1 Week Spring Itinerary in Tokyo
Tokyo in Bloom: A Week of Springtime Wonders
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Spring is my most cherished season in Tokyo, and I think it’s safe to say the feeling is probably shared by most of my fellow citizens. The warmth increases as we leave behind the cold winter and flowers bloom all over the place in parks and gardens as well as streets. Normal walks around the city become filled with color, cherry blossoms take center stage and sakura-themed products are everywhere.
But even if the timing of your visit doesn’t match the sometimes elusive blooming period, spring is a fantastic moment to experience Tokyo’s dynamic culture. This 7-day spring itinerary is crafted to introduce iconic Sakura spots with the best of the city’s main attractions, for a good balance between seasonal enjoyment and must-visit spots!
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Day 1: Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi
Kickstart your first day with a morning stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑), a wonderful oasis in the heart of Shinjuku, one of the busiest areas of the city. This expansive park, with traditional Japanese, English, and French garden designs, is home to a breathtaking variety of cherry blossoms.
The early hours are the best before the park gets too crowded, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk under the blossoming canopies, a perfect introduction to Tokyo’s Sakura season. And since you’re there, you can have a picnic for lunch! Otherwise, there are plenty of dining options around the area.
After lunchtime, transition from nature to the bustling streets of Shibuya in the afternoon. Witness the famed organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) next to Shibuya Station, say hi to its beloved Hachiko Statue and head to the Sakurazaka slope nearby for a stunning view of the street lined with sakura trees. The surrounding areas are filled with trendy shops so it’s a good idea to spend some time walking around the neighborhood.
Before sunset, a short bus ride will take you to Roppongi Hills, a modern complex dedicated to art, dining, and shopping. Behind the complex, you’ll find Roppongi Sakura-zaka, another street lined with cherry trees and nice views of Tokyo Tower. At the other side, in front of the main complex entrance, there’s Mori Garden (毛利庭園), which is also illuminated at night. There are lots of dining options on the premises to end your first day on a high note!
▽More information about Shinjuku and Shibuya▽
▶20 Best Things to Do in Shinjuku
▶22 Best Things to Do in Shibuya 2024
Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno
For your second day head to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts with a traditional atmosphere. The highlight here is Sensoji Temple (浅草寺), Tokyo’s oldest temple, known for its Kaminarimon Gate and the fun Nakamise Shopping Street. After checking out the stalls selling traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs, and strolling around the area, head towards the Sumida River for a wonderful display of cherry blossoms lining the park next to the river.
In the afternoon, make your way to Ueno Park (上野公園), a sprawling green space that becomes a cherry blossom paradise in spring. With over 1,000 cherry trees, the park transforms into a lively hanami (flower viewing) spot, buzzing with locals and tourists picnicking under the blossoms. Beyond the Sakura, Ueno Park is a cultural hub, housing several top-tier museums like the Tokyo National Museum or the Metropolitan Art Museum, and several shrines like the Ueno Toshogu Shrine.
As dusk falls, the lanterns hanging from the trees bathe the park in a warm, inviting glow, offering a magical evening hanami experience. For dinner, go to Ameyoko and hop into one of its many casual eateries and izakayas.
▽More information about Ueno and Asakusa▽
▶20 Best Things to Do in Asakusa
Day 3: Odaiba and Meguro
Begin your morning by venturing to the man-made island of Odaiba (お台場) in Tokyo Bay, accessible via the scenic Rainbow Bridge. Odaiba is a fun playground of modern marvels, like the Fuji TV Building or the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue standing guard outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Spend your morning exploring the numerous shopping centers.
After lunch, embark on a cherry blossom viewing cruise along the Sumida River. This leisurely boat ride offers a unique perspective of Tokyo’s sakura, with blossoms adorning the riverbanks against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Before evening approaches, head towards Meguro for a scenic walk along the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade (目黒川の桜並木), one of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy sakura in Tokyo, with trees lined through 4 Km following the river and a lovely night illumination. Along the river, there are many stalls and trendy eateries for you to take your pick!
▽More information about Odaiba▽
▶15 Best Things to Do in Odaiba
Day 4: Kichijoji and Inokashira Park
The charming neighborhood of Kichijoji (吉祥寺) is a favorite among locals for its laid-back atmosphere and trendy lifestyle. Begin your day exploring the streets filled with chic boutiques, artisan coffee shops, and eclectic eateries. This neighborhood will give you a nice feel of what a Tokyo residential area is while still keeping a fresh contemporary allure.
Pick any grocery store and grab whatever you feel like for a picnic and go to Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園)! This park is a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot, where the petals gracefully float on the pond, creating a picturesque scene. Rent a swan boat to paddle across the water, offering a closer view of the blossoms and a unique vantage point of the surrounding nature. The park’s tranquil ambiance provides a perfect escape to unwind and see a quieter side of the city.
Spend your afternoon exploring the park, visiting the zoo or the Ghibli Museum (tickets must be purchased one month in advance, check our guide for more details!), located on the park’s outskirts. The museum is a must-visit for fans of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting films, offering a glimpse into the creative process of Hayao Miyazaki and his team. For dinner, head to Harmonica Yokocho to get a fix of local bars and izakayas!
Day 5: Day Trip to Yokohama
Up to this point you have seen a fair share of Tokyo so for the fifth day, it’s time to change gears and venture to the vibrant port city of Yokohama, just a short train ride away. Begin your day in the Minato Mirai (みなとみらい) area, a futuristic waterfront district known for its towering skyscrapers, including the Landmark Tower, Japan’s second tallest building. Take a moment to ascend to the Sky Garden observatory, where panoramic views of the city and the bay await you.
Then take a stroll around enjoying the sights at the nearby Sakura-dori (桜通り) avenue and make your way along the Ooka River Promenade (大岡川プロムナード) where 700 cherry trees lining the riverbanks create one of the prettiest sights in the area. If you haven’t had lunch yet, it’s probably a good idea to meander through Yokohama’s Chinatown, one of the largest in the world. The colorful streets are lined with a plethora of shops and restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine and goods.
Afterward, ride a bus to Sankeien Garden (三溪園), a gorgeous traditional Japanese garden that spans over 175,000 square meters. Here, historical buildings from across Japan have been carefully relocated, creating an eclectic yet picturesque setting that contrasts with the urban backdrop. The garden’s cherry blossoms add a layer of beauty to the already tranquil landscape.
After sunset, conclude your day with a stroll along Yokohama’s waterfront and head to the Red Brick Warehouse for dinner.
▽More information about Yokohama▽
▶Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Yokohama
▶18 Best Things to Do in Yokohama
Day 6: Yanesen
The sixth day of your Tokyo itinerary takes you to the nostalgic streets of Yanesen (谷根千), consisting of the neighborhoods of Yanaka (谷中), Nezu (根津) and Sendagi (千駄木). An area that has preserved the ambiance of Tokyo’s past, often referred to as “Shitamachi” or the old downtown. This area managed to escape the extensive bombings of World War II, retaining its historical charm and offering a stark contrast to the city’s otherwise modern facade.
Start your day at Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tokyo’s most significant resting places. During cherry blossom season, the cemetery’s pathways are lined with blooming sakura trees, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The cemetery is home to several historical figures such as the grave of the last shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
Continue your route wandering through Yanaka Ginza (谷中銀座), a nostalgic shopping street that exudes a Showa-era vibe. You’ll find here traditional snacks and unique crafts while observing the daily lives of the locals. Walk around the alleys and have lunch in one of their quaint and traditional eateries.
In the afternoon, make your way towards Nezu shrine (根津神社), one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo and a crowd favorite during spring for its beautiful azalea garden. Its beautiful scenery is complemented by many vermilion torii gates lining up like a tunnel in a small Inari Shrine within the premises.
Day 7: Imperial Palace and Departure
You’ll end your trip with a flourish, as long as you try to get up early enough! The loveliest cherry blossom spot awaits you right beside the Imperial Palace at Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵), which used to be the old Edo Castle’s moat. You can rent a boat to paddle on the moat, but queues are very long during peak season so try to plan accordingly.
If you decide to skip the boat, the surrounding area is nice enough for a relaxed stroll before doing your last-minute shopping or whatever you feel like before departing.
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▶Tokyo Subway UNLIMITED Pass: How to Get and How Much You Can Save
This week in Tokyo during spring showcases the best of a city alive with contrast and color, where you will be able to understand the deeply appreciated symbolism of the change of seasons and the fleeting beauty of spring.
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Are you planning to travel Japan with a longer period of time? Here is our suggested 14-day spring itinerary in Japan!
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.
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