The Best Spots To Enjoy Sakura Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo

What is so special about sakura (cherry blossom) Season?

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo is an amazing season to experience, but it can be PACKED. Finding the best spots to enjoy it seems like a daunting task – but I got you! It is something of a nation-wide event where people picnic outdoors and enjoy the sights of the blossom when in it peaks. It is basically the sign that winter is over and we can all rejoice from the end of the freezing, grey hellscape that Tokyo becomes during winter. These picnics are often held at parks or festival events with friends, family, or co-workers, and often include food and alcohol. They happen both during the day and into the night.

What does Sakura symbolise in Japan?

They are a sign that times come and go, and because of that it is a special occasion for people to get together and make the most of the time we have. Remember this is an important event for people across the country. It is seen as disrespectful to cut down or take cherry blossoms from the parks. It ruins the experience for others. Be kind and considerate when visiting these spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Cherry blossom season in 2024 saw more tourists than ever coming to Japan and many made a bad name for themselves. Don’t be that tourist.

What month is best to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

It varies throughout the country but early April is always the best bet. Sakura cherry blossoms are usually in their peak in the last week of March and the first week of April in Tokyo. The government announces every year on television and in the news when the season has officially started.

How long do cherry blossoms last after peak bloom in Japan?

Is it sounding pretty daunting? Fear not! Cherry blossoms in Tokyo are extremely common and you will probably be able to find a tree on your daily walk to work. However, if you’re going to Tokyo for cherry blossom season you probably want to be bombarded with a sea of blossoms. So I have put together a list below are all the best spots to enjoy sakura in Tokyo.

The Best Spots To Enjoy Sakura Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is a huge park out in the western side of Tokyo. Although it is not in the inner metropolis of Tokyo, it is situated right next to Kichijoji -which is a decent sized city by most standards. I lived in Koenji when I first moved to Tokyo – which is also on the west side. I used to visit Inokashira often and cherry blossom season was always a must.

The great thing about Inokashira is that it has many different sights; you will find boat rides (shaped like swans), shrines, an entire zoo (yep.) and walking tracks. I don’t recommend this spot if you plan on having a whole day of picnicking as the areas for picnic mats isn’t the greatest (or most comfortable) as it is not a very green park and you will end up sitting on gravel and dirt. However, it is more enjoyable exploring on foot.

There is also a more laid back feeling here as you will see the locals enjoying their cherry blossoms in Tokyo here so it feels like a more authentic experience. There is also an area down the end of the lake that is popular for painters. You can set up your easel and paint so if that is your jam you will not feel out of place.

You can get to Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station. Take the Park Exit (公園口, kōen guchi). There is also a vegan/vegetarian restaurant near the park called Monk Foods.

Andaz Hotel

Every year, Hotels, restaurants, and bars put on cherry blossomed themed events (or “fairs” as they’re often called) during sakura season. This means everything served will be cherry blossomed themed, and most hotels do hanami parties (cherry blossom picnic parties) – complete with pink deserts and free-flowing alcohol. These are usually booked out quite quickly so the best idea is to look up the website of your favourite hotel and see what they are offering.

From my experience contacting hotels, only Andaz offered a vegan option at their Rooftop Sakura Garden event. You will need to contact them before booking to confirm.

Meguro River

Meguro River is one of the most famous spots to come to during cherry blossom season. They have stalls selling food and alcohol along the river. It is usually so busy in the evenings it is difficult to walk around freely. But that is one of the reasons so many people come here. If you want to visit one of the liveliest night spots to enjoy sakura cherry blossoms then this is the place. There is something about the crowds in the streets that brings life to this place. Everyone gets excited for the lights along the river to be turned on.

Every year they pick a different colour – sometimes it is pink and sometimes purple or blue. Every year the river is lined with lanterns. It is one of the most magical places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo during this season. In 2024 they pruned the Meguro river sakura trees and this meant less cherry blossoms than usual but they will grow back!

Shiba Park / Zojoji Temple

Yeah, I couldn’t make a list of the most magical places in Tokyo without including Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple. This area comes alive during cherry blossom season. It is one of my favourite spots to enjoy sakura cherry blossoms in Tokyo. The great thing about this area is that it is right in the middle of the city. Yet you find yourself surrounded by quiet spots, small connecting parks, and pink wonderland. Just keep in mind that Zojoji Temple is currently under construction. If you want to find the exact locations for spots to picnic with Tokyo Tower views they are listed here.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen is a Japanese landscape garden located right next to Tokyo Dome. This spot is again nestled in among the big city buildings. This gives you a great contrast between nature and city. Because it is a landscape garden it is immaculately presented. That means you know the cherry blossoms (its famous for the weeping sakura trees that arch down) are going to be perfectly positioned to be experienced. There is also a small teahouse and a lake.

As this is a Japanese landscape garden, this is not somewhere that you can throw down a picnic mat and have a big party. You can take photographs, draw, and sit down and enjoy the experience. There are many viewing spots to get the perfect angle to take everything in.

Hamarikyu Gardens

This is another Japanese landscape garden located in the inner city on a much larger scale than Koishikawa Korakuen. It is located right next to the water which is definitely the theme. There are small ponds and bridges throughout, with a large lake in the middle which has a small island housing a teahouse in the middle. Cute huh! As I said before – as this is a Japanese landscape garden, this is not somewhere that you can throw down a picnic mat and have a party. They also don’t allow commercial photography here without organising it first.

Shinjuku Chuo Park

My favourite of the Shinjuku Parks (but I might be biased as this used to be my local park when I lived in Shinjuku). This is Shinjuku Central Park, the not-so-famous Shinjuku Park that is located across from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The reason why I like this park is because its not-so-famous. It means you are free to roam without worry that you have inadvertently become trapped in a tourist attraction.

Bring a picnic mat and crash here for hours, watching turtles in the fountain or having a look through the markets that are held in the weekends. There’s often stalls here selling food and beer too (which is allowed at this park). There is a small shrine called Shinjuku Juniso Kumano shrine right on the edge of the park that is always drenched in cherry blossoms.

You can easily access this park from Tochomae Station which brings you out directly into the park.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

Shinjuku Park is an expansive park right in the city centre which makes it perfect for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo for the time poor tourist. They have a range of blossoms here so you’re bound to find some here anytime during the season if you’re looking for a quick shot. The park is also well maintained. This spot is a great place to sit and paint undisturbed as there is plenty of space for yourself.

Roppongi Midtown

Every year, Roppongi Midtown put on a showcase of lights – much like Meguro but the trees line the road rather than a river. This is where you will find lots of cherry blossomed themed food and drinks from the nearby Midtown shopping centre. There are also outdoor events in the evening. It is a one of the great spots to enjoy sakura if you want to experience sakura cherry blossoms at night. There is a pedestrian bridge where you can take photos and enjoy the view. Keep in mind it is usually very busy at night. There is also a range of restaurants with outside seating which are perfect for enjoying the views.