Cherry Blossom Tokyo Guide – Best Things to See & Do in 2025

Sakura (cherry blossom) season in Tokyo is a magical time to visit, but it’s also one of the busiest times, so planning your trip in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.

The exact dates vary from year to year, but generally, the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is from late March to early April. During this time, hanami (blossom viewing) parties pop up at parks, riversides, and other public places where cherry trees are close by.

In addition to all of the amazing cheery blossom festivals and parties, you can also find many sakura-themed desserts, sweets, snacks, and other items at cafes and restaurants around Tokyo.

This cherry blossom Tokyo guide is designed to help you maximize your sakura experience so that you can make the most incredible memories of your time in Japan. Let’s go! 

Planning a trip to Tokyo in the spring? Check out my Best Hotels with View of Tokyo Tower article for top tips on hotels with the most scenic views in Tokyo.

Contents:

• How to find out when the cherry blossoms will bloom
• Top 10 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo
• 5 Amazing Sakura-Themed Afternoon Teas You Can Try in Tokyo
• Cafes & Stores Serving Cherry Blossom-Themed Sweet Treats
• Unique Ways to See Cherry Blossoms Around Tokyo
• Top Tips on How to Hanami Like a Local

How to find out when the cherry blossoms will bloom

The best and most reliable place for finding out the most up-to-date information on cherry blossom blooming periods throughout Japan can be found on the official Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) website (www.n-kishou.com). 

Released annually, the cherry blossom forecast includes blooming dates for around 1,000 locations across Japan. The first forecasts are given at the beginning of the year, followed by more accurate forecasts as the blooming dates approach.

If you are looking for more detailed and convenient cherry blossom site navigation, JMC has also developed Sakura Navi, a paid-for app that provides flowering forecasts, bloom dates, and a flower meter feature that tracks bloom progression in nearby spots.

Top 10 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo

1. Midtown Garden

Located in Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown Garden is a popular beauty spot year-round. However, between mid-March and mid-April, larger crowds gather to enjoy the peak cherry blossom blooming period and to walk along the 200-meter-long avenue of cherry trees that create a bright pink canopy along the waterfront. The highlight of the season is the Midtown Blossom Festival, which is held from March 14 to April 13. During the event, trees throughout the park are illuminated after sunset each night to enhance and extend the viewing experience. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic art installations and grab a drink at the Blossom Lounge, set up in collaboration with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. While entrance to the gardens is free, visitors to the lounge will still need to pay for food and drinks.

2. Rikugien Garden

Located in Bunkyo, Rikugien Garden is one of the top viewing spots for cherry blossoms in Tokyo in spring, especially in the last week of March and the first week of April when visitors flock to admire the Shidarezakura, weeping cherry blossom trees during the day, and at night when they are illuminated. Entrance is ¥300, and Komagome Station is a 5-10 minute walk away.

3. Ueno Park

This large public park, located in the Taito district of Tokyo, is one of the best-known spots for cherry blossom viewing in the capital. Every spring, more than 1,200 cherry blossom trees come into bloom throughout the park, and the annual Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is held. As the sun sets, the party starts with food and drink stalls for hanami, nighttime illuminations that light up the paths and trees, and performances of live music. While the official cherry blossom period for Tokyo is expected to begin around the beginning of April, the festival begins on March 15 and runs until April 6, and is free to enter.

4. Meguro River

The Meguro River in Tokyo is known for around 800 stunning cherry blossom trees that straddle the riverbanks and create a pink and white rooftop over the water. It can be reached by either heading north from Nakameguro Station or south from Meguro Station. From late March the trees are lit up at night and food and drink stalls pop up along the river, creating a festival atmosphere. The best time for enjoying the illuminated river walk is around 8 PM. However, it can get busy, so be prepared for slow-moving crowds.

5. Nakano Street

Nakano-Dori in Nakano Ward is another much-loved spot for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, especially during the Nakano Street cherry blossom festival in late March. The event stretches along a two-kilometer section of Nakano-Dori covered with 300 cherry blossom trees that are illuminated by lights and colorful paper lanterns after sunset. This year, the festival is open daily between March 15 and April 20, from 5:30 PM until 9 PM, and is free to all, unless you want to purchase something from one of the many festival food or drinks stalls.

6. Chidorigafuchi Park

This long and narrow park, located in central Tokyo between Uchibori-dori Avenue and Hanzo-bori Moat, close to the Imperial Palace, is known for its large, stunning cherry blossom trees that reach across the moat between late March and early April when they come into full bloom. The nighttime illuminations of more than 250 cherry trees along the 700-meter-long Chidorigafuchi Green Way that sits alongside the Imperial Palace moat are one of the highlights of the season, and this year they are scheduled to take place between March 28 and April 8. Both Chidorigafuchi Park and Chidorigafuchi Green Way are free to enter and can easily be reached on foot in around 10 minutes from Hanzomon Station.

7. Yasukuni Shrine

The 500 cherry blossom trees at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda City, central Tokyo, typically come into bloom at the end of March and remain full bloom into early April. The shrine is home to the Benchmark Sakura, a tree used by meteorologists throughout Japan to determine the official start of cherry blossom season in Tokyo. For three days, March 27 to 29, the Shrine will hold a special Night Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage event to commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War, where visitors can view the inner garden illuminated at night. Entry to the Shrine grounds is free of charge, and it can be reached via a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station.

8. Yomiuri Land

This amusement park, located in Kawasaki in Southwest Tokyo, boasts more than 1,000 cherry trees throughout the entire park, but is perhaps best known during sakura season for its cherry tree lane, a 180-meter-long footpath lined with cherry trees on both sides that creates a tunnel over the walkway. Between March 20 and 31, the lane is also illuminated after sunset, offering a nighttime hanami experience. The park also features a Sky Shuttle, a cable car that links Keio Yomiuri Land Station with the park’s main entrance, and allows visitors to view a ‘carpet of sakura’ below. A ticket for park admission only costs ¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,500 for 12-15 year-olds, and ¥1,000 for 3-11 year-olds.

9. Shakujii River

This serene river, located in the Northwest of Tokyo, is known for its beautiful pink cherry blossoms that reach across the river during springtime. Peak bloom for this area of Tokyo is estimated to be around March 30. The riverside can be easily reached from Shakujii-kōen Station, on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, which is less than a 10-minute walk. It is a quieter spot for cherry blossom viewing than most, and while it does not draw the crowds of other pink riverside walks such as Meguro River, it is equally beautiful and worthwhile to visit.

10. Inokashira Park

This popular hanami spot is home to approximately 500 cherry trees, around half of which can be found around a large pond in the center of the park. Boat rentals are available for visitors who prefer to enjoy the views from the water, and the park also has a zoo close to the Northwest entrance. In the southern section of the park, you will find the famous Ghibli Museum. If you visit the park after sunset, the illuminations from the trees can be seen reflected on the surface of the water. While entry to the park is free, some areas, such as the zoo and the Ghibli museum, require tickets purchased in advance.

5 Amazing Sakura-Themed Afternoon Teas You Can Try in Tokyo

1. Strings Hotel Tokyo Intercontinental – The Sakura Strawberry Afternoon Tea combines Japanese and Western sweets, including Sakura & Strawberry Mizuyokan and Sakura & Strawberry Mille-feuille. Available from March 1 to April 28, 2025, priced at ¥7,040

2. Shangri-La, Tokyo – Their “Sakura Afternoon Tea” showcases a beautiful pink gradient “Sakura Parfait” among other treats. Available from March 15 to April 30, 2025, priced at ¥8,580

3. The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo – Experience a Japanese-inspired ambiance with their “Sakura Afternoon Tea,” featuring delicate cherry blossom-themed sweets. Available from March 10 to April 30, 2025, priced at ¥9,400

4. Andaz, Tokyo – The Tavern Grill & Lounge in the Andaz Tokyo Hotel in Toranomon will be serving up a Sakura Afternoon Tea (7,500 yen), inspired by the gently blooming cherry blossoms. The tea will feature sweets in pale pink, made with cherry blossoms and strawberries

5. Cherry Blossom Night Tea @ Conrad, Tokyo – The night tea, inspired by cherry blossoms at night, also offers free-flowing drinks such as beer and sparkling wine, creating a high-quality bar experience while looking out at the night view of Hama-rikyu Onshi Gardens. Available until April 27, 2025, 18:30-21:30. 11,000 yen per person

Cafes & Stores Serving Cherry Blossom-Themed Sweet Treats

• Haute Couture Cafe – Located along the Meguro River, the Haute Couture Cafe offers Sakura-themed afternoon tea between February 20 and April 1. The menu offers a range of sweet and savoury dishes from cherry blossom-infused sweets to other seasonal ingredients

• Cafe & Bar RIGID – This cafe in Tokyo’s Asagaya neighborhood is best known for its unique monthly fruit parfaits made from ingredients that reflect the seasons. During cherry blossom season, visitors can try sakura parfaits made to look like trees, sakura-flavored cakes, and other sweet treats

• Cafe Secret Window – This small cafe in Shinjuku is off the beaten path, but has become well known for its unusual fluffy soufflé pancakes. During springtime, for a limited period, visitors can enjoy a special seasonal Sakura Pancake, which includes two fluffy pancakes that sandwich layers of mochi, covered with strawberry sauce and edible sakura-themed decorations. It can get quite busy at the weekends, so avoid the crowds if you can

• Ginger Garden Aoyama – This small but photogenic cafe in Tokyo’s popular Aoyama district, a few minutes’ walk from Omotesando Station, offers a range of seasonal afternoon teas that will have you reaching for your camera. The Sakura and Strawberry afternoon tea offers a variety of cherry blossom-infused and strawberry sweet dishes alongside chocolate teddy bears, savoury dishes, and themed drinks

• Matsuzakaya Department Store Ueno – During springtime, this historic department store in the Ueno district offers a selection of sakura-themed sweets and snacks to take away, including sakura-infused mochi, various pastries, strawberry saifuku (strawberries dipped in white bean paste), and other savoury snacks

Unique Ways to See Cherry Blossoms Around Tokyo

Sakura on the Water

• Rowboats on the Imperial Palace Moat – Visitors to Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier can enjoy the cherry blossoms of Chidorigafuchi Park from the Imperial Moat at night while the trees are illuminated. Rowboats can be rented between March 28 and April 8 up until 8 pm and cost 10,000 yen for an hour. Rentals can be made in advance, and more information can be found at visit-chiyoda.tokyo.
  
• Boat Ride down Meguro River – This year, from March 19 to April 13, Tokyo Waterways opens up the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise, a 70-minute cruise that begins at Tennozu Pier and offers a unique and relaxing way to view the popular Meguro River cherry trees. There are eight departure times throughout the day between 9 AM and 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased here in advance.

Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival

This annual festival, located in Nishihirabatake Park, in Matsuda Town on the Southwest outskirts of Tokyo, is held in celebration of its early blooming Kawazu-sakura cherry blossoms, running from February 8 to March 16, earlier than anywhere else close to Tokyo. The park is home to more than 300 cherry trees and, on a clear day, offers unbeatable panoramic views with Mount Fuji in the distance. In the evening, the trees are illuminated, bathing the park in a soft pink glow. The park can be reached from Tokyo Station by taking the Tōkaidō Line to Kōzu Station and then changing to the Gotemba Line towards Matsuda Station. The park is a 10-minute walk from there.

Sakura by Train

• The Tokyo Sakura Tram, also known as the Toden-Arakawa Line, is an old-fashioned tram line that runs from Minowabashi Station in Arakawa to Waseda Station in Shinjuku. The hour-long route passes through several traditional residential areas with unbeatable views of cherry blossoms in springtime
  
• The popular Sumida River Bridge Sakura Train runs daily between Asakusa Station and Tokyo Skytree Station from March 22nd to April 6th. It offers passengers views of the sakura along the Sumida River and slows down as it approaches Tokyo Skytree to allow for a more relaxed viewing experience

Sakura from the Sky

Why not get a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms coloring the cityscape from the observation level of Shibuya Sky, or a bird’s-eye view of the sakura trees scattered through Shiba Park from the top deck of the nearby Tokyo Tower.

Sakura Cycle Tunnels

Enjoy the full bloom of the cherry blossom trees that reach over the Tama River Cycling Path. Sakurazaka, located in Denenchōfu in southern Tokyo, is known for its picturesque tunnel of cherry blossom trees when in full bloom.

Temple & Shrine Sakura Views

There are several temples and shrines across Tokyo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms amidst the peaceful temple environment. Several examples include:

• Yasunuki-jinja Shrine, in central Tokyo, boasts more than 500 cherry blossom trees, including the Benchmark Tree, which is used by meteorologists to determine the start of the city’s cherry blossom season, making it a popular attraction
  
• Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya is covered in pale and dark pink blossoms that are scattered throughout its large grounds during cherry blossom season 
  
• Sakura Jingu Shrine is a small Shinto shrine located in Setagaya City that lives up to its name early in the season when cherry blossom trees on the shrine grounds generally bloom earlier than most. It is recognizable for the many pink ribbons that are tied to the trees as offerings

Top Tips on How to Hanami Like a Local

• Start early, reserve a spot – Most of the popular sakura spots are likely to be busy, particularly at weekends and in big cities. To ensure yourself a prime viewing position, arrive well before lunchtime

• Eat, drink, and be merry – The food and drink can make or break a good hanami party. Put together an indulgent picnic to make the whole experience even more enjoyable. For a taste of luxury, splurge on Japanese strawberries or delicate pastries and cakes. Or if you are on a budget, stock up at the convenience store on beer and bento boxes

• Buy a plastic ground sheet to sit on – During the spring, the weather is likely to be a little chilly, therefore, the ground could still be damp and cold. Make sure you keep your butt dry by purchasing a colorful plastic ground sheet at a hundred-yen store or convenience store

• Dress weather appropriately – If the weather is still a little cold, make sure you have plenty of warm layers; you can always take things off if it gets too hot. To stay warm try buying some kairo pads, these are little disposable Japanese heat packs that you can buy everywhere. You can attach them to your clothing, keep them in your pockets, or buy some for your shoes to keep your feet warm

• Look but don’t touch – Take plenty of photos of the blossoms, but don’t touch the flowers or pull at the branches. Every year without fail, the Japanese news reports show videos of foreign tourists in Tokyo pulling at the trees. Don’t be one of those people!

• Leave the area as you found it – Take a plastic bag to dispose of all trash, and take it with you when you leave. Also, when disposing of trash, make sure to sort through all items correctly. Burnable items, plastic, and cans must be separated. 

While cherry blossom season is an incredible time of year to visit, and it is understandable why so many people visit Japan at this time of year, you can expect higher-than-usual costs for travel and accommodation, as well as large crowds at many viewing spots. But with a few tips and some careful planning, you can make the most out of your Tokyo cherry blossom experience.