In 2025, cherry blossom in Tokyo is forecast to bloom around late March to early April, but the exact date varies depending on the weather conditions.
The cherry blossom season in Japan is truly the best time to visit. You would witness streets and parks covered in beautiful flowers, creating an unforgettable, quintessential Japanese experience. However, this is also the most crowded time to visit Japan. Read below for more information on Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots with visiting tips.
When Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo 2025?
Tokyo's Sakura season 2025 falls between late March and early April. In 2024, it peaked in early April. the 2025 dates are expected to be similar to that.
If you find yourself arriving early or late for peak blooms, Tokyo offers both early and late-blooming cherry blossom varieties. Some bloom as early as March while others flower well into mid-April.
Can I See Cherry Blossom in Tokyo in February?
You can catch a glimpse of the early bloom variety of cherry blossoms in Tokyo's parks or head to Kawazu Town for more spectacular views.
- Parks in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, and Yoyogi Park: you can spot early blooming Kawazu-sakura in February. tThe scenery may not be as abundant due to fewer trees.
- Kawazu Town: It has the largest number of cherry trees blooming during this time; Located just a 3-hour ride from Tokyo, Kawazu Town makes for an ideal day trip destination from the city.
Can I see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo in January?
You can only see cherry blossoms in late January in Atami, a town close to Tokyo. In Atami, the blossoms typically bloom from late January to early February. It's just a 40-minute journey by Shinkansen from Tokyo, making it very easy to visit.
Where Can I See Cherry Blossom in Early and Mid-March?
In early to mid-March, you can see early-blooming cherry blossoms in various parks across Tokyo. Some notable locations include Kiba Park, the banks of the Oyoko River, Nihonbashi Muromachi 4-chome, and Ueno Park.
Where Can I See Cherry Blossom in Tokyo in mid-April?
By mid-April, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo's city center have mostly faded, but you can enjoy the best views at Mt Fuji where cherry blossom comes around mid-April.
The Top 6 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
During Japan's cherry blossom season, you will easily find beautiful spots in Tokyo like parks, streets, and riversides to enjoy the stunning scenery. Just choose wisely based on your itinerary if you want to combine cherry blossom viewing with other attractions. Travelers often prefer Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park because they are close to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa Senso-ji Temple respectively.
1. Chidorigafuchi - Boat Ride to See Cherry Blossom
- Location: in Chiyoda district of Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace
- Features: rowing boats to view the riverside cherry blossoms close up
- Number of cherry trees: 200+
- Best viewing time: Early April
We suggest all travelers visit this area for its unique scenery and the unique boat-rowing experience that it offers. Its cherry blossom scenery is one of the symbols of Japan's cherry blossom season. Many magical photos of the fairy-like cherry blossoms have been captured at this location.
It has a 200-meter (660-foot) promenade near the Imperial Palace. About 250 sakura trees line both sides of the moat with the branches hanging over the water. Cherry trees there are so dense that when viewed from above, both sides of the moat are shrouded in a canopy of flowers.
You could rent a boat to paddle on your own along the moat to get close to the cherry blossoms. You could enjoy the beautiful views while having some traditional Japanese snacks. It would be an unforgettable Japanese experience.
Travel tips:
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, you may need to queue for about half an hour to rent a boat
- In the evening, witness the illuminated trees, which create a truly enchanting scene from about 6pm to 8pm.
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Features: a large, peaceful natural garden, ideal for nature lovers and families
- Number of cherry trees: 1000+
- Best viewing time: Early April
If you prefer to see the cherry blossoms in a large and quiet park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is your best choice. This expansive park offers a tranquil atmosphere, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. You could take a picnic mat and some food to enjoy on the vast grassy lawn within the park, or simply take a leisurely stroll among the blooming trees.
The park has the longest period of cherry blossoms in Japan, as it has both some of the earliest and the latest blooming cherry trees. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a good hanami destination for those who miss the main season by a week or two.
Travel Tips
- The park closes at night so there are no evening views of cherry blossoms.
- The only option for food and drink in the park is Starbucks but be prepared for a wait of about an hour for your order.
- Alcohol is not permitted during your picnic in the park
3. Meguro River Cherry Blossoms
- Features: the most spectacular place to view cherry blossoms at night
- Number of cherry trees: 800+
- Blooming time: from early April
Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade is renowned for its stunning night views of cherry blossoms. At night, the surroundings are illuminated by pink lanterns, creating a magical glow over the cherry blossoms cascading into the river. However, it is also a bit crowded at night.
This is a 4-km (2½-mile) relaxing walk alongside the Meguro River, which is lined with cherry trees. You could walk along the path for about an hour or so. There are several bridges to cross over and a lot of good shops and eateries lining the river.
Travel tips:
- Avoid the crowds by staying away from the immediate area around Nakameguro Station or visiting during the early morning for a less crowded stroll.
- The pink-lantern-illuminated path extends from Ikejiri-Ōhashi Station to Meguro Station. The illuminated time is from 5pm to 8pm.
Continue to read more details on Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
4. Ueno Park
- Location: Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan
- Features: Tokyo's most popular and bustling park for cherry blossoms
- Numbers of cherry trees: 1,000+
- Bloom time: early April
Ueno Park is the most popular, but also most crowded, park where you could view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. With over 1,000 cherry trees alongside the park's pathways, the scenery is truly breathtaking. You would see lots of people, mostly Japanese, gathering to have picnics under the cherry trees. Groups of men in suits, young girls dressed for work, and older men each sit on picnic mats with lots of food and drinks.
This park also offers splendid nighttime views. When the lanterns are lit in the evening, the scenery is spectacular. The nighttime views are seen from 6pm or 7pm to 10pm.
As well as the Sakura, Ueno Park boasts an array of attractions, including a zoo, museums, a concert hall, numerous dining options, temples, and the picturesque Shinobazu Pond featuring paddle boats.
Travel tips:
- The park is particularly crowded at weekends.
- To view the cherry blossoms at night, you should stay in a hotel that is close to the park. There are lots of hotels to choose from.
- The park is a few steps from Ueno Station, so it is easy to find and get to.
5. Sumida Park
- Location: Sumida Ward of Tokyo, Japan
- Features: cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background
Sumida Park is a peaceful riverside park along the Sumida River. The riverside walkway is lined with cherry trees. When walking along the riverside walkway, you could have a great view of the cityscape and the iconic Tokyo Skytree. The exquisite scene of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Tokyo Skytree is truly magnificent.
You could also take a boat cruise along the river to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park. Additionally, the trees are illuminated at night, providing a captivating sight.
Other places to see cherry blossoms include Koishikawa Botanical Gardens, the Kanda River, Sakurazaka Street, Yoyoji Park, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Inokashira Park.
6. Mt Fuji
- Location: 2 hours ride from Tokyo
- Features: Natural setting with cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
If you seek a scenic cherry blossom experience in natural surroundings, Mt. Fuji is your best choice. Mt. Fuji is renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossom views around the lakes situated at the mountain's base.
The best places to see the cherry blossoms around Mt Fuji include Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakurayama Sengen Park. At Lake Kawaguchiko, you can opt to bike, hike along the lake, or enjoy a relaxing boat ride while taking in the cherry blossoms along the lakeshore. It will be a very relaxing experience. At Arakurayama Sengen Park, you can enjoy the iconic scenery of Mt Fuji and the red pagoda within one photo frame.
Mt Fuji is about a 2-hour ride from Tokyo, so it is very easy to take a day trip from Tokyo. Read more details on when and where to see Cherry Blossoms in Mt Fuji.
A summary table of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo:
| District | Cherry Blossom Spots | Nearby Attractions |
| Shinjuku | Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden | Meiji-Jingu Shrine |
| Ueno | Ueno Park | Asakusa Senso-ji Temple |
| Asakusa | Sumida Park | Tokyo Skytree |
| Shibuya | Yoyogi-Koen Park, Meguro River Cherry Blossom | Shibuya Crossing |
| Meguro | Meguro River | Nakameguro |
| Chiyoda | Chidorigafuchi | Imperial Palace |
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Cherry Blossoms
Tokyo can get very busy during the cherry blossom season, so choosing to stay in places close to the cherry blossom spots will save you a lot of time on the road. See below the best places to stay in Tokyo for Cherry Blossom:
- Shinjuku: It is close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji-Jingu Shrine, prime cherry blossom viewing spots. This bursting area is filled with great hotels.
- Ueno: home to Ueno Park, a popular destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), this area offers many inexpensive hotels and some traditional Japanese ryokans.
- Asakusa: Close to Sumida Park and the Sumida River, this unique cherry blossom viewing spot showcases the beautiful scenery of the cherry blossoms with the iconic Tokyo Skytree in the background.
- Chiyoda: Central location with attractions like Chidorigafuchi close to the Imperial Palace, where you can take a boat ride to enjoy the cherry blossom.
- Tokyo Station Area: Although it does not offer direct cherry blossom viewing spots within the area, Tokyo Station serves as a major transportation hub, making it easy to access popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Tokyo and beyond.
- Shibuya: Close to Yoyogi-Koen Park and Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Shibuya offers a diverse array of hotel options to cater to different needs.
Tips for Planning Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Tokyo
The cherry blossom season from late March to early April is definitely one of the best times to visit Tokyo, Japan. However, this is also the busiest travel time. Below, we offer you some tips to help you plan a memorable trip to Japan.
Allow for a Flexible Schedule
You might not be able to see the cherry blossoms at their peak in certain places. However, you are likely to find them in bloom somewhere during the dates above. Therefore, having a flexible schedule is very important.
Weather conditions, such as cold spells, warm fronts, rain, or wind, might affect the best blossom spots, so you may need to travel to other locations.
If you travel with us and miss the full blooming time in Tokyo, we would arrange for you to take day trips to the mountains, such as Mount Fuji, or to neighboring prefectures, such as Yamanashi, where the cherry blossoms bloom later.
Expect Japan to Cost More Than at Other Times
The cherry blossom season tends to be the most expensive time to visit Japan. Flights priced from mid-March to early April are several hundred dollars more than flights in early March. Hotels and ryokans are, in some cases, triple the cost compared with other times.
However, the breathtaking scenery is worth the extra cost, although you need to be prepared in advance.
Prepare for Large Crowds
Don't be surprised when you see crowds at parks or any other places where sakura trees have been planted. It is also crowded at train stations. Be patient and allow yourself plenty of extra time when traveling from place to place.
Stay Overnight For a Trip to Mt Fuji or Hakone
Day trips to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or other destinations outside Tokyo during cherry blossom season can be challenging due to heavy traffic. Travel times may increase by 2 to 3 times, potentially taking up to 5 hours from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Therefore, it's advisable to stay overnight.
Book at Least 6 Months in Advance
The sakura season is very popular, so book at least 6 months in advance to ensure that you enjoy your preferred hotels and activities.
Let Us Help You Plan a Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan
A journey to Japan during the Cherry Blossom season is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you missed the 2024 season, 2025 is definitely the ideal time to visit. Contact us to arrange a memorable Cherry Blossom trip to Japan.
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