Late March to early April marks Tokyo's cherry blossom season. Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, Meguro River, Shinjuku Central Park. Here are 5 top cherry blossom spots and their best viewing times.
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From late March to early April, Tokyo enters cherry blossom season.
Five popular cherry blossom viewing spots each have their own charm——the Imperial Palace East Gardens offer the widest variety of blossoms, Chidorigafuchi is known for night cherry blossoms, Ueno draws the largest crowds, Meguro River features riverside scenery, and Central Park offers free admission.
5 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
01 | Shinjuku Gyoen | Widest Selection
The garden features **65 varieties and approximately 1,000 cherry trees**. Yoshino cherries bloom in late March, while yamazakura varieties peak in mid-to-late April. **Admission is ¥500, and the garden opens at 7:00 AM during cherry blossom season**.
Alcohol is prohibited in the garden, and **the focus is on "appreciation" rather than "partying"**. The atmosphere is more refined than Ueno.
02 | Chidorigafuchi | Night Cherry Blossoms and Castle Moat
Along the moat on the north side of the Imperial Palace, **approximately 700 Somei Yoshino cherry trees** line both banks of the river. The **night cherry blossom illuminations from late March to early April** represent Tokyo's most iconic nighttime sakura experience.
Rent a boat on the moat to enjoy cherry blossoms (¥500/30 minutes).
03｜Ueno Park｜Most Crowded, Most Lively
With approximately 1,200 cherry trees, it's one of Tokyo's most vibrant cherry blossom viewing spots. Picnicking and beer are welcome.
Weekends get extremely crowded. **We recommend visiting on weekdays before 9:00 AM**.
04｜Meguro River｜4km Riverside Cherry Blossoms
Along both banks of the river near Nakameguro Station, there are **approximately 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees**, and when the blossoms fall, pink petals blanket the water's surface.
Cafes on both sides of the street offer cherry blossom season limited desserts.
05｜Shinjuku Central Park｜Free Close-up Views
Central Park, a 10-minute walk from IGO HOTEL, is **free and open 24 hours**. It features approximately 100 cherry trees.
While smaller in scale than Gyoen, it's a great option for casual cherry blossom viewing thanks to being **free, nearby, and allowing you to bring beer**.
Cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo is most comfortable with **"one location per day."** The Imperial Palace East Gardens offer the most complete experience, Chidorigafuchi's night cherry blossoms have the best atmosphere, and Ueno is the liveliest.
Stay at IGO HOTEL and it's a 12-minute walk to the Imperial Palace East Gardens and 10 minutes to Central Park.
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