Tokyo Sakura Guide: Best Hanami Spots in Tokyo
Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo: Best Spots to Do Hanami in Tokyo in Spring
Are you going to be in Tokyo during cherry blossom (sakura) season? Whether you are traveling or living in the big city, Spring is no doubt the best time of the year in Japan! Especially in Tokyo the whole city turn in white and pink since they are numerous cherry blossom spots all around and festivals.
In Tokyo you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in many ways, from strolling down the street, sakura themed food, night illumination events, and so on!
▽Check this list of best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo▽
15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
One of the best ways to enjoy sakura season in Japan is going to a picnic with friends or family to a park. Probably you saw this in a lot of mangas and animes, since is the favorite activity among Japanese! View the beautiful cherry blossoms while eating and drinking.
In this article, I have listed the best places to do hanami or cherry blossom picnic in Tokyo during Spring, including populars spots as Yoyogi and Ueno Park and local less-know places as Asukayama and Hikarigaoka Park. Wanna know more details? Let’s check them out!
▽Check this list of best places to see cherry blossoms all over Japan, too!▽
10 Best Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Hanami: What is it?
Literally hanami means “contemplate the flowers” but is use to refers more specifically to cherry blossoms viewing. As I said before, during Spring in Japan is common to see parks and gardens full of Japanese having a picnic, which is what is known as “go for hanami” or “do hanami”.
Cherry Blossoms Season in Tokyo
The most important and common question is, when is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo usually is around mid-late March and finding the perfect time is difficult. Cherry blossoms barely last two weeks. It takes about 7 days from the time they start to bloom until they reach their full bloom, and then they last another 7 days until they start to fall depending on climate condition (if there is rain, then it’s over sooner). To catch the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is better if you to check the cherry blossom forecast and the weather prediction from time to time.
▽Check the best time to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo!▽
Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan : When is the Best Season
1. Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)
Less known to tourists but a favorite of foreign residents and many Japanese, Shinjuku Gyoen is located in the center of Tokyo, Shinjuku. Featuring more than 1,000 cherry trees of various kinds, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest national gardens with 3 different styles of gardens: Japanese, English and French.
More info:
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms
2. Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園)
Asukayama Park is hardly known by tourists, but very popular among the Japanese for the cherry blossoms season. Located very close to Oji station, with easy access, it has more than 650 cherry blossoms and even a small monorail that takes you for free to the highest part of the park.
More info:
Asukayama Park Cherry Blossoms
3. Hikarigaoka Park (光が丘公園)
If you are looking for an uncrowded, local spot, Hikarigaoka Park is one of Tokyo’s hidden gems. Located in Nerima ward, this little known park has over 1,000 cherry trees and 60,000 -square- meter to enjoy!
4. Hibiya Park (日比谷公園)
Hibiya Park is a park in central Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace. It’s not one of the largest parks, but it has several cherry trees and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the park. Perfect if you are in the business district with short time but want to enjoy a different lunch break.
Also, several of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom spots are nearby.
I want to go here.