As the chilly winter months give way to the warmth and renewal of spring, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of stunning sakura blooms. However, the beauty of cherry blossoms can sometimes be overshadowed by the bustling crowds seeking to admire them. To ensure a more serene and enjoyable hanami experience, I’ve curated a selection of less-crowded cherry blossom spots in Tokyo that allow you to escape the crowds and truly appreciate the splendor of spring.
Tama River Bank (Fussa Side)
This cherry blossom spot takes your breath away the moment your eyes land on it. Picture this: a 2.5 km stretch of sakura trees lining the scenic Tama River, with plenty of spaces to sit back and soak in the beauty. And as you follow the path, you’ll end up at Tamagawa Central Park, where even more seasonal blooms and sakura await. Situated in Fussa City, it’s a nice escape from the hustle of central Tokyo, letting you savor the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
Koganei Park
This park is so huge that it takes a good 30 minutes just to walk from one side to the other. Along the way, you’ll come across plenty of spots perfect for outdoor activities. There’s even a dedicated cherry blossom area that, despite the crowds, still feels relaxed and easy to navigate. Oh, and bonus: the cherry blossom garden is right next to the entrance of the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Museum, a treasure trove of restored and recreated historic buildings. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this park and soaking in all its wonders.
Tokyo Sakura Tram
There’s a reason the Toden Arakawa Line is affectionately known as the “Tokyo Sakura Tram.” This picturesque train line takes you through a variety of cherry blossom hotspots, some bustling with crowds and others more peaceful. With a one-day pass, you can ride the tram from one end to the other, admiring sakura from the windows or hopping off to explore delightful stops along the way. For a comprehensive guide to the must-see cherry blossom locations on this line, see this.
Showa Kinen Park
If I had to pick one word to describe Showa Kinen Park, it would be “vast.” I’ve visited this park on numerous occasions, yet I’m still discovering new sights to see. When you first arrive, the crowds might seem a bit overwhelming, but fear not – the cherry blossom garden is tucked away deeper in the park, providing a more tranquil atmosphere. Plus, you’ll find sakura scattered throughout other areas, so it’s just a matter of choosing your favorite spot to settle in and marvel at the breathtaking views.
Tamako Bike Path
It’s a shame that this gorgeous cherry blossom spot remains relatively under the radar. The Tamako Bike Path, perfect for both cyclists and pedestrians, unfolds through residential neighborhoods along the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Stretching approximately 10 km, the path ultimately leads to Lake Tama, where even more stunning cherry blossoms await. You can read more about it here.
Inokashira Park
While Inokashira Park does attract more visitors than some of the other spots on this list, it still offers a calmer atmosphere compared to bustling parks like Ueno or Yoyogi. Here, you can glide across the water on swan boats and rowboats, taking in the picturesque sakura views. The cherry blossom area is conveniently located near the quaint zoo, and you can even pair your hanami experience with a visit to the enchanting Ghibli Museum – just remember, reservations are a must!
Chidorigafuchi
You might be surprised to see Chidorigafuchi on this list, as it’s known for drawing crowds. And yes, it can be quite busy along the footpath, but here’s the secret: once you hop into a boat, the atmosphere becomes much more peaceful. The added bonus? Both the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine are just a stone’s throw away, allowing you to explore multiple attractions in a single day – a definite plus for any hanami outing.
Watch the Video: 7 Stunning, Less-Crowded Cherry Blossom Spots
Want to see what these places look like? Watch the video below.
What Matters Most
So that’s my list of recommended Tokyo cherry blossom spots for people who want to enjoy sakura without being stuck in an unmoving queue. At the end of the day, where you go matters less than who you’re with (and that’s including yourself for company). After all, the best cherry blossom spots are always the ones with good memories.
