Tokyo Sakura Guide: Best Hanami Spots in Tokyo

Are you going to be in Tokyo during cherry blossom (sakura) season? Whether you are traveling or living in the big city, Spring is no doubt the best time of the year in Japan! Especially in Tokyo the whole city turn in white and pink since they are numerous cherry blossom spots all around and festivals.

In Tokyo you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in many ways, from strolling down the street, sakura themed food, night illumination events, and so on!

▽Check this list of best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo▽

One of the best ways to enjoy sakura season in Japan is going to a picnic with friends or family to a park. Probably you saw this in a lot of mangas and animes, since is the favorite activity among Japanese! View the beautiful cherry blossoms while eating and drinking.

In this article, I have listed the best places to do hanami or cherry blossom picnic in Tokyo during Spring, including populars spots as Yoyogi and Ueno Park and local less-know places as Asukayama and Hikarigaoka Park. Wanna know more details? Let’s check them out!

▽Check this list of best places to see cherry blossoms all over Japan, too!▽

Hanami: What is it?

Literally hanami means “contemplate the flowers” but is use to refers more specifically to cherry blossoms viewing. As I said before, during Spring in Japan is common to see parks and gardens full of Japanese having a picnic, which is what is known as “go for hanami” or “do hanami”.

Cherry Blossoms Season in Tokyo

The most important and common question is, when is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo usually is around mid-late March and finding the perfect time is difficult. Cherry blossoms barely last two weeks. It takes about 7 days from the time they start to bloom until they reach their full bloom, and then they last another 7 days until they start to fall depending on climate condition (if there is rain, then it’s over sooner). To catch the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is better if you to check the cherry blossom forecast and the weather prediction from time to time.

▽Check the best time to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo!▽

1. Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)

Less known to tourists but a favorite of foreign residents and many Japanese, Shinjuku Gyoen is located in the center of Tokyo, Shinjuku. Featuring more than 1,000 cherry trees of various kinds, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest national gardens with 3 different styles of gardens: Japanese, English and French.

More info:

2. Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園)

Asukayama Park is hardly known by tourists, but very popular among the Japanese for the cherry blossoms season. Located very close to Oji station, with easy access, it has more than 650 cherry blossoms and even a small monorail that takes you for free to the highest part of the park.

More info:

3. Hikarigaoka Park (光が丘公園)

If you are looking for an uncrowded, local spot, Hikarigaoka Park is one of Tokyo’s hidden gems. Located in Nerima ward, this little known park has over 1,000 cherry trees and 60,000 -square- meter to enjoy!

4. Hibiya Park (日比谷公園)

Hibiya Park is a park in central Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace. It’s not one of the largest parks, but it has several cherry trees and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the park. Perfect if you are in the business district with short time but want to enjoy a different lunch break.

Also, several of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom spots are nearby.

5. Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)

One of the most popular parks in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park it’s also one of the hot spots for cherry blossom picnic together with Ueno Park. Yoyogi Park is near to Harajuku area, one of the tourist areas. Yoyogi Park held numbers of events are through the year not only in Spring, but for the sakura season when the park is at its best.

More info:

6. Ueno Onshi Park (上野恩賜公園)

Known simply as Ueno Park, Ueno Onishi Park is one of the biggest parks in Tokyo, and also the most crowded to see cherry blossoms in the city. Ueno Park have over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, several museums and the famous Ueno zoo so it’s perfect not only for hanami but also to have a fun day with different activities. Visitors can also enjoy paddling the swan-shaped boats and viewing cherry blossoms from the water.

More info:

7. Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園)

For tourists Kichijoji area is famous for being the location of the Ghibli museum, but for Japanese and residents this neighbourhood is well know for being popular among hipsters and for its vast Inokashira Park. Inokashira Park is a popular place to go the weekend for families. In Spring is also a good spot for cherry blossom viewing.

More info:

8. Showa Memorial Park (昭和記念公園)

Located on the outskirts of Tokyo Showa Memorial Park is one of the the largest park. It’s one of the most popular parks not only in Spring but throughout the year, as it has a great variety of flowers and is beautiful in all seasons. For the sakura season the park offers 1,500 trees of 30 varieties of cherry blossoms.

More info:

9. Mizumoto Park (水元公園)

Mizumoto Park is in the little known neighborhood of Katsushika, and quite far from the nearest station (about 15-20 minutes walk). However, with 82 hectares it’s one of the largest parks in Tokyo and in spring it has 1,300 cherry trees and a riverside view.

10. Kinuta Park (砧公園)

Another relatively central, not too crowded and nice place is Kinuta Park in Setagaya, with over 800 cherry blossom trees. Setagaya is one of the most popular neighborhoods among Tokyoites, full of hip cafes and shops.

-More Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

▶ 7 Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
▶ 5 Best Places to See Night Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo 
▶ 5 Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Tokyo
▶ 10 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Restaurants in Tokyo
▶ 7 Best Cafes for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo
▶ 5 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruises in Tokyo
▶ Best Cherry Blossom Spots near Tokyo

If you plan to visit other popular areas in Japan before/after Tokyo, check these recommended places to view cherry blossoms!

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kanagawa

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Saitama

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms around Mt Fuji

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

▶︎Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Fukushima

Cherry blossom season is definitely the best time for visit Japan. If you want to know the best activities, places and the best time to enjoy the sakura season in Japan, don’t miss this articles!

↓↓↓ Check more articles about Cherry Blossoms in Japan!! ↓↓↓

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼