So some background first. Yomiuriland is a Japanese amusement park that opened in 1964. Yomiuriland is very popular for its 43 attractions catering to all sorts of visitors. Adults, children, families, couples, or large groups of friends—the park has something to offer to everyone. And just about 35 minutes away from Shinjuku via the Keio Line, it’s also a highly accessible Tokyo amusement park.

At Yomiuriland, cherry blossoms typically bloom in late March or early April. however, one unique draw is the nearly 1,000 cherry trees that populate inside and outside the park! In fact, a number of visitors go to Yomiuriland specifically just to snap photos of the petal-covered paradise during day and night.

You could, of course, enjoy the flowers while you walk along the attractions and rides, but a sure way to have the best view over the trees is by taking the Sky Shuttle Gondola that you can access from Keio Yomiuriland Station that will take you straight into the park after allowing you to hover over a sea of pink and white blossoms, giving you also a thrilling view of the Bandit (Yomiuriland’s 110km/h famous roller coaster) and a picture perfect angle on the Tokyo skyline – and even the top of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Here are some of the other rides and attractions we recommend checking out to get the ultimate sakura experience in Tokyo!

When the rollercoaster Bandit was built in 1988, it was the fastest moving in the world. It was also the tallest, reaching peaks of 78m (256ft).
Bandit is built to follow the contour and terrain of Yomiuriland, making for a thrilling ride, as well as for a great way to storm through the park.
Thrill-seeking visitors and roller coaster lovers will enjoy this ride anytime of the year, but come spring, you will also be taken through a tunnel of cherry trees in bloom at impossible speeds leaving you in a state of thrill and amazement.

Who says that enjoying cherry blossoms in Japan is only a day-time event? Come nighttime, the whole park comes alive with gorgeous lights, including the Tanzanite Promenade, a long path coasted by romantically light trees in bloom.
But Jewellumination is not limited to providing a gorgeous cherry blossom experience. In fact it's only a small part of the whole beautiful thing.
Remember the gondola we mentioned earlier? Treat yourself with a night ride from the station to the park and marvel at the light show beneath your feet. The whole park is outlined and accentuated by colorful lights.
Once you reach the ground, lose yourself in light tunnels, gardens of light, and light optical illusions. Rainy day on your visit to Yomiuriland? Despair not. The park has even created a special light show that can actually be seen only on a rainy day.
(*Note that Jewellumination is only available in certain seasons! In 2023-2024 it's from October 19, 2023 to April 7, 2024)

Another alternative to enjoy a nice walk (especially a romantic one) in Yomiuriland is among the cherry trees in the small but beautiful Seichi Park, a brilliant green segment of the amusement park surrounded by towering and rich cherry trees. In the park you'll also see a pretty pagoda, contributing to making you forget for a minute where you are.

Seichi Park is also very famous for fireflies watching in early summer and it also hosts the event Hotaru-no-Yoi, an event dedicated to observing fireflies, but remember that this event is very popular in early summer, and the place will get very crowded. Waiting to get into the park, though shouldn't be that bad, since you'll be given a number and in the meantime you can enjoy your time however you prefer, including visiting the many food stands that will be set up just for the occasion.

If you just can't get enough of aerial views of the park, and of Mount Fuji and Tokyo (and why would you), enjoy a ride on the 160m Ferris wheel in Yomiuriland (aptly named Giant). This colossal Ferris Wheel is perfect for people of all ages and it always runs (except on days of heavy rain or wind).

Spin Runway is another roller coaster in Yomiuriland. This one is an enclosed ride that takes you through a clothing factory set. Each car seats four people. The coaster rides at 45 km/h (28 mph) through colorful tunnels, picturesque textile machines, and wonderful hues in an experience that is part roller coaster.

In the kids' section of the park you can find a Custom Garage where children can build a car, run tests and fine tune them, or inspect other cars.

Families can also take the Campus Challenge, a course with 7 obstacles to surpass.

The escapists among you will love the Laser Athletic – Temple of the Sun, an escape experience where participants will have to find the exit running against time and laser traps.

More of a thrill seeker? Yomiuriland even has its own bungee jumping platforms (22m – over 72ft).
Starting in June, the park opens also a water section with swimming pools and water slides.

Yomiuriland is a massive amusement park and these are but a few of the many attractions and rides you'll be able to enjoy when you visit. The place is certainly worth a full day trip any time of the year, but in spring it has the added value of being one of the most entertaining and beautiful spots for cherry blossoms viewing, so if you're visiting between the end of March and mid-April don't miss it!

(This article was originally published in January 2020. Please see the official website for up to date information and contents.)