The cherry-blossom viewing season is arriving soon! Are you wondering where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo? In Tokyo, you can enjoy various kinds of cherry blossoms every year from late March to early April, such as the Yoshino cherry tree, double cherry blossoms, and Gyoikou, which has rare green petals.

Here are 11 recommended cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, from famous spots that are crowded with many visitors, to hidden spots where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly.

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Find out more about Spring in Japan here: What to do in Spring, Where to go in spring, Wisteria in Japan, Spring Date ideas, What to do eat in spring, Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and Cherry blossom festivals.

Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo

Meguro River

The “Meguro River,” with a length of about 7km flows into Tokyo Bay via Meguro Ward and Shinagawa Ward. Approximately 800 Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the river, which stretches approximately 4km. 

Many cherry-blossom viewing visitors come in search of beautiful spring scenery, but the busiest area is near Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. In addition to standard yakisoba and takoyaki, many stalls also serve wine and champagne. Enjoying eating while watching the cherry blossoms is very popular in Japan.

If you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms and food slowly, we recommend restaurants and cafes along the river. Reservations are inevitable for popular window seats, so please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you set up a reservation.

During the cherry blossom season, a section of about 700m from “Tenjinbashi” in Aobadai, Meguro-ku to “Horaibashi” in Kamimeguro completely lights up. You can enjoy cherry blossoms at night. The cherry blossoms in full bloom in the night sky have a fantastic atmosphere. The lanterns on both banks of the river are also beautiful to view.

If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a walk, we recommend the wide river downstream towards Meguro Station. The promenade is well maintained, and congestion is alleviated so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing relatively slowly.

Also, if you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms of the Meguro River more slowly, we recommend cherry blossom viewing from the ship. In the “Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise” sponsored by Tokyo Waterways, you can enjoy a 70-minute round trip from Tennozu Pier to the Meguro River. Appreciate a boat trip while watching the scenery of Tokyo spreading along the river and the cherry blossoms blooming on the riverbank.

Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo

About 260 cherry trees like Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees are planted on the Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo, which stretches for about 700m along the Chidorigafuchi on the west side of the Imperial Palace. On the promenade, cherry blossoms are piled up overhead as if you are walking through a pink tunnel. 

It is recommended to take a 2 to 3 person rowing boat and enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms that hang down near the surface of the moat from the water. The branches that hang downward make it seem as if you are surrounded by pink clouds. 

During the “Chiyoda Sakura Festival” held from late March to early April, the night cherry blossoms will be lit up, and the Chidorigafuchi Boating Ground will be open at night. The appearance of the illuminated cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the water is fantastic! After enjoying the day view, why not go back and enjoy the atmosphere during the evening. 

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen overlooks the skyscrapers of Shinjuku beyond the beautifully maintained vast garden. The large space, of about 60 hectares (2.471 acres), has unique gardens such as an English landscape garden, a French orthopaedic garden, and a Japanese garden. Each place welcomes visitors with beautiful scenery in each season. There is also a spectacular greenhouse with many different types of tropical flowers. 

In addition to the early-blooming Kanzakura, there are about 65 species and 1,000 cherry trees like Somei Yoshino and Kasumizakura. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms from mid-February to late April.

We recommend mid-April when Ichiyo, the representative variety of Yae Sakura in Shinjuku Gyoen, is in full bloom. The double cherry blossoms are scheduled to be lit up around mid-April. “Gyoikou”, which has rare green petals, and “Ukon”, which is a yellow cherry tree, are also popular. Spread your lunch on the spacious lawn and enjoy the cherry blossoms as if you were on a picnic.

Ueno Onshi Park

The area of ​​”Ueno Onshi Park”, which is crowded with many cherry blossom viewing visitors every year, is famous for the cherry blossoms that represent Tokyo. You can enjoy 800 cherry blossoms of about 50 species, such as Yoshino cherry blossoms and Oshima cherry blossoms.

The “Ueno Sakura Festival” is held from late March to early April (depending on the flowering status of the cherry blossoms). During that period, about 1,000 bonbons will be lit at night to liven up the banquet mood (* planned after the cherry blossoms bloom). Lively banquets are held day and night, so it is perfect for those who want to enjoy themselves with their friends.

In the large garden, there is the “Ueno Zoo”, which is popular for cute pandas, as well as the “National Western Art”, which is one of the assets of the world heritage “Le Corbusier’s architectural works-a manifest contribution to the modern architectural movement”. There are plenty of tourist attractions such as the Museum. So as you visit the cherry blossoms, check out other sights as well. 

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is known for having a specimen tree of cherry blossoms that are designated by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The shrine has about 500 cherry trees, like Yoshino cherry trees and wild cherry trees, that warmly welcome visitors. The cherry blossoms that bloom in front of the torii gate and the hall of worship are beautiful. It’s the perfect place to feel the joy of spring.

It is also the place of the “sample cherry tree” of Tokyo. This tree is carefully observed. Once it begins to blossom, Tokyo announces that the cherry blossoms have officially started to bloom. Plus, the shrine’s entrance has temporary food stalls that offer takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba.

By the time the cherry blossoms bloom, the “Dedication Yasukuni Shrine Night Cherry Blossom Noh” will be held (tickets required). Set in the Noh theatre, which has had this tradition for more than 130 years. It is fun to spend an elegant night while enjoying the fantastic Takigi noh danced by Noh performers and Kyogen artists.

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. It is one of the leading cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo and has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan”.

There are about 500 cherry trees, such as Yoshino cherry trees and wild cherry trees in the park, but the highlight is about 250 cherry trees surrounding “Inokashira Pond”. The view from the “Nanai Bridge” built in the centre of the pond is popular. Plus the appearance of the cherry blossoms with branches extending close to the surface of the water and covering the area around the pond is overwhelmingly beautiful.

Inokashira Park does not light up like the others, but you can enjoy watching the cherry blossoms at night with the streetlights in the park. The slightly understated cherry blossoms have a mysterious atmosphere and are enchantingly beautiful.

Sumidagawa

The Sumida River runs between Taito Ward and Sumida Ward. Approximately 850 beautiful cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry blossoms decorate both banks of the river, which stretches for about 1km from “Sakurabashi” to “Azumabashi”. 

The Taito Ward side is popular with cherry blossom viewing visitors because you can enjoy a spectacular collaboration between the Tokyo Sky Tree and the cherry blossoms overlooking the river. You can take a walk while looking for the perfect photoshoot point.

At Sumida Park, which stretches along the Sumida River, the Sumida Park Sakura Festival is held from late March to early April. When the sun goes down, the cherry blossom trees and Bonbori are lit up so you can enjoy the fantastic night cherry blossoms.

Rikugien

Rikugien is a daimyo garden that represents the Edo period and is about a 7-minute walk from JR Komagome Station. The weeping cherry blossoms and the daimyo garden light up for the spring tradition. It is scheduled to be held from late March to early April. In the evening when the cherry blossoms bloom you are surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere.

The weeping cherry blossoms, which are about 15m high and about 20m wide, are impressive. It’s worth a look if the stunning view is too big to fit in the frame of the photo.

During the light-up period, “Sakura Chaya” where you can enjoy light meals and “Matcha Chaya” where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets are also open until 20:00 (usually until 16:45). Make sure to enjoy the cherry blossom viewing in the fantastic night garden. 

Showa Kinen Park

“Showa Kinen Park” where 1,500 cherry blossoms of about 30 varieties such as Yoshino cherry tree, wild cherry tree, and Kanzan bloom. The park is as large as 39 Tokyo Domes, so it is popular because you can enjoy the cherry blossom viewing calmly without worrying about the number of people.

Sakura-no-en is a place where you can enjoy about 200 cherry blossoms. In the centre, a Yoshino cherry tree is hidden in a spot where you can relax by laying a sheet under a big cherry tree. Located almost in the centre of the park, nearby is a large zelkova tree with a height of 20m or more, known as the symbol tree of the park.

After relaxing, it is recommended to take a walk while looking at the cherry blossom trees along the Zanbori River. Or ride a bicycle on the cycling road while feeling the wind.

From the end of March to the end of May every year, the “Flower Festival” is held. Cherry blossoms, tulips, poppies, Adonis ramosa, plums, rape blossoms, wisteria, water lilies, and azaleas bloom, making the park even more gorgeous. You can feel the arrival of spring as the colourful flowers brightly colour the garden.

Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park has been popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. It is said that about 300 years ago, about 1,200 wild cherry trees were planted as part of the “Kyoho Reform” by Yoshimune Tokugawa, the eighth shogun.

Approximately 600 cherry trees like Yoshino cherry trees and Satozakura are planted in the current park. It can be crowded with people walking along the promenade and enjoying banquets in the open space.

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the “Kita-ku Sakura SA * KASO Festival” is held, and at night during the cherry blossom season, the bonbori lights up. Plus, you can enjoy watching the cherry blossoms at night.

Roppongi Hills

The cherry blossoms at Roppongi Hills, a landmark in Tokyo, are popular because they are a bit different from the spots introduced so far. The collaboration between skyscrapers and cherry blossoms is a  beautiful duo and unique to the city. The 238m-high “Roppongi Hills Mori Tower” soars over the rows of cherry blossom trees giving off an overwhelming presence.

In addition, at the strolling Japanese garden “Mori Garden” and “Roppongi Sakurazaka” that extends for about 400m, a total of about 90 Somei Yoshino are lit up. Roppongi at night is coloured with fantastic gorgeousness.

At the “Roppongi Hills Spring Festival” held in early April, you can enjoy attractions such as gourmet food stalls and music/entertainment performances that are popular every year.

So there you have it! All the best places to view the cherry blossoms this year. Be sure to refer to this list for extra ideas and fun activities to do while you take in the cherry blossoms this spring!

Find out more about Spring in Japan here: What to do in Spring, Where to go in spring, Wisteria in Japan, Spring Date ideas, What to do eat in spring, Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo and Cherry blossom festivals.

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