Picture this: you’re standing under a canopy of pastel pink petals as a gentle breeze scatters blooms at your feet. That’s the magic of Tokyo’s hanami season. Whether you’re chasing bloom dates or hunting hidden gems, these Tokyo hanami cherry blossom spots will help you plan the ultimate sakura experience.
Want to nail the timing of your outing? Check our Tokyo cherry blossom season guide for bloom forecasts and park rules. Ready to dive in? Let’s go.
Plan your cherry blossom outing
A little prep goes a long way when chasing cherry blossoms. Here’s how to set yourself up for sakura success
- Track bloom forecasts by consulting official updates and our Tokyo cherry blossom season guide
- Book park entries when required, especially at Shinjuku Gyoen on weekends and holidays
- Aim for weekdays or early mornings to beat the crowds
- Pack picnic essentials – blanket, reusable chopsticks, wet wipes, and cash
- Dress in layers to tackle cool mornings and spring sunshine (see our seasonal clothing)
Explore Ueno Park
What to expect
Ueno Park is Tokyo’s most iconic hanami hotspot. Nearly 1,000 cherry trees line its central pathway creating a soft pink tunnel. You’ll find food stalls along the walkways, museum stops when you need a break, and lantern-lit blossoms at night (Inspiring Vacations).
Tips for Ueno visit
- Arrive before 8 AM on weekdays to score a picnic spot
- Carry small trash bags – bins fill up fast at peak season
- Explore Shinobazu Pond for night illuminations until mid-April (Japan Guide)
- Swing by Ameyoko Market for extra snacks and souvenirs
Visit Shinjuku Gyoen
Special varieties
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a masterclass in sakura diversity. With over 70 cherry blossom varieties, early bloomers and late-blooming trees overlap for weeks of floral spectacle. You’ll spot layers of pink petals against manicured lawns and traditional tea houses.
Booking and hours
Weekends and holidays from March 22 to April 6 require advance reservations between 10 AM and 4 PM. Entry costs ¥500. The garden opens at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM daily (Japan Guide).
Stroll the Meguro River
Festival highlights
Late March to early April draws crowds to Nakameguro Station, where some 800 cherry trees arch over a 3.8-kilometer canal. Soft lanterns sway in the breeze and pop-up stalls dish out seasonal treats (Go Tokyo).
Best viewpoints
- Stand on the Naka-Meguro Bridge for a classic panorama
- Wander under the Kaminoge-dori underpass for a tunnel effect
- Peek from riverside cafes at dusk to catch pink reflections
Paddle at Chidorigafuchi
Boat rental info
At the Chidorigafuchi Boat House near Kudanshita Station, you can rent rowboats for about ¥600 per 30 minutes. Paddling beneath petal-lined branches is a romantic ritual you won’t forget.
Nighttime magic
When darkness falls, the moat-side path glows with soft lighting. Boat rentals end at dusk, but strolling lantern-lit trails remains dreamy (Travely Notes).
Admire Rikugien Gardens
Special nighttime viewing
Rikugien Gardens transforms into a wonderland after sunset during its special nighttime spring viewing. A 70-year-old weeping cherry tree takes center stage, illuminated against inky skies (Go Tokyo).
Entry details
The garden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). During evening events it stays open until 9 PM (last entry 8:30 PM). Admission is ¥300.
Discover Sumida riverside spots
Sumida Park
With over 600 cherry trees lining both sides of the Sumida River, this park offers peaceful strolls and stellar views of Tokyo Skytree. Bring a picnic blanket and grab snacks from nearby stalls (Tessomewhere).
Bokutei Sakura-matsuri
Running from mid-March to mid-April, the Bokutei Sakura-matsuri Festival lights up the riverside with lanterns and food booths. You’ll see Tokyo Skytree towering above pastel blooms (Go Tokyo).
Relax in Yoyogi Park
Picnic vibes
Yoyogi Park is the social heart of hanami. Somei Yoshino cherry trees form a gentle canopy over vast lawns where you can spread out a sheet and relax. Local vendors line the main paths with snacks and drinks (Tessomewhere).
Arrival tips
Arrive early to claim a spot. The park opens at 5 AM, but most visitors trickle in by 9 AM. Expect lively crowds near Harajuku Station on weekends.
Unwind at Inokashira Park
Lakeside charm
Inokashira Park features a lake where you can rent swan boats beneath drooping branches. It’s a short train ride from Shinjuku, perfect for a half-day cherry break (Tessomewhere).
Nearby attractions
Don’t miss the Ghibli Museum (advance tickets required). The park’s forested trails lead you through serene woods dotted with blossoms.
Enjoy Nihonbashi Sakura Fes
Nihonbashi city center dresses up in pink lights and lanterns each spring. During Sakura Fes Nihonbashi 2025, restaurants offer cherry-inspired menus and shops decorate window displays. It’s a modern twist on hanami right among Tokyo’s financial district (Go Tokyo).
Savor hanami picnic treats
Fuel your hanami with these festival favorites
- Hanami dango: colorful pastel rice dumplings
- Sakura mochi: sweet rice cake wrapped in cherry leaf
- Onigiri: rice balls with plum, salmon, or tuna mayo filling
- Rilakkuma sakura sweets: cute convenience-store treats
For a deeper dive into seasonal eats, see our seasonal foods.
Capture perfect cherry photos
Sunrise and sunset shots
Golden hours at Ueno Park or Chidorigafuchi create shimmering reflections. Arrive 15 minutes before sunrise or sunset to set up your frame.
Composition tips
- Frame branches against the sky for bold contrast
- Use water reflections along the Meguro River for symmetry
- Try low angles under trees to emphasize the canopy
Learn more in our photography seasons guide.
Key takeaways
- Plan ahead using bloom forecasts and reserve entries when needed
- Mix popular spots like Ueno with quieter gems such as Sumida Park
- Visit early or on weekdays to avoid crowds
- Pack picnic treats, a blanket, and reusable gear
- Don’t forget your camera for sunrise and sunset shots
Which spot will you hit first? Share your pick in the comments below and start planning your Tokyo hanami adventure.
Frequently asked questions
When is peak bloom in Tokyo?
Peak bloom usually falls between late March and early April, around March 30 to April 5. Keep an eye on forecasts for exact dates.
Do I need reservations for parks?
Only Shinjuku Gyoen requires advance reservations on weekends and holidays. Other parks operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are hanami picnics allowed everywhere?
Most parks welcome picnics but watch for designated areas and proper trash disposal. Ueno has bins, but packing out your garbage is always best.
What should I bring for hanami?
Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, water, a camera, garbage bags, wet wipes, and a portable charger. Layers help you adapt to cool mornings and sunny afternoons.
Can I rent boats under the blossoms?
Yes, at Chidorigafuchi and Inokashira Park. Rentals cost around ¥600 for 30 minutes. Note that boat service ends at dusk.
