Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and prepare for your anime moment under the falling petals. We’ve put together a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

While some prefer busy places with a lively atmosphere, others prefer a quiet, relaxing stroll under the cherry blossoms in Tokyo — so we have both covered. We’ve divided this list into the most popular parks and gardens — promising crowds, food stalls, and plenty of picnickers — and quieter spots to see sakura in Tokyo..

Pro tip: Want to get out of the city? Then sign up for this cherry blossom bus tour that takes you to some of the best sakura spots in the Kantō region. Even better, an all-you-can-eat lunch is included too!

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Cherry blossom season in Tokyo

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo usually starts in mid- to late March and lasts for around two weeks. During this time the city comes alive with soft, fluffy flowers and the crowds who want to see them. To help you make the most of the season we’ve put together a list of the best cherry blossom places in Tokyo. There are even a few super-chilled places at the end and some slightly outside of Tokyo. Keep in mind, though, that “secret” and “sakura” is basically an oxymoron. Tokyo knows and loves its trees, so if it’s pretty, people will know about it.

Pro tip: If you’d like to see sakura in their spiritual home, you can take an overnight highway bus down to Kyoto.

Sakura forecast 2024: When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?

Japan 2024 cherry blossom forecast map.
Japan 2024 cherry blossom forecast. Last updated: January 25, 2024. | Photo by Japan Meteorological Corporation

According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)’s most recent forecast, cherry blossom season in Tokyo will see first bloom on March 23, with peak viewing around March 30.

Keep in mind that the forecasts are typically for the most common/popular variety of sakura, the Somei-Yoshino. There are actually dozens of different varieties of cherry blossoms, including some that bloom earlier or later than the common varieties. So if you won’t be here at peak time, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered.

Some sakura names to look out for when checking specific locations for cherry blossoms in Japan:

  • Early-blooming sakura: Kanzakura, Kawazuzakura, Kanhizakura
  • Late-blooming sakura: Ichiyo, Ukon, Kanzan, Shogetsu, Jugatsuzakura, Kikuzakura, Fugenzo

You might also see the term yaezakura, which refers to cherry blossom varieties with dense petals. These bloom later than the “standard” Tokyo sakura that have five petals per flower.

How to enjoy cherry blossom season in Tokyo

Ueno Festival
The crowds at a cherry blossom festival in Ueno Park. | Photo by Lily Crossley-Baxter

While it’s easy enough to stroll into a park, admire a cherry tree, and then go on your merry way, there are plenty of other ways to get into the spirit of spring too. Perhaps the most traditional way is having a hanami (flower viewing) party. But of course, you could also go to a sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival), see a light-up event, or even go for a hike.

What is hanami?

Hanami literally means “flower viewing” and it’s one of our favorite Japanese traditions. You haven’t experienced Japan until you’ve had a picnic party under the sakura. Hanami parties typically involve heading down to a park with a blue tarp, snacks, and lots of drinks.

However, make sure hanami is allowed at your chosen spot — parks are usually fine but most gardens ban hanami. Also, see our guide to hanami in Tokyo.

More ways to enjoy sakura in Tokyo

Looking for other ways to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo? Here are some of our other favorites:

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  • Evening cherry blossom tour: This evening tour takes you to see the cherry blossom illuminations along the Meguro River. It is an absolute must for visitors with limited time, and it even includes dinner. You can book online now.
  • Cherry blossom festivals: These provide food stalls, pretty lanterns, and sometimes even entertainment. Held around peak blossom season, a sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is perfect if you want a slice of the summer festival action a little earlier in the year.
  • Yozakura: This refers to seeing the cherry blossoms illuminated at night — a different take on the Tokyo cherry blossom-viewing experience.
  • Hikes: Your best chance of seeing some quiet cherry blossoms in their natural habitat is to head out into the mountains for a spring walk. Pack a picnic and you’ve got yourself the perfect day out.

While they’ll be busy and filled with blue tarps as far as the eye can see, these places are popular for a reason. Whether they have the best trees, the nicest rivers, or the most picturesque boating lakes and cherry blossom tunnels, people flock to these spots — and there’s no shame in joining. The bonus of going to some of the busier cherry blossom places in Tokyo is the lively atmosphere. See students throwing hanami parties, families having a day out, and people of all ages just enjoying the sakura in Tokyo.

1. Ueno Park: One of the most popular cherry blossom places in Tokyo

Free
About a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station

tokyo cherry blossom sakura ueno park
Sakura reflections in Ueno Park.  | Photo by iStock.com/smalldaruma

One of the most popular (and crowded) hanami spots in Tokyo, Ueno Park is where the sakura famously bloom a bit earlier. An estimated 800 cherry trees line the park’s central path, and people typically picnic on both sides, using blankets or tarps to claim whatever space they can.

If you time it right, you might be able to boat around the pond, too. Whatever you decide to do, our advice is to get there early, especially for picnics! Lanterns are strung up, so you can party on into the evening.

Find out what else there is to do in Ueno.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen: A quieter place to see sakura in Tokyo

¥500
Just a 1- or 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station or Sendagaya Station

Tokyo cherry blossom Shinjuku
Visit this peaceful sakura spot in the city. | Photo by iStock.com/TommL

If you’re keen on somewhere a little more peaceful, this is it. Shinjuku Gyoen is a spacious garden with big lawns, plenty of walking paths and around 1,300 cherry trees, which bloom at different times. This means that even if it’s crowded, you can still enjoy a chilled stroll under the sakura flowers. The atmosphere here is much less rowdy compared to most other parks.

Important note: You will need to pre-register to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays during March and April 2024.

Read up on what else there is to do in Shinjuku while you’re here.

3. Imperial Palace East Gardens: Great for a leisurely stroll

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Ōtemachi Station, Takebashi Station, or Nijūbashimae Station

Cherry blossoms along a path near the Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace’s East Gardens are open to the public and entry is free. Some people have picnics there, but it doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being a sakura picnic spot. Instead, the gardens’ size makes them suitable for a nice stroll. The sakura are a welcome touch of old Tokyo in contrast to all the concrete and glass of nearby modern Marunouchi, Tokyo’s business district.

Check out these other things to see at the Imperial Palace.

4. Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park: Most scenic spot to see sakura in Tokyo

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station

chidorigafuchi tokyo cherry blossom sakura
Recommended for insta-worthy shots. | Photo by iStock.com/taka4332

Chidorigafuchi is one of Tokyo’s most picturesque sakura spots. Plus, it’s also a place where you can hop in a boat and row your date (or lazy friends) around an Edo-era moat (which is now part of the Imperial Palace grounds). If you’re wobbly on the water, you can mosey along the 700m-long footpath instead, ooh-ing and ah-ing your way through the tunnel of cherry blossoms.

The park next door is called Kitanomaru Park and, like the Imperial Palace’s East Gardens, is a place for quiet sakura viewing. The controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which also has loads of cherry blossoms, is nearby; despite its politically loaded status, it draws a lot of tourists during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo.

5. Sumida Park: A hanami spot by the river

Free
Just a 1- or 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station

sumida park tokyo cherry blossom sakura
Sumida Park cherry blossoms | Photo by iStock.com/tupungato

The area stretching from Azumabashi Bridge to Sakurabashi Bridge on the Sumida River is a super-famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and has been for centuries. More than 1,000 cherry trees line the river, making for great photo ops and picnics. You can also see Tokyo Skytree from here. However, the area can get very crowded so arrive early if you want to snag one of the best hanami spots in Tokyo.

You could also take a short cruise on one of the yakatabune (traditional pleasure boats) that travel along the Sumida.

6. Inokashira Park: Swan boats and sakura

Free
Less than a 10-minute walk from Kichijōji Station

tokyo cherry blossom sakura inokashira park
The best kind of boat is swan-shaped. | Photo by iStock.com/kanzilyou

This park in Kichijōji, a suburban Tokyo neighborhood west of Shinjuku, is renowned for its beauty in spring. Approximately 500 cherry trees surround a central pond, and when the blossoms start falling, the sakura petals carpet the water in pink.

You can go boating while appreciating the scenery. The swan-shaped boats are a favorite among couples, but be warned: Superstition says that couples who go boating in the park are doomed to break up. Apparently this is because Benzaiten — despite being the goddess of love — has a jealous streak. Inokashira Park is dedicated to her, and she hates seeing couples being all lovey-dovey in it. If boating and/or breaking up is not your thing, you can have a cherry blossom picnic or see the blossoms from the park’s bridges.

7. Meguro River: The best place for seeing sakura lit up at night

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station, Meguro Station, or Naka-Meguro Station (each station is near a different part of the river)

sakura cherry blossoms tokyo
The Meguro River is a famous spot for yozakura. | Photo by David Ishikawa

Several kilometers of the Meguro River are lined with more than 800 cherry trees, which make for a unique sight. (In Tokyo, at least — go to Kyoto if you want to see countless canals surrounded by cherry blossoms). This area is even more beautiful at night when the trees are lit up, during the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s a favorite date spot.

Learn more about yozakura — seeing the blossoms at night — and other nighttime hanami spots.

8. Yoyogi Park: For when it’s more about the party than the flowers

Free
Just a 1- or 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingūmae Station

Yoyogi Park is super popular with Tokyoites, even if it is not the prettiest park.

The very urban Yoyogi Park is known more for general gatherings and bazaars than its flora. That said, it has about 600 cherry trees, including an early blooming variety that’s a darker shade of pink than the Somei-Yoshino (the most common kind of cherry blossom you see in Japan and very pale).

Use our full guide to Yoyogi Park to help plan your outing.

9. Koishikawa Kōrakuen: Best place in Tokyo to see weeping cherry blossoms

¥300
Less than a 5-minute walk from Kōrakuen Station or Iidabashi Station

tokyo cherry blossom sakura
For a more scenic experience, head to a garden. | Photo by iStock.com/frentusha

One of Tokyo’s oldest, this well-preserved garden is famous for weeping cherry trees, a special varietal. Koishikawa Kōrakuen is suited for scenic appreciation, not picnics (which aren’t allowed), but they do have a teahouse where you can enjoy some matcha.

Off-the-beaten-path places to see Tokyo sakura

These locations are not as well known, at least for international tourists. So if you want a (somewhat) less-crowded cherry blossom experience, consider adding a couple of these spots to your itinerary.

1. Shōwa Memorial Park

¥450
About a 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station

tokyo cherry blossom showa kinen
Showa Kinen Park | Photo by iStock.com/ntrirata

If you’re keen on getting out of Tokyo central, or miss the main sakura season by a few days, you can always check out Shōwa Kinen Park in Tachikawa, about 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku. It’s huge, and has 1,500 cherry blossom trees — you might see some daffodils and tulips, too.

A great way to explore the park is by renting a bicycle when you arrive. This costs adult/child ¥530/¥320 for a full day or adult/child ¥420/¥260 for a half-day. Read more about this and other things to do at Shōwa Kinen Park.

2. Asukayama Park

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Ōji Station and Asukayama Station

asukayama park cherry blossoms
This place even has it’s own mini cable car! | Photo by iStock.com/kuremo

This hidden park’s hanami history goes back a long way — it’s been a favorite local spot since the Edo period. It has 600 trees and a cable car that goes from the entrance to the hilltop.

3. Yanaka Cemetery

Free
About a 10-minute walk from Nippori Station

Cherry blossoms yanaka cemetery
A more somber cherry blossom spot. | Photo by iStock.com/kuremo

Flower viewing in a cemetery? That’s possible in Yanaka Cemetery near Ueno. The place has been relatively popular among locals for quite some time now. In fact, the main path leading to it is lined with cherry trees and aptly named Cherry Blossom Avenue.

Despite the image of cemeteries as places of gloom and solemnity, (some) people do have picnics here. But if you think about the symbolism behind the cherry blossom, it doesn’t seem too unusual — the short-lived sakura is a reminder of the transience of life, after all. Just be as respectful as possible if you decide to drop by this place.

Make a day out of it and see more of Yanaka.

4. Kasai Rinkai Park

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Kasai-Rinkai-kōen Station

kasai rinkai ferris wheel
Kasai Rinkai Park, on Tokyo Bay. | Photo by iStock.com/kanzilyou

Kasai Rinkai Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks, and just one stop away from Tokyo Disneyland. Its vast space and full slate of attractions (a Ferris wheel, a big aquarium, an observatory, a bird sanctuary…) make it an ideal location for family outings.

5. Mt. Takao 

Free
About a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station

Why not take a day trip to the closest mountain to Tokyo? Less than an hour away from Shinjuku, Mt. Takao provides great views of the Kantō region and Mt. Fuji. In spring, those views can get even more picturesque with cherry blossoms framing the sights.

For more details about hanami at Takao and other such spots, check out our sakura hikes article.

6. Sotobori Park

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Station

Tokyo cherry blossom sakura
Sotobori Park | Photo by iStock.com/CHENG FENG CHIANG

Between Ichigaya and Yotsuya stations, this thin stretch of park runs along the Kanda-gawa riverside. In spring, it becomes a cherry blossom-filled haven. The park is just over 2km-long, so perfect for a stroll, and features Edo Castle ruins, as well as around 700 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. It gets busy — as lots of students fromm nearby Hōsei University have hanami parties here — but you might find the northside river path a little quieter.

7. Ōjima Komatsugawa Park

Free
Less than a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Ōjima Station

Mainly known for its recreation fields and castle-like structures, Ōjima Komatsugawa Park straddles the Kyūnaka River. As you may have learned, a river is a good sign for cherry blossoms in Japan. Once a marshland, the park is now home to around 1,000 cherry trees, nicknamed the Senbonzakura (and planted as a sign of regeneration). While this park may not be as popular as the more famous Tokyo sakura sites, you’ll still need to claim your pitch early if you’re planning a proper cherry blossom viewing party.

8. Hibiya Park

Free
Just a 1- or 2-minute walk from Hibiya Station or Kasumigaseki Station

hibiya park tokyo cherry blossom sakura
Another great night-viewing spot. | Photo by iStock.com/winhorse

Near the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park is 16 hectares of beauty — and as it’s not a major hanami spot, it’s great for the less gregarious Cheapo. The park precincts include the Shinkei and Kumogata ponds, a playground, and a number of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees.

9. Komazawa Olympic Park 

Free
Less than a 10-minute walk from Komazawa-Daigaku Station

Before being opened to the public, this park was used as the second main venue of the 1964 Olympics. It’s a great open space filled with Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. There are around 200 mature trees in the park and many line the cycling route, meaning you can combine your blossom viewing with a relaxing cycle or run through tunnels of pink.

10. Kinuta Park

Free
About a 15-minute walk from Yōga Station

Sakura hanami Kinuta Park
A golf course turned park. | Photo by iStock.com/GI15702993

Way out in Setagaya, Kinuta Park has over 900 sakura trees including Somei-Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura varietals. When you get your fill of the food stands, bird sanctuary, and kids’ playgrounds, amuse yourself by seeing whether you can spot telltale signs that the 80-year-old park had a past life as a golf course.

11. Hamarikyū Gardens

¥300
About a 10-minute walk from Shiodome Station

Cherry Blossom in Hamarikyū Gardens.

Hamarikyu Garden is flanked by the gleaming spires of the Shiodome business district on one side and Tokyo Bay on the other. It’s also just a short walk from Tsukiji Outer Market.

This is actually one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens, so the few dozen sakura trees here are just one of the highlights. It has several seawater ponds, a teahouse, and a spectacular 300-year-old pine tree. If you’re in the area between February and the start of cherry season, go see the nanohana (rapeseed), one of Japan’s lesser-known spring blooms.

12. Rikugien Garden

¥300
About a 5-minute walk from Komagome Station

rikugien spring
Check out the weeping cherry blossom. | Photo by iStock.com/RYUYA HORIGUCHI

Rikugien Garden is almost four centuries old, and home to a vast and beautiful weeping cherry tree that is illuminated at night during the sakura season. While the tree is lit up, the park is open until 9 p.m. (But be advised if you’re out at night, it’s still spring and it gets chilly after dark). If you are there during the day, you can check out the garden’s teahouse.

13. Koganei Park

Free
About a 20-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station or Higashi-Kogansei Station

tokyo cherry blossom sakura koganei
Koganei Park | Photo by iStock.com/gyro

This 200-acre park is the second largest in Tokyo, and during hanami season, you can tell: the spacious lawns are a favorite spot for blossom-viewing picnics. There are upwards of 1,700 cherry trees, with over 50 varieties, including Yoshino, Sato, and wild cherry trees. If you get tired of looking at sakura or need a break from the crowds, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum is nearby.

Cherry blossom day trips near Tokyo

If you’re happy to head a little farther afield, these two day trips make for awesome springtime adventures.

1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Kamakura

Free
About a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station

Kamakura, Tsuruoka Hachiman
Sakura-lined roads. | Photo by iStock.com/kanzilyou

Not only is this the most important Shintō shrine in Kamakura, it is one of the most beautiful in spring as it has a 500m approach lined with cherry trees. Stroll through the grounds to find more trees near the garden ponds. These are older and include very early- and late-blooming sakura varieties — great if you’re not visiting at peak season.

The shrine is one of the top sights in Kamakura at any time of year, so you can enjoy it with an added bonus of blossoms.

2. Ōmiya Park, Saitama

Free
Short walk from Kita-Ōmiya Station

cherry blossom tokyo saitama omiya park sakura
Ōmiya Park | Photo by iStock.com/ntrirata

One of the top 100 spots for cherry blossoms in the whole of Japan, this park is far enough out of Tokyo that it misses some of the crowds. There are over 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees lining paths through the park, which are illuminated in the evenings. There is also a boating lake, which allows for some picturesque sakura-viewing opportunities (although you might have to queue for a spot).

On the weekends, plenty of people hold hanami parties. Ōmiya Park doesn’t close, so you don’t have to worry about being booted out just as you’re getting settled. Ōmiya is a major hub in Saitama Prefecture.

Bonus: Two little-known mini sakura spots in Tokyo

Not even official parks, these are tiny cherry blossom corners that are perfect if you find yourself in the area and wouldn’t mind adding some Tokyo sakura to your day. They aren’t exactly worth traveling for, but will definitely be quiet!

3. Kitazawa-gawa Green Road

A small culverted river that’s a tributary to the more famous Meguro River, this is a quiet and pleasant spot with some cherry blossoms lining the hidden waterway. Popular with local children and dog walkers, it might not be worth a trip on its own, but if you’re in the area, it is certainly worth a stroll and makes for a great picnic lunch spot.

4. Roppongi Sakurazaka

Roppongi Sakurazaka
Sakurazaka. | Photo by Gregory Lane

Running parallel to busy Keyakizaka, Sakurazaka is a walking path with around 75 cherry trees. Thanks to its more residential surroundings, it’s nothing like the busy cosmopolitan streets you might associate with Roppongi.

The trees are illuminated in the evenings, so if you’re out in Roppongi for the night, a nice stroll might be the perfect end to your day. There is a lot more to do in Roppongi, so you can definitely make a day out of it.

Frequently asked questions

What months can you see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

The best months to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo are March and April.

Where can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

You can see sakura almost everywhere in Tokyo. Most parks and gardens will have a least a few cherry trees, and you can often see trees along streets too. If you’re in Tokyo during sakura season, you definitely won’t miss them. However, some places are better than others, but that’s why we put together this list.

What is the best time of year to see cherry blossoms in Japan?

This depends on where you are in Japan, but March and April are usually the best months to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Check out the 2024 sakura forecast for the most up-to-date information.

Is sakura season busy in Tokyo?

Yes, cherry blossom season in Tokyo is the busiest season for domestic and international travelers. Expect high prices for plane tickets and hotel rooms, and crowds at the most popular spots.

Bonus: Check out our suggestions for less-conventional ways to enjoy Tokyo sakura season.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in March 2015. Last updated in January 2024 by Maria Danuco. Special thanks to Lily Crossley-Baxter and Kylie van Zyl for their help.

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