Sendagaya Area Guide | Tokyo Cheapo

It's sakura season, so pack a picnic and park yourself under the falling petals. Read on for a list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. We've divided our picks into the most popular parks and gardens, and some quieter alternatives to admire the flowers. You'll find a total of 24 different locations in Tokyo, plus a couple of ideas for day trips out of the city. Pro tip: If you'd prefer to skip the research and just have an expert take you around the best spots, . 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 go out to see them. Sakura forecast 2024 According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)'s most recent forecast, cherry blossom season in Tokyo will see first bloom on March 22, with peak viewing around March 29. Keep in mind that the forecasts are typically for the most common/popular variety of sakura, the Somei-yoshino. There are many different kinds of cherry blossoms, including some that bloom earlier or later than the common varieties. So if you won't be in Tokyo at peak time, don't worry -- we've still got you covered. Some sakura names to look out for when checking specific locations for cherry blossoms in Japan: Early-blooming sakura: Kanzakura, Kawazu-zakura, Kanhizakura Late-blooming sakura: Ichiyo, Ukon, Kanzan, Shogetsu, Jugatsu-zakura, 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. 9 most popular places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo 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 them -- and there's no shame in joining. The bonus of going to some of the busier cherry blossom locations in Tokyo is the lively atmosphere. You'll see students throwing hanami parties, families having a day out, and people of all ages just enjoying the spring weather. Pro tip: See Mt. Fuji on a special cherry blossom bus tour from Tokyo, priced from . 1. Ueno Park: One of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo Free About a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station One of the most popular (and crowded) places to do hanami 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 rent a boat and scoot 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. See what else there is to do in Ueno. 2. Shinjuku Gyoen: A quieter place to see sakura A 1- or 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station or Sendagaya Station If you’re keen on somewhere a little more peaceful, this is it. Shinjuku Gyoen is a spacious garden with rolling 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 calm stroll under the sakura. The atmosphere here is much less rowdy compared to most other parks in Tokyo. Read up on what else there is to do in Shinjuku. Important: You will need to pre-register to enter the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays during March and April 2024. Also, no alcohol is allowed to be brought into the park. 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 The Imperial Palace's East Gardens are open to the public, and entry is free. While some people do have picnics here, it's more of a place to go for a walk. The sakura are a welcome touch of old Tokyo in contrast to all the concrete and glass of nearby modern Marunouchi, Tokyo's central business district. Check out other things to do 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 is one of Tokyo's most picturesque sakura spots. 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. Next door is Kitanomaru Park, which, like the Imperial Palace's East Gardens, is a place for quieter 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 cherry blossom season in Tokyo. 5. Sumida Park: A hanami spot by the river Free A 1- or 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station 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 some space for a picnic. You could also take a cruise on one of the yakatabune (traditional pleasure boats) that travel along the Sumida River. 6. Inokashira Park: Swan boats and sakura Free Less than a 10-minute walk from Kichijōji Station 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 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 lovers who go boating in the park are doomed to break up. Apparently this is because Benzaiten, the goddess of love, has a jealous streak. Inokashira Park is dedicated to her, and she isn't keen on lovey-dovey vibes on the lake. 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) 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. Get other ideas for where to see yozakura in Tokyo. 8. Yoyogi Park: For when it's more about the party than the flowers Free A 1- or 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingūmae Station The 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 pale Somei-yoshino (the most common kind of cherry blossom you see in Japan). Check out our mega guide to Yoyogi Park to help plan your outing. 9. Koishikawa Kōrakuen: Best place in Tokyo to see weeping cherry blossoms Less than a 5-minute walk from Kōrakuen Station or Iidabashi Station 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. 15 other 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 to your itinerary. 1. Shōwa Memorial Park About a 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station 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 / for a full day, or adult/child / for a half-day. Read more about biking 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 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 convenient little cable car that goes from the entrance to the hilltop. 3. Yanaka Cemetery Free About a 10-minute walk from Nippori Station Flower viewing in a cemetery? That's possible in Yanaka Cemetery, near Ueno. It's been relatively popular among locals for quite some time now. In fact, the main path leading to the cemetery is lined with cherry trees, and aptly named Cherry Blossom Avenue. 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 of it and explore more of Yanaka. 4. Kasai Rinkai Park Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Kasai-Rinkai-kōen Station 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, aquarium, observatory, bird sanctuary, and more) 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 lovely, with cherry blossoms framing the sights. For more details about Takao-san and other pretty-in-pink mountains, check out our cherry blossom hikes guide. 6. Sotobori Park Free Less than a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Station Between Ichigaya and Yotsuya stations, this thin stretch of park runs along the Kanda-gawa riverside. In spring, it becomes a cherry blossom haven. The park is just over 2km long, making it perfect for a stroll, and it features Edo Castle ruins, as well as around 700 Somei-yoshino cherry trees. Sotobori Park gets busy, as lots of students from 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 by now, a river is a good sign for cherry blossoms in Japan. Once a marshland, Ōjima Komatsugawa 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 A 1- or 2-minute walk from Hibiya Station or Kasumigaseki Station 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. There are about 200 mature trees in the park, many of which line a cycling route. That means 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 Kinuta Park has over 900 sakura trees, including Somei-yoshino, yamazakura, and yaezakura varietals. When you've had your fill of the food stands, bird sanctuary, and playgrounds, you can amuse yourself by looking for signs of the park's past life -- it was once a golf course. 11. Hamarikyū Gardens About a 10-minute walk from Shiodome Station Hamarikyu 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. You'll also find 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 About a 5-minute walk from Komagome Station 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. 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-Koganei Station This 200-acre park is the second largest in Tokyo, and its 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. 14. Roppongi Sakurazaka 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. It's a tiny cherry blossom pocket that's perfect if you find yourself in the area. The trees are illuminated in the evenings, so if you’re out and about in Roppongi, a stroll here might be the perfect end to your day. 15. Kitazawa-gawa Green Road Running along a small culverted river that’s a tributary to the more famous Meguro River, this path offers a quiet and pleasant walk. You'll pass under some cherry blossom trees as you meander along. It's not worth going out of your way to get to the Kitazawa-gawa Green Road, but if you happen to be nearby, consider checking it out. Cherry blossom day trips near Tokyo If you're happy to head a little further afield, these day trips make for awesome springtime adventures. Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Kamakura Free About a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station 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. Ōmiya Park, Saitama Free Short walk from Kita-Ōmiya Station 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, which are illuminated in the evenings. There is also a boating lake. On the weekends, 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. Read about other spring day trips from Tokyo. How to enjoy cherry blossom season in Tokyo 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. Perhaps the most traditional way is having a hanami (flower-viewing) party. What is hanami? Hanami literally means "flower viewing", and it's one of our favorite Japanese traditions. You haven’t truly 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. Before setting out, you need to make sure hanami is allowed at your chosen spot -- parks are usually fine, but most gardens ban hanami. See our guide to hanami in Tokyo for more information. Other ways to enjoy sakura in Tokyo Cherry blossom festivals: These offer food stalls, pretty lanterns, and sometimes even entertainment. Held around peak blossom season, a sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is always good fun. Yozakura: This refers to seeing the cherry blossoms illuminated at night -- a different take on the Tokyo cherry blossom-viewing experience. You can book a guided tour to see the famous cherry blossom illuminations along the Meguro River. It includes dinner, and is recommended for visitors with limited time. 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. Frequently asked questions We answer some of the most common questions travelers have about cherry blossoms in Tokyo. 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 at least a few cherry trees, and you can often see trees lining streets and rivers too. What is the best time of year to see cherry blossoms in Japan? This depends on where you are going, but March and April are usually the best months to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Check out the 2024 Japan 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 big crowds at the most popular spots. Before you go -- 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 March, 2024 by Maria Danuco and Carey Finn.

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