The Best Places to See Sakura in Tokyo
by Laura Studarus
Get to know the capital city's sea of pink blossoms
Photos by Laura Studarus
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the national flower of Japan. They’re beloved, which means it’s a celebration when they bloom every year around the end of March and beginning of April. In Japanese culture, that translates to a thousand-year-old tradition called hanami, which in English literally means “watching the blossoms.” It may be a practice rooted in celebrating ephemeral beauty—but you’ll also see plenty of people taking a break to enjoy nature and celebrating the flowery displays with everything from specialty foods to pink-colored toys in arcade games.
It’s easy to see why seeing sakura ranks so high on so many people’s travel bucket lists—it’s a stunning and very romantic season. And with blooms stretching across the country, there’s plenty to see. But it’s important to go in with a plan—the peak season varies from year to year, so be sure to book plenty of time in Japan in order to catch the blossoms at their best. And keep in mind it’s a popular activity, so while all those Instagrams might paint a peaceful picture, remember that there’s plenty of people waiting just out frame.
When it comes to location for cherry blossoms, places like Kyoto and Mount Fuji usually get top billing. (With good reason, they’re fantastic!) But if galloping from city-to-city to catch the sakura seems counter to their message of peace and tranquil beauty, we’ve got great news—you can get your hanami on without leaving Japan’s capital city.
Unsure where to start? Read on for our list of favorite places to see sakura in Tokyo.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a great place to visit even outside of sakura season, thanks to its multiple gardens (English, French, and traditional Japanese) and large greenhouse. However, thanks to its central location and numerous sakura trees, the park becomes a powerhouse during cherry blossom season, as the former imperial garden grounds are taken over by a sea of pink.
To get the most out of your visit, stop by a nearby 7-Eleven or FamilyMart—two of Japan’s most underrated food options—and grab onigari (rice ball), or heated buns to snack on while you stroll. Just be sure to bring change as well; the entrance fee is 500 yen.
Ueno Park
By day, Ueno Park is a museum hub, where you can get your learning on at Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Ueno Zoo. But during blossom season it become a parade ground when what seems like half the population of Tokyo comes to walk and picnic under the blooms. Translation: It can get very crowded, so come early in order to appreciate the traditional orange lanterns and food stalls at your own pace.
Rikugien Gardens
After you’re done with Ueno, hop over to the nearby Rikugien Gardens (aka, “Garden of Six Poems,”). During sakura season, the park hosts dramatic viewings of their weeping cherry tree, which is turned into a surreal sight thanks to an array of gently moving colored lights. During the day, be sure to take in the view from the top of the hill, where you can take in the manufactured gardens and ponds in all their Edo-era goodness.
Chidorigafuchi Moat
Chidorigafuchi Moat changes dramatically after dark, so visit during the day and at night for two equally stunning visuals. Gorgeous trees line the 700-meter walkway, and whether you opt to view the blossoms from foot, or via a swan-shaped paddle boat, you’re going to have a post-card worthy view. After you’re done snapping your photos, walk the path to its final conclusion, the Imperial Palace.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a less touristy version of Chidorigafuchi Moat—a place where you can still rent swan boats, but might need the help of Google translate to order your soft serve ice cream. (You can also visit Totoro at The Studio Ghibli museum—just be sure to book in advance.) Go for a long stroll or a pack a picnic and sit with the locals, most of which will be just as excited to see the spectacular bloom as you are. Opened in 1917, the park was a gift from the Emperor to the people—and after a long day in central Tokyo it still feels like the biggest present of all.
Meguro River
This is where to go for the singular delight of walking through a canape of cherry blossoms. Trees bloom along Meguro’s eight-kilometer path, but for the real party, head to the pink lantern-decked area near the Tenjin Bridge. Preform your hanami while walking since local vendors sell everything from yakisoba to extra-long French fries. Bonus: public drinking is encouraged (within limits, obviously), which means you can toast the blossoms with thematically pink champagne.
Kanda River
Kanda River doesn’t get a ton of love outside of blossom season—probably because it’s a fairly standard concrete ditch. But when the sakura blooms, it becomes a less tourist-riddled alternative to Meguro. Visit during the day for an abundance of picnicking options, or swing by the Takadanobaba neighborhood, where the thickest offering of sakura is l illuminated until 9 p.m. each night. Either way, satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop by Saniya, a traditional Japanese dessert shop.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
Established in the 1600s, the area surrounding Hotel Chinzanso has been home to artists, poets, and business leaders before being established as a five-star hotel. Which means, as you wander through their expansive gardens, you’re also traveling back in time. In addition to a three-story pagoda built over 500 years ago, stone statures of Rakan (believed to be the image of Buddha’s priest), and truly spectacular koi ponds, the grounds also feature 20 different varieties of sakura trees, meaning a longer blooming season than what you might experience in the rest of the city. Stay for their “sea of clouds,” an art piece created when the garden is flooded with picturesque mist several times every day, or stay for dinner, where you can sample cherry blossom and spring inspired meals at one of the property’s nine different bars and restaurants.
Kuromegawa Sakurazutumi
Located about a half hour outside of Tokyo, Kuromegawa Sakurazutumi is a bit trickier to find—but you can make your way there on the Tobu-Tojo Line, or Musashino Line. Once there you’ll be treated to a line of river-straddling sakura trees, largely without the accompaniment of fellow tourists. Stick around after dark, when the entire area is lit by pink lanterns.