Six Must-Visit Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots in Full Bloom

Written by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
Japan welcomes the warm spring season perfect for cherry blossom viewing, and the capital city of Tokyo is many Taiwanese travelers' top choice for hanami. Below are six must-visit spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom appreciation.
 
● Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. The park is home to around 1,000 cherry trees, predominantly Somei Yoshino, with other varieties blooming at different times, stretching from early March to early May. The earliest blooms, such as the winter cherry, can be enjoyed from early February to mid-March, while the late winter cherry blossoms appear between mid-March and early April. Other varieties like the higan cherry, weeping cherry, and yaezaki cherry bloom gradually throughout the season. The Somei Yoshino trees along the tree-lined path on the west side of Shinobazu Pond offer a breathtaking sight of clustered blossoms. Though the cherry blossom season is brief, the sequential blooming of various types means you can enjoy different varieties across Ueno Park for about a whole month.

● Chidorigafuchi
The cherry blossom view at Chidorigafuchi is arguably the most spectacular in all of Tokyo. Visitors can admire the blooming trees on foot or take a boat ride through the scenic canal. The walking path along Chidorigafuchi features about 80 tall, lush Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which are most stunning from late March to early April. It's recommended to rent a boat here to fully experience the charm of drifting among falling petals. At Chidorigafuchi, you can either stroll along the pathway, feeling the petals gently fall from above, or take a hand-rowed boat through the waters adorned with spring blossoms, enjoying the view from the water.

● Aoyama Reien Cemetery
Located near Roppongi Hills, Aoyama Reien is a century-old cemetery managed by the government. Far from being eerie or frightening, this well-maintained resting place becomes a popular hanami destination in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The cemetery, which houses the graves of famous figures such as Japanese literary master Ozaki Kōyō and the loyal dog Hachikō of Shibuya, is beautifully decorated with cherry blossoms in spring. The various gravestones gain an unusual kind of beauty under the pink floral canopy. The cherry-lined pathways attract large crowds, and food stalls add to the lively atmosphere. Prime picnic spots under the trees are often claimed early by locals using plastic sheets for impromptu outdoor meals.

● Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally the residence of the Naito family, lords of the Takatō Domain in Shinshu, Shinjuku Gyoen was redesigned in the 39th year of the Meiji era (1906) by French landscape designer Henri Martinet. The garden blends traditional Japanese strolling pond-style landscaping with Western garden design, creating a unique fusion of Eastern and Western styles. Shinjuku Gyoen boasts over 1,500 cherry trees representing 75 different varieties, including yaezaki, Somei Yoshino, and mountain cherries. It’s one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. Originally reserved for the imperial family, the garden opened to the public after World War II. Popular viewing spots extend from the Shinjuku entrance to the English garden, lawn plaza, and the area near the Sendagaya Gate, attracting large crowds every cherry blossom season.

● Meguro River
Stretching nearly 8 kilometers across the districts of Meguro, Setagaya, and Shinagawa, the Meguro River is easily accessible on foot from Nakameguro Station. The riverside, lined with charming shops perfect for a leisurely stroll, is known as a promenade. A full row of cherry trees planted along the waterway attracts many Tokyo residents during the hanami season.