Cherry blossoms are a beloved part of springtime in Japan, and Tokyo is no exception. If you’re planning to catch cherry blossoms in 2024, here are 29 of the best spots to see them. From parks and gardens to temples and hidden gems, these locations offer some of the most breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in all of Tokyo. So start planning your trip and be sure to include one (or more!) of these spots on your itinerary. And if you need help deciding when to go, the list includes forecasts of peak blooming dates for each location.
Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Forecast 2024
In 2024, Tokyo is expected to see the first bloom of cherry blossoms around March 20th, with the full bloom falling from the 27th to April 4th. This forecast is an estimate for the whole prefecture. For a more accurate estimate, check the forecast for each place listed below. Cherry blossoms last around 10 days, but may quickly fall depending on rain and weather conditions.
See More: When to See Cherry Blossoms: 5 Essential Tips for Catching Full Bloom
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
1. Rinshi no Mori Park
Straddling Meguro and Shinagawa Wards, Rinshi no Mori Park is a lesser-known sakura spot. It is also one of the places where early-blooming kawazu sakura can be seen.
Blooming Dates: Mid-February to Early April (depending on cherry blossom variety)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 10-minute walk from Musashi-Koyama Station, Tokyo Meguro Line
2. Koishikawa Korakuen
Sakura lovers visit Koishikawa Korakuen for its weeping cherry blossoms, which can be seen reflected in the garden’s ponds. Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the cultural heritage gardens in Tokyo.
First Bloom Forecast: March 20 (Wed)
Full Bloom Forecast: March 27 (Wed)
Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Access: 8-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, JR/Metro
3. Rikugien
One of Rikugien’s main attractions is its weeping cherry blossoms, which look especially alluring when lit up at night. The light-up event attracts many visitors every year, so expect crowds.
First Bloom Forecast: Mar 21 (Thur)
Full Bloom Forecast: Mar 28 (Thur)
Regular Business Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Admission Fee: JPY 300
Access: 7-minute walk from Komagome Station, JR Yamanote Line
4. Meguro River
Stretching approximately 4 kilometers, this popular area bursts into full bloom during spring, attracting crowds of flower viewers from Ohashi to Shimo-Meguro. Alongside the river, you’ll find quirky shops adding to the charm, making it a favorite spot not just for enjoying the blossoms but also for indulging in some shopping.
Read more: Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade
First Bloom Forecast: March 21 (Thur)
Full Bloom Forecast: March 28 (Thur)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 10-minute walk from Meguro Station, JR Yamanote Line
5. Ueno Park
Ueno Park has been a beloved cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period, making it one of Tokyo’s most iconic locations for sakura. Each year, when the cherry blossoms bloom, the park becomes bustling with hanami parties, often making headlines in the news. The park includes a zoo and four museums, so there are plenty of things to do after gazing at cherry blossoms.
First bloom forecast: March 23 (Sat)
Full bloom forecast: March 29 (Fri)
Business Hours: 05:00 to 23:00
Free admission
Access: Ueno Station
6. Zenpukuji River
The walking path along the Zenpukuji River offers a delightful stroll, particularly the approximately 1-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom trees on the upstream side of the greenery. The river features numerous small bridges, while the surrounding groves and children’s play areas evoke the atmosphere of Musashino.
First bloom forecast: March 21 (Thur)
Full bloom forecast: March 27 (Wed)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 15-minute walk from Asagaya Station, JR Chuo Line
7. Shakuji Park
Shakuji Park, with its Sanpo-ji and Shakujii Ponds, offers serene cherry blossom walks. Yoshino cherry trees bloom by Sanpo-ji’s northern plateau, late-blooming Satokosaku cherry trees near Shakujii’s baseball field, and majestic Yamazakura trees on Shakujii’s southern plateau.
First bloom forecast: March 21 (Wed)
Final bloom forecast: March 27 (Wed)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 7-minute walk from Shakuji Koen Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line
8. Ikegami Honmonji
Ikegami Honmonji, located in Ota Ward, is the head temple of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. Its grounds boast a majestic five-story pagoda, a nationally designated important cultural property that underwent extensive renovations. In spring, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Yoshino cherry blossoms as well as the rare Sasabezakura trees, adding to the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds.
First bloom forecast: March 26 (Tue)
Final bloom forecast: April 2 (Tue)
Hours: 04:30 to 17:00
No admission fee
Access: 10-minute walk from Ikegami Station, Tokyu Ikegami Line
9. Hikarigaoka Park
At Hikarigaoka Park, a vast lawn gently slopes, adorned with numerous Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Adjacent to the row of blossoms, families can delight in a playground equipped with athletic facilities. This serene oasis offers a perfect escape from the bustle of the city, where one can unwind while admiring the blooming cherry trees.
First bloom forecast: March 21 (Thur)
Final bloom forecast: March 28 (Thur)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
10. Otonashi Water Park
You won’t find this spot mentioned in curated lists of best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo—that’s because mostly locals of Oji know of this spectacular place! With wooden bridges and a water wheel on a dried-up river bed, every corner of this small park looks as if came out of a painting. This is one of my favorite cherry blossom spots of all time.
First Bloom Forecast: Mar 22 (Fri)
Full Bloom Forecast: Mar 30 (Sat)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee:
Access: Oji Station, JR Keihin Tohoku Line
11. Yasukuni Shrine
Yasukuni Shrine showcases about 500 cherry blossoms, including one designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Weather Observatory. During the Chiyoda Sakura Festival, attended by half a million visitors, various events take place (schedule permitting). Traditional performances, like the Night Sakura Noh at the shrine’s historic Noh theater on April 2nd and 3rd (with admission fees), add to the cherry blossom season’s allure.
First bloom forecast: March 21 (Wed)
Full bloom forecast: March 29 (Fri)
Hours: 06:00 to 18:00
Free Admission
Access: 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (Toei Shinjuku, Hanzomon Line, or Tozai Line)
12. Kinuta Park
Kinuta Park provides ample space for relaxation under cherry blossoms, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy picnics. Walking along the Taneda River, adorned with cherry blossoms, offers a delightful springtime experience, with many large trees allowing for close-up views of the blooms.
First bloom forecast: March 20 (Wed)
Final bloom forecast: March 28 (Thur)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 20-minute walk from Yoga Station, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
13. Asukayama Park
Asukayama has been a lively cherry blossom destination since the Edo period when Tokugawa Yoshimune planted cherry trees here for public enjoyment. Today, the park still attracts many visitors during cherry blossom season, with lanterns illuminating the area for nighttime viewing until 9:00 PM (schedule permitting).
Related: Tokyo Sakura Tram Travel Guide
First Bloom Forecast: Mar 23 (Sat)
Full Bloom Forecast: Mar 31 (Sun)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: Oji Station, JR Keihin Tohoku Line
14. Shinjuku Gyoen
Around 1,000 cherry blossom trees bloom in this vast park, and some types bloom as early as February. In recent years, the park has gained more popularity for being the location of Makoto Shinkai’s animated feature, “The Garden of Words.”
Read more: Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms
First Bloom Forecast: March 19 (Tue)
Full Bloom Forecast: Mar 31 (Sun)
Business Hours: 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: JPY 500
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
15. Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park, a serene oasis in central Tokyo, offers various cherry blossom varieties starting to bloom as early as mid-February. The central plaza is a must-visit spot, where visitors can relax on the grass under the cherry blossoms and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, accompanied by the soothing chirping of birds.
First bloom forecast: March 23 (Sat)
Full bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 3-minute walk from Yoyogi-koen Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
16. Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom-lined pathways offer a picturesque scene of springtime in Tokyo. The rows of Yoshino cherry trees, casting a pale pink hue over the Imperial Palace moat, are a popular spot for salarymen and office workers to enjoy hanami after work. The contrast between the lush greenery and the delicate cherry blossoms viewed from the pathways creates a stunningly beautiful sight.
First bloom forecast: March 24 (Sun)
Final bloom forecast: March 30 (Sat)
Open 24 hours
Free Admission
Access: 5-minute walk from Hanzomon Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
17. Sumida Park
Walk under a tunnel of sakura trees as you take a stroll along the Sumida River. You can take a photo of Tokyo Skytree framed by cherry blossoms as well as watch yakatabune boats passing by.
First bloom forecast: March 23 (Sat)
Full bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 7-min walk from Asakusa Station
18. Koganei Park
ThKoganei Park is famous for its diverse cherry blossom varieties, including the traditional “Meisho Koganei Sakura” (Yamazakura). The cherry blossom garden, with approx. 1,400 trees, is right outside the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum, so you can plan a picnic in the morning and explore the quaint museum afterward, or vice versa.
First bloom forecast: March 23 (Sat)
Full bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 20-minute walk from Higashi Koganei Station, JR Chuo Line
19. Jindai Botanical Gardens
indai Botanical Park, near Jindaiji Temple, features diverse flora, including its famous cherry blossoms. With 60 cherry varieties and 600 trees, highlights include the sakura garden and weeping cherry trees. The whole Jindaiji area is worth a day’s trip, and you can find more ideas on how to spend your day here.
First bloom forecast: March 23 (Sat)
Full bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Business Hours: 09:30 to 17:00, closed on Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission Fee: JPY 500
Access: 20-minute bus ride from Kichijoji Station, JR Chuo Line
20. Shiba Park
Shiba Park, one of Japan’s first designated parks since 1873, offers a nostalgic charm with its abundance of large trees like camphor and zelkova. In spring, visitors can admire the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the iconic Tokyo Tower.
First bloom forecast: March 24 (Sun)
Final bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: Shiba Koen Station, Toei Mita Line
21. Tama River Bank (Fussa Side)
Fussa takes great pride in its approximately 500 cherry blossom trees, which currently adorn the 2.5 km-long Tamagawa embankment, making it the top destination for cherry blossom viewing in Fussa City. As a part of the annual cherry blossom festival, the trees are illuminated at night, adding to the beauty of the already mesmerizing scene.
First bloom forecast: March 25 (Mon)
Full bloom forecast: April 1 (Mon)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 16-minute walk from Ushihama Station, JR Ome Line
22. Mizumoto Park
Mizumoto Park, Tokyo’s sole waterside park, provides a serene setting for enjoying cherry blossoms along the 3.5-kilometer sakura path. With Yoshino cherry trees adorning the pathway, visitors can also explore grassy fields, an aquatic plant garden, and a babbling brook area for water play.
First bloom forecast: March 24 (Sun)
Full bloom forecast: April 1 (Mon)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 10-minute bus ride from Kanamachi Station, JR Joban Line
23. Tatsumi no Mori Ryokudo Park
Tatsumi no Mori Ryokudo Park, nestled beside Tatsumi no Mori Seaside Park, offers a romantic ambiance with its long stretch of cherry blossom trees. This hidden gem features Yoshino cherry trees with trunks over 1 meter in circumference, providing a unique spot to enjoy the blossoms. The approximately 600-meter-long cherry blossom avenue bursts into pink hues as the buds open one by one, creating a captivating scene.
First Bloom Forecast: March 25 (Mon)
Full Bloom Forecast: April 1 (Mon)
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 7-minute walk from Tatsumi Station, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
24. Hamura Weir
This scenic waterway is part of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which is responsible for Tokyo’s water supply. The area is an open space where visitors can enjoy a picnic under cherry blossom trees.
First bloom forecast: March 25 (Mon)
Full bloom forecast: April 2 (Tue)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 10-minute walk from Hamura Station, JR Ome Line
25. Musashino Park
Musashino Park offers rustic charm with its grassy fields and tree groves along the Nogawa River. During spring, about 40 cherry blossom varieties bloom from mid-March to late April, adding color to the park and delighting visitors.
First bloom forecast: March 24 (Mon)
Full bloom forecast: April 2 (Tue)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 15-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station, JR Chuo Line
26. Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park, visible after leaving the streets of Kichijoji, offers a glimpse of Musashino’s beauty. With approximately 400 cherry trees blooming around Inokashira Pond, the park becomes enchanting during full bloom. Boating on the pond while admiring the cherry blossoms is a delightful experience, with the impressive branches reaching out over the water adding to the charm. The view from Nanai Bridge is also breathtaking.
First bloom forecast: March 19 (Tue)
Full bloom forecast: March 26 (Tue)
Open 24 hours
Free admission
Access: 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station, JR Chuo Line
27. Showa Kinen Park
Beautiful all seasons, Showa Kinen Park is a sure choice for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The park has vast manicured lawns which makes it easy to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the sun. You can also rent a bike and weave through the park’s cycling course as well as ride rowboats and duck boats.
First bloom forecast: March 22 (Fri)
Full bloom forecast: March 31 (Sun)
Hours: 09:30 to 17:00
Admission Fee: JPY 450
Access: Tachikawa Station, JR Ome Line
28. Kyu-Nakagawa Misobe Park
A lesser-known cherry blossom spot in Tokyo, Kyu-Nakagawa Park is located on the banks of a curvy river. A portion of the park has early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossom trees, which means visitors can enjoy sakura longer. Tokyo Skytree can also be seen in the distance.
Blooming Dates: Late March to early April
Open 24 hours
No admission fee
Access: 13-minute bus ride from Hirai Station, JR Chuo Line
29. Kiyosumi Park
Kiyosumi is a landscape garden that once belonged to the founder of Mitsubishi. Its proximity to bodies of water invites different species of birds, which makes the park a favorable spot for birdwatching.
First bloom forecast: April 4 (Thur)
Final bloom forecast: Apr 13 (Sat)
Business Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: JPY 150
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit A3 of Kiyomisu Shirakawa Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line/Toei Oedo Line
Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossom season in Tokyo typically occurs from late March to early April, but the exact timing can vary depending on the weather.
The cherry blossoms typically last for about one to two weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Yes, it is a popular tradition to have a “hanami” picnic under the cherry blossom trees during the season. However, visitors are expected to clean up after themselves and be respectful of the surroundings.
Yes, many cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo have illumination events at night, which allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms in a different way.
Cherry blossom viewing spots can get very crowded, especially during the weekends and peak viewing periods. Visitors are advised to arrive early and be prepared for crowds.
It is recommended to dress comfortably and in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as many cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo require walking or standing for extended periods of time.
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture. The beauty and transience of the blossoms are celebrated during the annual cherry blossom season.
Find Out More
For a longer list of cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, check out Jorudan’s website (Japanese only). For real-time updates and photos, follow Tokyo Past 3’s Facebook account or check my Instagram or Twitter.
