Sakura Spots in Tokyo

Between late March and early April is one of the popular seasons for the tourists in Japan. Sakura (桜 – cherry blossom) is in full bloom in this season and you will see a lot of beautiful Sakura trees in Tokyo.

Here are some major Sakura spots in Tokyo areas.

Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)

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Shinjuku Gyoen features more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties, including numerous early and late blooming trees. There are spacious lawn areas, and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. Unlike other parks in Tokyo, alcoholic drinks are not allowed to bring in here.

CS comments: This park is good for family to enjoy picnic. It is quieter than any other parks, considering they have banned to bring alcoholic drinks. It is good to visit even if it is not in the Sakura season.

Best Times: Mid March – Late April
Hours: 9:00-16:30
Fees: 200 yen
Station: Shinjuku
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/R7GUAgNu8iL2

Ueno Park (上野公園)

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One of Japan’s most crowded, noisy and popular spots for cherry blossom parties, Ueno Park features more than 1000 trees along the street leading towards the National Museum and around Shinobazu Pond.

CS comments: You may encounter a lot of drinking parties under the Sakura trees. Sometimes they get too noisy but you may find it interesting to see a different aspect of Japanese custom.

Best Times: Late March – Early April
Closed: 23:00-5:00
Station: Ueno
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/wBmcxVhErrN2

Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)

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Over 600 cherry trees are planted around the spacious Yoyogi Park, offering pleasant picnic opportunities.

CS comments: Not too far from Shibuya, Yoyogi and other metro stations, yet it is quite large and in a quiet environment. Good to visit anytime. There used to be a lot of street performances in the park. You may still see Rockabilly dancers. No joke.

Best Times: Late March – Early April
Station: Yoyogi, Shibuya
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3AtNvBYDWS92

Meguro River (目黒川)

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About 800 cherry trees line Meguro River for several hundred meters and create an amazing sight. However, as a concrete canal, Meguro River does not offer a very natural surrounding for blossom viewers.

CS comments: Now this area became quite hip for late 20’s to early 30’s Japanese. You will see many cool stores/cafes/restaurants along the river. Evening visit should be good, you can enjoy the Sakura illumination.

Best Times: Late March – Early April
Station: Naka-Meguro
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/xjrprqpdFWx

Inogashira Park (井の頭公園)

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There are a few hundreds of trees in this spacious, public city park, which features a central pond. Boats can be rented in order to view the blossoms from the water.

CS comments: This park is located west from central Tokyo but it only takes less than 20 minutes from Shibuya, taking Inokasira Line. Kichijyoji has been selected as one of the most popular towns for Japanese residence. Relaxed atmosphere, compared to Shibuya/Shinjuku but there are many local stores, restaurants and cafes.

Best Times: Late March – Early April
Station: Kichijyoji
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Gw5zho2D72p

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