Cherry blossom in Tokyo: Best places to see sakura blossom

Japan is world-famous for its sakura, or cherry blossom season. In early spring, thousands of trees across Japan burst forth in shades of red, pink, and white.

The Japanese capital is one of the best places to experience this beautiful phenomena. Tokyo is a prime viewing location for sakura blossoms due to its abundant parks and green spaces.

On this page, we break down the best spots for cherry blossom in Tokyo and help you plan your own unforgettable experience!

We’ll also help you figure out how to use your Japan Rail Pass to get the most out of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo!

Don’t forget to also check our cherry blossom travel tips to make sure you get the maximum sakura experience!

When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?

The cherry blossom in Tokyo typically peaks from late March to early April. Over the past ten years, the first blooms have occurred between March 20 and March 28.

Full bloom usually peaks between March 27 and April 6, and this is widely considered the best time to visit to take in cherry blossom in Tokyo.

If traveling internationally, the first week in April provides good odds of seeing the sakura blossoms at their peak. But don’t forget to check our bloom report for regular updates!

You may also want to use your JR Pass to experience hanami in other cities like Kyoto to really make the most of the cherry blossom season. Kyoto’s bloom typically peaks one week later than in Tokyo.

Best places to see cherry blossom in Tokyo

During the cherry blossom season, local families head en masse to Tokyo’s parks for hanami (picnics or parties for the purpose of viewing the flowers).

And, of course, tourists also flock to the many green spaces to see what magnificent sakura blooms the city has to offer.

There’s no shortage of prime cherry viewing spots in Tokyo where you can snap some fab pics. So, let’s take a look at some of the most spectacular!

Koishikawa Korakuen

The Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the most famous gardens in Tokyo. It is home to dozens of cherry trees, including an interesting specimen of weeping cherry.

If your trip threatens to end before full bloom is reached, fear not. This is because the weeping cherry of Korakuen typically blossoms days before the rest.

• Opening times and prices: The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is ¥300.
• How to get there: The Koishikawa Korakuen is in the Tokyo Dome area, a 10-minute walk from any of two surrounding JR stations (Iidabashi and Suidobashi, on the Chuo-sobu line) or the Korakuen station of Tokyo Metro.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Considered one of the most magical gardens in Japan, this green space in central Tokyo is home to dozens of species of cherry tree.

In fact, there’s more than 1,000 trees overall. Because of the great variety, you can enjoy blossoms in Shinjuku even if you are a week early or late for Tokyo’s full bloom.

• Opening times and prices: The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Admission is ¥500 (for adults, but ¥400 with group discount), children 15 and under enter for free.
• How to get there: Take the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. The garden is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Ueno Park

More than a thousand trees and night lights make Ueno Park one of the most popular hanami spots in Tokyo. Plus, admission is free!

Ueno’s trees usually blossom one to 3 days earlier than most of the cherry trees in Tokyo. You can even enjoy the blossoms alongside fascinating wildlife at the Ueno Park Zoo!

• Opening times and prices: Admission to the park is free, but museums and the zoo located onsite each have individual fees. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. For 2 weeks during the Tokyo cherry blossom festival, the park is illuminated nightly from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for nocturnal sakura viewing.
• How to get there: Take the Yamanote Line or the Keihin-Tohoku line to Ueno Station. The park is a short walk away.

Chidori-ga-fuchi

The moat of the Imperial Palace, known as Chidori-ga-fuchi, boasts A 700-meter-long walkway among lush greenery. What’s more, the waterways are lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

Boats can be rented to view the trees from the water, and the trees are illuminated in the evenings. If you get hungry, enjoy the food stands and another thousand cherry trees at nearby Yasukuni Shrine.

• Opening times and prices: Admission is free, and illumination takes place from 6.pm to 10 p.m. nightly.
• How to get there: The park is located a short distance from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro).

Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park is considered to be the oldest and most famous of Tokyo’s hanami spots. Several hundred cherry trees are illuminated each evening, and admission is free.

• Opening times and prices: Asukayama Park is open all day. The illuminations during sakura season are from sunset to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
• How to get there: The park is only a short walk from Oji Station, on the Keihin-Tohoku line.

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Meguro River

The cherry blossoms along Meguro River, near the Nakameguro area, are truly a sight to behold. It also plays host to one of the best Tokyo cherry blossom festivals.

During the sakura season, pink illuminations dramatically light up the area for nighttime cherry blossom viewing. Local shops and restaurants also set up stalls along the river, so you can grab a bite to eat while marveling at the sea of flowers.

• Opening times and prices: The Riverwalk is public so is open all day. The lanterns are usually lit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is no admission fee.
• How to get there: Take the Yamanote line to JR Meguro Station, then walk along the river to Nakameguro Station.

Inokashira Park

At Inokashira Park, over 500 cherry trees line the shores of a beautiful pond which is lit up each night throughout the season. Visitors can rent boats and paddle around the water among the stunning blooms.

If you’re visiting the park with children, you might also like to pay a visit to the on-site petting zoo and aquarium. The surrounding area (Kichijoji) is also known for its stylish bars, cafés, and restaurants.

• Opening times and prices: Admission is free, though you have to pay to rent a boat. The park is open 24 hours and the illumination usually lasts from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
• How to get there: Take the Chūō-Sobu Line to Kichijoji Station. Take the park Exit, cross the main road, and take the first right to the entrance of the park.

Sumida Park

This narrow stretch of park is located along the picturesque Sumida River and boasts a number of unusual modern sculptures. It sits between the Azumabashi and Sakurabashi bridges.

It has been a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing ever since the Edo Period (1603-1868). However, nowadays you also can enjoy a sensational view of the capital’s skyline, including the Tokyo Skytree.

• Opening times and prices: The park is open 24/7 and access is free. Boats are available for river trips along the Sumida for a fee.
• How to get there: The park is very close to Asakusa Station which you can get to on the Ginza line and the Tobu Isesaki Line (both not included with your JR Pass).

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi is one of the largest national parks in Tokyo and one of the most popular places for a picnic. If you want to get a good spot, it’s worth going early, as it can get crowded.

You can easily combine a visit to Yoyogi Park with some sightseeing, as it’s close to popular tourist spots like Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, and Shinjuku,

• Opening times and prices: Access to the park is free and it is open all day. Go as early as possible for the best picnic spot.
• How to get there: Harajuku station is just 5 minutes away and can be reached on the Yamanote line.

Koishikawa Botanical Garden

Koishikawa Botanical Garden is part of Japan’s most prestigious college, Tokyo University. The landscape garden preserves thousands of types of trees and other plants.

It’s a peaceful and pleasant spot for cherry blossom viewing, as it does not draw large crowds like many of the others. If you’re visiting Japan earlier in the year, It’s also an ideal spot for plum blossom viewing.

• Opening times and prices: The garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. and costs 500 yen to enter. It is closed on Mondays and from December 29 to January 3.
• How to get there: The garden is a 15-minute walk from either Myogadani Station (Marunouchi Subway Line) or Hakusan Station (Mita Subway Line).

Which sakura blossom spot is your favorite? If you’re having trouble choosing, simply visit them all, using your JR Pass to get round Tokyo quickly and affordably!

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