The ultimate guide to cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo (2024)

Sakura (cherry blossom) marks the beginning of spring. The sakura’s fleeting life span, analogous to that of human life, encourages us to infuse our lives with more future nostalgia. In order to do so, we are recommending both popular and more obscure hanami (sakura viewing) spots around Tokyo 2023. Make sure to check up on the sakura forecasts before confirming any plans and keep in mind that blooming periods can be unpredictable, particularly due to the acceleration of climate change.

Tokyo Sakura Forecast 2023

Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo 2023

Shinjuku Gyoen

A local and foreign favorite, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to an abundant 1,300 sakura trees, as well as the English, French and Japanese gardens. Being so vast, you can stroll through the numerous meandering paths to find the perfect spot to set up a picnic or barbeque under a blanket of sakura. A little less rowdy and crowded compared to Ueno Park, this may be a more appropriate choice for families.

9am – 5:30pm (closed on Mondays) ¥500 Shinjuku Gyoen 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku Station: Shinjuku-Gyoenmae or Shinjuku-Sanchome

Ueno Park

Known as a hanami mecca since the Edo period, Ueno Park is still the most popular sakura season destination. The park is host to a cherry blossom festival — “Ueno Sakura Matsuri” — with several vendors selling classic matsuri (festival) food and drinks. Yozakura (evening hanami) is also made possible with lanterns lighting up the trees, granting continued drinking into the night. The park’s earlier blooming period and long opening hours make it an attractive and convenient place for everyone.

5am – 11pm Free Ueno Park 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku Station: Ueno

Sumida Park Views of Skytree and beautiful cherry blossom trees, this riverside park boasts some of the best views of cherry blossoms in the city. Around 510 trees bloom throughout March and into April, with a tunnel of cherry blossoms and even the option of a riverboat ride along Sumida River making Sumida Park a great place to revel in the beauty of Japanese spring.

24 hours Free 1-Chome Hanakawado, Taito-ku

Mount Takao Combine hanami with a scenic hike up Mount Takao, just an hour from Tokyo. There are several varieties of cherry blossoms that bloom on this mountain, so the experience varies depending on how far up you climb. The breathtaking views of Tokyo, and Mount Fuji on a clear day, paired with the delicate pink of cherry blossoms make this the perfect nature hanami destination.

Free to hike, the cable car and chair lift both cost ¥480 for a one-way ticket 24 hours Hachijoji, Takaomachi

Chidorigafuchi

A little more romantic with the scenic view of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi is the place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate hanami location. The best way to appreciate the area is by renting a boat and paddling through the sakura lined waterways. This area also offers a dreamy, illuminated ambience at night until 10pm. As the trees start to wither, the moat is dyed pink with petals, making for another picturesque backdrop.

9am – 8:30pm (illuminations until 10pm) Free Chidorigafuchi Green Way 2 Kudanminami, Chiyoda-ku Station: Kudansh*ta

Inokashira Park

Located in the young and hip Kichijoji, Inokashira Park boasts an animated environment that entertains various activities beyond your classic hanami. Rent a swan boat and paddle around the sakura concentrated pond, then make your way towards the park zoo or aquarium once you’ve had your fill of pink hues. Make sure to check out the beautiful landscape from Nanai Bridge before heading over to a stylish bar around the area to cap off your day.

Open 24 hours Free Inokashira Park 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino-shi Station: Kichijoji

Meguro River

The Meguro River promenade is arguably the most famous yozakura (night cherry blossom viewing) spot in Tokyo — and rightfully so. During the hanami period, the avenue hosts the “Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival,” with drink and food vendors padding the walkways. The canals are lined with over 800 yoshino cherry trees and stretch over several kilometers, making for a breathtaking walk. After dawn, the Japanese bonbori lanterns leave a colorful glimmer over the water, so make sure to take advantage of the beautiful photo opportunities.

Open 24 hours Free Nakameguro, Meguro-ku Station: Nakameguro

Lesser-Known Hanami Spots

Aoyama Cemetery

This isn’t the typical hanami party venue, but for the more quiet, reflective afternoons. From the north to south of the center of the cemetery there is a row of several decades-old sakura trees, as well as resting places of famous figures including Hachiko, Hachiko’s owner Ueno Hidesaburo, novelist Shinichi Hoshi, and Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of the Mikimoto pearl company.

Open 24 hours Free Aoyama Cemetery 2-32-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku Station: Nogizaka

Yaesu Sakura Dori

With up to 100 sakura trees on either side of the street, a ‘sakura tunnel’ illusion decorates this avenue. This experience is best when lit up at night, as day viewings may not be as picturesque. Walk through the tunnel in the evening to enjoy the illuminated atmosphere, then head to the famous Nihonbashi Takashimaya for a spot of shopping.

Free Sakura Dori 1-6-3 Yaesu, Chuo-ku Station: Tokyo

Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park in the north of Tokyo is one of the oldest hanami spots from the Edo period — where sakura trees were first planted and hanami was ‘founded.’ This is a less crowded, more local viewing spot on top of a hill. The peak can be reached via a free monorail, which will make for a nice photo of the view of the city.

Open 24 hours Free Asukayama Park 1-1-3 Oji, Kita-ku Station: Oji

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