Tokyo, Japan’s lively capital, is an amazing mix of old traditions and modern attractions. And in spring, the city comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms!
This three-day itinerary takes you to Tokyo’s most famous spots, from historic Senso-ji Temple and the buzzing streets of Shibuya to the peaceful gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen—all surrounded by the soft pink of sakura. Get ready to soak in the magic of sakura season in Tokyo!
Tokyo Itinerary Featuring Sakura: Day 1
🌸 9:30 Skytree
At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. At its base, you’ll find the Tokyo Solamachi shopping mall, a planetarium, and an aquarium, making it easy to spend an entire day here without getting bored.
The elevators are a fun surprise—there are four designs, each based on a different season. The summer-themed one features fireworks over the Sumida River, while the spring one highlights cherry blossoms. See which one you get!
🌸 Walk to Asakusa
Enjoy a slow walk along the river towards Asakusa, surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. It’s a peaceful and scenic route, with charming bridges, old-fashioned wooden boats, and plenty of locals and tourists admiring the pink blossoms overhead.
🌸 12:00 Asakusa
Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, is a must-visit. The entrance, marked by the huge Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Walk along Nakamise Street, a lively shopping street full of souvenir stalls, snack shops, and sweets. Try Asakusa’s specialty, ningyoyaki—small, doll-shaped pancakes filled with red bean paste. Each shop has its own twist on the recipe, so taste a few and pick your favourite!
🌸 14:00 Sumida River
One of the best places in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms, Sumida Park has been a sakura-viewing spot since the Edo period. It started when the fourth shogun, Tokugawa Ietsuna, planted the first cherry trees here. Later, the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, added another 100 trees, making it the beautiful park it is today.
The park stretches for about a kilometre along both sides of the Sumida River, creating a stunning contrast with the towering Tokyo Skytree. For a unique view, take a relaxing boat ride along the river and see the sakura from the water.
🌸 15:30 Ueno
Ameyokocho, also known as Ameyoko Market, is a lively shopping street running from Okachimachi Station to Ueno Station. Packed with over 400 shops, it sells everything from fresh seafood and snacks to cheap clothes and souvenirs. It’s a great place to grab a bite and experience Tokyo’s energetic side.
Nearby, the Tokyo National Museum is worth a visit. It’s Japan’s largest museum and only costs ¥1,000 to enter. Inside, you’ll find incredible exhibits featuring samurai armour, Buddhist sculptures, traditional calligraphy, Ainu culture, and classic Ukiyo-e prints.
Another must-see is Ueno Toshogu Shrine, built in 1627. The shrine is decorated with bright gold and surrounded by cherry blossom trees, making it a beautiful photo spot. For an extra treat, visit the peony garden (¥700) and admire the colourful flowers in bloom.
🌸 Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. It’s home to around 800 sakura trees, especially along Sakura Street, creating a tunnel of pink petals in spring.
At Shinobazu Pond, you can take a break from the busy city and enjoy nature. In summer, lotus flowers cover the water, and ducks can be seen floating around.
If you have time, visit Ueno Zoo, where you can see pandas, giant turtles, and many other animals—all with cherry blossoms in the background!
🌸 18:00 Meguro
The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most breathtaking sakura spots, with Someiyoshino cherry trees lining the riverbanks for about 4 kilometres.
Near Nakameguro Station, the branches stretch over the water, forming a beautiful pink arch. This area is especially magical at night when lanterns and fairy lights illuminate the blossoms, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Every year, the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival and Meguro East Area Cherry Blossom Festival take place here, with food stalls, music, and lots of visitors soaking up the spring vibes. Check the official website for event details.
Tokyo Itinerary Featuring Sakura: Day ２
🌸 9:00 Shibuya
Shibuya is famous for its busy streets and tall buildings, and no visit is complete without walking through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Even on weekdays, this huge intersection is packed, making it an exciting experience! For an amazing view from above, head up to Shibuya Sky.
Right outside the station, you’ll find the Hachiko Statue, a heartfelt tribute to the loyal dog who waited for his owner every day. It’s a popular photo spot, so it’s best to visit early before the crowds arrive.
Shibuya is also packed with cool shops and great places to grab a seasonal treat. For the ultimate sakura experience, try a Sakura Frappuccino at Starbucks, made with real cherry blossom jelly! Pair it with sakura macarons for the perfect springtime snack while watching the crossing from the second floor.
🌸 11:00 Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks, featuring a mix of open spaces, forested areas, and fountains. It’s next to Meiji Shrine, making it feel like part of a huge green oasis in the city.
The park is home to around 600 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Oshima, and mountain cherry varieties. The Cherry Blossom Garden and Central Square are especially beautiful during peak bloom in late March, making it one of the best places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
🌸 12:30 Harajuku
Harajuku is a must-visit for fashion lovers and anyone who enjoys quirky, fun shopping streets. It’s packed with trendy boutiques, unique clothing stores, and plenty of cool spots to explore.
It’s also famous for animal cafes, and while cat and dog cafes are common, Harajuku offers some unique options. One of the cutest is the Hedgehog Cafe, where you can hold and feed these tiny creatures. They even curl up in your hands—adorable!
Of course, Harajuku is also known for its fun snacks! Try giant cotton candy shaped like bunnies or dogs, or grab a fresh strawberry-filled crepe from one of the many crepe stands. It’s the perfect place for a sweet break!
🌸 15:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens, blending Western, Japanese, and French-style designs. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy city, featuring wide lawns, ponds, and carefully arranged landscapes.
The park has around 10,000 trees, including 900 cherry blossom trees of 70 different varieties. Some trees bloom as early as January, but the famous Someiyoshino trees reach full bloom in late March, making this one of the best places to see sakura in Tokyo.
🌸 17:00 Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a mini version of Tokyo—it has neon lights, lively bars, amazing restaurants, and endless shopping, all in one place! If you want to experience Tokyo’s exciting energy, this is the place to be.
For art lovers, check out the Nishi Shinjuku area, which has some impressive public sculptures. Movie fans should stop by the Toho Cinema building, where you can see the giant Godzilla head on the rooftop! You can even go up close and feel like you’re in a movie scene.
Tokyo Itinerary Featuring Sakura: Day 3
🌸 9:00 Imperial Palace
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a must-visit, offering a mix of history, culture, and nature. You can join a free guided tour to learn more about its history or simply enjoy a relaxing walk through the palace gardens, which are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
🌸 10:30 Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo’s best sakura spots, just a five-minute walk from Kudanshita Station and Hanzomon Station. A 700-metre walkway runs alongside the water, lined with about 260 cherry trees, including the classic Someiyoshino variety.
The blossoms reflect on the water, creating a dreamy scene, and it’s popular with locals, tourists, and even businesspeople taking a break. You can also rent a rowboat for a unique view of the cherry blossoms from the water—one of the most scenic experiences in Tokyo!
🌸 12:00 Yasaka Shrine
Originally built in 1869 by Emperor Meiji, Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to honouring fallen warriors, from samurai to World War II soldiers.
The shrine has long been a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, with a special sakura tree chosen by the Tokyo Meteorological Observatory to announce the start of cherry blossom season. During peak bloom, the shrine hosts festivals, night performances, food stalls, and even pro wrestling matches!
🌸 14:00 Zozoji Temple
Zojoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most historic temples, with a 600-year history. It served as the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, and six of them are buried in its cemetery.
The temple grounds are home to about 200 cherry trees, mostly Someiyoshino, but you’ll also find weeping cherry trees and Yutenzakura trees, making it a breathtaking place to visit during sakura season.
🌸 16:30 Roppongi
Roppongi might be known for its nightlife, but it’s also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms and city views. The Roppongi Hills observatory offers an amazing panoramic view of Tokyo, where you can see both Tokyo Tower and Skytree at the same time. It’s especially beautiful at night when the city lights are glowing.
The streets of Roppongi are lined with cherry trees that bloom early in the season, so it’s worth taking a leisurely walk around the area.
If you’re looking for nightlife, Roppongi is one of Tokyo’s top party spots, with lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants. For a budget-friendly dinner, try Torikizoku, a restaurant serving delicious food and cheap drinks—a great way to end your Tokyo adventure!
Living Your Spring Fantasy in Tokyo
Are you excited to visit these stunning cherry blossom spots? This 3-day Tokyo itinerary gives you a perfect mix of culture, food, nature, and city life, all surrounded by the beauty of sakura!
Of course, Tokyo has so much more to offer. Every visit reveals new hidden gems, exciting neighbourhoods, and unforgettable experiences.
To make your trip even better, join a guided tour! Try the Tokyo Food & Drinks Bar Tour for a fun nightlife experience or dive into anime culture with the To get the most out of your trip, join one of our guided tours. Try the to explore the city’s nightlife and enjoy local drinks. Or, join the Half-Day Otaku Tour in Akihabara.
Planning a trip may seem overwhelming, but with some research and an open mind, you’ll create amazing memories. Enjoy the warm hospitality, rich traditions, and breathtaking beauty of Japan!
Tell us in the comments—what’s your favourite cherry blossom spot in Tokyo? 🌸
