The 20 Best Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Spots in 2023 + Information About Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo
Travel
Nature
■Table of Contents
Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Video Introduction
What is Hanami?
Spring in Tokyo: Weather, Dates, & What to Wear
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season & 2023 Forecast
20 of the Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
- Meguro River
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Yasukuni Shrine
- Showa Memorial Park
- Inokashira Park
- Ueno Park
- Sumida Park
- Rikugien Gardens
- Edogawa Park
- Hibiya Park
- Asukayama Park
- Kinuta Park
- Koganei Park
- Chidorigafuchi
- Hikarigaoka Park
- Ikegami Honmonji Temple
- Senzokuike Park
- Kitanomaru Park
- Mori Garden, Roppongi Hills
- Jindai Botanical Gardens
Hidden Gem Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo!
- Joenji Temple
- Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens
Adding Tokyo Cherry Blossoms to Your Itinerary
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Summary
The Best Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots in 2022: Video Introduction
This video, titled "4K Tokyo Cherry Blossom (Sakura) 2022 Japan｜Tokyo Cherry Blossoms｜Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom｜Hanami｜Tokyo Sightseeing｜Travel Guide｜Chidorigafuchi｜Shinjuku Gyoen｜Hanami Spots｜Cherry Blossoms in Japan" (4K Tokyo Cherry Blossom（sakura) 2022 Japan 東京の桜 満開 花見 東京観光 旅行 案内 千鳥ヶ淵 新宿御苑 桜の名所 日本の桜), was uploaded by (Discover Nippon).
Cherry blossoms are a colorful and exciting part of spring in Japan. No matter who you are, the sight of the pretty pink blossoms blooming across various parts of the country never fails to impress. As Tokyo is known as one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, many people mistake Tokyo as being far-removed from nature. However, this could not be farther from the truth.
In fact, Tokyo has many famous cherry blossom spots that are not only tourist attractions but also places of relaxation for business people and local residents.
This video's article introduces cherry blossom spots in Tokyo and the surrounding metropolitan area. No matter who you are, it would be quite the feat to not be captivated by the beauty of some of these breathtaking cherry blossom spots. The beautiful cherry blossoms coupled with blue skies and lush greenery are nothing short of stunning.
In addition, Roppongi Hills, a place known for its restaurants, cafes, and various shops, offers a spectacular view of both skyscrapers and cherry blossoms at the same time, a sight unique to the Tokyo metropolitan area. Be sure to check out the video to see some of the breathtaking cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo.
What is Hanami? An Introduction to Japan's Cherry Blossom Viewing Culture
Before we introduce the best cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo, it is important to understand what Hanami is. Hanami (花見, lit. 'Flower viewing'), is the Japanese tradition of viewing the cherry blossoms (or 'sakura' (桜) as they're called in Japanese). Every year during spring in Japan, the cherry blossoms bloom and people flock to parks or other popular spots where they can enjoy relaxing beneath the beautiful flowers with friends while barbecuing, sipping on plum wine, and enjoying other snacks, such as sakura mochi (a cherry blossom leaf wrapped around a pink rice cake with red bean paste at its center), dango (Japanese dumplings), onigiri (rice balls), etc.
The origins of hanami can be traced back more than 1,000 years, and was an event originally enjoyed by aristocrats. In addition, rather than cherry blossoms, plum blossoms were the flower of choice. Later, as the event became more of a tradition, cherry blossoms became the flower of choice, and even some famous Japanese warlords were known to host large hanami events.
Spring in Tokyo: Weather, Dates, & What to Wear
Spring in Japan is from March to May, with southern Japan seeing warmer weather earlier than the northern prefectures. In general, Tokyo sees temperatures around 40-75° F depending on the month. Tokyo also sees a decent amount of rainfall during spring.
With this information in mind, we recommend the following:
March (~40-60° F/~5-15° C)
During March, the weather is still quite chilly as Tokyo has only just left winter. Even if the weather is nice during the day, it can still get quite cold at night and in the morning, so if you are looking to do some early morning exploring or late-night adventuring, it is especially important to bring a warm jacket, gloves, scarves etc., to help you stay warm, but be sure to bring some lighter clothes as well for the occasional sunny days.
April (~50-70° F/~10-20° C)
April sees slightly warmer weather than March, but just like March, the mornings and evenings can get quite cold. For April, we recommend bringing a slightly lighter jacket but still packing gloves, just in case.
May (~55-75° F/~15-24° C)
As spring draws to an end, May sees much warmer temperatures, with the average going up to around 65° F (18° C). Mornings and evenings might be a bit chilly, but in general you will be fine with a light jacket and will not require gloves, scarves, etc. Be sure to bring t-shirts and shorts as well to enjoy the warmer weather on sunnier days.
As the rain can be unpredictable, we recommend bringing some light rain gear for when it does rain. Japan's rainy season also begins around the end of May/beginning of June as well, so if you are traveling around this time, it is a good idea to have an umbrella handy. Packing one in a suitcase can be a pain, so we recommend purchasing one in Japan. Umbrellas can be purchased at many convenience stores in Japan for just ¥300-500 (~$2-4 USD) as well.
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Tokyo? Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season & 2023 Forecast
Photo：Cherry blossoms
Although Japan's cherry blossoms season varies greatly by region and weather each year, the Tokyo cherry blossoms seasons generally begins on March 24 each year. Since cherry blossoms usually bloom around the end of March, visitors to Tokyo's cherry blossom spots should plan their itineraries around this and aim to visit near the end of March if their goal is to view the cherry blossoms.
In addition, cherry trees such as the Someiyoshino, one of the most common types of cherry blossoms in Japan, are usually in full bloom from around the end of March to the beginning of April. The 2023 Tokyo cherry blossom forecast expects the cherry blossoms to bloom on March 16 and be in full bloom on March 23, eight days earlier than normal.
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloom at different times depending on the variety. There are both early-blooming and late-blooming varieties of cherry blossoms, which allow them to be enjoyed over a long period of time.
Early-blooming cherry trees are found along the Oyokogawa River in Kiba Park, while late-blooming cherry trees are found in Jindai Botanical Gardens, Kiyosumi Park, and Lake Okutama, which is a short walk from Tokyo. Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku National Garden), with its many varieties of cherry blossoms, is home to both early- and late-blooming cherry blossoms.
Tokyo offers visitors the opportunity to fully enjoy spring in Japan, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom from February to April.
20 of the Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo – Cherry Blossom Festivals & More!
Below, we will introduce spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. We'll introduce everything from cherry blossoms under the blue skies, to cherry blossom festivals and light-up events where you can enjoy cherry blossoms glowing fantastically in the dark of night. We hope you can enjoy the cherry blossom season in Tokyo by visiting these wonderful spots!
Photo：Meguro River, Tokyo
● Meguro River
The Meguro River is a 4km stretch of cherry blossoms widely known as the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo.
The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise is one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo for viewing the attractions. The cruise runs from Tennozu Pier in front of Meguro Gajoen (Hotel Gajoen Meguro) and provides participants a different view of the cherry blossoms than they would seem from the streets lining the river. The professional guide on board will introduce the city, its history, and culture, while you enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms in a relaxing atmosphere.
There are two types of cruise ships: catamaran boats, which are resistant to rocking, and European-style boats, which offer an experience similar to that of a European river cruise. Both boats are roofless, so you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River.
During the "Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival" and the "Meguro East Area Cherry Blossom Festival," the boats are lit up with paper lanterns and illuminated. The fantastic nighttime cherry blossoms reflected on the water make for a unique experience.
A Video Article About Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
Video article 11:05
Explore Some of the Most Popular Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo! Cherry Blossoms Lit up at Night Create a Fantastical Atmosphere You Can’t Experience in the Daytime!
YouTube
● Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a popular cherry blossom spot where visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms for more than two months, thanks to the approximately 70 varieties of cherry trees that grow there throughout the season.
The park is also a great place to have a picnic, so if you are coming with family be sure to bring a blanket or some other tarp to relax on the grass.
Please note that alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park, and there are restrictions on playing catch as well as other games and exercises.
From March 31 to April 23, there will be a light-up event combining cherry blossoms and art. Naked Inc., a company known for creating new experiences with digital art, which has also worked on Tokyo Tower and Nijo Castle, will be directing the event, so this is definitely a cherry blossoms event in Tokyo you don't want to miss.
[Video] 8:26 - Shinjuku Gyoen
Photo：Cherry blossoms at Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
● Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine has long been known as a popular place for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo. During the cherry blossom season, approximately 500 cherry trees can be seen blooming in the precincts of the shrine.
The trees at Yasukuni Shrine are designated by the Tokyo Regional Meteorological Observatory as the official standard trees for measuring the cherry blossom bloom in Tokyo; when 50 to 60% of the trees are in full bloom, Tokyo is declared as being in "bloom"; when more than 80% of the cherry blossoms have bloomed, Tokyo is declared as being in "full bloom." The standard trees are located in the grounds of the Noh Theater in front of the haiden (hall of worship), so be sure to check them out when you visit.
At Yasukuni Shrine, when the cherry blossoms are at their best, the shrine is illuminated at night and visitors can enjoy hanami with fantastic nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by lights in the darkness. In addition to festivals, such as the "Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival" organized by Chiyoda Ward, and "Sakura Festival" organized by the shopping district, Yasukuni Shrine's own events, including sumo wrestling, are also popular. In addition, Noh plays, a traditional Japanese performing art, will be held from April 3 to 5, as well as a nighttime cherry blossoms Noh performance.
● Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Park)
Showa Memorial Park is home to 1,500 cherry trees of approximately 30 different varieties, most of which are Someiyoshino. In the cherry blossom garden, there are cherry trees over 50 years old, and visitors can view the weeping cherry blossoms up close. It is a great place to lay out a tarp or blanket and relax under the cherry blossoms. During cherry blossom season at Showa Memorial Park, you can also see rapeseed blooming throughout the park, creating a spectacular contrast between the yellow rapeseed blossoms, the light pink cherry blossoms, and the blue sky. The cherry blossoms are also lit up at Showa Memorial Park when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
A Video Article About Flowers at Showa Memorial Park
Video article 2:38
Gorgeous Scenery and Only 30 Minutes Away From the Center of Tokyo! Beautiful, Fluttering Cherry Blossoms, and Colorful Tulips in Tachikawa's Showa Kinen Park!
YouTube
Photo：Inokashira Park, Tokyo
● Inokashira Park
Another great cherry blossom spot is Inokashira Park, a free-admission park located in western Tokyo. The park itself features a pond at its center and is known for its boats that allow visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms surrounding the pond, as well as the petals that have fallen into the pond, on the water. There are 3 types of boats that visitors can choose from: row boats (¥500/30 min.), cycle boats (¥700/30 min.), and the popular swan boats (¥800/30 min.). The rowboats can accommodate 3 adults, while the cycle boats can fit 2 adults and 1 child, and the swan boats 2 adults and 2 children. If you are not looking to go for a boat ride, the park also has bridges that allow visitors to view the cherry blossoms from above the pond.
In addition, during the fall, rather than cherry blossoms, the autumn leaves at Inokashira Park are exceptionally beautiful. If you do not get the chance to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, we highly recommend visiting during fall.
A Video Article About Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Tokyo
Video article 19:56
Inokashira Park in Tokyo Is an Oasis in Kichijoji, a Town Popular With Young People! Enjoy Boat Rides or Participate in a Number of Fun Events!
YouTube
Photo：Cherry blossoms and Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park, Tokyo
● Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a popular destination during the cherry blossom season, and is often featured on Japanese television and other media. The rows of cherry blossoms in the center of the park are especially popular. The park is home to approximately 800 cherry trees of 50 varieties, including Someiyoshino cherry trees, Yamazakura, and Kanzan cherries.
At Shinobazu Pond, visitors can enjoy nighttime cherry blossom viewing by the water as the rows of cherry trees are illuminated from March 11 to April 16, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 17 to April 9. Every year, 200 stalls are set up near Bentendo and on the approach to Toshogu Shrine, attracting many visitors.
A Video Article About Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park
Video article 1:01
The Cherry Blossom Blizzard at Ueno Park - One of the Most Famous Hanami Spots in Tokyo! The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Taito City Boasts Approximately 1,200 Cherry Trees in Full Bloom!
YouTube
Photo：Tokyo Skytree and a row of cherry blossoms from Sumida Park
● Sumida Park
Sumida Park, which was originally planted by order of Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun of Japan, is a cherry blossom spot that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. Later, Tokugawa Yoshimune planted 100 cherry trees here, and now visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of roughly 300 cherry trees on the Sumida Ward side and 600 on the Taito Ward side on the opposite bank of the Sumida River. The sight of Tokyo Sky Tree standing together with the rows of cherry blossoms on a one-kilometer stretch on both sides of the Sumida River is a sight to behold.
The Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival is typically held from mid-March to early April each year, and visitors can enjoy refreshments at food stalls or go for a ride on a water bus or yakatabune (a Japanese-style pleasure boat) to view the cherry blossoms on both banks of the river. After sunset, the cherry blossoms are lit up with lanterns and other lights, and combined with the illumination at Tokyo Sky Tree, the scenery is magical.
Photo：Nighttime cherry blossoms at Rikugien Gardens, Bunkyo, Tokyo
● Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien Gardens, designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government, incorporates the scenic beauty of Wakanoura, a bay referred to as the "Treasure House of Scenic Beauty," as well as scenic beauty associated with Chinese classics.
In late March, the large weeping cherry blossoms near the garden's main gate can be seen in full bloom. From March 23 to 29, an event called Shunya no Rikugien (A Spring Night at Rikugien Garden) is held, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of the cherry blossoms lit up at night from sunset.
A Video Article About Autumn Leaves in Tokyo
Video article 18:17
12 Popular Spots To Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Tokyo! The Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen, Hibiya Park, and More! Tons of Places To Enjoy Autumn Leaves in the Heart of Tokyo!
YouTube
● Edogawa Park (Edo Sakura-dori)
Edogawa Park, located along the Kanda River, is a long and narrow cherry blossom spot stretching from east to west. The cherry trees extend their majestic branches along the river, creating beautiful views that are reflected on the surface of the river.
Every year during the park's cherry blossom festival (江戸川公園花まつり, Edogawa Koen Hana Matsuri) the park is crowded with food stalls. Information for this year's festival has yet to be announced, but if it does take place, visitors will be able to enjoy hanami while walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms and sampling delicious food from the various food stalls.
Photo：Hibiya Park and Hibiya building district with cherry blossoms in bloom, Tokyo
● Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park is Japan's first Western-style modern park. Approximately 40 cherry trees can be seen in the park, along with various types of spring flowers. The park, with its fountains and flowerbeds of various sizes, has been used as a filming location for TV and movies.
Although there are only a few cherry trees, the cherry blossoms viewed from the benches placed in the plaza provide a relaxing and peaceful setting in which to enjoy hanami. Located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward and only a few minutes' walk from Yurakucho Station, it is easily accessible as well. Enjoy a spring stroll through Hibiya Park, an urban oasis in Tokyo.
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Video article 9:36
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● Asukayama Park
Asukayama Park was originally opened by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th Tokugawa Shogun, who planted cherry trees for the enjoyment of the general public. After the Someiyoshino cherry trees bloom, the late-blooming Satozakura cherry trees bloom, so visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms until late April, and from March 18 to April 9, the park is lit up with paper lanterns creating a romantic night view of the cherry blossoms. It is also a good place to relax and enjoy hanami at a cherry blossom spot that has been loved by the general public since the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.).
Photo：Kinuta Park, Setagaya. Tokyo
● Kinuta Park
Kinuta Park is a vast park with a vivid lawn that is more than eight times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The family park, with its ancient cherry trees, is a well-established cherry blossom spot in Tokyo.
There are approximately 840 cherry trees in the park, some of which have trunks over 3 meters in circumference, giving the park a striking presence. The view from a distance, as well as when looking up at the large cherry trees up close, is quite impressive. Enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms with family, friends, or loved ones in this open park.
● Koganei Park
Koganei Park is home to approximately 1,400 cherry trees of some 50 varieties, including Yamazakura, Someiyoshino, and Satozakura cherry trees, some of which bloom late, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms until late April. At Sakura no En (桜の園, lit. 'Cherry Blossom Garden'), 400 cherry trees will be in full bloom for a whole month, bringing a splash of spring color to the area.
On March 25 and 26, the Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival will be held as well. The festival will feature local entertainment, singing, dancing, and other events, and food stalls are scheduled to be set up as well. On the 25th, the cherry blossoms will be lit up at night.
[Video] 15:05 - Koganei Park
Photo：Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi
● Chidorigafuchi Green Way
Chidorigafuchi Green Way is impressive for its Someiyoshino cherry trees that dye the moat of the Imperial Palace in a pale pink. Around 260 cherry trees, including those on the opposite bank, are planted along the 700-meter promenade.
After the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the petals that have fallen into the moat creating a view that delights the eyes of cherry blossom viewers. During the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival, Chidorigafuchi Green Way is lit up with LED lights, and an event is held where visitors can enjoy nighttime cherry blossoms aboard a boat ride through the moat.
[Video] 2:15 - Chidorigafuchi Park
A Video Article About the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival at Chidorigafuchi
Video article 3:19
Chidorigafuchi's Famous "Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival"! One of the Best Sakura Viewing Locations in Tokyo, With 1.3 Million Visitors Annually. Lit up at Night, It’s a Must-See!
YouTube
● Hikarigaoka Park
Straddling Nerima and Itabashi wards, Hikarigaoka Park is a vast park covering an area of 60,000 square kilometers. The park is lined with approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Oshima-zakura, and Yamazakura varieties. Near the rows of cherry blossoms, there is also a kids' park where visitors can play on playground equipment, as well as athletic facilities, making it a great hanami spot for families.
On March 18 and 19, Nerima Hikarigaoka Cherry Blossom Festa will be held. It will feature various events along with cherry blossom viewing. In addition, admission to the festival is free. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and visit Hikarigaoka Park for a relaxing day of springtime hanami!
[Video] 4:53 - Hikarigaoka Park
A Video Article About Autumn at Hikarigaoka Park
Video article 3:54
Autumn in Tokyo – Enjoy a Collaboration of Nature and Art With a Virtual Walk Through the Ginkgo Trees at Hikarigaoka Park via Video
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Photo：Cherry blossoms at Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota, Tokyo
● Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Ikegami Honmonji Temple, the head temple of Nichiren Shoshu, a branch of Nichiren Buddhism, is famous for its five-story pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Japan's Kanto region. In addition to Someiyoshino cherry trees, the temple is also famous for its rare varieties of cherry blossoms, such as the Sasabezakura.
At night, the five-story pagoda, an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is illuminated with the cherry blossoms, making it a popular spring view in Japan.
On April 1 and 2, Haru Matsuri (春まつり, 'Spring Festival') is held, during which the five-story pagoda is opened and special limited edition goshuin stamps (special stamps received as proof of visiting a temple) are awarded. Also popular are the "Sakura Ema," votive plaques shaped like cherry blossom petals at Ikegami Honmonji Temple. Be sure to write your wishes on one of these plaques when visiting!
[Video] 17:36 - Ikegami Honmonji Temple
● Senzokuike Park
Senzokuike Park is home to Senzoku Pond, which has been known as a scenic spot since the Edo period. About 250 cherry trees are planted in the park. Sakurayama (lit. 'Cherry Blossom Hill'), overlooking Senzoku Pond, is a popular cherry blossom spot inside the park. In addition to cherry blossoms, Senzokuike Park is also home to the grave of Katsu Kaishu, a prominent figure in Japanese history, as well as a monument to Saigo Takamori, one of the most influential samurai in Japanese history, making it a popular spot for history buffs.
[Video] 26:24 - Senzokuike Park
● Kitanomaru Park
Kitanomaru Park is named after the Kitanomaru area of Edo Castle, where it was located during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.).
It is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with approximately 280 cherry trees, including Yamazakura, Someiyoshino, and Oshimazakura cherry trees. The park is also home to many other attractions besides cherry blossoms, including the Nippon Budokan, the Science Museum, and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.
Although the cherry blossoms in Kitanomaru Park are not illuminated, you can enjoy cherry blossoms lit up at Chidorigafuchi Green Way.
[Video] 4:10 - Kitanomaru Park
A Video Article About the History of Edo Castle in Tokyo
Video article 3:37
The History of Edo Castle: The Number One Castle in Japan! Learn About the Historical Building, Seen in Many Old Photographs, Standing Majestically in the Center of Tokyo
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Photo：Nighttime cherry blossoms at Mori Garden, Roppongi Hills
● Mori Garden
Mori Garden, Roppongi Hills is located in a corner of Roppongi Hills. The garden was originally the garden of a feudal lord during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), and was restored to its present-day appearance. The eight antique cherry trees that have taken root in the garden since before the development of Roppongi Hills have become a symbol of the garden. Together with weeping cherry trees, they create a beautiful landscape every year.
Roppongi Sakura-zaka (Roppongi Cherry Blossom Slope), with 75 cherry trees planted when Roppongi Hills opened, is another popular hanami spot in Tokyo. At night, it is illuminated beautifully, making it a rare place to view the garden, cherry blossoms, and modern skyscrapers at the same time, a breathtaking sight.
[Video] 24:19 - Mori Garden, Roppongi Hills
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● Jindai Botanical Gardens
From the early-blooming Daikanzakura, to the late-blooming Satozakura, visitors can enjoy approximately 750 cherry trees of about 60 different species of cherry blossoms at different times of the year at Jindai Botanical Gardens. The cherry blossom garden and the weeping cherry blossoms around it are especially popular for their beauty. The park is also home to the original "Jindai Akebono," a variety of cherry tree that originated in Jindai Botanical Gardens, making it a hidden gem of a cherry blossom spot.
During Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), held when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, crowds can be expected during the daytime. For a quieter hanami experience, it is recommended that you visit early in the morning or in the evening. This also allows you to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a slightly cooler time of the day.
[Video] 6:56 - Jindai Botanical Gardens
A Video Article About Chofu, Tokyo
Video article 0:30
Chofu - A City Full of Tourist Attractions - Experience Fireworks, Cherry Blossoms, Rose Gardens and More in This Town Where Japan's Four Seasons Shine!
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Avoid the Crowds with These Hidden Gem Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo!
Next, we will introduce 2 lesser-known cherry blossoms spots in Tokyo that are every bit as beautiful as the spots listed above.
Photo：The weeping cherry tree at Joenji Temple, Shinjuku, Tokyo
● Joenji Temple
Joenji Temple is located in Nishi-Shinjuku, a district lined with skyscrapers. Its weeping cherry tree was once counted as one of the "Edo Sanki" (Three Great Trees of Edo) and as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossoms of Edo, along with the cherry trees at Denzuin Temple and Korinji Temple in Hiroo. The magnificent weeping cherry tree blooms gorgeously amidst the buildings of the big city, making those who see it forget about the stresses of daily life in the Tokyo metropolis. At night, the garden is illuminated, creating a spectacle where the past and the present coexist.
● Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens
Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens was established in the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) with the cooperation of prominent figures of the time. It was opened as a privately operated flower garden for the purpose of viewing flowers and plants.
There are many varieties of cherry trees here, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period of time, as Hikanzakura and Someiyoshino cherries begin blooming in late February, and fugenzou cherries bloom in late April.
Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens is also known for its plum blossoms, and in late February, visitors can enjoy both plum blossoms and cherry blossoms at the same time.
Keep in mind that an admission fee is required to enter Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens. The fee is 150 yen for adults, 70 yen for seniors (65+), and free for elementary school students and younger and junior high school students who live or attend school in Tokyo.
Adding Tokyo Cherry Blossoms to Your Itinerary: Enjoy Hanami and Other Tourist Attractions Together
Because the goal of travel and sightseeing is to have fun and see new sights, it can be tempting to want to visit as many places as possible. However, trying to fit too many places into an itinerary often leaves people exhausted and even frustrated if they are unable to visit all the places they had in mind. To avoid this, it is important to set aside ample time to enjoy each place you visit. There is no point in trying to hit every cherry blossom spot in Tokyo if you cannot spend the time to enjoy them.
Our recommendation to avoid this is to choose cherry blossom spots that place you near tourist attractions that you plan on visiting. For example, a popular spot is the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade which takes walkers close to Shibuya Scramble, Tokyo's famous crosswalk. Another popular hanami spot is Ueno Park, which is located relatively close to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Mori Garden, located in Roppongi Hills, is another popular cherry blossom spot in Tokyo which is home to many different shops and cafes, and it is also somewhat close to Tokyo Tower as well. Tokyo Station is a hub in the dead center of all of Tokyo's major attractions, with lines that can take you to take you to pretty much any place in Tokyo with relative ease. If you are not familiar with Tokyo's train system, consider using it as a hub to get from point A to point B.
Picking up some snacks and drinks at a convenience store and enjoying hanami under the cherry blossoms at a park is something that can honestly be enjoyed for an entire day, so it is totally fine to spend a few hours doing just that. Just be sure to keep the rules of each spot in mind, as eating and drinking may not be allowed at some locations.
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Summary
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a metropolis of skyscrapers, yet there are still many more cherry blossom spots than what we have introduced here.
Two examples are Tokyo Midtown, which has 103 cherry trees, mostly Someiyoshino, and is also lit up, and Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, which has 210 cherry trees of 17 varieties. If you visit Tokyo in the spring, consider staying the night at this cherry blossom hotel!
Cherry blossoms are a springtime tradition in Japan, and there are many great cherry blossom spots where you can take photos for Instagram, etc. in Tokyo. Tokyo is also the only place in the world where you can take pictures of modern buildings and cherry blossoms together! We hope you this list of cherry blossom spots in Tokyo will help you build your itinerary for the 2023 cherry blossom season. You are sure to find something amazing!
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