There are many varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan, and knowing a little about them can help you not only in enjoying the flowers more but also in knowing which ones are going to bloom later than others.

When the annual cherry blossom forecast comes around, it's important to note that it references Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry) trees and not other varieties.

For this reason, it's easy for newcomers to Japan to look at the blossom forecast, see that their vacation lands after 'peak bloom', and think they have missed the show - but in fact, they have instead missed only one variety of cherry blossom. Many others even begin opening after the Yoshino ones have begun to fade.

One such variety, yaezakura, are usually the ones that bloom later and stay longer. So keep an eye on the location with this variety if you don't want to have to schedule your floral fantasy in a short few-day window.

Here, we've listed up 3 of the more popular cherry blossom locations near Tokyo, along with their approximate full bloom dates, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation. Blossoms should still be visible within a week or so of the 'full bloom' date at most locations - but keep these more as a guide than anything else!

・Types of trees and flowers: Somei Yoshino, Sato Zakura, Shidare Zakura
Hanami at the Meguro River is ideal for those who enjoy sitting under the trees with food and drinks or taking long walks beneath the beautiful blooms. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. If that is not something that concerns you, then you'll be able to also enjoy the many shops and eateries, as well as a wonderfully romantic night between flowers and lanterns.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Somei Yoshino, Benishidare Zakura
Chidorigafuchi Park's lush, towering cherry trees make it one of Japan's most beautiful and popular spots for hanami lovers. If you’re planning a picnic with friends, it’s best to arrive early. The park follows the Chidorigafuchi Moat, one of the 12 surrounding the Imperial Palace. You can also rent a boat and paddle among the stunning cherry blossoms.

・Types of trees and flowers: Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Kanzan, Ooshima Zakura, Kanhi Zakura
Ueno Park is a hugely popular destination in Tokyo for shopping, sightseeing, and, of course, viewing sakura blossoms.
It’s perfect for those looking to spend an entire day enjoying hanami, exploring Ueno’s traditional market, and visiting parks steeped in history. Just be prepared for large crowds!

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Ooshima Zakura, Sato Zakura, Tsudare Zakura
Opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's reign, Showa Memorial Park charges an admission fee but is well worth it. Its expansive grounds feature stunning flowers, ponds, gardens, and a large area filled with beautiful cherry trees.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Yamazakura, Shibazakura, Tsudare Zakura
Yomiuriland is an unexpected yet fantastic spot to enjoy cherry blossoms. As an amusement park, it offers plenty of entertainment alongside over 1,000 stunning sakura trees, which can be admired from a gondola for a breathtaking aerial view.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Yamazakura, Satozakura, Uwamizaki Zakura
Sayama Park is nestled beside Tama Lake and near the famous Totoro Forest. This expansive natural oasis is perfect for a full-day rural excursion, showcasing some of the most beautiful cherry trees without the hassle of large crowds.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Sato Zakura, Kanhi Zakura, Ooshima Zakura
Built during the Meiji Period, Kiyosumi Garden is a stunning Japanese-style garden. In addition to its sakura trees, the garden features serene ponds with fish and turtles, as well as a diverse array of trees and flowers.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Kawaji Zakura, Tsudare Zakura
Naritasan Park, located in Narita, is a spacious garden surrounded by temples and pagodas. The park features waterfalls, ponds, a mix of Western and Japanese-style gardens, and the Calligraphy Museum. It is particularly renowned for its plum and cherry blossoms.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Shimizu Park is a delightful destination year-round, but it transforms into a magical spot during sakura season. Within its vast grounds, visitors can enjoy BBQs or try trout fishing. The park is also surrounded by a temple and other sightseeing attractions.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Ooshima Zakura, Kawazu Zakura
Sakura Castle Ruins Park is a lush, green park built around the remains of a 17th-century castle, complete with its now dry moat. True to its name, the park is famous for its cherry blossoms, but it also features stunning ponds, beautiful gardens, and even a ceremonial tea house.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Fujisakura
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) is renowned as one of the best spots to admire the iconic view of Mount Fuji. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from boat tours and dining to exploring natural parks and vibrant nightlife. It’s an incredible one-day trip for sakura lovers and marks the site of some of the last blooms in Yamanashi.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Fuji Omuro Sengen, Mount Fuji's oldest shrine, was built in 699 and is dedicated to the Shinto goddess Konohana Sakuya Hime (Princess Blossoms of the Trees). The shrine hosts various festivals year-round, but in spring, it transforms into a serene pink wonderland with cherry blossoms, offering one of the most tranquil and mystical experiences on this list.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Edohigan
Located in the town of Hokuto, this area provides a breathtaking sakura viewing experience. It is home to one of the oldest living cherry trees, estimated to be 800 years old, and radiates peace and natural beauty.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Jindai Akemono, Benishidare Zakura
The Ooka River Promenade in Yokohama offers a serene stroll among hundreds of cherry trees, interspersed with charming bridges and a stunning skyline, especially during late afternoon. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing hanami while also sightseeing and shopping.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Odawara Castle Ruins Park is a picturesque location built around an ancient castle, perfect for a relaxing hanami. Alongside the sakura trees, visitors can admire a giant pine tree designated as a natural monument and explore the magnificent Japanese manor.

Sagami Lake Pleasure Forest is a resort and amusement park located on the artificial Sagami Lake. Renowned for hanami, the park hosts a cherry blossom festival from March 20 to April 12. Perfect for families, the Pleasure Forest offers a magical and fun experience both during the day and at night.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Mamezakura, Ooshima Zakura, Shidare Zakura, Gotenba Zakura
This historical park boasts breathtaking views and winding paths perfect for exploration. From the park's observatory, take in the stunning scenery, visit the museum and display room, and, most importantly, immerse yourself in the sea of magnificent cherry trees.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Hachimanyama Park, located in the heart of Utsunomiya, Tochigi, is a peaceful oasis that transforms into a pink haven in spring. Ideal for those seeking solitude, the park offers a tranquil atmosphere. From the Park Utsunomiya Tower, enjoy a 360° view of the park and its cherry trees, and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Tokyo Tower.

・Types of trees and flowers: Omoigawa Zakura
This expansive park stretches along a section of the Omoi River and is one of Tochigi’s top spots for hanami. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks under the shade of dozens of large cherry trees unique to the area, all in a peaceful and relaxing setting.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Perched on a highland overlooking the Omoi River, Shiroyama Park provides a picturesque view of the cherry trees lining the river. It also offers a delightful setting for a walk or picnic beneath its own lush cherry trees.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Kuroiso Park offers a dreamy, anime-like sakura experience. Hundreds of cherry trees line up in long rows, creating stunning "flower tunnels." During the same season, the park's dogtooth violets bloom, enhancing the beauty. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Nakagawa River and the Nasu mountain range.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Kuroiso Park offers a dreamy, anime-like sakura experience. Hundreds of cherry trees line up in long rows, creating stunning "flower tunnels." During the same season, the park's dogtooth violets bloom, enhancing the beauty. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Nakagawa River and the Nasu mountain range.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
Kumagaya is one of the most picturesque locations on this list. Hundreds of lush pink cherry trees line the riverbank, set against a vibrant sea of yellow flowers. During sakura season, traditional lanterns illuminate the riverbank from 6 PM to 9 PM. For those interested in shopping, there are plenty of stores nearby.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Yoshino, Yamazakura, Kanhi Sakura
Renowned for its cherry trees, Omiya Park also features apricot trees and red pines. While enjoying hanami, visitors can explore the Saitama Museum of History and Folklore, a free zoo, and the ancient 2,400-year-old Hikawa Shrine.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yamazakura, Yoshino, Satozakura
Known as "The Mountain Park of the Beautiful Yamazakura," Minoyama Park truly lives up to its name. While it may not be the easiest to access, the breathtaking views more than make up for it. From the park, you can admire the Nikko Mountains, the Chichibu Basin, and a stunning aerial view of a blooming cherry tree forest.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Yoshino
From mid-April to late April, the park hosts the Double Cherry Flowers Festival. With over 2,000 trees of various types, the park remains in bloom from early April to mid-May. It is also the site of Ibaraki’s last cherry blossoms of the season.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Botan Zakura
Locally known as The Oasis of Mito, this artificial lake offers a peaceful natural retreat year-round. In spring, it's surrounded by hundreds of blooming cherry trees, which can be enjoyed even at night by walking the path circling the lake. Lake Senba is part of the expansive Kairakuen Park and is an ideal spot for a sit-and-eat hanami.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Tsudarezakura, Botan Zakura
In addition to the beautiful cherry trees that earned Hitachi Fudoki no Oka a spot on this list, the location offers much more. Situated in what was once the capital of Hitachi Province, the park features reproductions of dwellings from various periods of Japanese history. It serves as an open-air museum, showcasing numerous artifacts and structures.

If you visit Tokyo in Spring, you'll have many options when it comes to hanami. Just pick the ones that best suit you, and don't worry too much about scheduling it in detail ahead of time. You now have a bit more time to admire late-blooming cherry trees near Tokyo!