Japan is home to many varieties of cherry blossoms, and learning a bit about them can help you appreciate the season even more—especially when it comes to catching late blooms.

The widely publicized cherry blossom forecast is based on Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry) trees, which are the most common variety in Japan. But they’re just one type among many.

Because of this, it’s easy for first-time visitors to check the forecast, see that their travel dates fall after the predicted “peak,” and assume they’ve missed the blossoms altogether. In reality, they’ve only missed one kind. Other varieties, including yaezakura, actually bloom after the Somei Yoshino petals start to fall—and their flowers tend to last longer, too.

So if your trip doesn't line up with the short window of peak Somei Yoshino bloom, don't worry. Keep an eye out for yaezakura—they may be blooming just in time.

Below, we’ve picked three popular spots near Tokyo where you can see yaezakura, along with their estimated full bloom dates, based on information from the Japan Meteorological Corporation. Blossoms are usually visible for about a week after peak, but treat these dates as rough guidelines rather than exact predictions.

・Types of trees and flowers: Somei Yoshino, Sato Zakura, Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry)
・About 30 minutes from Tokyo Station

The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most iconic cherry blossom spots, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxed hanami picnic under the trees. Visitors can walk along the riverbank, surrounded by rows of blossoms that stretch for several kilometers.

For a peaceful experience, try going early in the morning before the crowds arrive. But if you're up for the energy of the season, the evenings offer a magical atmosphere with glowing lanterns, riverside cafés, and a romantic ambiance beneath the blossoms.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Somei Yoshino, Benishidare Zakura
・About 20 minutes from Tokyo Station

With its lush, arching trees and scenic moat views, Chidorigafuchi Park is one of the most picturesque cherry blossom spots in Japan. The park lines the Chidorigafuchi Moat, which once formed part of the defenses of the Imperial Palace, adding a touch of history to your hanami outing.

It's a popular place for picnics, so if you're visiting with friends, arrive early to claim a good spot. For a truly memorable experience, rent a rowboat and float beneath a canopy of blossoms—it's one of the most romantic and unique ways to enjoy sakura in Tokyo.

・Types of trees and flowers: Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, Kanzan, Ooshima Zakura, Kanhi Zakura
・About 8 minutes from Tokyo Station

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most beloved spots for cherry blossom viewing—and for good reason. With over a thousand cherry trees, a lively atmosphere, and easy access, it's perfect for spending a full day in the area.

Just outside the park, you’ll find Ameyoko Market, a bustling shopping street packed with food stalls, snacks, souvenirs, and local charm. Inside the park itself, you can visit top attractions like the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and Ueno Zoo—all just a short walk from the sakura-lined paths.

It’s especially popular with both locals and tourists, so expect big crowds—especially on weekends—but that energy is part of the hanami magic.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Ooshima Zakura, Sato Zakura, Tsudare Zakura
・About an hour from Tokyo Station

Showa Memorial Park is a vast and beautifully maintained park in western Tokyo, opened in 1983 to honor the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. While there is an admission fee, the experience is well worth it—especially during cherry blossom season.

The park features wide-open lawns, scenic ponds, seasonal flower gardens, and one of the largest collections of cherry trees in the Tokyo area. It’s a great place to enjoy a full day outdoors, whether you're strolling, cycling, or simply relaxing under the blossoms. Because it's farther from central Tokyo, it also tends to feel less crowded than more urban hanami spots.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Yamazakura, Shibazakura, Tsudare Zakura
・Just under 1.5 hours from Tokyo Station

Yomiuriland might not be the first place that comes to mind for cherry blossom viewing, but it’s a surprisingly spectacular choice. This amusement park features over 1,000 cherry trees scattered throughout the grounds, blending spring beauty with rides, games, and fun attractions.

One of the highlights is the gondola ride, which offers an unforgettable aerial view of the sakura in full bloom. It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone looking to combine flower viewing with a full day of excitement.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Yamazakura, Satozakura, Uwamizaki Zakura
・About 1 hr 15 min from Tokyo Station

Located beside Tama Lake and not far from the beloved Totoro Forest, Sayama Park offers a peaceful escape from the city. Its spacious grounds and natural setting make it ideal for a relaxed, crowd-free hanami experience.

This lesser-known gem is perfect for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a more rural, scenic environment. Whether you're walking lakeside paths, enjoying a quiet picnic, or combining your visit with a stop at nearby forest trails, Sayama Park is a rewarding day trip from Tokyo.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Sato Zakura, Kanhi Zakura, Ooshima Zakura
・About 16 min from Tokyo Station

Kiyosumi Garden is a beautifully preserved Japanese-style garden dating back to the Meiji Period. It’s one of the last places in central Tokyo where you can catch cherry blossoms at their peak, making it a hidden gem for late-season hanami.

The garden’s peaceful paths wind around quiet ponds filled with koi and turtles, and the grounds are home to a wide range of trees and seasonal flowers. It’s a tranquil spot ideal for slow walks, photography, or simply soaking in the traditional atmosphere away from the crowds.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Kawaji Zakura, Tsudare Zakura
・About 1 hr 36 min from Tokyo Station

Naritasan Park is a serene garden located just behind Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, one of Chiba’s most important religious sites. The park blends traditional and Western-style landscaping, with tranquil ponds, waterfalls, and forested paths dotted with temples and pagodas.

It’s especially famous for its seasonal flowers, including vibrant plum and cherry blossoms. Don’t miss the on-site Calligraphy Museum, which adds a cultural touch to your visit. This peaceful setting is perfect for a relaxed half-day trip.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・1 hr 20 min from Tokyo Station

Shimizu Park is a charming destination throughout the year, but it truly comes alive during cherry blossom season. With wide open spaces and over 2,000 sakura trees, it’s an ideal spot for a springtime BBQ, picnic, or even trout fishing.

The park is also home to a temple and surrounded by local sightseeing spots, making it a great choice for a full-day outing in Chiba Prefecture. Its family-friendly facilities and relaxing atmosphere make it popular with both locals and travelers looking to enjoy nature at a slower pace.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Ooshima Zakura, Kawazu Zakura
・1 hr 30 min from Tokyo Station

Sakura Castle Ruins Park is a spacious and tranquil park built on the site of a former 17th-century castle. While the moat is now dry and only traces of the original structure remain, the park is rich in natural beauty.

True to its name, it’s especially beloved during cherry blossom season, when the grounds are blanketed in pink and white petals. Visitors can stroll through ponds and landscaped gardens or enjoy a moment of calm at the traditional tea house tucked within the park.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Fujisakura
・2 hrs from Tokyo Station

Located along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, Kawaguchiko offers one of the most iconic springtime views in Japan—cherry blossoms in full bloom with majestic Mount Fuji in the background.

This area is perfect for a full-day getaway, with activities ranging from boat rides and lakeside cafés to scenic parks and hot springs. As one of the last places in the region to reach full bloom, it’s an ideal option for those chasing the tail end of sakura season.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・2 hrs 40 min from Tokyo Station

Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji, was founded in 699 and honors the Shinto goddess Konohana Sakuya Hime—Princess Blossoms of the Trees. This sacred site hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year, but spring brings a particularly magical atmosphere.

During sakura season, the shrine grounds are awash in soft pink petals, creating a peaceful and almost otherworldly setting. It’s one of the most tranquil places on this list to enjoy cherry blossoms, especially for travelers seeking a deeper cultural connection.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Edohigan
・5 hrs from Tokyo Station

Tucked away in the quiet town of Hokuto, Myoryoji Temple is home to the legendary Yamataka-no-Jindai Sakura—one of the oldest living cherry trees in Japan. Believed to be over 800 years old, this majestic Edohigan tree draws visitors from across the country each spring.

The setting is serene and steeped in natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape far from the crowds. For those seeking a meaningful connection to Japan’s deep-rooted love of cherry blossoms, this historic tree is a must-see.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Jindai Akemono, Benishidare Zakura
・45 min from Tokyo Station

The Ooka River Promenade in Yokohama is a peaceful riverside path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, perfect for a relaxed hanami walk. Charming bridges cross the water at intervals, and the surrounding cityscape—especially at golden hour—adds a modern touch to the classic blossom experience. One can start the stroll around Gumyoji Station and walk around 5 km (just over an hour) along the river before it starts meeting Yokohama Bay around Sakuragicho Station.

With its location near popular shopping and sightseeing areas, this spot is ideal for travelers who want to combine sakura viewing with a day away from the big city.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・45 min from Tokyo Station

Odawara Castle Ruins Park blends cherry blossom beauty with centuries of history. Centered around the reconstructed Odawara Castle, the park is a serene place to enjoy hanami while soaking in the atmosphere of Japan’s feudal past.

In addition to the sakura trees, you’ll find a majestic pine tree designated as a natural monument and a beautifully preserved Japanese manor on the grounds. It’s a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history—ideal for a peaceful spring day trip from Tokyo.

・1 hr 37 min from Tokyo Station
Sagami Lake Pleasure Forest is a resort and amusement park located on Sagami Lake. Renowned for hanami, the park hosts a cherry blossom festival from around 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
・1 hr 41 min from Tokyo Station

Set on a hillside with sweeping views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, Onshi Hakone Park is a former imperial villa turned public park. It’s a serene, scenic escape with winding paths, manicured gardens, and some of the latest-blooming cherry trees in the region.

Visitors can explore the observatory, browse a small museum and display room, and admire the surrounding nature. During sakura season, the entire park transforms into a sea of blossoms—ideal for quiet walks and unforgettable photos.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・46 min from Tokyo Station

Located in the center of Utsunomiya, Hachimanyama Park offers a peaceful escape with sweeping views and seasonal charm. During spring, the park becomes a quiet cherry blossom haven, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy hanami without the crowds.

Climb the Park Utsunomiya Tower for a 360° panoramic view of the blossoms below—and on clear days, you might even spot Tokyo Tower in the distance. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic lookout, this park is ideal for a calm, contemplative afternoon.

・Types of trees and flowers: Omoigawa Zakura
・Around 2 hr 15 min from Tokyo Station

Stretching along the banks of the Omoi River, this scenic park is one of Tochigi’s hidden hanami gems. It's especially known for the locally unique Omoigawa Zakura variety, which blooms a bit later than Tokyo’s more familiar trees.

The area is perfect for a relaxed outing—visitors can picnic under the shade of large cherry trees, enjoy food and drinks, and take in the calm, open-air atmosphere. It’s a great spot for those looking to experience cherry blossoms away from the city crowds.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・1 hr 50 min from Tokyo Station

Set on a hill overlooking the Omoi River, Shiroyama Park offers sweeping views of the cherry blossoms that line the riverbank below. It’s a scenic spot ideal for a peaceful walk or a spring picnic under its own grove of Yoshino cherry trees.

Easily accessible from Oyama Station, the park provides a quiet, elevated retreat with both natural beauty and great photo opportunities—perfect for those looking to enjoy sakura in a relaxed, local setting.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・1 hr 50 min from Tokyo Station

Kuroiso Park offers a picture-perfect hanami experience that feels straight out of an anime. Rows of cherry trees form ethereal "flower tunnels," creating a truly magical atmosphere during peak bloom.

Adding to the charm, delicate dogtooth violets bloom around the same time, painting the park with even more seasonal color. From the grounds, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Nakagawa River and the distant Nasu mountain range—making it a rewarding destination for both nature lovers and photographers.

・​Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・​About 2 hours from Tokyo Station​

Located in Satte City, Saitama Prefecture, Gongendo Park is renowned for its stunning 1-kilometer stretch of approximately 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees. During early April, the pale pink sakura blossoms create a breathtaking tunnel effect, beautifully contrasted by vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers blooming alongside. This picturesque setting attracts numerous visitors each year, especially during the annual cherry blossom festival, which features local food stalls and festive activities

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino
・1 hr 27 min from Tokyo Station

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi is one of the most scenic cherry blossom spots in Saitama, with hundreds of pink Yoshino cherry trees lining the riverbank in vibrant contrast to blooming yellow rapeseed flowers. The view is especially magical in the evening, when traditional lanterns light up the path from 6 PM to 9 PM.

In addition to the natural beauty, the area offers easy access to shops and local eateries, making it a well-rounded destination for both hanami and a relaxed day out.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Yoshino, Yamazakura, Kanhi Sakura
・55 min from Tokyo Station

Omiya Park is one of Saitama’s most beloved cherry blossom spots, home to a wide variety of sakura as well as apricot trees and stately red pines. The park’s expansive grounds make it ideal for a relaxed hanami picnic or stroll under the blossoms.

Beyond the flowers, visitors can explore the Saitama Museum of History and Folklore, a small but charming free zoo, and the ancient Hikawa Shrine, which boasts over 2,400 years of history—all just a short walk apart.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yamazakura, Yoshino, Satozakura
・1 hr 45 min from Tokyo Station by car

Nicknamed “The Mountain Park of the Beautiful Yamazakura,” Minoyama Park offers one of the most spectacular cherry blossom views in Saitama. Though it requires a bit of a journey, the panoramic scenery is well worth the effort.

From the park’s elevated trails, visitors can look out over the Chichibu Basin, the distant Nikko Mountains, and a vast forest of blooming cherry trees that appears like a pink mist from above—an unforgettable hanami experience far from the city crowds.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yaezakura, Yoshino
・1 hr 47 min from Tokyo Station by car

Shizumine Furusato Park in Ibaraki is known for its spectacular display of late-blooming cherry trees, especially yaezakura. From early April to mid-May, over 2,000 trees fill the park with vibrant color.

The annual Yaezakura Festival, held from mid- to late April, is the highlight of the season. As the final major hanami spot in Ibaraki, this park offers a perfect chance to catch the tail end of Japan’s cherry blossom season in full bloom.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Botan Zakura
・1 hr 27 min from Tokyo Station

Known locally as “The Oasis of Mito,” Lake Senba is a peaceful artificial lake surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees that create a gentle pink halo each spring. A walking path encircles the lake, allowing for leisurely hanami—even at night when the trees are softly illuminated.

The lake is located within the broader grounds of Kairakuen Park, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, making it a perfect place to enjoy blossoms with both lakeside charm and a touch of classic Japanese garden elegance.

・Types of trees and flowers: Yoshino, Tsudarezakura, Botan Zakura
・1 hr 50 min from Tokyo Station

Set in the former capital of ancient Hitachi Province, Hitachi Fudoki no Oka is more than just a cherry blossom spot—it’s a journey through time. Alongside its beautiful sakura trees, the park features full-scale reconstructions of traditional Japanese dwellings and historical buildings.

Functioning as an open-air museum, it showcases artifacts and architecture from Japan’s past in a natural setting.

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!

As the cherry blossom venue is expected to be very crowded, we recommend that you make reservations in advance to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a safe and relaxing atmosphere.