Written by the Editorial Department of MOOK Travel Life Network
Japan has entered the warm spring season, the perfect time for cherry blossom viewing, and the capital city of Tokyo is the top choice for many Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan to enjoy the blooms. Below is a list of six must-visit spots for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.
● Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The park boasts over 1,000 cherry trees, primarily the Somei Yoshino variety, along with other species that bloom at different times. The cherry blossom season here typically runs from early March to early May. The earliest blooms, such as the Kanzan (also known as Yaezakura) and the Fuyuzakura (winter cherry), can be enjoyed as early as late February to mid-March, followed by the Ohanami Zakura from mid-March to early April. Other varieties like the Benishidare, Shidarezakura (weeping cherry), and Satozakura bloom gradually throughout the season. The Somei Yoshino trees, lining the promenade on the western side of Shinobazu Pond, offer a stunning sight of blossoms clustered together. Although the cherry blossom season is brief, the wide variety of species blooming in succession means you can enjoy different types of cherry blossoms across various spots in Ueno Park for nearly a full month.
Ueno Park. (Image source / ueno.sakuramor)
● Chidorigafuchi
The cherry blossom scenery at Chidorigafuchi is arguably the most breathtaking in all of Tokyo. Visitors can not only admire the blooming cherry trees but also take a boat ride through the picturesque scene. The walking path along Chidorigafuchi features around 80 tall, lush Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which are most stunning during their peak bloom from late March to early April. It’s highly recommended to rent a boat and enjoy the view of falling petals on the water. At Chidorigafuchi, you can either stroll along the pathways and feel the petals gently falling from above or take a hand-rowed boat through the canal to admire the cherry blossoms reflected on the water’s surface.
Chidorigafuchi (Image source / placestoseeinyourlifetime)
● Aoyama Reien (Aoyama Cemetery)
Located near Roppongi Hills, Aoyama Reien is a century-old cemetery managed by the government. Far from being eerie or foreboding, this cemetery becomes a popular spot for locals to enjoy hanami (flower viewing) in spring. Among those buried here are famous Japanese figures such as the literary master Ozaki Kōyō and Hachikō, the loyal dog of Shibuya. In spring, the cemetery is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, giving it a lively and pastel-colored atmosphere. The various gravestones take on an unusual charm when framed by cherry blossoms. Along the cherry-lined paths, crowds of flower viewers gather, and food stalls add to the lively ambiance. The best spots under the trees are often claimed early by locals who lay out plastic sheets for impromptu picnics.
Aoyama Reien (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
● Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally the residence of the lord of the Takatō Domain in Shinshū (now Nagano Prefecture), Shinjuku Gyoen was redesigned in the 39th year of the Meiji era (1906) by French landscape architect Henri Martine. The garden blends traditional Japanese strolling-style landscaping with Western garden designs, resulting in a unique fusion of Eastern and Western styles. Shinjuku Gyoen is planted with over 1,500 cherry trees, including Satozakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yamazakura, representing up to 75 different varieties, making it one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. Originally reserved for imperial family members, the garden opened to the public after World War II. Popular cherry blossom viewing areas include the entrance near Shinjuku, the English Garden, the lawn square, and the area around the Sendagaya Gate. During the cherry blossom season, the garden attracts large crowds.
Shinjuku Gyoen. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
● Meguro River
Stretching nearly 8 kilometers through the districts of Meguro, Setagaya, and Shinagawa, the Meguro River is easily accessible on foot from Meguro Station. Lined with charming shops perfect for a leisurely stroll, the riverside promenade, known as a “tree-lined avenue,” is planted with rows of cherry trees that attract many Tokyo residents during the cherry blossom season.
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