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12 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots – Don’t Skip These! (2025)

ByRoseanne Ducut

In 2024, the start of cherry blossom was delayed in Tokyo due to warmer climates.

I had booked a flight according to the forecast and it ended up being too early.

Thankfully I had a free rebooking option to change my flight to a week later and I was able to catch the beginning of the peak.

Here are all of the cherry blossom spots in Tokyo I visited (after doing thorough research!)

It was my first time in Tokyo, so I had to balance between visiting cherry blossom spots with other Tokyo attractions.

I also included a list of spots at the end that I wasn’t able to get to and would save for next time.

Book before your Japan trip:

▢ Local sim card or Best Japan eSIM card

▢ Book discounted hotels in Tokyo (what I use)

▢ Hire a private driver for a day for a custom tour

▢ Book the most popular Tokyo group tours

Tips for Visiting Tokyo During Cherry Blossom Season

  • Check the weather. One rainy day can wipe out cherry blossom trees.
  • So try to save the most popular cherry blossom sites for the beginning of your trip.
  • Cherry blossom spots in Tokyo are spread out. You’ll have to travel a bit for some sites.
  • Some parks and shrines will have special night events to see cherry blossom trees illuminated. Check this website for updated events.
  • Many shrines & parks are free or have a small fee, and some may have an additional fee to enter gardens with cherry blossoms.
  • To help plan my trip, I color-coded all the cherry blossom sites on a Google Map. Colors like pink, and purple for sakura spots to view at night.

1. Ueno Park

Ueno Park in Tokyo during the day is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom, their delicate petals framing the tranquil waters of the park’s pond. Visitors stroll along the path, admiring the seasonal beauty of one of Tokyo’s most famous hanami spots. The soft overcast sky enhances the serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo.

Cherry blossom trees line a large pond. It was so nice to walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Ueno Park in Tokyo comes alive at night with cherry blossoms illuminated by soft, glowing lights. Crowds of people walk beneath the blooming trees, enjoying the festive atmosphere of Japan’s famous hanami season. The contrast between the dark sky and glowing pink blossoms creates a magical springtime scene.

I revisited at night, and there’s a walking path where cherry blossom trees are lit up.

It does get quite packed in the evening as there’s food stalls too.

2. Chidorigafuchi Moat

Chidorigafuchi Moat Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A scenic view of Chidorigafuchi Moat in Tokyo, lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom, with small boats floating on the calm water.

Chidorigafuchi Moat was one of my favorite cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, but also the most packed one since you walk a narrow pathway.

Try to visit early if you can.

Still, walking under the blooming cherry blossom trees was a special experience.

You can also rent a rowboat for a another view of the sakura.

3. Sumida Park / River Walk

The Sumida River Walk at night in Tokyo is lined with cherry blossoms, their delicate petals illuminated by festive pink and blue lanterns. Crowds gather beneath the trees, enjoying the lively hanami season under the soft glow of the city lights. The combination of tradition and urban energy creates an unforgettable springtime scene.

Sumida Park and the riverwalk is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo at night.

Sakura trees are illuminated and you’ll see a lot of locals having picnics under the trees.

The Sumida River Walk in Tokyo is illuminated by cherry blossoms glowing under soft lights, creating a stunning reflection on the water. A boat adorned with lanterns glides along the river, while the colorful bridges and city skyline add to the magical atmosphere. The contrast of modern buildings and delicate sakura trees makes this a breathtaking hanami experience.

This park stretches along the Sumida River and you’ll get views of the Tokyo Skytree lit up at night.

I stayed near here, so I made sure to walk by as often as I could.

4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo: A serene view of cherry blossoms in full bloom around a peaceful pond in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, with a paved path and visitors enjoying the scenery.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, so you’ll see quite a bit of people.

But the park is huge with lots of grass areas. You’ll see a combo of light pink and darker pink cherry blossoms.

Cost: 500 yen ($3.25 USD)

If you’re a fan of the anime film “Your Name,” the popular stairs is about a 20-minute walk away and the shrine at the top of the stairs has cherry blossom trees too:

Suga Shrine Stairs from "Your Name": The staircase leading down from Suga Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, known for its appearance in the animated film "Your Name," with surrounding residential buildings and trees.

5. Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A serene path in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, with a few visitors walking under the soft, overcast sky.

Yoyogi Park is a free park with lots of cherry blossom trees. It’s also a quieter park.

Yoyogi Park is located right below the Mejii Shrine so I combined both sites.

🎥 Watch my cherry blossom in Japan vlog:

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara & Osaka 🌸 Japan Solo Travel Vlog 🇯🇵

6. Yasukuni Shrine

Torii Gate at Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo: A large black Torii gate at the entrance of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, with visitors walking underneath and cherry blossoms in the background.

Yasukuni Shrine Shinto shrine honors Japan’s war dead and features a large torii gate.

The walkway to the shrine also has cherry blossom trees.

A cherry blossom tree in full bloom stands gracefully at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, its delicate white petals creating a breathtaking spring scene. Visitors and photographers gather beneath the tree, capturing the beauty of the blossoms against the shrine’s traditional architecture. The overcast sky adds a soft contrast to the vibrant floral display.

When I went, there were news stations covering a specific tree that is used to mark the start of the cherry blossom season.

7. Meguro River

Meguro River Cherry Blossom, Tokyo: A serene view of the Meguro River in Tokyo, lined with blooming cherry blossoms on both sides, with modern buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

The canal-like Meguro River is lined with cherry blossom trees that create a tunnel of sakura in spring.

It goes on for quite a while.

It’s illuminated at night, though unfortunately I wasn’t able to come back in the evening since it was farther out from my stay.

If you can, go around sunset time and stay til evening.

8. Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace Park in Tokyo is a tranquil escape with cherry blossoms blooming among towering trees and neatly landscaped gardens. Visitors stroll along the wide pathways, enjoying the seasonal beauty against the backdrop of the city skyline. The soft overcast sky adds to the calm and reflective atmosphere of this historic site.

The Imperial Palace is the primary residence of Japan’s Imperial Family, but the East Gardens are open and free to the public.

The palce is surrounded by moats, stone walls, and gardens, and houses the has the Edo Castle Ruins.

This is also where the Chidorigafuchi Moat encircles, but you’ll see cherry blossom trees in the park too.

9. Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo with Cherry Blossoms: The entrance of Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo framed by blooming cherry blossoms, featuring red steps leading up to the shrine’s main building.

I stumbled on this hidden shrine near the main Shinjuku center while walking past commercial streets.

Hanazono Shrine is popular for it’s red gates and you’ll see some cherry blossom trees here.

10. Nakamise Shopping Street

Nakamise Shopping Street in Tokyo glows under the soft light of traditional Japanese lanterns, lined up against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Visitors stroll beneath the illuminated sakura trees, soaking in the festive night atmosphere of this historic shopping district. The mix of tradition and modernity makes this a must-visit hanami spot.

Nakamise Shopping Street is one of the main tourist sites in the historic Asakusa area.

This is where I stayed near during my first trip to Tokyo and passed by often.

You’ll mostly see cherry blossoms hanging over the shopping street, as well as a few small trees in front of the temples.

11. Shibuya Street

Shibuya Street in Tokyo is lined with cherry blossom trees, adding a touch of spring beauty to the bustling urban landscape. The pink blooms contrast with the modern high-rises, busy streets, and passing vehicles. The mix of nature and city life highlights Tokyo’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

There are a few streets next to the Shibuya station that are known to have streets lined with cherry blossoms.

One is Sakura Street. Another is where you’ll be able to view it from the Shibuya station overpass walkway.

I visited a bit too early and the trees weren’t in full bloom, but you could see some darker pink colors.

12. Odaiba Seaside Park

Odaiba Bay in Tokyo features a unique blend of cultures with a replica of the Statue of Liberty standing among cherry blossoms. The Rainbow Bridge stretches across the skyline, while the golden hues of sunset reflect on the water. This scenic view captures the harmony of nature, history, and modern city life.

Odaiba Seaside Park is a bit farther out but was one of my favorite places I visited in my first trip to Tokyo.

This waterfront park has views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay, plus the Statue of Liberty.

There are some cherry blossom trees facing Odaiba Bay, though I didn’t catch their full bloom.

Still worth going to if you have time and staying in the evening!

More Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo

Kanda Myoujin Shrine, Tokyo: The entrance of Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Tokyo, featuring a traditional red gate (torii) with intricate details, framed by blooming cherry blossoms.

These were additional Tokyo cherry blossom spots on my list that I had researched prior, but wasn’t able to visit.

Most are farther from central Tokyo and will require a train ride.

They’re known for having cherry blossoms:

  • Hamarikyu Gardens
  • Inokashira Park
  • Asukayama Park
  • Rikugien Gardens
  • Midtown Garden
  • Mohri Garden
  • Koganei Park
  • Showa Memorial Park

Have a fun trip hope you found some Tokyo cherry blossom spots to add to your list!

Tours to Explore Tokyo:

If you want to make it easier, join a day tour that provides transportation to and from the sites. It would lessen some travel burnout and allow you to enjoy the sites more.

Where to stay in Tokyo

These are the main areas where tourists stay in Tokyo for first-timers. (Either way, you will have to take public transit to get to the most popular areas in Tokyo!)

NeighborhoodHighlightsFind a Hotel
AsakusaTraditionalTop Asakusa hotels
ShinjukuNight lifeTop Shinjuku hotels
ShibuyaBustlingTop Shibuya hotels
AkihabaraAnime CentralTop Akihabara hotels

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.