In 2025, cherry blossom in Tokyo is forecast to bloom around late March to early April, but the exact date varies depending on the weather conditions.
The cherry blossom season in Japan is truly the best time to visit. You would witness streets and parks covered in beautiful flowers, creating an unforgettable, quintessential Japanese experience. However, this is also the most crowded time to visit Japan. Read below for more information on Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots with visiting tips.
The Best Time to Visit Tokyo for the Cherry Blossom
Tokyo's Sakura season falls between late March and early April, but the exact date varies each year according to the weather. The full blooms only stay for 3-5 days, so whether you can enjoy the most spectacular scenery all depends on your luck and the weather. Nevertheless, visiting around this period will allow you to see the cherry blossoms more or less.
If you find yourself arriving early or late for peak blooms, Tokyo offers both early and late-blooming cherry blossom varieties. Some bloom as early as March while others flower well into mid-April. Therefore, whether you visit in March or April, you will see some cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms
During Japan's cherry blossom season, you will easily find beautiful spots in Tokyo like parks, streets, and riversides to enjoy the stunning scenery. Just choose wisely based on your itinerary if you want to combine cherry blossom viewing with other attractions. Travelers often prefer Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park because they are close to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa Senso-ji Temple respectively.
1. Chidorigafuchi - Boat Ride to See Cherry Blossom
- Location: in Chiyoda district of Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace
- Features: rowing boats to view the riverside cherry blossoms close up
- Number of cherry trees: 200+
- Best viewing time: Early April
We suggest all travelers visit this area for its unique scenery and the unique boat-rowing experience that it offers. Its cherry blossom scenery is one of the symbols of Japan's cherry blossom season. Many magical photos of the fairy-like cherry blossoms have been captured at this location.
It has a 200-meter (660-foot) promenade near the Imperial Palace. About 250 sakura trees line both sides of the moat with the branches hanging over the water. Cherry trees there are so dense that when viewed from above, both sides of the moat are shrouded in a canopy of flowers.
You could rent a boat to paddle on your own along the moat to get close to the cherry blossoms. You could enjoy the beautiful views while having some traditional Japanese snacks. It would be an unforgettable Japanese experience.
Travel tips:
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, you may need to queue for about half an hour to rent a boat
- In the evening, witness the illuminated trees, which create a truly enchanting scene from about 6pm to 8pm.
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Features: a large, peaceful natural garden, ideal for nature lovers and families
- Number of cherry trees: 1000+
- Best viewing time: Early April
If you prefer to see the cherry blossoms in a large and quiet park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is your best choice. This expansive park offers a tranquil atmosphere, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. You could take a picnic mat and some food to enjoy on the vast grassy lawn within the park, or simply take a leisurely stroll among the blooming trees.
The park has the longest period of cherry blossoms in Japan, as it has both some of the earliest and the latest blooming cherry trees. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a good hanami destination for those who miss the main season by a week or two.
Travel Tips
- The park closes at night so there are no evening views of cherry blossoms.
- The only option for food and drink in the park is Starbucks but be prepared for a wait of about an hour for your order.
- Alcohol is not permitted during your picnic in the park
3. Meguro River Cherry Blossoms
- Features: the most spectacular place to view cherry blossoms at night
- Number of cherry trees: 800+
- Blooming time: from early April
Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade is renowned for its stunning night views of cherry blossoms. At night, the surroundings are illuminated by pink lanterns, creating a magical glow over the cherry blossoms cascading into the river. However, it is also a bit crowded at night.
This is a 4-km (2½-mile) relaxing walk alongside the Meguro River, which is lined with cherry trees. You could walk along the path for about an hour or so. There are several bridges to cross over and a lot of good shops and eateries lining the river.
Travel tips:
- Avoid the crowds by staying away from the immediate area around Nakameguro Station or visiting during the early morning for a less crowded stroll.
- The pink-lantern-illuminated path extends from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station to Meguro Station. The illuminated time is from 5pm to 8pm.
Continue to read more details on Meguro River Cherry Blossom
4. Ueno Park
- Location: Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan
- Features: Tokyo's most popular and bustling park for cherry blossoms
- Numbers of cherry trees: 1,000+
- Bloom time: early April
Ueno Park is the most popular, but also most crowded, park where you could view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. With over 1,000 cherry trees alongside the park's pathways, the scenery is truly breathtaking. You would see lots of people, mostly Japanese, gathering to have picnics under the cherry trees. Groups of men in suits, young girls dressed for work, and older men each sit on picnic mats with lots of food and drinks.
This park also offers splendid nighttime views. When the lanterns are lit in the evening, the scenery is spectacular. The nighttime views are seen from 6pm or 7pm to 10pm.
As well as the Sakura, Ueno Park boasts an array of attractions, including a zoo, museums, a concert hall, numerous dining options, temples, and the picturesque Shinobazu Pond featuring paddle boats.
Travel tips:
- The park is particularly crowded at weekends.
- To view the cherry blossoms at night, you should stay in a hotel that is close to the park. There are lots of hotels to choose from.
- The park is a few steps from Ueno Station, so it is easy to find and get to.
5. Sumida Park
- Location: Sumida Ward of Tokyo, Japan
- Features: cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background
Sumida Park is a peaceful riverside park along the Sumida River. The riverside walkway is lined with cherry trees. When walking along the riverside walkway, you could have a great view of the cityscape and the iconic Tokyo Skytree. The exquisite scene of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree is truly magnificent.
You could also take a boat cruise along the river to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park. Additionally, the trees are illuminated at night, providing a captivating sight.
Other places to see cherry blossoms include Koishikawa Botanical Gardens, the Kanda River, Sakurazaka Street, Yoyoji Park, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Inokashira Park.
6. Mt Fuji
- Location: 2 hours ride from Tokyo
- Features: Natural setting with cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
If you seek a scenic cherry blossom experience in natural surroundings, Mt. Fuji is your best choice. Mt. Fuji is renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossom views around the lakes situated at the mountain's base.
The best places to see the cherry blossoms around Mt Fuji include Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakurayama Sengen Park. At Lake Kawaguchiko, you can opt to bike, hike along the lake, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride while taking in the cherry blossoms along the lakeshore. It will be a very relaxing experience. At Arakurayama Sengen Park, you can enjoy the iconic scenery of Mt Fuji and the red pagoda within one photo frame.
Mt Fuji is about a 2-hour ride from Tokyo, so it is very easy to take a day trip from Tokyo.
A summary table of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo:
| District | Cherry Blossom Spots | Nearby Attractions |
| Shinjuku | Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden | Meiji-Jingu Shrine |
| Ueno | Ueno Park | Asakusa Senso-ji Temple |
| Asakusa | Sumida Park | Tokyo Skytree |
| Shibuya | Yoyogi-Koen Park, Meguro River Cherry Blossom | Shibuya Crossing |
| Meguro | Meguro River | Nakameguro |
| Chiyoda | Chidorigafuchi | Imperial Palace |
The Best Places to See Cherry Blossom at Night
You can also view the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms at night. Usually, from sunset until around 8 PM, locations for viewing night sakura are illuminated with lanterns or special lighting. Taking a relaxing walk amidst the evening cherry blossoms provides a unique and enchanting experience!
The best places to enjoy cherry blossoms at night include Meguro River, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Chidorigafuchi Park, and the Zojoji Temple.
- Meguro River: A romantic canopy of lights and cherry blossoms
- Ueno Park: A fusion of cherry blossoms and festivals
- Chidorigafuchi Park: Delight in the cherry blossom illumination by rowing a boat
- Sumida Park: Riverside cherry blossom views set against the backdrop of Tokyo's skyline
- Zojoji Temple: Cherry blossoms setting against Tokyo Tower.
The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo for Cherry Blossoms
Tokyo can get very busy during the cherry blossom season, so choosing to stay in places close to the cherry blossom spots will save you a lot of time on the road. See below the best places to stay in Tokyo for Cherry Blossom:
- Shinjuku: It is close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji-Jingu Shrine, prime cherry blossom viewing spots. This bursting area is filled with great hotels.
- Ueno: home to Ueno Park, a popular destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), this area offers many inexpensive hotels and some traditional Japanese ryokans.
- Asakusa: Close to Sumida Park and the Sumida River, this unique cherry blossom viewing spot showcases the beautiful scenery of the cherry blossoms with the iconic Tokyo Skytree in the background.
- Chiyoda: Central location with attractions like Chidorigafuchi close to the Imperial Palace, where you can take a boat ride to enjoy the cherry blossom.
- Tokyo Station Area: Although it does not offer direct cherry blossom viewing spots within the area, Tokyo Station serves as a major transportation hub, making it easy to access popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Tokyo and beyond.
- Shibuya: Close to Yoyogi-Koen Park and Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Shibuya offers a diverse array of hotel options to cater to different needs.
FAQ for Planning a Trip to Tokyo for Cherry Blossoms
Can I see Cherry Blossom in Tokyo in February?
You can catch a glimpse of the early bloom variety of cherry blossoms in late February in Tokyo. In parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, and Chidorigafuchi, you can spot early blooming Kawazu-sakura from late February to early March. However, while these parks offer early blooms, the scenery may not be as abundant due to fewer trees
For a more spectacular cherry blossom experience, you may need to travel to Kawazu Town, where the largest number of cherry trees bloom during this time. Located just a 3-hour ride from Tokyo, Kawazu Town makes for an ideal day trip destination from the city.
Can I see Cherry Blossom in Tokyo in mid-April?
By mid-April, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo city center have mostly faded, but you can enjoy the best views at Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji's cherry blossom comes around mid-April. Located just a 2-hour ride from Tokyo, Mt. Fuji makes for an easily accessible day trip destination.
Where Can I View Cherry Blossom by Boat Ride?
In Tokyo, you can admire cherry blossoms by boat at two main locations: the Meguro River and Chidorigafuchi.
At the Meguro River, you can take a scenic boat cruise and marvel at the cherry blossoms as you glide along the river. At Chidorigafuchi, you can row your own boat. This unique experience allows you to get up close to the cherry blossoms and enjoy a distinct and captivating view. Please note that there may be a wait time of around one hour to board the cruise boat or obtain your row boat.
Tips for Planning Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Tokyo
The cherry blossom season from late March to early April is definitely one of the best times to visit Tokyo, Japan. However, this is also the busiest travel time. Below, we offer you some tips to help you plan a memorable trip to Japan.
Allow for a Flexible Schedule
You might not be able to see the cherry blossoms at their peak in certain places. However, you are likely to find them in bloom somewhere during the dates above. Therefore, having a flexible schedule is very important.
Weather conditions, such as cold spells, warm fronts, rain, or wind, might affect the best blossom spots, so you may need to travel to other locations.
If you travel with us and miss the full blooming time in Tokyo, we would arrange for you to take day trips to the mountains, such as Mount Fuji, or to neighboring prefectures, such as Yamanashi, where the cherry blossoms bloom later.
Expect Japan to Cost More Than at Other Times
The cherry blossom season tends to be the most expensive time to visit Japan. Flights priced from mid-March to early April are several hundred dollars more than flights in early March. Hotels and ryokans are, in some cases, triple the cost compared with other times.
However, the breathtaking scenery is worth the extra cost, although you need to be prepared in advance.
Prepare for Large Crowds
Don't be surprised when you see crowds at parks or any other places where sakura trees have been planted. It is also crowded at train stations. Be patient and allow yourself plenty of extra time when traveling from place to place.
Book at Least 6 Months in Advance
The sakura season is very popular, so book at least 6 months in advance to ensure that you enjoy your preferred hotels and activities.
Let Us Help You Plan a Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan
A journey to Japan during the Cherry Blossom season is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you missed the 2024 season, 2025 is definitely the ideal time to visit. Contact us to arrange a memorable Cherry Blossom trip to Japan.
More Articles on Japan Cherry Blossom 2025
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.