Cherry blossom season in Tokyo is typically defined by the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, the most common variety in Japan. The season officially begins when five or more blossoms open on the designated sample tree in Tokyo, located at Yasukuni Shrine.

However, many travelers worry about whether their visit will perfectly align with this short peak. To help ease that concern, this guide looks beyond Somei Yoshino and introduces other cherry blossom varieties that bloom slightly earlier or later, widening the window for enjoying sakura across the city.

In 2026, cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming around March 20, about four days earlier than the seasonal average, with full bloom forecast for around March 27. By exploring multiple blossom types, visitors can still find beautiful spring scenery even if their timing falls just outside the main peak.

Tucked away in the bustling city of Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is a true gem for anyone looking to soak up the stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms. This sprawling garden covers 58.3 hectares (133 acres) and wraps around a 3.5-kilometer path. It's home to around 1,100 Japanese cherry trees that come alive with color each spring.

One of the garden’s most distinctive features is its diverse collection of cherry tree varieties, each blooming at different times. This staggered blooming period allows visitors to enjoy an extended cherry blossom season, making Shinjuku Gyoen an exceptional destination for hanami enthusiasts.

Beyond the blossoms, the park’s shops offer a selection of seasonal sweets and souvenirs inspired by cherry blossoms, providing visitors with the opportunity to take home a piece of the season.

Shinjuku Gyoen is conveniently accessible from Shinjuku Station, with an admission fee of 500 yen. The park is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

During cherry blossom season (March – April), advance reservations may be required on weekends and holidays. Please note that alcohol and barbecuing are not permitted within the garden.

One of Tokyo’s most popular destinations for cherry blossom viewing, Ueno Park is known for its early-blooming sakura. A favored spot since the 16th century, the park continues to attract visitors with its stunning seasonal displays.

Covering 53 hectares (131 acres), Ueno Park is home to approximately 800 cherry trees, most of which line the central pathway. Given its popularity, visitors often arrive early to secure a spot, particularly for group gatherings.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the park offers a serene atmosphere in the evening, when the illuminated blossoms create a captivating setting. Many visitors enjoy strolling beneath the lantern-lit trees, often accompanied by refreshments from nearby convenience stores.

Ueno Park is conveniently located near Ueno Station and offers free admission.

Chidorigafuchi, located northwest of the Imperial Palace, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. With around 1,000 cherry trees in bloom, visitors can capture stunning photos of the sakura contrasted with the ancient stone walls of the former Edo Castle.

Additionally, with around 170 cherry trees lining a 700-meter-long sakura tunnel, <@Chidorigafuchi Park offers a breathtaking cherry blossom experience|a=|a=article:a0002155@>. Featuring varieties like Someiyoshino and Yamasakura, the best viewing time is from late March to early April.

From sunset (around 6 PM) until 10 PM, the cherry trees are beautifully illuminated by LED lights. Visitors can also enjoy boat rides on the Chidorigafuchi Moat, although boat rentals are popular and may have wait times of up to 2 hours.

Sumida Park, famous for its stunning summer fireworks, turns into a cherry blossom paradise in spring. It's the perfect spot for picnic lovers to gather under the blooming sakura trees, but be ready for it to get pretty packed, especially as the day turns into night!

Capture stunning photographs showcasing the beauty of not only the 600+ Japanese cherry trees but also the majestic Tokyo Skytree towering gracefully in the background. For an unforgettable experience, consider embarking on a cherry blossom viewing adventure aboard a yakatabune boat, where cherished memories are certain to be created.

Getting to Sumida Park is a breeze, just a stone's throw away from Asakusa Station. And the best part? There’s no entry fee to enjoy this beautiful slice of nature.

Located in the quaint western suburb of Kichijoji, Inokashira Park is a serene escape that's absolutely enchanting. Here, around 500 Japanese cherry trees create a stunning canopy over a peaceful, large pond. When the cherry blossoms gently fall, they mimic a "sakura snow," covering the pond's surface with a captivating pink hue.

Inokashira Park offers several ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Visitors can rent a boat and cruise through the cherry blossom-lined pond, enjoy the trees beautifully lit from 6 PM to 10 PM during the night illumination, and capture exceptional views of the cherry blossoms from the Nanai Bridge.

Nearby, visitors can also explore the popular Ghibli Museum, adding to the charm and appeal of the area.

Meguro River stands out as a top destination in Tokyo for cherry blossom admirers. Its 3.8-kilometer path, stretching from Ikejiri-Ohashi to Kamenokobashi under the Tokyu Meguro Line, is lined with about 800 cherry trees that spectacularly bloom each spring. This spot draws in crowds by the thousands, offering a romantic setting that's enhanced by the beautiful evening lights.

Although picnic spots are a bit scarce, you won't miss out on enjoying the festive atmosphere. The area is dotted with food stalls serving everything from sakura-colored sparkling wine to tasty gourmet snacks. For a more relaxed experience, the riverside restaurants provide a cozy setting to enjoy delicious meals while taking in the views and the vibrant energy of the visitors.

Yoyogi Park, Tokyo's third-largest park, might not be the first place that comes to mind for couples looking for cherry blossom spots, even with its impressive count of around 730 cherry trees. But, it's a gem for larger groups or anyone craving a bit more space to lounge under the sakura. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a tasty bento and a cold beer or two, all while soaking in the calm and less crowded surroundings.

Since its establishment in 1629, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens has remained one of Tokyo's oldest and most cherished parks, serving as a testament to the city's rich historical heritage. The garden is a stunning example of the seamless blend between Chinese and Japanese landscape designs, featuring a variety of cherry tree species that add to its beauty.

A visit to the garden is not complete without witnessing the breathtaking view of cherry blossoms reflecting off the Daisensui pond—a sight that captures the essence of spring in Japan. Although picnicking isn't allowed, the garden's quaint tea house offers a lovely respite, where you can enjoy a cup of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets against a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens invites you to step into a world where the splendor of nature meets historical elegance, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city of Tokyo.

Cherry blossom viewing season for 2025:
- Somei-yoshino: Expected from late March to early April

Built over seven years around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien Gardens is a masterpiece of design, reflecting immense dedication to detail. The garden's name, which translates to "Garden of the Six Elements of Poetry," hints at its deep roots in Japanese poetry, with landscapes meticulously crafted to echo scenes from celebrated poems.

A highlight of the garden is the weeping Japanese cherry blossom tree, a beloved emblem of Rikugien. This tree stands about 15 meters tall and spreads 20 meters wide, blossoming into a stunning display reminiscent of a waterfall. The tree under the evening lights is a sight to behold, its beauty magnified, presenting a breathtaking view.

For a small fee of 300 yen, you can enter this serene haven. The garden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, extending its hours to 9 PM during the cherry blossom season for a special illumination event. Visitors are welcome up until 30 minutes before closing. From March 16 to April 2, the shibazakura tree and the historical daimyo garden light up, transforming the place into a magical landscape. The gardens stay open daily through the cherry blossom season, offering everyone a chance to enjoy the stunning floral displays.

Cherry blossom viewing times for 2025:
-

Asukayama Park, with its peaceful surroundings, is home to about 600 cherry trees, making it a favorite local spot and a treasure not often highlighted in guidebooks. This park has a long history of capturing the hearts of those in Tokyo, offering stunning views of cherry blossoms that enchant all who visit.

One of the park's unique features is the Asuka Park Rail monorail, which provides a journey through the garden from 10 AM to 4 PM. Viewing the cherry blossoms from this vantage point is a rare treat, enhancing the charm of Asukayama Park and offering a memorable experience.

Right in the bustling heart of Tokyo, Roppongi Hills stands out as a lively hub filled with fashionable shops, tempting eateries, and cozy cafes. Amidst this vibrant setting, you'll find two spots perfect for cherry blossom viewing.

Mori Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden tucked away within the Roppongi Hills area, presents a tranquil retreat. Here, alongside a babbling stream, eight cherry trees bloom, creating a stunning contrast against the backdrop of skyscrapers. This unique mix of urban architecture and natural splendor provides a cherry blossom viewing experience unlike any other in Tokyo, making it a must-see.

Although the Roppongi Hills Spring Festival, traditionally held in early April, brought additional charm with its assortment of events like tea ceremonies and cultural workshops, the allure of cherry blossoms in this modern setting remains a standout feature.

The second must-visit cherry blossom site in Roppongi Hills is Roppongi Sakurazaka. This area becomes especially vibrant with the bloom of around 150 cherry trees, including the popular Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees. The night-time lighting transforms the area, highlighting the blossoms and adding a luminous, lively ambiance to the cityscape.

As you journey from the foot to the peak of Mt. Takao, you're greeted by nature's own sakura display, lining the trail and providing a stunning backdrop for hikers. This route offers a splendid chance to enjoy cherry blossoms alongside a scenic trek. Typically, the best time to catch this floral show is in mid-April, a bit later than the peak season in central Tokyo. The blooming sequence changes with elevation, presenting a fascinating progression of blossoms that captivate all who traverse this path.

Across Mt. Takao, various cherry blossom spots invite you to stop and soak in their magic. Among the most famous is Yakuoin Temple, which is beautifully framed by elegant weeping cherry blossoms. As you make your way to the summit, anticipate a spectacular sight: a sweeping view of lush mountains dotted with cherry blossoms, and on clear days, the iconic Mount Fuji majestically rising in the distance.

Tokyo’s cherry blossom season is short, but the variety of places to enjoy it is remarkable. From well-known cherry blossom parks in Tokyo like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park to riverside walks and quieter gardens, each area offers a slightly different way to experience sakura.

Because bloom timing can vary by location, choosing a mix of central parks and spots that bloom a little later can make your trip more rewarding. Whether you are looking for an easy-to-access sakura park near major stations or a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the scenery, Tokyo has no shortage of memorable options.

Plan your route, check bloom updates as your trip approaches, and take the time to enjoy hanami at your own pace. The fleeting beauty of Tokyo’s cherry blossoms is one of the city’s most unforgettable spring experiences.