Where to See Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Tokyo, Japan
As part of our resources for visitors to Tokyo, we present this guide to enjoying the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. The cherry trees in Tokyo bloom in late March to early April each season. For both locals and tourists, the week or so when the sakura bloom is one of the most exciting times to be in the city.
Below is an overview of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Guide to the Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season
When is the Best Time to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo?
Best Places to see Cherry Blossom in Tokyo
— Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms (上野公園)
— Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Cherry Blossoms (新宿御苑)
— Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms (千鳥ヶ淵)
— Sumida Park Cherry Blossoms (隅田公園)
— Meguro River Cherry Blossoms (目黒川)
— Yoyogi Park Cherry Blossoms (代々木公園)
Other Popular Cherry Blossom Spots Near Tokyo
— Mount Takao Cherry Blossoms (高尾山)
— Kamakura Cherry Blossoms (鎌倉)
— Kawagoe Cherry Blossoms (川越)
— Hitachi Seaside Park Cherry Blossoms (ひたち海浜公園)
Cherry Blossoms in Other Places in Japan
See below for more information.
== When is the Best Time to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo?
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo usually bloom from late March to early April, with peak viewing between March 23 – March 29. The exact timing changes each year depending on winter temperatures and early spring weather patterns.
Tokyo is often one of the first major cities in Japan where travelers can enjoy cherry blossom season. Because Tokyo is located in central Japan, sakura season arrives earlier than in northern regions, such as Tohoku and Hokkaido.
If you are visiting Japan in late March or early April, Tokyo is one of the best places to experience hanami (flower viewing), with many parks, rivers, and historic areas filled with blooming cherry trees.
== Most Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
For locals and visitors that want to enjoy hanami in Tokyo, we present this list of the best, most popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom (上野公園)
Location: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Website: kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno
Highlights: Over 1,000 cherry trees, lively hanami atmosphere, museums and attractions nearby
Ueno Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. During peak bloom, the main pathways become lined with blooming sakura trees, creating a spectacular canopy of pink flowers. The park attracts large crowds of locals and tourists who gather for picnics, photography, and festive hanami parties. Food stalls and nearby attractions such as museums and the zoo make it one of the most energetic cherry blossom locations in the city.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Cherry Blossom (新宿御苑)
Location: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014
Website: env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html
Highlights: Large landscaped gardens, multiple cherry tree varieties, peaceful atmosphere
Admission: 500 yen (adults), 250 yen (students)
Closed Days: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, the garden is closed on the following weekday) and December 29 to January 3
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful and spacious parks. The garden features several varieties of cherry trees, which means the blooming season here lasts longer than many other locations. Wide lawns, traditional Japanese gardens, and scenic walking paths create a calm and elegant setting for enjoying sakura. It is ideal for visitors who prefer a quieter hanami experience.
Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom (千鳥ヶ淵)
Location: 2, Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083
Website: city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-boat.html
Highlights: Cherry blossoms along the Imperial Palace moat, boat rentals, illuminated night viewing
Chidorigafuchi is one of the most iconic cherry blossom locations in Tokyo. Hundreds of cherry trees line the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, creating a dramatic tunnel of blossoms during peak bloom. Visitors can rent small boats and view the sakura from the water, making it one of the most unique hanami experiences in the city. At night, the trees are illuminated, creating a romantic and photogenic atmosphere.
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom (隅田公園)
Location: Tokyo Sumida-ku Mukoujima 1, 2, 5 chome
Website: sumidapark.jp/
Highlights: Riverside cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree views
Sumida Park stretches along the Sumida River and offers long rows of cherry trees along the waterfront. During peak bloom, visitors can enjoy sakura with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. This combination of modern skyline and seasonal flowers makes it one of the most popular photography spots during cherry blossom season.
Meguro River Cherry Blossom (目黒川)
Location: Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0061
Website: kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/river/seibi/meguro
Highlights: Famous sakura tunnel, lantern illuminations, trendy cafes and restaurants
Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most photographed cherry blossom locations. Hundreds of cherry trees line both sides of the narrow river, forming a stunning tunnel of pink blossoms. Lanterns are often hung along the river during peak season, and nearby cafes and restaurants create a lively spring atmosphere. It is especially popular for evening walks and night photography.
Yoyogi Park Cherry Blossom (代々木公園)
Location: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
Website: tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/
Highlights:
Large open lawns, relaxed picnic atmosphere, central city location
Highlights: Large open lawns, relaxed picnic atmosphere, central city location
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular parks for casual hanami gatherings. The park features wide grassy areas surrounded by cherry trees, making it perfect for picnics with friends and family. Because of its large size and central location near Harajuku and Shibuya, it attracts both locals and visitors looking for a relaxed cherry blossom experience.
== Other Popular Cherry Blossom Spots Near Tokyo
There are also several excellent places to see cherry blossoms on day trips from Tokyo in the surrounding Kanto region.
Mount Takao Cherry Blossom (高尾山)
Location: 2205 Takaomachi, Hachioji (Takaotozan Railway)
Website: sangyo-rodo1.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tourism/accessible/en/course16_10.html
Highlights: Mountain hiking, nature scenery, seasonal flowers
Mount Takao is a popular nature escape located about an hour from central Tokyo. During spring, Mount Takao cherry blossoms appear along the mountain trails and surrounding parks. Visitors can enjoy sakura while hiking, riding the cable car, or relaxing at scenic viewpoints.
Kamakura Central Park Cherry Blossom (鎌倉)
Location: 1667 Yamasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0066
Website: city.kamakura.kanagawa.jp/koen/p_cyuuou.html
Highlights: Historic temples, coastal scenery, traditional atmosphere
Kamakura Central Park is a historic city known for its temples and shrines. During cherry blossom season, many of these historic sites become surrounded by blooming sakura. Popular spots include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and temple gardens, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese scenery combined with spring flowers.
Hikawasakura Park Kawagoe Cherry Blossom (川越)
Location: Saitama, Kawagoe, Miyashitamachi, 1 Chome−１５
Website: koedo.or.jp/en/route/2023sakura-spot/
Highlights: Historic streets, castle park cherry blossoms
Often called “Little Edo,” Hikawasakura Park Kawagoe features preserved historic streets and traditional architecture. Kawagoe Castle Park and nearby river areas become popular hanami locations when cherry blossoms bloom, offering a mix of cultural sightseeing and seasonal scenery.
Hitachi Seaside Park Cherry Blossom (ひたち海浜公園)
Location: 312-0012 Ibaraki, Hitachinaka, Mawatari, 字大沼605-4
Website: hitachikaihin.jp/
Highlights: Large flower fields, seasonal landscapes, wide open parks
Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its seasonal flower landscapes. In early spring, Hikawasakura Park cherry blossoms appear throughout the park alongside other seasonal flowers. The wide open spaces and scenic walking paths make it a relaxing day trip destination from Tokyo.
== Cherry Blossoms in Other Places in Japan
Cherry blossom season in Japan lasts for about three months, but the exact timing changes depending on the region. Because sakura bloom earlier in the warmer southern areas and later in the colder northern regions, the season beings in the south, and continues later in the season the farther you go to the north.
The season usually begins in late January on the southern island of Okinawa. As spring gradually moves north, we see cherry blossoms in Nagoya and Tokyo begin to bloom, typically around March 17. The cherry blossoms in Osaka usually begin a few days after Tokyo, around March 23. The sakura bloom in cities like Sendai arrive even later.
If you miss the cherry blossoms in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, you may still have time to see the sakura flowers bloom; you can see the cherry blossoms in Sapporo; the cherry trees in this northern city in typically begin to bloom around April 28.