Sakura Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, is an iconic symbol of Japan. The Japanese have cherished the tradition of viewing these beautiful blooms for centuries. The blooming season for Sakura begins around the end of March in Tokyo and the surrounding areas, marking 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.
Sakura viewing 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. The cherry trees in Ueno Park are of the Someiyoshino variety, the most popular for viewing Sakura blossoms.
When to view Sakura (Someiyoshino variety)?
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 21st, 2025
Where do we view Sakura in Tokyo?
Sakura viewing is extremely popular across Japan, with many locations in Tokyo where you can enjoy the blossoms, including streets, temples, shrines, and public gardens. Most parks featuring castle ruins have Sakura trees that are worthwhile to visit during the blooming season.
The following list highlights cherry blossom spots accessible within a 10-minute walk from a transit station. With excellent accessibility, consider visiting them while exploring or shopping in Tokyo.
Keep in mind that some Sakura viewing spots mentioned here are extremely popular and can become overcrowded. These popular locations are ideal for first-time visitors who want to enjoy a stunning view of the Sakura blooms. However, if you prefer a more tranquil experience, consider visiting public gardens and parks in the morning.
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
