Tokyo Cherry Blossom season is short and lasts less than two weeks. Fleeting Cherry blossoms bring lots of joy to the Tokyoites. Most of the public places become congested during the Cherry Blossom in Tokyo. The season starts in Tokyo in late March and lasts till early April.
Millions of tourists visit Japan during the Sakura season. However, Tokyo remains the highest of receiving tourists among the other cities in Japan.
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2024 Cherry Blossom forecast:
We often hear friends asking –
- When is Cherry blossom season in Japan?
- How long does Japan Cherry blossom last?
- What is the best month to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
Well, it depends on where and in which prefecture you want to see Cherry Blossom in Japan. Starting from March, Cherry Blossoms lasts about four months. However, March- April is the best month to see Cherry Blossom in Japan but keep in mind that Cherry Blossoms last about two weeks in every place.
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation sakura forecast, the 2024 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Dates are slightly earlier than in previous years.
However, Cherry blossom comes in four prefectures, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya, at almost the same time.
Tokyo: March 21-April 6
Kyoto: March 27-April 10
Osaka: March 28-April 11
Nagoya: April 6-April 16
Japan has more than 200 kinds of Sakura, such as Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Yaezakura, Shidare Zakura, Gyoiko, etc.
There is one kind of dark pink-colored Sakura called Kawazu Sakura, or Early Cherry Blossom blooms much earlier than others.
In 1995, Kawazu Zakura was discovered in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Kawazu Sakura blooms in Kawazu Town every year in early February because of the warm climate. However, this type of Sakura flowers in Tokyo in early March and lasts a month.
What’s Hanami?
Cherry Blossom in Japan is called ‘Sakura,’ and the Cherry Blossom Festival is called ‘Hanami.’
‘Hanami’ means ‘viewing flowers,’ but the Hanami word is only used for Cherry blossoms. So ‘Hanami’ means ‘viewing cherry flowers.’
People do barbecue on the spot under the cherry trees. However, most people make it easy. They make favorite food at home and bring it here to enjoy the beautiful cherry flowers with delicious food.
Hanami has a long history in Japan.
According to history, landlords and kings used to enjoy cherry flowers with their family members, followers, and friends. At the same time, the soldiers and citizens also accompanied them. So, the spot used to be like a festival, which people called Hanami.
In English, Hanami is translated as a Cherry Blossom Festival.
How is Hanami in Tokyo?
Modern Tokyo Cherry Blossom viewing is different from ancient times. People go out with their family members, friends, or colleagues and dance, sing, party, or just like a picnic.
People barbecue on the spot under the Cherry Blossom trees. Most people even make their Hanami lunch easy so they can have more time to enjoy beautiful flowers. They make their favorite food at home and bring it to the spot to enjoy the beautiful cherry flowers with delicious food.
Most interestingly, sometimes, getting good spots during the Cherry Blossom in Tokyo is hard. Many people keep capturing places before two-three days for picnics.
Pro-tips: Make a Pasmo card or Suica Card for your Japanese Publick Transportation. See my post on how to make it Suica or Pasmo Card. Of course, that’s even best if you book Japan Rail Pass.
Tokyo’s 10 famous Spots:
Tokyo, indeed, becomes a Cherry Blossom City in the Spring. But some Cherry Blossom spots are tremendously famous in Tokyo’s 23 Special Wards.
Let’s see the 10 most famous spots where people can enjoy Cherry Blossom in Tokyo, where famous Cherry Blossom Festivals take place.
1) Ueno Park
Ueno Park is home to several famous museums, Ueno Zoo, and several shrines. At the same time, the park is one of the excellent spots to see Cherry blossoms in Tokyo, where the biggest Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every year.
In addition, the park is considered the best location for picnics and parties during the Cherry blossom. It has over 1,000 Cherry Blossom trees along the streets leading toward Shinobazu pond and the Tokyo National Museum.
Besides, rental boats are available here. Most of the visitors enjoy scenic views of the Cherry blossoms from the boats.
The park is so popular that the local city office fences it before a few weeks of cherry blooms to keep it clean and opens a few days before Cherry’s full bloom. Most companies capture some convenient spots for their sakura parties as soon as the fence is opened.
Besides, it’s also a place where people can enjoy Early Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo from February last week.
Most travel agencies include Ueno Park in their Group Tour service(Walking Tour). Of course, you can join a group tour.
However, to join a group tour needs advance booking.
Check the price of the Group Tour.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Ueno Park
Uenokoen, 8, ５−２０, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Nearest Station:
Ueno Station:( Exit 4 or 7)
2 minutes walk from the station
2) Sumida Park
Tokyo Cherry Blossom transforms Sumida Park into an amusement park every year. People from different wards flock to the park to enjoy the fleeting beauty of cherry flowers.
Sumida Park is a vast round park. The park leads a few hundred meters along both sides of the Sumida River banks, connecting two special wards, Taito and Sumida Ward.
Both sides of the Sumida river are covered with beautiful Cherry flowers during the Cherry blossom. People take their lunch on the boat or cruise and enjoy the stunning views.
Besides, there are many restaurants on the Asakusa side. Also, of course, some food stalls are available on the spots.
One of the key points of the Sumida river Cherry blossom viewing for being famous is because of its perfect location. The surrounding areas hold renowned tourist spots, such as Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Mizumachi, and Asahi Beer headquarters.
Besides, people can enjoy the Mizumachi stunning area, which connects Asakusa and Skytree by Sobu Rail Line.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Sumida Park
Both side of the Sumida River (Taito and Sumida)
Nearest Station:
Asakusa Station
Metro Ginza Line, Metro Asakusa Line and Sobu Line
2 minutes walk from the station
3)Kitanomaru park:
Kitanomaru Park is located in central Tokyo, north of the Imperial Palace. It starts from Nippon Budokan’s Tayassu-mon gate to the park till the Chidorigafuji Expressway Inner Circular Bridge.
It’s about a 700-meter-long lush green walkway from Budokan to the Imperial Palace under the cherry trees. Thousands of Sakura-loving people Visit Chidorigafuchi Moat to enjoy the amazing Cherry Blossom in Tokyo.
The famous Yasukuni Shrine is situated here, and many Cherry trees are around the shrine. In addition, some food stands are available around.
Many travel agencies offer Cherry Blossom Tours and show around Chidorigachi Park, Yasukani Shrine, and Imperial Palace.
Address:
Kitanomaru Park
1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda 102-0091, Tokyo
Nearest Station:
Kudanshita Station (Exit 2)
Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line and Toei Shinjuku Line
5 minutes walk
4) Shinjuku Gyoen :
Tokyo Cherry Blossom season is the best time to enjoy Shinjuku National Gyoen Garden. Visitors start gathering at the park in the morning every day.
Besides, the park is famous for autumn leaves to locals and foreigners. Moreover, it is one of the best spots to enjoy Cherry Blossom in Tokyo.
The park has ponds, lakes, flower gardens, lawns, walking paths, and shops. Its tranquil scenery environment is very relaxing to escape from busy Tokyo. People like doing picnics and spending their relaxing time here.
The park has many Cherry trees, and different colors of Cherry flowers bloom here. As a result, the park has become of the most popular places for Hanami.
Some of the Cherries bloom early, and some of the Cherries bloom late. So, for the whole season, from mid-March to late April, Cherry flowers are available in the park.
Garden Opening Hours:
9:00 am to 17:30 (Gates close: 18:00 )
Admission: 500 yen
Address:
Shinjuku Park
11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City Tokyo 160-0014
Shinjuku Gyoen has three gates:
(Walking distance)
1) Shinjuku Gate
10 minutes from the South-east Exit (JR Shinjuku Station)
and 5 minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Subway Line)
2) Okido Gate:
5 minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station (Marunouchi Subway Line)
3) Sendagaya Gate :
5 minutes from JR Sendagaya Station (Chuo/Sobu Line)
Official site: Shinjuku Gyoen
5) Mori Garden Roppongi Hills
If you have a chance, visit this spot to enjoy Cherry Blossom in Tokyo.
Mori Garden is a Japanese-style garden located within the complex building, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Visitors enjoy modern Japanese business sites and a fantastic Japanese garden together here.
There are 70 pastels pink Cherry trees in the garden, and as a result, the garden has become one of the most beautiful Cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.
However, the spot is most popular at night because of its stunning light-up illumination surrounded by skyscrapers.
One of the main reasons for being famous during the night is Cherry blossom viewing because Roppongi Hills tower is one of the famous buildings and shopping centers in Minto Ward.
While people go shopping, dining, or for other entertainment to the Roppongi Hills, they can enjoy the stunning light-up illuminated Cherry blossom from the shopping center.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Mori Garden Roppongi Hills
6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032
Nearest Station:
Roppongi Station
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line
6) Asukayama Park:
Asukayama Park is the most popular park in Kita Ward for Cherry blossom viewing. It is one of the oldest spots opened to the public during the Edo Period.
There are more than 600 different types of Cherry trees in the park. The hilltop paths are covered with Cherry flowers. Many choose to do parties and picnics instead of Ueno because of its fresh environment.
Besides, Asukayama park is famous because of the three important museums: Paper museum, Asukayama Museum, and Shibusawa Memorial Museum.
At the same time, Oji Shrine is only a few minutes walk from the park. The entrance of Oji Shrine, JR Railway, and Asukayama Park are covered with lovely cherry flowers.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Asukayama Park
1 Chome-1-3 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0002
Nearest station:
Oji Station
2 minutes walk from the station
7) Yoyogi Park:
Yoyogi Park is a public park in Shibuya with more than 600 Cherry trees. In addition, it has fountains, ponds, flower gardens, BBQ spots, and cycling trails.
The park is one of the best places to picnic with family and friends during the Tokyo Cherry Blossom season. However, you may be surprised to see the crowd in the park, but it’s convenient for good public facilities.
It is perfect for Cherry blossom parties, picnics, and Cherry flower viewing. It is one of the most popular and crowded public places during the Cherry blossom season in Tokyo.
Moreover, Yoyogi Park is enormous, and no worries about a place to sit even though you are with a big group. This park is also famous for Kawazu-Zakura, or Early Cherry Blossom in Tokyo.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Yoyogi Park
2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052
Nearest Station:
Yoyogi Station & Harajuku Station
2 minutes walk from the station (go right coming out from the station)
8) Sarue-onshi Park:
Sarue-onshi Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo, located in Koto Ward. Furthermore, Kameido Central Park and the former Nakagawa Kawazu Cherry spot are only 8 minutes by bicycle.
The park is full of autumn leaves in autumn and unique with spring flowers. The park is famous for its charming Cherry Blossoms and autumn leaves in Tokyo.
Sarue-onshi Park is worth visiting with small kids. The park is very kids friendly, with kids’ playgrounds.
On the other hand, if you’re a photographer, it’s a must-visit the park to capture amazing photos of Tokyo’s landmark Skytree with lovely cherry flowers.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Kiba Park
4 Chome-1 Kiba, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0042
Nearest Station:
Kiba Station:
Tozai Line (T13)
8 minutes walk from the station
9)Meguro River:
Meguro River is where Cherry trees are lined up on the river’s banks. It has about 800 Cherry trees on both river banks.
It is worth mentioning here to clear the confusion of the spot. The river passes through Meguro, Setagaya, and Shinagawa Ward, 7.82 km in length. So, from any of these three wards, you can arrive there. It is also familiar as Meguro River Park.
The spot does give you a vast natural surrounding of Cherry blossom view. However, each row of Cherry trees is roughly 3.8 km long, which provides you with a feeling of happiness.
Besides, the colorful, beautiful traditional Japanese lanterns make you forget your tiredness and stun you after the sunset. These lanterns even make the Cherry blossom more beautiful than you see in the sunlight during the day.
In short, all the surrounding shops, restaurants, and hotels are decorated during the Cherry blossom festivals, making the Meguro area unique.
It’s worth mentioning that this spot is not kids’ friendly compared to other spots. However, Megura Cherry Blossom festivals are usually popular with couples and young people.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Meguro Park
2-2 Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0000
Nearest Station:
Meguro Station
(Follow South-east)
Nakameguro Station
(Follow North)
10) Toneri Park:
Toneri Park is one of the best parks for the Cherry blossom and Cherry blossom festival. It is one of the most beautiful public parks in Adachi Ward.
Toneri Park and the Cherry Blossom in Tokyo are interrelated. The park is packed with people during cherry blossoms from early morning to late night.
The park has more than 1,000 Cherry trees, and every year. In addition, it holds the thousands Cherry Blossoms Festival on April 4.
Besides, it has a BBQ spot, lakes, kid’s sledding, and a viewing tower, including all public facilities.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission: free
Address:
Toneri Park
1-1 Tonerikoen, Adachi City, Tokyo 121-0837
Nearest station:
Toneri-Koen Station:
Nippori-Toneri Liner (Eastern Exit)
3 minutes walk from the station
Besides, outside of the 23 special Wards, the Showa Memorial Park is one of the best places to see Cherry blossom.
Admission fee: 450 yen
Opening hour: 9:30 -17:00
Showa Memorial Park is called Showa Kinen Koen in Japanese. It is one of the most famous public parks in Tokyo, and almost all Cherry Blossoms bloom at the same time. So, you can pan it visiting during Japan Cherry Blossom season.
It has about 1500 cherry trees, where Cherry Blossoms bloom a few days later than in central Tokyo. Besides, it has a cycle rental office, special cycling trails, Thomas trains for kids, lakes, lawns, a BBQ spot, shops, restaurants, and fountains.
Address:
Showa Memorial Park
3173 Midoricho, Tokyo 190-0014
Nearest Station:
Nishi-Tachikawa Station (Ome Line)
2 minutes walk from the station
In conclusion, consider booking a group Tour if you’re alone.
Many local people arrange a free walking tour. However, most international tourists love joining paid Tokyo Cherry Blossom tours, such as –
- Day Walking Tour Tokyo
- Asakusa Night Tour
- Night Walking Tour
Check the price of a Cherry Blossom Tour
The good news is that most tour guides are happy working with English speaking tourists in the spring season. On the other hand, joining a group tour is better if you’re new in Tokyo and want an amazing experience.
The benefit of joining a tour is many because tour packages often offer many facilities, such as a tour guide can take your photos and help to find the proper Japanese public transportation.
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