Cherry blossom viewing can be considered a national pastime in Japan. Every year during the cherry blossom season in March and April, the country transforms into a sea of pink romance. With so many cherry blossom spots across Japan, visiting Tokyo to see the blooms is one of the most popular choices. Of course, these stunning pink landscapes attract not only locals but also many visitors who travel from afar just to witness the magical moment when the blossoms are in full bloom. Therefore, if you want to catch this breathtaking sight, it's best to plan ahead. Travel experts have compiled a list of top Tokyo cherry blossom spots along with relevant information, hoping everyone can enjoy the most spectacular blooms in 2019!
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is a green oasis nestled within Tokyo’s urban landscape, home to over 1,100 cherry blossom trees. Here, you can enjoy both the dreamy "cherry blossom carpets" that captivate visitors and the photogenic "cherry blossom snowfall." Many families come here for picnics, savoring their meals under the pink magic—but do note that alcohol and pets are not allowed in the park.
Admission｜Adults 200 yen (approx. NT$54), Children 50 yen (approx. NT$13)
Opening Hours｜9:00–16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)
Recommended Transport｜Take the JR to Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station or Kokuritsu Kyogijo Station, then walk to the Shinjuku Gate of Shinjuku Gyoen
Address｜160-0014 Shinjuku, Naitocho 11
Yasukuni Shrine
With a history of nearly 150 years, Yasukuni Shrine is home to about 500 cherry blossom trees. It is said that the official declaration of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season is based on the sample tree on the shrine grounds (though no one knows which specific tree it is). Most of the blossoms here are Somei Yoshino and wild cherry varieties, and when they are in full bloom, the contrast with the traditional Japanese shrine architecture creates a uniquely poetic atmosphere.
*Quick Reminder:If you want to reserve a spot on the ground for cherry blossom viewing, advance booking is required.
Admission｜Free
Opening Hours｜6:00–18:00 (March–April)
Recommended Transport｜Take the JR to Iidabashi Station or Kudanshita Station, then walk to the shrine
Address｜102-8246 Chiyoda, Kudan-kita 3-3-1
Ueno Park
Officially named Ueno Onshi Park, Ueno Park spans a vast area and even houses three art museums and a zoo. The main cherry blossom viewing spots are along the central Sakura Boulevard and near Shinobazu Pond in the southwest corner of the park. At night, in addition to the park’s streetlights, the cherry blossoms are illuminated by yellow-toned red lanterns, making it hard not to reach for your camera. Food stalls around Shinobazu Pond offer tasty snacks to satisfy your cravings. If you want to experience the charm of 1,200 lanterns, head to Ueno!
*Quick Reminder:Flash photography is not allowed when taking pictures of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park
Admission｜Free
Lighting Hours｜16:30–22:00
Recommended Transport｜Take the JR to Ueno Station, then walk to the park
Address｜Taito, Tokyo, Ueno Park, 3-chome, Ikebukuro
Sumida Park
Cherry blossom season is the highlight of the year in Sumida Park. In addition to the common Somei Yoshino cherry trees, you can also find various other types such as Oshima cherry and wild cherry. When more than 500 cherry trees bloom simultaneously against the backdrop of the Tokyo Skytree, you’ve got the perfect photo opportunity. For something unique, take a ride on a yakatabune (traditional Japanese boat) on the Sumida River to admire the vast pink scenery from a different angle.
Admission｜Free
Opening Hours | All day
Recommended Transport | Take the JR to Asakusa Station
Address | 1-1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi
Rather than being just a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, Chidorigafuchi is more like a scenic cherry blossom-lined path. It's a walkway along the moat of the Imperial Palace. During cherry blossom season, the blooming cherry trees along both sides of the path complement the LED lighting, and the moat dotted with small boats creates a highly romantic atmosphere — it’s a must-visit night cherry blossom spot highly recommended by netizens.
*Little Reminder:If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also rent a boat (800 yen for half an hour) to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the moat.
Admission | Free
Opening Hours | All day (2018 Illumination: 18:30–22:00)
Recommended Transport | Take the JR to Kudanshita or Hanzomon Station
Address | Between 2-chome and Sanbancho, Kudan Minami, Chiyoda City
Meguro River
This river is another top-recommended cherry blossom viewing spot by many netizens, mainly because the number of cherry trees here is simply explosive. The Yoshino cherry trees planted along both banks of the river are mostly white in color, and at night, they change colors with the multicolored street lighting. When the wind blows, it looks like a romantic snowfall. In addition, standing on the bridges that cross the river makes it easy to take beautiful photos surrounded by cherry blossoms. If Chidorigafuchi is No. 1 for night cherry blossoms, Meguro River is definitely No. 2.
Illumination Time | Not announced (2018: 18:00–21:00)
Recommended Transport | Take the JR to Nakameguro Station
Address | 1-26-7 Aoba-cho, Meguro, Tokyo
Rikugien Garden
Rikugien Garden is a famous traditional garden in Tokyo. The most eye-catching feature is the weeping cherry tree located at the main gate of the inner garden. At night, when lit up, it looks like a pink waterfall cascading down — truly spectacular. If you visit in the morning, there are also cherry blossom and matcha tea houses selling light meals and souvenirs. You can enjoy Japanese sweets while admiring the cherry blossoms — just imagining it is relaxing.
Admission | Adults 300 yen (approx. NT$80), seniors 65+ 150 yen (approx. NT$40), junior high school students and below free
Business Hours | During cherry blossom season: 9:00–20:30 (normally closes at 16:30)
Recommended Transport | Take the train to Komagome Station, then walk to Rikugien Garden
Address | 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021
Showa Memorial Park
Located in the suburbs of Tokyo, Showa Memorial Park is vast and home to various types of cherry blossoms. Unlike the crowded spots mentioned earlier, it’s a great park for family visits (no need to worry about kids getting lost). What’s even better is that you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and rapeseed flower fields here, satisfying your craving for two kinds of beautiful scenery in one go.
Admission | Adults 410 yen (approx. NT$110), seniors 65+ 210 yen (approx. NT$56), elementary and junior high school students 80 yen (approx. NT$21)
Business Hours | 9:30–17:00
Address | 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa City, 190-0014
Recommended Transport | Take the JR to Nishi-Tachikawa Station, then walk to the park
Zenpukuji River Green Space
Shofukuji River Green Space Park is located in Suginami Ward in western Tokyo, boasting over 600 cherry blossom trees that not only bloom densely but also magnificently. Rows of cherry blossoms line the serene water channels in the green space, set against a bright blue sky — a sight that is truly on par with other more famous spots mentioned above.
Address | Suginami Ward, Tokyo, Narimasu Nishi
Recommended Transport | Take the subway to Asagaya Station, then walk to the green space
Bonus: Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Season
Blooming Time: Late March to early April
The most authoritative Japan Meteorological Corporation has not yet announced the exact 2019 cherry blossom full bloom dates across Japan, but in Tokyo, the timing of peak bloom is mainly influenced by the weather. Typically, warmer temperatures lead to an earlier bloom period, while cooler temperatures delay it.
#Japan Meteorological Corporation’s Cherry Blossom Forecast
Full Bloom Period: Approximately seven days after blooming
Due to global warming, over the past three years, Tokyo’s cherry blossom full bloom dates have occurred 1–5 days earlier than the average of the past decade. Moreover, if bad weather hits, the blossoms can fall to the ground very quickly. Simply put, rather than trying to predict the exact peak bloom time, it’s better to sincerely hope for good weather and a bit of luck.
These are the top Tokyo cherry blossom spots compiled for you by Travel Café. Whether you’re planning to travel independently, join a tour, enjoy daytime blooms, admire night cherry blossoms, or avoid the crowds, we hope everyone can enjoy the full pink splendor of Tokyo’s spring.
Text by Jess Han | Tripresso Travel Café Editorial Team