The National Theater of Japan is not only a cultural landmark for traditional performing arts but also a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts. While the theater itself is currently closed for renovation until 2029, the front garden remains open to the public, showcasing a rare collection of cherry trees. With 20 trees spanning 10 unique varieties, visitors can enjoy an extended hanami season featuring blossoms that differ from the common Somei Yoshino.

Why the National Theater is Worth Visiting

• Rare Cherry Blossom Varieties The garden features unique cultivars such as Suruga Komachi, Suruga Sakura, Ichiyou, and Kanzan, offering a distinctive viewing experience beyond typical Yoshino cherry trees.
• Early and Late Bloomers With varieties that bloom at different times, including early bloomers like Edo Higan and late bloomers like Kanzan, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms outside the usual peak season.
• Tranquil Viewing Experience Unlike the crowded spots of Ueno Park or Chidorigafuchi, the National Theater garden provides a serene setting for enjoying sakura in a peaceful environment.

National Theater Cherry Blossoms

The National Theater’s front garden is home to 10 distinct varieties of cherry blossoms, making it a unique location for hanami. One of the highlights is the Suruga Komachi, a cultivar developed specifically for the theater by crossing the Suruga cherry with the Somei Yoshino. This variety blooms slightly earlier than Somei Yoshino, typically reaching full bloom in late March. Its pale pink blossoms and historical significance make it a key attraction for visitors.

Other varieties include Suruga Sakura, a deep pink cultivar native to Shizuoka, and Ichiyou, a double-blossom variety with up to 40 petals per flower. Late-season visitors can admire the Kanzan variety, known for its vibrant pink, multi-petaled flowers that bloom well into April. These diverse blossoms extend the viewing season, making the National Theater an excellent spot for multiple visits throughout spring.

National Theater Facilities & Amenities

Although the theater itself is undergoing renovations, the front garden remains accessible for cherry blossom viewing. The site is equipped with paved walkways, benches for relaxation, and barrier-free access, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Before its closure, the National Theater housed a large auditorium, a small theater for bunraku and kabuki performances, and a traditional performing arts museum, which will reopen after renovations are complete.

Dining Options

While the National Theater’s in-house cafe is temporarily unavailable, visitors can find plenty of dining options nearby. The Hanzomon and Nagatacho areas offer a variety of restaurants and cafes. Those looking for quick meals can visit Ippudo or T’s TanTan at nearby Hatsudai Station. For a more refined dining experience, Restaurant Maestro in the New National Theatre serves Italian dishes, including pasta and set menus. Additionally, the Tobu Ikebukuro Department Store features an extensive depachika (food hall) with gourmet offerings ranging from sushi to traditional Japanese sweets.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Late March to early April is the peak bloom period, but early and late varieties extend the season.
• Avoiding Crowds: Visit on weekdays or in the morning for a more tranquil experience.
• Photography Spots: The “Jindai Akebono” cherry trees near the entrance provide a striking pink contrast to the typical Somei Yoshino.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with a trip to Sotobori Park or the Imperial Palace East Gardens for more cherry blossom viewing.
• Public Transportation: Use Hanzomon Station (Hanzomon Line, 5-minute walk) or Nagatacho Station (Yurakucho, Hanzomon, and Namboku lines, 8-minute walk) for easy access.
• Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks, as the theater’s facilities are currently closed.

How to Get to the National Theater

The National Theater is easily accessible via Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. The nearest station is Hanzomon Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, just a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, Nagatacho Station, serving the Yurakucho, Hanzomon, and Namboku lines, is an 8-minute walk. Visitors can also take a Toei Bus, with stops at Miyakezaka, or use taxis, which can drop off passengers at the theater’s main entrance. Although the theater is currently closed, its front garden remains open for cherry blossom viewing.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond the National Theater, Chiyoda Ward offers several scenic locations for hanami. Sotobori Park, situated along the ruins of Edo Castle’s outer moat, features a picturesque 2-kilometer stretch of Yoshino cherry trees. The park’s tranquil setting and floating petals on the water create a mesmerizing scene.

For those seeking a hidden gem, Aiai-hashi Bridge provides an intimate cherry blossom viewing experience, with branches arching over the Nihonbashi River. Meanwhile, Kioicho-Dori Street is home to a stunning tunnel of cherry blossoms, featuring late-blooming Yaezakura varieties that extend the hanami season into late April.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

For more cherry blossom experiences, visitors can explore:

Chidorigafuchi: One of Tokyo’s most famous sakura spots, this area features a stunning moat lined with cherry trees. Visitors can rent boats to enjoy blossoms from the water.

Shinjuku Gyoen: A vast garden with multiple cherry blossom varieties, including early-blooming and late-season sakura, offering an extended hanami experience.

Imperial Palace East Gardens: A historical location with beautiful cherry blossoms set against traditional Japanese architecture, providing a serene setting for hanami.

Top Image Source: SLIMHANNYA, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons