The river turns into much more magical within the night when it’s spectacularly lit up. If in case you have seen different footage of the Meguro cherry blossoms, you’ll discover the branches overhanging the river by far. Nonetheless, in 2024, most of the branches had been considerably trimmed to guard the timber. Whereas it might not have the identical look as earlier than, the Meguro River is certainly value a go to.
Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵)
Blooming Interval: Mid/Late March to Early April
One explicit solution to benefit from the pink blossoms is to hire a rowing boat at Chidorigafuchi. Positioned on the northwest perimeter of the majestic Imperial Palace, this 700-meter pathway options over 200 cherry timber amidst Tokyo’s excessive rises.
From the pathway, you may benefit from the serene blossoms that line the moat, juxtaposed with the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo.
The rowboat is out there for hire from 9:00 a.m. to eight:30 p.m. Within the night, guests also can get pleasure from yozakura (night sakura), with the distant Tokyo Tower beaming within the background.
Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Inokashira Park is positioned on the west aspect of Tokyo, within the quaint neighborhood of Kichijoji. Dwelling to Inokashira Zoo and the Studio Ghibli Museum, the 107-year-old park can be well-known for cherry blossom viewing.
The coveted Inokashira Pond is residence to over 200 cherry timber that elegantly drape over and replicate within the shimmering water. Just like Chidorigafuchi, you may hire a rowboat or swan boat to benefit from the fleeting flowers up shut!
Stepping away from the pond, you’ll discover one other 200-odd cherry timber, an ideal setting for hanami (flower viewing) with a picnic. Throughout full bloom, many locals safe their spots early within the morning, so if you wish to get a great spot, be certain to reach as early as attainable!
There are over 300 cherry blossom species that each one bloom at completely different occasions. At Inokashira Park and lots of different areas all through Japan, you’ll find Kawazu-sakura, which blooms from early February to early March and is understood for its distinct, deep, wealthy pink shade. Then again, look out for the late-blooming Yaezakura that usually blooms between mid to late April.
Rikugien Gardens (六義園)
Blooming Interval: Late March
Rikugien is one in all Tokyo’s most gorgeous panorama gardens conceptualized across the Edo Interval (1603-1868) aesthetic. The backyard is located in a residential a part of Bunkyo Metropolis, within the north of Tokyo. The picturesque backyard was created by Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa, a detailed confidant of Japan’s fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa.
Rikugien interprets to ‘Six Poems Backyard’ and showcases 88 scenes from well-known poems, though solely 32 stay at this time. The varied trails take you thru forests, open lawns, stone bridges, and ponds, resulting in a number of teahouses that guests can discover.
Stepping by way of the primary gate, you’ll be greeted by the grandeur of a weeping cherry blossom tree often known as Takizakura, which accurately interprets to ‘waterfall cherry tree.’ Its branches gracefully cascade down, resembling a waterfall.
To profit from the cherry blossom season, the backyard is open through the night till 9 pm (8 pm final entry).
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Late April
Considered one of Tokyo’s most well-known parks is Shinjuku Gyoen. Every spring, the park is reworked right into a floral wonderland.
The park options roughly 68 cherry tree species, together with the Somei Yoshino selection, the commonest kind, which blooms in early April, and different varieties reminiscent of Kanzan, which bloom in mid-April, and Baigoji Juzukakezakura (cherries of Baigo-ji Temple), which blossom in late April. In case you go to in February, you may even see winter cherry blossoms, often known as Kanzakura!
Shinjuku Gyoen isn’t just a daily park; it’s a dwelling testomony to the fusion of cultures. Its panorama harmoniously blends conventional Japanese backyard kinds with English and French influences, creating a novel and charming setting. And when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the park transforms right into a spring oasis with splashes of pink and white. The wide-open lawns supply an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic, with ample area for teenagers to run and play.
Though there’s a 500 yen entrance charge, Shinjuku Gyoen remains to be one of many metropolis’s hottest cherry blossom spots.
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Just a bit south of Shinjuku Gyoen, one other quintessential Tokyo hanami spot is Yoyogi Park. That includes wide-open lawns, ponds, and forests, it’s the right place for picnicking, jogging, and different outside actions. The park’s communal ambiance is one in all its most tasty factors, as you’ll typically discover teams singing and dancing, making a heat and welcoming ambiance.
Regardless of having comparatively few cherry timber in comparison with different areas, its central location makes it some of the fashionable spots. As seen within the images, the park was extremely crowded. You want a little bit of luck to discover a spot to sit down down! Nonetheless, Yoyogi Park and the neighboring Meiji Jingu Shrine are positively value a go to.
After having fun with the blossoms, head to the style district of Harajuku to buy and eat some scrumptious meals!
Sumida Park (隅田公園)
Blooming Interval: Mid March to Early April
The banks of the Sumida River have been a historic cherry blossom viewing spot for the reason that Edo Interval. Individuals have sat alongside the banks for hundreds of years, admiring the town skyline and the towering Tokyo Skytree within the background.
You may benefit from the spring surroundings from each side of the river. The western aspect, nearer to Asakusa, provides views of Tokyo SkyTree framed by the picturesque pink blossoms.
On the japanese aspect, you may calm down beneath the ephemeral blossoms and luxuriate in a novel perspective of the 634m tower.
Throughout this particular season, you could possibly spot geisha on the Mukojima Geisha Chaya tea occasion held from March 22–24 and March 29–31 (dates could differ every year). Don’t overlook to journey a standard yakatabune boat or the Tokyo Water Bus to benefit from the metropolis surroundings from the water!
Because the solar units, a brand new form of magnificence emerges. The blossoms and skyline are spectacularly lit up, creating a wide ranging scene. Coupled with the swaying competition lanterns and the sounds of yakisoba being fried on the meals stalls, it makes for an evening you’ll always remember in Japan’s megacity.
Shiba Park (芝公園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
Talking of iconic towers, go to Shiba Park, one of many oldest parks in Tokyo and Japan. Constructed round Zozoji Temple, the park is among the greatest websites to get pleasure from views of Tokyo Tower.
There are numerous strolling trails to get pleasure from a picturesque stroll amongst the cherry blossoms which are fashionable with locals and as a date spot!
Decide up a bento field from the close by comfort retailer and calm down in one of many many open legal guidelines dotted all through the park.
Regardless of being positioned within the coronary heart of Tokyo, the park maintains a serene and peaceable ambiance. The smooth rustling of the cherry blossoms within the breeze provides to the tranquil ambiance, however with the ever-watching Tokyo Tower looming within the background, it’s a reminder that you simply’re in one of many largest cities on the earth.
Roppongi (六本木)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Mid-April
In case you’re roaming Tokyo’s full of life leisure district, Roppongi, you’ll discover numerous cherry blossom spots. The primary is near Tokyo Midtown, the place you may get pleasure from some buying and eating. One other, whereas technically simply outdoors of Roppongi, is Aoyama Cemetery, the place you may really feel the essence of fleeting life symbolized by the ephemeral pink petals.
The stretch is round Keyikazaka, a avenue lined with eating places, cafes, and high-brand outlets, making it a incredible space to spend a day trip. You’ll additionally be capable to see the enduring Tokyo Tower within the background! Essentially the most spectacular cherry blossom spot is simply off Keyikazaka, often known as Sakurazaka. The 400-meter slope is lined with 75 odd cherry blossom timber, forming a tunnel of pink as luxurious automobiles and taxis go by.
After taking a leisurely stroll admiring the magical blossoms, make your means inside Roppongi Hills for extra buying, eats, and leisure.
Koganei Park (小金井公園)
Blooming Interval: Late March to Early April
If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the central metropolis, head to Koganei Park in west Tokyo. The park is residence to 1,700 cherry timber that includes roughly 50 varieties. The expansive park covers over 80 hectares, making it over 1.5 occasions bigger than the well-known Ueno Park!
For 2 days in late March, Tokyoites and guests from throughout the nation flock to a particular cherry blossom competition to benefit from the pale pink blossoms, dwell performances, and numerous food and drinks stalls. From late March to mid-April, you may as well get pleasure from night illuminations.
So there you may have it, our prime 10 must-visit cherry blossom spots in Japan’s capital, Tokyo! Whereas these are fashionable decisions, Tokyo is full of quite a few parks, shrines, and hidden gems but to be explored. With its countless potentialities, the town beckons you to pack your luggage, maybe a picnic blanket, and embark by yourself journey of discovery!
