15 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots That You Just Have To See!

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

In 2020, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo start blooming around the end of March and come into full bloom at the beginning of April.

When one thinks of Tokyo, the image of rows upon rows of tall buildings may come to mind, but there are plenty of places where you can set down a tarp and enjoy a picnic under the pink cherry blossoms.

2020 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast

The 2020 forecast for the sakura in Tokyo is not available as of January 2020, but in 2019, the cherry trees in Tokyo were predicted to blossom on March 21 and to last through early April. If youre coming to see the sakura in Tokyo, we recommend getting to Japan by mid-to-late March. In 2018, the season started on March 17 and the flowers were in full bloom by March 24.

In the past, Tokyo has seen its cherry blossoms around the first week of April. From the second week of April, the blossoms begin to scatter, leaving behind sprouts on the cherry trees with the most beautiful time of the season having passed. However, this period changes each year and is also affected by weather conditions.

In this article, well be introducing the best places to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, an activity called hanami, so if you plan on visiting Japan in the springtime make sure you keep this guide handy.

1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Image provided by: Ministry of Environment, Shinjuku Gyoen Management Office

Located in the heart of the city, Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park where one can relax and take in the sights of the beautiful cherry blossoms. The park prides itself on having over 65 types and over 1,100 different cherry trees. The closest stations to this park are Shinjuku Station and Yoyogi Hachiman Station. The park is also quite beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color, making Shinjuku Gyoen an oasis for weary Tokyoites year round.

Entrance Fee: Regular 500 yen; Junior High and Elementary School Students 250 yen; Infants free
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Naitomachi 11
Website: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Japanese)

2. Yoyogi Park

Picture from Yoyogi Park: Harajuku's Secret Sanctuary

Thousands of visitors come every year to enjoy hanami at Yoyogi Park. With around 500 trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino variety, visitors can come and purchase snacks like yakisoba at stalls or catering carts set up throughout the park and many people also bring their own food and alcohol to enjoy in the shade of the trees.

During the cherry season, the lines for the public bathrooms become quite long, so either make sure you find a toilet near the park that you can scurry off to or keep the libation imbibing to a minimum.

The closest stations for Yoyogi Park are JR Harajuku Station, Yoyogi Koen Station on the Chiyoda Metro Line, and the Meiji Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Chiyoda Metro and Fukutoshin Lines.

Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Yoyogikamizonocho 2-1
Website: Yoyogi Park

3. Meguro River

Picture from 5 Excellent And Less Crowded Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots In Tokyo

Shibuya and Meguro are also home to beautiful cherry trees. That said, finding a spot to set up a picnic can be a little difficult, so be careful if youre going to be having your hanami party here.

Meguro River is flanked by around 800 cherry trees on both sides, stretching for about 3.8 km. At night, lanterns are lit, making for a very atmospheric hanami experience.

Like in Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park, its a little difficult to find a nice plot to set your tarp down, but the blossoms are just as beautiful if you want to simply take a stroll down by the river. The closest stations for Meguro River are JR Meguro Station and Meguro Station on the Toyoko Line.

4. Aoyama Cemetery

Picture from 5 Excellent And Less Crowded Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots In Tokyo

This cemetery located in Tokyos Minato Ward is a great place to take a walk while viewing the gorgeous cherry blossoms. However, unlike other hanami spots, visitors are not permitted to lay down tarps and imbibe alcohol in the cemetery. Also, the cemetery is closed at night, so if you plan on visiting, make sure to come during the day.

Address: Tokyo, Minato, Minami-Aoyama 2-32-2
Website: Aoyama Cemetery (Japanese)

5. Imperial Palace Area - Chidorigafuchi

Chidorigafuchi, a road which runs along the west side of the Imperial Palace, is home to an assortment of cherry trees that truly speak to the Japanese spirit, with the trees accented by the freshly sprung greenery and the palaces moat. Though there are a number of skyscrapers located in the distance, these shouldnt detract from the cherry blossom viewing experience. The area is also lit up at night, transforming the areas beauty.

Address: 5-minute walk from Exit 5 at Hanzomon Subway Station or Exit 2 at Kudanshita Subway Station
Website: Chidorigafuchi (Japanese)

For more information, see our article: Experience The Stunning Sakura At Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo

6. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

Picture from Walking Through History at The Imperial Palace East Gardens

Located close to Tokyo Station, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are home to 200 cherry trees. With historical ruins and a free museum displaying precious works of art, this is a great place for visitors interested in Japanese history and culture to check out after a walk under the blooming cherry blossoms.

Address: Chiyoda ward, Tokyo
Website: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Japanese)

7. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Picture from Koishikawa Korakuen - A Charming Historical Garden Near Tokyo Dome

Built at the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868), Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's two large Japanese gardens, along with Rikugien Garden. As visitors are not allowed to put down tarps or host picnics, viewing cherry trees here is limited to a walking tour. The closest station to the garden is Iidabashi Station on the Oedo Line.

Entrance Fee: Adults 300 yen; Children free
Address: Tokyo, Bunkyo, Koraku 1-6-6
Website: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

8. Hamarikyu Gardens

Picture from Gardens And Cityscapes - The Face Of Modern Japan In Hamarikyu Garden

Also built during the Edo period, the Hamarikyu Gardens have been designated a special historic and aesthetic landmark. If you find yourself in the Shimbashi or Ginza area and want to check out the cherry blossoms, we recommend hitting Hamarikyu Gardens, a vast garden with around 100 cherry trees where one can forget all the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Entrance Fee: Regular 300 yen; Seniors (65 and older) 150 yen; Elementary School Students free; Junior High School Age Tokyo Residents free; Groups of 20 or more 240 yen per person; Groups of 20 or more (seniors citizens) 120 yen per person
Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Hamarikyuteien 1-1
Website: Hamarikyu Gardens

9. Shiba Park

Shiba Park, located at the foot of Tokyo Tower, has around 200 cherry trees and is a great place to engage in hanami with the bright orange symbol of Tokyo jutting up in the background. Areas around the Maruyama Fountain and Benten Pond, located within the park, are especially popular sites for hanami.

Address: Tokyo, Minato ward, Shibakoen

10. Ueno Park

No article on cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo would be complete without Ueno Park. During the hanami season, the park is visited by thousands of families, company workers, and students all looking to take in the beautiful pink blossoms. Since the park can get crowded during this time of year, we recommend meeting up with your party at Ueno Station rather than in the park itself.

For more information on Ueno Park, see our article: Ueno Park Guide: Ueno Zoo, Museums, Temples and Other Highlights!

Address: Tokyo, Taito, Ueno Park / Tokyo, Taito, Ikenohata 3
Website: Ueno Park

11. Sumida Park

Located a short walk away from Asakusa Station is Sumida Park along the Sumida River, renowned as an excellent cherry blossom viewing spot.

Though strolling along the river, viewing the gorgeous cherry trees as their blossoms scatter into the Sumida River is a sight to behold in its own right, we also recommend chartering a pleasure boat where you can view the trees from the river itself. Tokyo Skytree is also close by, affording a view of both the old and the new.

Address: Tokyo, Sumida ward, Mukojima 1-2-5

12. Rikugien Garden

Along with Koishikawa Korakuen, Rikugien Garden is one of the big two Japanese-style gardens that can be enjoyed in Tokyo. The gardens are beautiful year round, but especially striking in the springtime when the drooping cherry trees come into bloom. With the garden bathed in pink throughout the day, once the sun sets they are lit up, bringing about a whole new beauty to the blossoming buds.

Address: Tokyo, Bunkyo, Hon-Komagome 6
Entrance Fee: Regular 300 yen; Seniors (65 and older) 150 yen; Elementary School Students free; Junior High School Age Tokyo Residents free
Website: Rikugien

Also located in the northern part of Tokyo, Asukayama Park in Oji, Kita Ward, is a place famous for its cherry blossoms, having captivated the Japanese people for the past 300 years. Visiting the park when all 650 of the parks gorgeous cherry trees are in bloom is a sight to behold.

13. Inokashira Park

At Inokashira Park, located a short walk from Kichijoji Station, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms from the park or from a paddle boat in the parks lake.

The parks 500 cherry trees in bloom is simply amazing, drawing in tons of families and couples from around the city. The parks pond is especially beautiful as it reflects the ocean of pink surrounding it.

Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Gotenyama 1-18-31
Website: Inokashira Park

14. Koganei Park

Koganei Park is home to the largest number of cherry trees in the city, coming in at around 1,700 with over 50 different varieties. At the festival held on the first Saturday and Sunday in April, visitors can enjoy events featuring traditional performing arts, Japanese dancing, ikebana, and tea houses.

Address: Tokyo, Koganei, Sekinocho 1-13-1

15. Showa Memorial Park

Located in Tachikawa, the Showa Memorial Park is roughly 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome! With 1,500 cherry trees, this is an excellent spot for hanami, especially the Sakura no Sono area of the park. Bring your tarp, some food and drinks, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the blossoms.

For more information on Showa Memorial Park, see our article: The Allure of Seasonal Flowers! Showa Memorial Park is a Spot for All Ages! (Japanese only).

Entrance: Adults 410 yen; Children 80 yen; Seniors (65 and older) 210 yen
Address: Tokyo, Tachikawa, Midoricho 3173
Website: Showa Memorial Park

Weather and Appropriate Clothing during Cherry Blossom Season

From the end of March to the beginning of April, it gets to be around 10 in Tokyo, a little chilly to say the least.

While you dont need a thick winter coat, youll definitely need a jacket. Still, once the sun goes down the temperature drops considerably, so be sure to pack accordingly if you plan to be out late.

Manners during Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties

Picture from Hanami - How To Enjoy Cherry Blossom Viewing

A lot of people come out to view the cherry blossoms every year, so its important to mind your manners when picking out a spot for your picnic and when throwing away your garbage so that everyone can enjoy their time outside together!

Manners When Picking Out a Spot

The typical way that people set their spot for hanami is to lay out a tarp. However, one thing to keep in mind when doing this is dont take any more space than youll need. If you end up taking too much space, then other people wont be able to enjoy the flowers!

Also, somebody needs to stay behind after you set down your tarp. If not, security guards may come by and throw away your stuff, so make sure to leave someone behind to hold your spot.

Also, even if you get your spot, the wind can easily blow your tarp away, so use some nearby stones to keep the tarp from being blown away. Please dont stick pegs into the ground or into tree roots!

Though this differs by location and day, there are people who may get there first thing in the morning or even the night before to claim their spot for their picnic. Though this may be difficult for guests visiting from out of town, its usually a good idea to try and get your spot as early as possible.

Manners Regarding Sorting Trash and Throwing it Away

Areas of the city with cherry trees are usually located in parks or along rivers, meaning that the majority of them are located in public spaces. Still, local municipalities are typically conscious of hanami season and set up places for people to throw away their trash, so dont be a litterbug!

Just like with convenience stores and regular trash pickups, these trash boxes will be separated into different types of garbage for recycling, so make sure to abide by the signs and put trash in its proper place. The picture here shows the trash can area at Ueno Park during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival). Typically, trash is separated into the following categories: combustible, non-combustible, glass bottles and metal cans.

Please make sure to put trash in its proper place.

For more information, see our articles: 15 Items To Make Your Hanami Great!, Clean Up The Right Way: Dealing With Trash After A Hanami, and Finding The Perfect Spot: Saving A Hanami Site

Early and Late Cherry Blossom Types

Depending on the type of sakura tree, you may be able to see cherry blossoms that bloom earlier or later than the beginning of April.

For example, Kawazu-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that can be viewed as early as mid-February until around mid-March. This type of cherry blossom is native to Kawazu, an area in Shizuoka prefecture.

On the other hand, if you visit Japan later than the beginning of April, you may be able to catch the Yae-zakura, a layered type of cherry blossom that blooms a week or two after the regular sakura.

Tips for Enjoying a Spring Trip in Tokyo

In Japan, the cherry blossom season is a great occasion for people to gather and have fun eating and drinking at a picnic under the cherry trees. If you visit Japan at this time of the year, join the party!

Please keep in mind the manners mentioned above, look for a great place to see the cherry blossoms and enjoy your time.

Please find other tips and information to help you enjoy your trip to Japan below.