Sakura Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo

Sakura, which is the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms, is an iconic symbol of Japan and has been cherished by the Japanese people for centuries. The blooming season of Sakura starts around the end of March in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. This seasonal event indicates the arrival of Spring.

In Japan, there's a traditional custom called Hanamki, also called Ohanami, which is flower viewing in the most literal sense, but more importantly, it simply means enjoying cherry blossoms. The origin of Hanami goes back to 9th century Kyoto, where nobles started celebrating by reading poems while looking at cherry blossoms. In the Edo period (16th to 18th Century), Hanami became a seasonal event for everyone to view the cherry blossoms and enjoy themselves by drinking and eating under the cherry trees.

Hanami is still popular to this day, and many famous Sakura spots remain in Tokyo and all over Japan. You might see people in business suits having Hanami under cherry trees after work in central Tokyo.

If you visit Japan during springtime, it's a perfect opportunity to admire the Sakura blossoms.

Sakura at Ueno Park

When to view Sakura?

Weathernews.inc. forecasts when the cherry blossoms start blooming every year. They forecast by the climate and the conditions based on a cherry flower called Someiyoshino, the most famous kind and synonymous with all cherry blossoms in Japan.

As for Tokyo, it is forecasted that the bloom will begin around March 19th, 2024

Where do we view Sakura in Tokyo?

Sakura trees are so popular in Tokyo that they can be found in various locations like streets, temples, shrines, gardens, etc. There are also many spots available for enjoying Hanami.

The following list shows Sakura spots that can be reached within a 10-minute walk from a transit station. As accessibility is great, why not visit them while sightseeing or shopping in Tokyo?

Famous and Historic Sightseeing Spots

Ueno Koen Park

A famous Sakura spot in Tokyo, having over 400 years of history and often pictured by Ukiyoe printing. It has more than 1100 cherry trees around Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond. Only 3 min walk from Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station. 
Google Maps 
How to get to the Ueno Neighbourhood

Imperial Palace (Chidori-gafuchi)

IImperial Palace is one of the most popular Sakura spots in Tokyo. The Chidorigafuchi at the Imperial Palace is a famous Hanami spot that gets crowded with visitors from all over Japan.
Google Maps 

Sotobori Park

A park along by the Sotobori moat between JR Iidabashi and Ichigaya Station. It's known for the lane with a row of 700 Cherry blossoms.
Google Maps 

Shinjuku-gyoen

A large park with gardens in Japanese and Western styles. It has 1500 cherry trees in 75 kinds. It is only 5 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku station. An admission fee is required. (500 Yen)
https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/ 
Google Maps 

Yoyogi Park

A large park with a lawn having more than 800 cherry trees. Yoyogi Park is next to Meiji-Jingu Shrine and is close to the Harajuku and Omotesando shopping areas.
Google Maps 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Kamakura is like a small Kyoto near Tokyo with many old temples. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the symbol of Kamakura. From JR Kamakura Station to this Shrine, there is a lovely lane with cherry trees.
Google Maps
Related argtile: Kamakura 

Popular Sakura spots for local people in Tokyo

Yanaka Cemetery

It's been said that people who had Hanami at this cemetery were first students of Art University nearby. It is now a popular Hanami spot loved by local Yanaka people. It's only a 1 or 2-minute walk from JR Nippori Station.
Google Maps 
How to get to the Yanaka Neighbourhood

Asukayama

It is a bit off of central Tokyo, but Asukayama is one of the most historical Hanami spots local people have loved since 280 years ago.
Google Maps
Related article : Oji Town and Asukayama 

Koishikawa Shokubutsuen(Koishikawa Botanical Garden)

The Harima-zaka slope, starting near Myougadani Station on the Marunouchi Subway Line, has 129 cherry trees. You can also enjoy beautiful Sakura at Koishikawa Shokubutsuen. An admission fee is required at Koishikawa Shokubutsuen. (500 Yen)
Google Maps 

Inokashira Park

A large park located in the off-central of Tokyo. It has more than 600 cherry trees surrounding a pond. It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Kichijoji station. Kichijoji is a popular residential area with stylish shops. It is about 20 20-minute ride from Shinjuku to Kichijoji by JR Sobu line.
https://www.inokashirabenzaiten.com/
Tokyo Neighbourhoods | Kichijoji

Oshima Komatsugawa Park

A park with 1000 cherry trees with10 different varieties. This park was developed about 10 years ago along the Arakawa river.
Google Maps

Kasai Rinkai Park

A large park located 1 station away from Tokyo Disney Land. This park has attractions like an aquarium and a Ferris wheel, as well as 600 cherry trees of 6 different varieties.
Google Maps : Kasai Rinkai Park
https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/content/000007555.pdf (PDF)
digi-joho article: Kasai Rinkai Park

Meguro River Side

It has more than 800 cherry trees along the Meguro stream between Meguro and Nakameguro (next to Ebisu.). There are stylish cafes along the river where you can enjoy coffee and Hanami.
Google Maps