If you’ve already seen cherry blossoms during the day, it’s time to experience something even more breathtaking – yozakura (夜桜), or nighttime cherry blossom viewing.
When the sun sets, Tokyo’s most famous sakura spots take on a completely different, otherworldly charm, thanks to beautifully designed illuminations that bring out the delicate pink petals against the dark sky. Whether you’re walking along softly glowing riverbanks, gazing up at a towering weeping cherry, or enjoying the view from a boat, yozakura is a must-see spring experience in Japan.
This guide will take you through the best spots in Tokyo for yozakura, where you can witness stunning light-ups that turn the city into a dreamy wonderland. If you’ve already visited Tokyo’s cherry blossoms during the day, trust us—nighttime sakura is a whole new level of beauty!
1. Meguro River (目黒川) – Lantern-Lit Yozakura Magic
📍 Location: Meguro, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
💡 Why Visit? Paper lanterns reflecting off the water for a fairytale-like glow
One of Tokyo’s most famous sakura spots, Meguro River transforms into a breathtaking yozakura destination at night. With over 800 cherry trees lining the river for 4km, the reflections of delicate pink petals and softly glowing lanterns on the water create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The lanterns, called bonbori, are placed along the riverbanks, casting a warm, dreamy glow that makes for the perfect evening stroll. Plus, with trendy cafés, bars, and boutique shops in the area, you can enjoy a glass of sake or matcha while taking in the views.
✨ Bonus Tip: Want an even more unique perspective? Book a nighttime Meguro River sakura cruise and experience the illuminated cherry blossoms from the water!
2. Rikugien Garden (六義園) – Weeping Sakura Light Show
📍 Location: Bunkyo, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Mid-March to Mid-April
💡 Why Visit? A majestic weeping cherry tree bathed in golden light
If you want a truly breathtaking yozakura experience, head to Rikugien Garden, home to one of Tokyo’s most iconic weeping cherry trees. Standing at 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide, this shidare-zakura (weeping sakura) cascades like a waterfall of pink blossoms.
During peak bloom, special illuminations bathe the tree in soft pink and golden hues, making it appear almost ethereal. The combination of traditional Japanese garden aesthetics and sophisticated lighting design makes this a must-visit spot for nighttime cherry blossom lovers.
🎟 Entry Fee: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for seniors, free for children
✨ Pro Tip: The best time to visit is just after sunset, when the sky is deep blue and contrasts beautifully with the illuminated sakura!
3. Chidorigafuchi Park (千鳥ヶ淵公園) – Sakura Boat Rides Under the Lights
📍 Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
💡 Why Visit? Rowboats under illuminated cherry trees—unreal romantic vibes!
Right next to the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi is one of the most enchanting yozakura spots in Tokyo. With over 260 cherry trees, the park is famous for its illuminated sakura lining the Chidorigafuchi Greenway.
But what makes this place truly special at night is the chance to rent a rowboat and drift under the glowing cherry blossoms. The soft reflection of sakura petals on the water, combined with the subtle lighting that enhances their beauty, makes this a must-visit for photographers and couples alike.
✨ Bonus Tip: Rowboat rentals stay open late during peak bloom—book in advance for a magical nighttime boat ride!
4. Ueno Park (上野恩賜公園) – Classic Edo-Era Yozakura
📍 Location: Taito, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
💡 Why Visit? Traditional lantern-lit yozakura with festival vibes
Ueno Park has been one of Tokyo’s top hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots since the Edo period, and its yozakura experience is just as special. With over 1,200 cherry trees spread throughout the park, the atmosphere at night is nostalgic and lively.
Thousands of traditional bonbori lanterns are strung up in the park, casting a warm, golden light over the sakura trees. The result? A scene that feels straight out of an old Japanese painting. If you want a classic Edo-style yozakura experience, this is the place to be!
✨ Don’t Miss: The Ueno Sakura Festival, which features food stalls, performances, and festival lights at night.
5. Sumida River (隅田川) – Yozakura With a Skytree Backdrop
📍 Location: Sumida & Taito, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
💡 Why Visit? Stunning illuminated sakura with Tokyo Skytree in the background
Sumida River’s sakura light-up is one of the most photogenic yozakura spots in Tokyo. The 1km-long cherry blossom tunnel along the riverbanks is stunning on its own, but the real highlight is the view of Tokyo Skytree glowing in the background.
You can also hop on a nighttime river cruise, where you’ll get a one-of-a-kind perspective of the illuminated sakura with the city lights shimmering on the water. It’s the perfect mix of traditional and modern Japan!
✨ Extra Special: Check out the Sumida Park Sakura Matsuri, which includes food vendors, light shows, and special performances at night!
6. Tokyo Midtown (東京ミッドタウン) – Stylish City Yozakura
📍 Location: Minato, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Mid-April
💡 Why Visit? A sophisticated nighttime cherry blossom experience in a modern setting
Tokyo Midtown offers a stunning fusion of nature and urban elegance, with its 200-meter-long sakura-dori (cherry blossom street) transforming into a softly glowing tunnel of pink during the MIDTOWN BLOSSOM festival. The trees are illuminated with delicate pink and white lighting, creating an ethereal, fairytale-like atmosphere.
With stylish lounges, pop-up bars, and sakura-inspired menus at nearby restaurants, this is one of the most chic yozakura experiences in Tokyo. The reflections of the glowing petals on the surrounding glass buildings make it an incredible spot for photography.
✨ Don’t Miss: Sip on sakura-themed cocktails at the Midtown Blossom Lounge, an exclusive outdoor seating area that lets you enjoy yozakura with a drink in hand.
7. Ark Hills (アークヒルズ) – A Hidden Sakura Tunnel
📍 Location: Minato, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Mid-April
💡 Why Visit? A quiet, illuminated cherry blossom tunnel away from the crowds
Ark Hills is a lesser-known yozakura paradise featuring a 700-meter-long sakura tunnel stretching along Sakurazaka and Spain-zaka. The soft, golden lighting on the cherry blossoms creates a tranquil and romantic atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful hanami experience.
Unlike Tokyo’s more crowded cherry blossom spots, Ark Hills offers a more intimate and relaxed setting where you can take your time admiring the beauty of the illuminated trees. For a unique perspective, head to the South Tower Bridge, where you can view the glowing cherry blossoms from above.
✨ Don’t Miss: The Ark Hills Sakura Festival, which features gourmet food stalls, live performances, and traditional arts under the illuminated cherry blossoms.
8. Koganei Park (小金井公園) – Longest Yozakura Season in Tokyo
📍 Location: Koganei, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Late March to Late April
💡 Why Visit? A massive park with over a month of glowing cherry blossoms
Koganei Park is home to over 1,400 cherry trees across 50 different sakura varieties, giving it one of the longest yozakura seasons in Tokyo. The special night illuminations enhance the delicate pink petals, making the park feel like a serene wonderland long after other hanami spots have lost their blooms.
This spacious park offers plenty of room to lay out a picnic under the glowing trees, making it a perfect yozakura destination for families and groups of friends. The Sakura no Sono (Cherry Blossom Garden) is particularly breathtaking, with dense clusters of trees forming a tunnel of pink light at night.
✨ Don’t Miss: Pack a blanket and enjoy a late-night hanami picnic under the illuminated sakura—this is one of the few places in Tokyo where you can relax in a wide, open space.
9. Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) – Tokyo’s Most Diverse Cherry Blossoms
📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Mid-February to Late April
💡 Why Visit? A huge variety of cherry blossoms with special nighttime openings
Shinjuku Gyoen is famous for its 65+ types of cherry trees, ensuring an extended yozakura season that lasts almost two months. Though typically a daytime viewing spot, special nighttime events allow visitors to experience the illuminated blossoms against the dramatic backdrop of Shinjuku’s skyline.
The park’s mix of Japanese, English, and French garden styles creates a unique setting for yozakura, where you can admire reflections of the glowing sakura in the serene ponds or take in the beauty from the expansive lawns. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from the city’s chaos.
✨ Don’t Miss: Check the official event schedule for limited nighttime openings where you can see rare sakura varieties glowing under soft lights.
10. Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa (グランドプリンスホテル高輪) – Exclusive Yozakura with Bamboo Lanterns
📍 Location: Minato, Tokyo
🌸 Best Viewing Time: Mid-February to Early April
💡 Why Visit? A luxurious, private yozakura experience with enchanting bamboo lights
For a more exclusive yozakura experience, visit the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa’s stunning Japanese garden, which boasts 17 varieties of cherry trees illuminated in a dreamlike glow. This spot is far less crowded than public parks, offering a peaceful, intimate setting to enjoy yozakura.
A highlight of this garden is the Sakura Bamboo Light Illumination, where delicate bamboo lanterns cast a warm, golden glow on the cherry blossoms, enhancing their natural beauty. The reflection of glowing petals on the water adds to the fairytale-like ambiance, making it an unforgettable nighttime hanami experience.
✨ Don’t Miss: Stay at the hotel to enjoy private nighttime hanami events, where you can stroll through the illuminated garden without any crowds.
Experience the Magic of Yozakura in Tokyo
Experiencing yozakura in Tokyo is something you’ll never forget. Whether you prefer the romantic riverside illuminations of Meguro and Chidorigafuchi, the majestic weeping cherry at Rikugien, or the lively festival atmosphere at Ueno Park, Tokyo has something for everyone.
🌸 Have you experienced yozakura before? Let us know which spot is your favorite in the comments below!