Here is my list of the best spots in Tokyo for cherry blossoms. I’ve also included a list of tips for enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
Chidori-ga-fuchi (Imperial Palace Area)
At the northwest edge of the Imperial Palace, the Chidori-ga-fuchi moat is lined with thousands of cherry blossoms. You can admire them from walkways beside the moat, or you can rent rowboats to enjoy them from below. In the evening, the trees are illuminated and the effect is magical. The closest stations are Ichigaya, Kudanshita and Kojimachi.
Ueno-koen Park (Ueno)
Tokyo’s most famous and popular cherry blossom viewing spot is Ueno-koen Park. This is where the wildest hanami (flower viewing parties) are held. It can get pretty raucous here and there’s plenty of public drunkenness, particularly in the evenings. So, you might want to go elsewhere, especially if traveling with children.
Sumida-gawa River (Asakusa)
Just east of Asakusa, both banks of the Sumida-gawa River are part of a park called Sumida-gawa-koen Park. This park is filled with cherry trees, which are illuminated in the evenings to create a beautiful scene. This is a little more laid back than Ueno-koen Park and it’s good both night and day.
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden (Shinjuku)
For a relaxing daytime hanami, I recommend Shinjuku Gyoen, which is more spacious and far less wild than Ueno-koen Park. With three different garden styles, this is a lovely spot to enjoy the cherries.
Yoyogi-koen (Harajuku and Aoyama)
A short walk west of Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line, this sprawling park is another relaxing place to enjoy the cherry blossoms and it can easily be combined with a trip to Meiji-jingu Shrine.
Meguro-gawa River (Ebisu, Daikanyama and Meguro)
The Meguro-gawa River, just a short walk east of Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko line, is lined with beautiful cherry trees that are illuminated in the evening. It’s the scene of some raucous partying. Because the “river” here is more of a concrete canal, this is not as scenic as some other spots in Tokyo but it’s a lot of fun.
Tips for Enjoying the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
- Dress warmly: It can still be pretty cool during cherry blossom season, especially in the evening.
- Cherry blossom spots can be very long. Department stores sell great bentos for hanami parties.
- Use bathrooms when you can: Lines for public bathrooms can be very long at popular spots, especially for ladies. When you see a place without a line, use it!
- Go early: If you don’t like crowds, visit these cherry blossom spots in the morning!
- Bring a garbage bag: If you’re going to have a party or a picnic, bring a garbage bag, because there aren’t many bins in Tokyo.
Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Guide:
- When Is Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo
- Where Is The Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo?
- Tokyo 2-Day Cherry Blossom Itinerary
- Where To Stay In Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo
- Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo Away from The Crowds
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
