Tokyo’s Rikugien Gardens, apart from being a gem of an example of an Edo-era formal garden, is home to some of the city’s most beautiful night illuminations. In spring sakura season, center stage is taken by a giant weeping tree.

The vast tree–23 m by 15 m–is brightly lit by spring sunlight during the day, when you can marvel at its sheer size and great age. At night the tree is floodlit, its great fall of pink blooms illuminated to form a bright island. The park’s evening opening hours are extended during the illumination, so grab your jacket and your traveling companion (or just your own self, if you’re a solo adventurer) and go sit in the presence of age and grace.

When does cherry blossom start in Tokyo?

For 2019, the Japan Weather Association’s forecast for Tokyo puts first bloom at the 22nd of March, with the best viewing times to be around April 3rd. For all the blossoms, see our Best Cherry Blossoms Spots in Tokyo Mega Guide, for late-night views check out our guide to Yozakura events and for elsewhere in Japan check our forecast!