Magical cherry blossom dreams along the Meguro River riverside in Ebisu Hills area – Top 10 must-visit spots for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo

▲ Meguro River. (Photo / Courtesy of Rakuten Travel, the same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Japanese cherry blossom season is here Up！ According to the latest 2016 cherry blossom forecast released by Japan's Meteorological Corporation, the earliest blossoms in Japan will begin blooming in Tokyo. Why not take some time to visit Tokyo’s famous cherry blossom spots for a memorable flower-viewing trip?Rakuten Travel has announced“Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo”, introducing you to 10 hidden blossom-viewing paradises in Tokyo. Quickly gather your family and friends for a romantic cherry blossom experience！

1. Meguro River
The riverbanks are lined with rows of cherry blossom trees stretching over 4km, attracting crowds of visitors. The area around Meguro River features many trendy cafés and unique shops, allowing you to satisfy your shopping cravings while enjoying the blossoms. At night, the glow of lanterns reflected on the water creates a magical, dreamlike atmosphere.

Location: Meguro Ward, Tokyo

▲ Chidorigafuchi Park.

2. Chidorigafuchi Park
One of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. Located between Chidorigafuchi near the Imperial Palace’s west side and the British Embassy, nearly 170 cherry blossom trees bloom here, including Somei Yoshino and mountain cherry varieties. During the annual “Cherry Blossom Festival,” the Chidorigafuchi promenade is illuminated at night, creating a magical charm as the blossoms on both sides glow; boat rentals are also available specifically in the evenings.

Location: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

▲ Rikugien Garden.

3. Rikugien Garden
A weeping cherry tree that grows up to 15m tall and nearly 20m wide is a key symbol of Rikugien Garden. Its branches are covered in pale pink blossoms, cascading like a waterfall — an absolute must-see！ The limited-time nighttime illumination is also breathtakingly beautiful.

Location: Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo

▲ Ueno Park.

4. Ueno Park
Ueno Park has been a famous cherry blossom spot since the Edo period and remains one of Tokyo’s most iconic cherry blossom destinations. During the traditional-style Night Sakura event, 1,300 lanterns gently illuminate the blossoms, earning widespread acclaim.

Location: Taito Ward, Tokyo

▲ Yoyogi Park.

5. Yoyogi Park
This lush green park, located right in the heart of Tokyo, maintains a peaceful and spacious atmosphere. It boasts a wide variety of cherry blossom species, with early-blooming buds starting to flower as early as February. Sitting on the lawn to enjoy the blossoms is an enchanting experience.

Location: Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

▲ Sumida River.

6. Sumida River
Sumida Park is situated along both banks of the Sumida River, spanning Taito Ward and Sumida Ward. The fully bloomed cherry blossoms stretch like ribbons for 1km, casting vibrant reflections on the river. Not only can you admire the beautiful scenery of the blossoms alongside the Tokyo Skytree, but you can also take a yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) cruise on the Sumida River for a literary-style view of the spring cherry blossoms along the riverbanks.

Location: Sumida Ward, Taito Ward, Tokyo

▲Inokashira Onshi Park.

7. Inokashira Onshi Park
Within the park, nearly 500 cherry blossom trees surround Inokashira Pond. When in full bloom, the scenery resembles a fairyland, utterly enchanting. Visitors can take a boat ride to admire the petals gently drifting down or stroll across Nanaikubo Bridge to enjoy the blossoms and the shower of petals floating on the water’s surface—beautiful views can be found everywhere.

Location: Musashino City, Tokyo

▲Asukayama Park.

8. Asukayama Park
Immortalized in the legendary ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige’s series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” Asukayama Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest cherry blossom viewing spots, featuring hundreds of cherry trees dating back to the 18th century. It’s also a popular spot for picnics and night-time cherry blossom viewing, as the blossoms are illuminated after dark.

Location: Kita Ward, Tokyo

▲TOKYO MIDTOWN.

9.TOKYO MIDTOWN
Cherry blossom trees that have stood since the era of the former Defense Agency line up along Cherry Blossom Street in front of the Garden Terrace. Their branches stretch freely, transforming into a tunnel of blossoms in spring. Unique events are held here every year to coincide with the cherry blossom season.

Location: Minato Ward, Tokyo

▲Shiba Park.

10. Shiba Park
Surrounded by vibrant cherry blossoms, Tokyo Tower looks even more stunning. The combination of the tower and the night blossoms creates a romantic atmosphere in the city, attracting many office workers to come and admire the flowers after work—it’s an extremely popular spot.

Location: Minato Ward, Tokyo