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Every spring, Tokyo bursts into soft shades of pink as cherry blossoms (sakura) blanket the city’s parks, gardens, and riverbanks. Whether you're strolling through a peaceful landscape garden or enjoying a lively hanami (sakura viewing picnic) under the trees, read on to find out the best Tokyo cherry blossom viewing spots, with tips on when to go, how to get there, and what to expect.
From iconic parks to hidden gems like the Kanda River, Tokyo cherry blossoms can be found in every corner of the city—and the Japan specialists at Inspiring Vacations can help you experience them firsthand.
Top Tokyo parks for cherry blossom viewing
Tokyo offers an incredible variety of cherry blossom spots, from ancient gardens to riverside promenades and busy urban parks. Here are eight of the best parks in Tokyo to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
1. Ueno Park
Known for: Tokyo’s most iconic sakura spot
If seeing Ueno Park sakura in full bloom is on your Japan bucket list, we don’t blame you! Home to one of Japan’s oldest public parks, Ueno Park is a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers. During peak season, the park transforms into a festive hanami hotspot, with nearly 1,000 cherry trees lining the central path. Traditional paper lanterns hang from the branches, creating a magical atmosphere when illuminated at night. The surrounding area is also packed with museums and shrines, making it ideal for a full day out.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, around an 8-minute journey. From there, the park is just a 2-minute or so walk from the Park Exit.
Did you know?
The first cherry trees in today's Ueno Park were planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868), making it one of Tokyo’s oldest hanami spots.
2. Yoyogi Park
Known for: The social heart of hanami
A Yoyogi Park hanami experience is a must if you’re looking for a lively celebration just minutes from the bustle of Shibuya. With around 700 cherry trees, open grassy areas, and a fun vibe, it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular picnic spots during cherry blossom season.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, around a 25-minute journey. Yoyogi Park is a short walk from the station’s Omotesando Exit.
Did you know?
Yoyogi Park was the site of the first powered flight in Japan, made by a Japanese pilot in 1910.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen
Known for: Relaxed picnics and an extended flowering season
For a quieter and more refined sakura experience, Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms offer spacious, neat lawns, a traditional Japanese garden, and over 1,000 cherry trees.
Because of this diversity, the park enjoys an extended sakura season, with early bloomers like kanzakura (small, deep pink petals) and late-blooming varieties like ichiyo (pale pink double blossoms) and kanzan (deep pink). If you visit slightly before or after the main peak, you’re in for a treat.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
It’s a 15-minute journey from the JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Shinjuku Gate entrance.
Did you know?
Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden and was only opened to the public in 1949.
4. Chidorigafuchi
Known for: Moat-side cherry blossoms
Possibly one of Tokyo’s most photogenic viewing areas, Chidorigafuchi cherry blossoms line the moat beside the Imperial Palace, creating a spectacular tunnel of pink petals. The area is especially stunning during the nighttime illuminations.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the 10-minute ride on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Kudanshita Station. The Chidorigafuchi cherry blossoms are about a 5-minute walk from Exit 2.
Did you know?
Petals from the trees often fall into the moat, creating a dreamy ‘pink carpet’ effect on the water.
5. Sumida Park
Known for: Riverside blooms with Tokyo Skytree views
Running along both sides of the Sumida River, Sumida Park sakura offers one of the best riverside viewing experiences in Tokyo, combining waterfront scenery with urban charm. More than 600 cherry trees stretch from Azumabashi to Sakurabashi Bridge. It's one of the best places to see sakura with Tokyo Skytree in the background—a photographer’s favourite. The park also hosts a cheerful cherry blossom festival with food stalls and cultural events.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Asakusa Station (about a 15-minute journey), then walk about 5 minutes to the riverside.
Did you know?
Sumida Park has been a hanami destination since the Edo period, when common folk would gather by the river for spring picnics.
6. Showa Kinen Park
Known for: Colourful fields
Located just outside central Tokyo in Tachikawa, Showa Kinen Park offers a more relaxed, spacious cherry blossom experience. It’s famous for having over 1,500 sakura trees across over 160 hectares, many of which bloom alongside fields and fields of vibrant yellow canola flowers. Visitors can enjoy bike paths, pedal boats, and open picnic areas, making it ideal for active travellers.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the 40-minute ride on the JR Chuo Line to Nishi-Tachikawa Station. The park entrance is right next to the station.
Did you know?
Showa Kinen Park was created to commemorate Emperor Showa’s 50th year on the throne in 1983.
7. Asukayama Park
Known for: Old Tokyo’s favourite spot
Overlooking northern Tokyo from a small hill, Asukayama Park has been a beloved cherry blossom viewing area since the 18th century. Today, it features around 600 cherry trees, as well as playgrounds, a small train exhibit, and several quirky local museums. It has a cosy, neighbourhood feel and is a favourite among locals.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Oji Station (about 20 minutes), then walk 3 minutes or so to the park.
Did you know?
The park was one of the first public parks in Japan, founded by shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, who wanted ordinary people to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
8. Koishikawa Korakuen
Known for: Traditional landscaping
One of Tokyo’s most peaceful and photogenic cherry blossom spots, Koishikawa Korakuen blends sakura with ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese landscaping—a perfect Japanese postcard. Though it has fewer trees (under 100), the scenery is exquisite—perfect for those interested in Tokyo cherry blossom photography spots with a cultural touch.
How to get there from Tokyo Station:
Take the 15-minute journey on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Iidabashi Station. Koishikawa Korakuen is about a 5-minute walk from the West Exit.
Did you know?
Koishikawa Korakuen is the oldest garden in Tokyo, established in 1629 by the Tokugawa family and features design elements inspired by classical Chinese gardens.
Tokyo cherry blossom viewing etiquette—what to know
While hanami is a joyful and social tradition in Japan, it’s also one rooted in respect—for nature, other visitors, and local customs. Following Tokyo cherry blossom viewing etiquette ensures a more enjoyable experience for everyone and helps preserve the beauty of the parks for future travellers.
Here are some key etiquette tips to keep in mind during your Tokyo sakura season outing:
- Don’t shake or touch the trees
It might be tempting to interact with the sweet blooms, but shaking the branches or picking petals is a major faux pas. Sakura are delicate and short-lived—interfering with them not only damages the trees but also disturbs the experience for others. Admire with your eyes and camera, not your hands.
- Don’t over-reserve space
During peak bloom, space is at a premium in popular parks like Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park. It’s common for people to lay out picnic sheets early in the morning—but reserving huge areas for large groups that arrive hours later is considered poor form. Take only as much space as you truly need.
- Clean up after your visit
Always bring garbage bags to take all your rubbish away or to the designated park bins. Leaving food containers, bottles, or paper plates behind is deeply frowned upon. Many parks have limited trash facilities, so packing light and cleaning up properly is essential—especially during crowded Tokyo cherry blossom festivals.
- Be respectful of others
Cherry blossom season is busy, especially at major Tokyo hanami spots, so be mindful of noise levels, personal space, and photo etiquette (avoid blocking paths for long photoshoots).
- Footwear and seating
While it's common to sit on tarps or mats, shoes should be removed before stepping onto shared picnic blankets—it’s a small but appreciated gesture of politeness.
Quick summary: Top Tokyo cherry blossoms FAQs
Here’s a handy recap of the most frequently asked questions about cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo to help you prep for your Japan tour:
1. When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
Tokyo’s full-bloom date can shift by a week or more depending on winter temperatures and in the last three years, it has ranged from 30 March to 5 April. Check up-to-date sakura forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the Japan Meteorological Agency or tenki.jp (use Google’s auto-translate feature) before travelling to decide when it’s the best time to visit Japan for you.
2. What if it rains?
Bring an umbrella and head to peaceful gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen or Koishikawa Korakuen, which remain beautiful in light rain.
3. Weekday vs weekend viewing?
Weekdays are quieter. For the best experience, visit in the early morning to avoid crowds and capture soft lighting for photos.
4. Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
Top spots include Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, and Showa Kinen Park.
5. Can I view the blossoms at night?
Yes! Parks like Ueno, Sumida, and Chidorigafuchi offer night illuminations, perfect for romantic strolls or night photography.
6. What’s the etiquette for hanami picnics?
Don’t shake the trees or reserve huge spaces. Clean up after yourself and respect the atmosphere—hanami is as much about mindfulness as celebration.
Ready to travel to Japan with the cherry blossom experts? Inspiring Vacations’ exciting tours to Japan include 13 Day Cherry Blossoms Of Japan, 28 Day Unforgettable Japan, Hokkaido & Kyushu, as well as Japan tours with extensions to South Korea and Taiwan.
