Five Sakura Spots in Tokyo to Explore This Spring

Tokyo's sakura season has begun, with full bloom expected around March 30. Here are five spots in Tokyo where you can witness the sakura in all its fleeting glory.

1. Ueno Park

*Sakura around Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. (©JAPAN Forward by EH Kinmonth)*

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most iconic sakura spots, with three key areas lined with cherry trees. The promenade around Shinobazu Pond offers a stunning view with swan boats drifting beneath the blossoms.

Food vendors selling treats like chocolate-covered bananas and kebabs add to the festive atmosphere. The nearby Toshogu Shrine provides a historical backdrop for photos. With its central location and easy access via Ueno Station, Ueno Park is a top pick for visitors.

*Visitors and vendors under the blossoms at Toshogu Shrine. (©JAPAN Forward by EH Kinmonth)*

2. Yanaka Cemetery and Shopping Street

Also in Ueno but often overlooked, Yanaka Cemetery is a tranquil and beautiful spot to enjoy sakura. Cherry trees line the historic gravesites, offering a quieter experience compared to Ueno Park. This makes it ideal for those seeking a peaceful stroll.

*"Weeping" (shidare) sakura in a temple at the edge of the Yanaka Cemetery. (© EH Kinmonth)*

The nearby Yanaka shopping street is full of charm, with vintage sake shops and boutique coffee spots. You can also explore historical landmarks on your way to the cemetery, blending nature with culture.

*The Yoshidaya, a preserved sake shop on the route between Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery. (© EH Kinmonth)*

3. Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park, just outside Oji Station, is known for its historical significance. It has been a popular cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. The park features scenic picnic spots under the trees, with families and groups enjoying the blooms.

*Sakura in Asukayama Park. (©JAPAN Forward by EH Kinmonth)*

It's less crowded than some of the more famous spots, offering a more laid-back experience. Surrounding museums, such as the Paper Museum and the Shibusawa Memorial Museum, add an educational touch to your visit.

4. Koishikawa Botanical Garden

For a quieter sakura experience, Koishikawa Botanical Garden offers a serene escape in central Tokyo. Located near Hakusan Station, the expansive garden boasts a large stand of Somei Yoshino cherry trees.

The garden is less touristy, making it perfect for a relaxed picnic under the blossoms. You'll be surrounded by lush greenery and diverse plant species, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

*Soft-pink blossoms in Koishikawa Botanical Garden.*

5. Shinjuku Gyoen

Located in central Tokyo, this spacious park offers a serene escape and features about 60 types of sakura that bloom at different times throughout the year. Some varieties bloom as early as February, while others peak from late March to early April. A few even bloom until early May, extending the sakura season beyond the typical peak.

*Yoko, a double-flowered sakura variety at Shinjuku Gyoen. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

The combination of traditional Japanese, English, and French garden landscapes creates a stunning backdrop for these seasonal blooms.

Bonus: Kawagoe

Though not in Tokyo, the neighboring city of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is only a 30-minute train ride from Ikebukuro. Known as "Little Edo" (Koedo), the city features well-preserved Edo-era architecture and beautiful cherry blossom spots.