Best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo
Mar 29, 2023
Best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo
It is no exaggeration to say that cherry blossom season is the most wonderful time of the year in Japan, and many tourists visit this country to enjoy the beautiful view of the dainty pink petals, every year.
This year, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo start blooming from mid March, coming into full bloom as it gets closer to the end of the month. In this feature, we introduce some of the best spots all around Tokyo where you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms.
Index : Best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo
1. Meguro River
Meguro River is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo for cherry blossoms, and it is best known for having over 800 cherry trees lining along the river, stretching for about 3.8 kilometers in total.
A cherry blossom festival is held every year during the season, featuring a bunch of vendors selling foods and drinks, and also a light-up of the cherry blossoms during the night.
The closest stations to Meguro River are JR Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
2. Chidorigafuchi Park
Chidorigafuchi Park is perhaps the most picturesque cherry blossom spot in Tokyo, and it is the moats of the former Edo Castle, which is now a part of the Imperial Palace.
There are over a hundred cherry trees of various species, lining the moats beautifully. The area is also lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for dates.
One of the best ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms here is to watch them from the water while paddling on boats.
3. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the biggest gardens in Tokyo, with an area of 58.3 hectares (133 acres) and a circumference of 3.5 kilometers. The garden is known as one of the best spots for cherry blossoms in Tokyo, with about 1,100 cherry trees blooming in spring.
Each tree has a different blossoming time, so you can enjoy different types of cherry blossoms for a relatively long time, making this garden a lovely viewing spot compared to other places.
Inside the garden, there are shops offering sweets and souvenirs with a cherry blossom theme, which are only sold during cherry blossom season.
The closest train station to the garden is the Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Line.
4. Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is located near Kichijoji, a popular neighborhood among youngsters, and it is best known for its large pond and beautiful cherry trees.
The park has over 500 cherry trees surrounding the pond, and as their petals begin to fall, they cover its surface in a swirling carpet of pink. You can rent a swan-shaped boat and pedal your way around the pond while enjoying the stunning view of cherry blossoms in spring.
5. Sumida Park
Sumida Park is known for its amazing fireworks in the summer, but it is also a great spot for cherry blossoms, as you can enjoy both the astonishing view of cherry blossoms along the Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.
There are approximately 600 cherry trees or more lining the Sumida River, and you can get on a yakatabune, a traditional Japanese boat, to enjoy the view of cherry blossoms while cruising along the river.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy cherry blossoms at Sumida Park is to have a picnic under the cherry trees, so make sure to grab some snacks and drinks before you head to the park.