If you’re someone who enjoys lively vibes or if you like more of a calm and relaxing walk under the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, we’ve got something for everyone. This list is sorted into the most popular parks and gardens, where you can find crowds, food stalls, and lots of picnickers, and also the quieter places for a more relaxing sakura-viewing experience in Tokyo.
1. Ueno Park: One of the most popular cherry blossom places in Tokyo
Sakura reflections in Ueno Park. | Photo by iStock.com/smalldaruma
Ueno Park is a bustling and well-loved spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Tokyo. The sakura bloom a bit earlier here, and around 800 cherry trees adorn the central path. People often picnic on both sides, marking their territory with blankets or tarps.
If you visit at the right time, you might catch the chance to paddle around the pond in a boat. Regardless of your choice, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially if you plan on picnicking! Lanterns are hung up, creating a festive atmosphere that continues into the evening. 🌸🍃
2. Shinjuku Gyoen: A quieter place to see sakura in Tokyo
Visit this peaceful sakura spot in the city. | Photo by iStock.com/TommL
Shinjuku Gyoen is a calm and spacious garden with lots of lawns, walking paths, and approximately 1,300 cherry trees that bloom at different times. This allows for a relaxed stroll under the cherry blossoms, even if it gets a bit crowded. The atmosphere is quieter compared to many other parks.
Note: To visit the park on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays during March and April 2024, make sure to pre-register. 🌸🌳
3. Imperial Palace East Gardens: Great for a leisurely stroll
Cherry blossoms along a path near the Imperial Palace.
You can see cherry blossoms near the Imperial Palace. The East Gardens are free to enter, and while some people have picnics there, it’s not known as a top sakura picnic spot. The gardens are more for a nice walk. The cherry blossoms add a touch of old Tokyo, which is a nice contrast to the modern buildings in Marunouchi, Tokyo’s business district. 🌸🏰
4. Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park: Most scenic spot to see sakura in Tokyo
Recommended for insta-worthy shots. | Photo by iStock.com/taka4332
Chidorigafuchi is a really pretty place in Tokyo with lots of cherry blossoms. You can take a boat with your date or friends and row around a historic moat. If you don’t want to go on the water, you can walk along a 700m path and enjoy the tunnel of cherry blossoms. There’s also Kitanomaru Park nearby, which is quiet and good for cherry blossom viewing. The Yasukuni Shrine, known for cherry blossoms, is close too, but it can be a bit controversial. Despite that, many tourists visit during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. 🌸🚣♂️
5. Sumida Park: A hanami spot by the river
Sumida Park cherry blossoms | Photo by iStock.com/tupungato
The area along the Sumida River, from Azumabashi Bridge to Sakurabashi Bridge, is a hotspot for cherry blossom viewing, drawing crowds for generations. With over 1,000 cherry trees lining the riverbanks, it’s a picturesque setting for photos and picnics, offering a glimpse of Tokyo Skytree in the background. Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded, so arriving early is a smart move if you want to secure one of the best spots for hanami in Tokyo. For an even more delightful experience, consider taking a short cruise on one of the traditional yakatabune pleasure boats that gracefully sail along the Sumida. 🌸🛥️
6. Inokashira Park: Swan boats and sakura
The best kind of boat is swan-shaped. | Photo by iStock.com/kanzilyou
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, a suburb west of Shinjuku, is a delightful sight in spring. Approximately 500 cherry trees encircle a central pond, creating a pink carpet on the water when the blossoms fall. For a picturesque experience, you can take a boat ride, with swan-shaped boats being a favorite among couples. However, there’s a superstition to heed: Couples who boat here are said to be destined for a split. Legend has it that Benzaiten, the goddess of love, harbors a bit of jealousy. Inokashira Park is dedicated to her, and she’s not too keen on overly affectionate couples in her domain. If boating and potential breakups aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy a cherry blossom picnic or take in the blooms from the park’s bridges. 🚣♂️🌸
7. Meguro River: The best place for seeing sakura lit up at night
The Meguro River is a famous spot for yozakura. | Photo by David Ishikawa
The Meguro River boasts a unique spectacle with over 800 cherry trees stretching for several kilometers—a distinctive sight in Tokyo. (For countless canals surrounded by cherry blossoms, Kyoto is your go-to spot.) The charm escalates at night during the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival when the trees are beautifully illuminated, making it a top choice for a romantic date. 🌸✨
8. Yoyogi Park: For when it’s more about the party than the flowers
Yoyogi Park is a hit among Tokyo locals, even if it doesn’t boast the most breathtaking scenery. It’s more of a spot for socializing and markets than a nature retreat. Nevertheless, it houses around 600 cherry trees, including early bloomers sporting a richer pink hue than the usual pale blossoms seen everywhere. 🌸🌳
9. Koishikawa Kōrakuen: Best place in Tokyo to see weeping cherry blossoms
For a more scenic experience, head to a garden. | Photo by iStock.com/frentusha
Koishikawa Kōrakuen is one of Tokyo’s ancient spots, and it’s got these cool weeping cherry trees that are kind of a big deal. It’s not really a picnic spot, though (no picnic vibes allowed), but you can chill at the teahouse and sip on some matcha while taking in the views. 🍵🌸
Source: https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/outdoors/tokyo-cherry-blossoms-top-hanami-spots/