You might think you can only see Kawazu-zakura if you travel south of Tokyo, around the Izu area. But actually, you can find Kawazusakura in Tokyo too! Kawazu-zakura is so special because they bloom earlier than most cherry trees and stay in bloom for about a month longer. Here are 10 best spots to find Kawazu-zakura this spring in Tokyo!

Kawazu-Zakura Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa グランドプリンスホテル高輪 (Map Link)

The Japanese garden at Takanawa makes you forget that you are in the heart of Tokyo. The Kawazu cherry trees bloom around February, followed by scarlett cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees, which bloom one after another until early April, when they are at their best. The cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the bright red Kannon-do hall and pond, designated as a tangible cultural property by the Minato City Government, are a sight to behold. Takanawa SAKURA Days will also be held from 11 (Fri) March to 3 (Sun) April 2022. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms and spring in the safety and security of the hotel!

During Takanawa SAKURA Days, the Japanese garden will be lit up from 17:30. The cherry blossoms are illuminated from 5:30pm during Takanawa SAKURA Days, which is a great opportunity to see the fantastic cherry blossoms in a different light than during the day.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: mid-February to early April

Kyu-Nakagawa River 旧中川の桜 (Map Link)

The Kawazu cherry trees along the riverside start to bloom from early February, followed by approximately 260 cherry trees such as the Okanzakura and Someiyoshino cherry trees. For about two months until early April, when the Someiyoshino cherry trees usually finish their season, visitors can view five different types of cherry trees in full bloom. The scenery reflected on the calm waters of the Old Nakagawa River is a sight to behold. With the cherry blossoms and the Tokyo Sky Tree on a clear day, your view will be amazing!

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Early Feb – early Apr

Shinjuku Gyoen 新宿御苑 (Map Link)

This garden is a skilful combination of a formal garden with beautiful rows of plane trees, a landscape garden featuring extensive lawns and lilies, and a traditional Japanese garden, and is said to be a modern Western garden representative of the Meiji era. The garden has a unique landscape of about 10,000 trees, including lilies, plane trees, Himalayan cedars and rakusyo, and about 900 cherry trees of about 70 species are a major attraction in spring. The lighting up of the cherry blossoms in 2023 has not yet been decided. Please check the official website for details.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Mid-February to late April

Nakagawa Waterfront Park 旧中川水辺公園 (Map Link)

The old Nakagawa River is a 6.7 km section downstream of the Nakagawa River, which was divided by the Arakawa River drainage canal, and is bordered on the east by Edogawa Ward and on the west by Sumida and Koto Wards. Sumida Ward has developed the riverbed into a park and planted 256 cherry trees of nine varieties, from early to late bloomers, including not only Someiyoshino but also Kawazu cherry, Omoigawa, Yoko, Kanzan, Fugenzo, Ichiyou, Oyama cherry and Sendai shidare (Sendai drooping branch). The cherry blossom festival is scheduled to be held in 2023. Please check the official website for details.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Mid-February – early April

Ueno Onshi Park 上野恩賜公園 (Map Link)

The mountains of Ueno have been famous for their cherry blossoms since the Edo period (1603-1868), and visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest throughout the four seasons. The cherry trees are said to have been transplanted from Mount Yoshino by Buddhist priest Tenkai. Around 800 cherry trees adorn the park, mainly along the park’s Sakura-dori (cherry blossom avenue). The cherry blossom festival in 2023 has not yet been decided. Please check the official website for details.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Late March – early April

Hotel New Otani ホテルニューオータニ (Map Link)

The Japanese garden at Hotel New Otani has a history of more than 400 years as the residence of Lord Kiyomasa Kato and the garden of the Ii family and is surrounded by the outer moat of Edo Castle. Usually from mid-March, mountain cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, someiyoshino cherry trees and yaezakura cherry trees come into blossom. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing hanami experience in the Japanese garden, which has many attractions such as a red drum bridge over the pond and a 6m-high waterfall. In addition, a total of 58 cherry trees of 19 varieties, including red-stemmed and Keio cherry trees, bloom at different times, allowing visitors to fully enjoy hanami for a long period of time. It is a peaceful place in the heart of the city where you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enjoy the Japanese atmosphere to your heart’s content.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Late Mar – late Apr

Yoyogi Park 代々木公園 (Map Link)

The fifth-largest of the city parks in Tokyo’s 23 wards, this one is divided into a forest park area across the road and a plaza area with an athletics track, outdoor stage and other facilities. Together with the trees of the neighbouring Meiji Shrine, it forms a thick green forest, and the waterscape facilities with three large and three small fountains and water corridors create a pleasant atmosphere. The park is home to approximately 600 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Oshima and mountain cherry trees, which are usually at their best from late March. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the Cherry Blossom Garden and the Central Square are brightly coloured.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Late Feb – early Apr

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo ホテル椿山荘東京 (Map Link)

From late March onwards, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees can be seen in full bloom in the spring weather. After sunset, the area is illuminated by lights. The cherry blossoms illuminated in the darkness are a sight not to be missed!

Best time to view cherry blossoms: Mid-February – early April

Nishigahara Minnano Park 西ケ原みんなの公園 西ケ原みんなの公園 (Map Link)

Located in a residential area, this park is perfect for adults and children alike, with a large lawn area for ball games and jogging, and a jabu-jabu pond that opens in summer for water sports.

The Kawazu cherry trees planted in the park bloom from February and can be enjoyed at their best from the early season.

Best time to view cherry blossoms: mid-February to early March

Komatsugawa Senbonzakura 小松川千本桜 (Map Link)

Along the Arakawa River near Oshima Komatsugawa Park, approximately 1,000 ‘Komatsugawa Senbonzakura’ cherry trees bloom for a distance of approximately 2 km from north to south. The Komatsugawa Senbonzakura Festival will be held on Sunday 2 April 2023, so don’t miss it!

Best time to view cherry blossoms: mid-March – early April

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What do you think about kawazu-zakura? Cherry Blossoms bloom to tell us that spring is just around the corner and their beauty brings a unique scene to the city. Hope you’re able to visit one or more of these gorgeous spots around Tokyo and truly immerse yourself in the tranquillity these flowers bring.