Experience Tokyo’s yozakura (夜桜)—cherry blossoms beautifully illuminated at night—with this carefully selected mix of famous spots and hidden gems for 2025. Each location promises a unique experience, whether you’re wandering through glowing tunnels of blossoms or enjoying the tranquility of softly illuminated gardens. I’ve included highlights, unique features, local tips, and confirmed dates and schedules so you can plan the perfect hanami evening.
1. Chidorigafuchi Moat
Chidorigafuchi, near the Imperial Palace, is a classic Tokyo cherry blossom spot. Around 230 cherry trees line the moat, their illuminated petals reflecting beautifully on the water, creating a magical pink tunnel. Enhance the experience by renting a rowboat at night (advance smart tickets available!), floating beneath the blossoms for a truly enchanting view.
Light-Up Schedule: March 20 – April 2, 2025 (18:00–21:00)
Unique Features: The moat waters reflect the illuminated blossoms, and you can rent rowboats in the evening for a magical up-close view (advance “smart tickets” are offered in 2025 to skip lines, with part of proceeds funding cherry tree upkeep). The 2025 festival emphasizes sustainability – eco-friendly LED lights will gently illuminate the trees without harming them, and power is offset with renewable energy for a sakura glow that’s both beautiful and green. A fun twist this year: a puzzle-solving rally will let visitors explore various bloom spots in the area as part of the festiva
Pro Tip: Before or after your stroll, stop by Yasukuni Shrine (just across the road), which also has many cherry trees and typically hosts food stalls during bloom. The shrine’s approach is lined with lanterns and festival booths, adding a festive vibe. Also nearby is the Kitanomaru Park area – a quieter extension of the moat pathway for a peaceful walk – and the illuminated Nippon Budokan building can be glimpsed through the trees.
2. Meguro River (Nakameguro)
Walking along the Meguro River beneath 800 illuminated cherry trees feels like stepping into a lively street festival. Lantern-lit pathways, trendy cafes, and pop-up stalls serving sakura-themed drinks and treats add to the festive mood. The reflection of blossoms in the water creates an unforgettable “flower raft” experience.
Light-Up Schedule: March 19–30, 2025 (18:00–20:00)
Unique Features: Lantern-lit bridges and canalside cafes give Nakameguro a charming vibe. The river’s surface becomes a ribbon of reflections, often turning pink with fallen petals (it’s nicknamed a “flower raft”). In the evenings, hundreds of bonbori (paper lanterns) hang overhead, adding a festive yet intimate atmosphere. Unlike a park, here you’ll be walking a narrow path right next to trendy boutiques, bars, and street food stalls – it feels like a sakura street party. Grab a cup of sakura-themed sparkling wine or snacks from pop-up vendors and join the locals as they celebrate beneath the blossoms.
Pro Tip: Make an evening of it in Nakameguro – the neighborhood is full of hip cafés, restaurants, and dessert shops. You can do some boutique shopping along Nakameguro’s side streets or head to Daikanyama (a short walk away) for a coffee before your walk. For a quieter view, walk further downstream toward Meguro’s Gotanda area where the crowds thin (Shinagawa Ward also lights up the river around Gotanda Fureai Waterside Plaza). After enjoying the blossoms, consider walking north to Yutenji or Ebisu for dinner – both areas are within 15–20 minutes and offer great izakayas and bars to wind down.
3. Ueno Park
Ueno Park, a classic since Edo times, offers an energetic hanami celebration beneath more than 1,200 cherry trees illuminated by traditional lanterns. Expect joyful crowds, delicious street food, and a nostalgic atmosphere filled with laughter, singing, and dancing.
Light-Up Schedule: March 18 – April 6, 2025 (until 21:00)
Unique Features: Paper lantern light-up is what makes Ueno’s yozakura special. Every spring, the park hangs lanterns along the central pathways – when lit at dusk, they cast a warm golden glow on the blooming branches, creating an almost dreamlike scene. You’ll hear the sounds of festival drums or shamisen music if you’re lucky, and smell tasty aromas from dozens of yatai (food stalls) that pop up. What sets Ueno apart is the blend of culture and nature: towering museum buildings and the pagoda of Kaneiji Temple loom in the background, and nearby Shinobazu Pond often has its sakura around the water’s edge lit up as well. The park’s party-like atmosphere (complete with singing, dancing, and friendly toasts) shows the joyful spirit of Tokyoites at cherry blossom time.
Pro Tip: Ueno Park sits in a cultural hub. In the late afternoon before the lights come on, you could visit the Tokyo National Museum or Ueno Zoo (if time allows) – both are within the park grounds. After enjoying the night blossoms, take a short walk to Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko), the bustling market street by Ueno Station, which has casual eateries and pubs perfect for a post-hanami bite. Alternatively, wander over to Shinobazu Pond on the park’s south side: at night, the Bentendo temple on its little island is illuminated, and you’ll see the reflection of city lights on the water. For a change of scenery, the historic Yanaka neighborhood (one stop away on the train) offers quaint lanes and temples – it’s quiet at night, but an atmospheric area if you want to continue an evening walk away from the crowds.
4. Sumida Park
With cherry blossoms framing views of Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Park offers a fantastic blend of modernity and tradition. At night, hundreds of lanterns softly illuminate the cherry-lined riverside path. Watching traditional yakatabune boats drift by under the blossoms adds a timeless charm.
Light-Up Schedule: March 15 – April 13, 2025 (18:30–21:00)
Unique Features: Riverside ambiance with boats – Sumida Park lets you enjoy blooms along a broad river, which is unique among Tokyo sakura spots. Traditional yakatabune houseboats ply the river; you’ll see their lanterns float by, and you can even book one for a dinner cruise to view the lit-up trees from the water. On foot, you can stroll nearly 1km of park pathways under the blossoms. The east bank (Sumida Ward side) tends to host modern events (like food trucks and music in recent years), while the west bank (Taito side, by Asakusa) retains a classic festival feel with lanterns known as the Bokutei Sakura light-up. Also unique here: at night you can capture the perfect photo of Skytree glowing in pink, framed by sakura – a true “Tokyo” scene blending nature and neon. Don’t forget to walk across Azuma Bridge or Sakurabashi Bridge to appreciate the view of both banks’ blooms lining the river – it’s especially gorgeous when the bridges themselves are lit.
Pro Tip: Right next to Sumida Park is Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s top tourist districts. In the evening, take a short walk to Sensoji Temple’s Kaminarimon gate – it’s beautifully illuminated at night and often less crowded late, offering a serene atmosphere with a few cherry trees in its precincts too. For an elevated perspective, consider going up Tokyo Skytree (across the river) after your hanami; during the sakura season Skytree has special lighting (in 2025, look out for a pink and white “Sakura Sky” illumination) and the Tembo Deck might have sakura décor or events. Also nearby on the Sumida side is the Sumida Aquarium and Skytree Town if you want indoor entertainment. For something different, you can catch a waterbus cruise from Asakusa Pier – some evening cruise routes let you enjoy illuminated bridges and riverbank blossoms from the boat. Lastly, if you’re a runner or walker, the Sumida River promenade south of the park offers a quieter stroll lined with cherry trees that leads toward Tsukishima – an option if you want to extend your night walk beyond the main park area.
5. Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien is famous for its stunning giant weeping cherry tree, illuminated dramatically each spring during a special nighttime event. The peaceful garden atmosphere makes it perfect for anyone seeking elegance and calm rather than crowds. Enjoy the softly lit pathways, traditional landscaping, and the romantic reflection of blossoms on water.
Light-Up Schedule: One week between March 14–30, 2025 (18:30–21:00; advance tickets recommended)
Unique Features: Rikugien offers a refined experience of cherry blossoms in a classic Japanese garden setting. The paths are lit and carefully laid out so you encounter various “scenes” – such as the illuminated weeping cherry reflected in a pond, or subtly lit stone lanterns under cherry trees. They even light up other parts of the garden like small bridges and historic Edo-period buildings, creating romantic vignettes. What’s unique is the contrast of the softly lit pink blossoms against the garden’s peaceful darkness; you can hear night crickets and trickling streams as you wander. There are usually a few photo spots set up (in 2024 they created photogenic angles for visitors). Sometimes a tea house in the garden will stay open late, offering matcha and seasonal sweets – imagine sipping warm green tea while gazing at an illuminated cherry tree. Because entry is controlled, it never feels overly crowded inside, making Rikugien’s yozakura a truly special, almost otherworldly experience.
Pro Tip: Tips: Rikugien is in Komagome, a quiet neighborhood. Before your evening entry, you could explore the nearby Old Furukawa Gardens (Kyu-Furukawa Teien) about 15 minutes’ walk away – it has roses and a western mansion (not much sakura, but a beautiful site by day). Also, Sugamo’s Jizo-dori (“Grandma’s Harajuku”) shopping street is one train stop away; while it closes by early evening, you might catch it for dinner – Sugamo has some old-fashioned eateries where you can try traditional sweets or hearty dishes. If you want a bite closer to Rikugien, Komagome Station area has some local izakayas and café spots (it’s fairly low-key; consider trying a local soba noodle shop or curry shop there). For more cherry blossoms, the nearby Asukayama Park (3 stops away on the train) is another historic spot – though if you’re doing Rikugien at night, you might save Asukayama for a daytime visit. Finally, if you’re a fan of quaint old neighborhoods, take a short walk or bus to Yanaka Ginza shopping street (about 2km south of Rikugien) – at dusk it’s atmospheric and you might find a small bar or two open, offering a nice end to your Rikugien night.
6. Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)
Tokyo Midtown offers a chic urban hanami experience along its stylish Sakura-dori, lined with around 100 illuminated cherry trees. Enjoy sakura-themed drinks at the outdoor Blossom Lounge or appreciate contemporary art installations illuminated alongside the blossoms. It’s hanami with a sophisticated city twist.
Light-Up Schedule: March 14 – April 13, 2025 (17:00–23:00)
Unique Features: Urban elegance defines Midtown’s sakura viewing. The trees here are largely Somei-Yoshino, planted back from when the site was the Defense Agency, now beautifully mature and arching over the street. At night they usually use cool white LEDs to light the trees from below, giving a subtle, classy glow to the blossoms A unique Midtown perk is the “Midtown Blossom Lounge” – each year, they set up an open-air café/bar (often in collaboration with a fancy restaurant) where you can sit under the lit trees and enjoy a drink or dessert. In 2025, for example, the adjacent restaurant Union Square Tokyo is participating in the festival, meaning you can likely sip wine or champagne under the blossoms in a comfy setting. Another highlight is Midtown’s public art; during spring they sometimes have sakura-themed art installations or even projection mappings on the buildings. Overall, it’s a blend of culture and convenience – you’re steps away from shops, dining, and even the Suntory Museum of Art, all open late, which is quite a different atmosphere from a traditional park.
Tips: Being in Roppongi, you have plenty of nearby options. Roppongi Hills is a 10-minute walk away – check out its Mori Garden which also has illuminated cherry trees around a pond, and the famous Sakura-zaka (Cherry Blossom Slope) behind Roppongi Hills lined with 75 sakura trees that are lit up; it’s a bit of a local hidden gem and makes a nice combo with Midtown. Also, consider going up to the Tokyo City View Observatory in Roppongi Hills or the Top of Tokyo Midtown (Tokyo Midtown’s observation deck if available) for a skyline view – at night you might spot pockets of pink around the city. If you’re into art, the Mori Art Museum at Roppongi Hills is open late (often until 10pm on weekends) – a great pre-hanami activity. For dinner, Midtown itself has many restaurants, but also the surrounding area of Akasaka and Tameike-Sanno (one train stop away) offers everything from high-end sushi to casual yakitori. Finally, if you want to continue the night, Roppongi’s nightlife beckons – but even just a leisurely walk through the illuminated Tokyo Midtown Park (behind the main complex, where there are a few cherry trees by the lawn) can be a relaxing way to end the evening.
7. Asukayama Park
Asukayama Park, beloved since the 18th century, offers a relaxed, authentic hanami atmosphere away from tourist crowds. With around 600 cherry trees illuminated by lanterns, this park provides a cozy, nostalgic experience. Enjoy a quiet evening picnic and experience hanami as Tokyo locals have for generations.
Light-Up Schedule: Late March – early April 2025 (until 21:00)
Unique Features: Old-world charm and community vibe make Asukayama special. In the evenings, you’ll see families, couples, and groups of friends spread out on picnic sheets under the softly illuminated trees (the park tries to discourage really late parties, so it’s peaceful by night). Paper lanterns are usually hung throughout the grounds, lending a nostalgic feel as they sway in the breeze. Asukayama is also known for its small monorail train (the Asukargo, a free mini cable car) that carries people up the hill – a fun little ride especially if you have kids, running until early evening. On the hilltop, besides cherry trees, you’ll find the Asukayama Museum and Paper Museum, and even some old SL train and streetcar displays; the silhouettes of these against the lit blossoms make for unique photo ops. Because it’s elevated, you can sometimes catch glimpses of city lights beyond the park’s trees, yet feel completely nestled in nature. Another unique aspect: Asukayama’s long history means many of its cherry trees are quite old and form picturesque canopies. The park paths are wide and lined with benches, so you can sit and soak in the atmosphere. It’s essentially a slice of classic Tokyo hanami, where locals greet their neighbors under the blossoms – a very warm, authentic scene.
Pro Tip: Asukayama Park is in Oji, a neighborhood in Tokyo’s Kita Ward. Right at the foot of the park is the Oji Inari Shrine, known for its fox statues; while not a big cherry spot, it’s worth a quick look especially if you come in late afternoon (the shrine might not be lit much at night). Also nearby is the Otonashi Shinsui Park, a picturesque little park along a stream just west of Asukayama – it has a few weeping cherries and some lanterns and is a quiet hidden gem for an evening stroll (if you have time, check it out; it’s literally down the hill on the other side of Oji Station). For rail fans, Oji Station area lets you hop on the charming Toden Arakawa Streetcar (Tokyo Sakura Tram) – this tram line has sakura along it and Oji is one stop, so even taking it one or two stations (especially toward Arakawa) can be fun; the streetcar itself sometimes is decorated with sakura motifs in season. In terms of food, Oji has some local izakayas and ramen shops. You might try the shopping street in front of Oji Station for takoyaki or taiyaki snacks to take to the park. If you’re up for exploring further, the nearby Kita-ku Chuo Park (15 min walk) also has cherry trees and is lit at night, or hop a train to Ikebukuro (a few stops away on the JR line) if you want to cap the night with city nightlife. But honestly, part of Asukayama’s charm is enjoying a quiet night in a local neighborhood – you could simply grab a convenience store bento and sit under the lantern-lit blossoms for a peaceful meal, just as local families do.
8, Kanda River & Edogawa Greenway
For a serene, less-crowded nighttime stroll, follow the illuminated Kanda River path from Waseda to Iidabashi. Cherry trees create a beautiful glowing canopy over the gently flowing river, providing an intimate yozakura experience. Enjoy the reflections of illuminated blossoms on the water and the tranquil neighborhood atmosphere.
Light-Up Schedule: March 25 – early April 2025 (18:00–21:00)
Unique Features: Sakura archways over water – Kanda River’s cherry trees often meet in the middle, forming an arch that almost completely covers the river. At night, the blossoms are lit from below, and you can see the lights reflecting in the water along with the silhouette of carp or ducks occasionally swimming by. One especially beautiful spot is around Omokagebashi Bridge near Waseda, known as a “photo spot” for its view of illuminated blossoms stretching in both directions. Unlike the bustling Meguro River, Kanda River’s paths are quieter and narrower, making you feel like you’ve discovered a secret sakura tunnel. Another unique aspect is the presence of cascades and small falls in the river (especially near Edogawa Park) – the sound of flowing water accompanies your walk. This area has strong ties to literature (author Natsume Soseki lived nearby) so you might feel a bit of that old Tokyo literary charm. During the bloom, the local community holds a one-day Waseda Sakura Matsuri which adds some festive touches (think small food stands, children’s performances, etc.), but overall this remains a peaceful spot. It’s also very accessible – you can start near Waseda University and follow the river all the way to Iidabashi, experiencing an evolving cityscape of cherry blossoms for a couple of kilometers.
Pro Tip: Start at Waseda University in the early evening – the campus has some cherry trees and you can grab a coffee at a student café. Then, enter the Kanda River path at Omokagebashi (next to Waseda tram stop) and stroll east. You’ll pass near Chinzan-so Garden (which has its own famous weeping cherry and is lit up at night, though entry is for restaurant/hotel guests – but you can peek from outside) and Edogawa Park, which is actually a lovely public park where the river widens slightly; it has plenty of benches and often some lanterns. Edogawa Park is adjacent to the Canal Café at Iidabashi – a romantic waterfront café where you can dine next to the illuminated river (reservations recommended during sakura). Also nearby is Kagurazaka, a charming district of lantern-lit alleys and French eateries – just a 5-minute walk from where the Kanda (here called Edo-gawa) meets Iidabashi. Kagurazaka at night is delightful for a post-walk drink or dessert, with subtle traditionally styled lamps that match the cherry blossom mood. Transit-wise, you can use the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (Waseda) or Yurakucho Line (Edogawa-bashi) at the start, and finish at Iidabashi Station (multiple lines) – extremely convenient. If you want to extend your walk, you can actually follow the river further east past Iidabashi through a park called Sotobori Park (the outer moat park) which also has cherry trees and illumination, leading toward the Imperial Palace north side. But as a hidden gem, the Waseda-Iidabashi section is the highlight.
A Sakura Night to Remember
Tokyo’s nighttime cherry blossoms offer experiences ranging from lively festivities to serene escapes—each spot uniquely special. Don’t miss your chance to make unforgettable memories during the 2025 sakura season!
