Cecelia ChangTravelling to Tokyo to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms is a dream of many. During the cherry blossoms season, it’s best to be equipped with enough information. This includes the top hanami spots in Tokyo, the best places to stay, and things to expect, so you can fully enjoy your trip.
Here’s a comprehensive Tokyo cherry blossom season guide for travellers who are visiting the city during the beautiful sakura season.
Also read: 10 Family-Friendly Airbnb Apartments in Tokyo
Best viewing spots for Tokyo sakura
Image credit: Susan Schuster
Each year, Tokyo sakura usually starts flowering in the middle of March to April (but more on that later). Find out the best places to visit for cherry blossom viewing!
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Image credit: Daryan Shamkhali
Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is one of the largest and most popular hanami spots in Tokyo. The park spans 133 acres, and there are around 1,000 cherry blossom trees of different kinds in the park, making it one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in the city.
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm, closed on Mondays
Admission fee: ¥500 (~S$5)
2. Meguro River
Image credit: Crystal Kay
A simple search of “cherry blossoms in Tokyo” on the internet will probably take you to one of the stunning pictures of sakura blooming along the Meguro River. It spans nearly eight kilometres long and flows through the Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa wards. And since it’s not a park or private area, you can visit this place anytime of the day!
Address: 1 Chome-11-番１８号 Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0061, Japan
Also read: 12 Best Tokyo Districts and Neighbourhoods to Visit on Your Holiday
3. Ueno Park
Image credit: DLKR
Ueno Park has been one of the best hanami spots where cherry blossom festivals would be held. It’s a spacious public park with facilities like a large pond for boating, several museums, and even a zoo. During Tokyo sakura season, people usually drop by here to have picnics while cherishing the beauty of cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
Opening hours: 5am to 11pm
4. Yoyogi Park
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Yoyogi Park is another place that is perfect for cherry blossom viewing during springtime. It is the third largest park in the city, and the sakura festivals held here tend to attract large groups of locals and tourists alike. On usual days, the park is a local’s favourite place to gather and hang out with friends or family. There are also sports courts open to the public where athletic events are held.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Opening hours: All day
5. Chidorigafuchi Park
Image credit: Yu Kato
You’ll find Chidorigafuchi Park on the northwest of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, right along the palace moat. It features a footpath with an abundance of cherry blossom trees, making it one of the best hanami spots in Tokyo. At night, the sakura trees are lit up, so regardless of what time of the day you’re visiting, this park always presents an enchanting view.
Address: Japan, 〒102-0082 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kojimachi, 1 Chome−２
Opening hours: All day
6. Sumida Park
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Visit Sumida Park to witness the blooming of more than 500 sakura trees. For many years, people come here to welcome the arrival of spring and indulge in hanami. Although, why not take it up a notch by relishing the beautiful sight via the river cruise?
Address: 1 Chome Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan
Opening hours: All day
7. Rikugien Garden
Image credit: Tzepang Ngaa
An underrated oasis for sakura viewing, Rikugien Garden is famous for its huge weeping cherry blossom tree that’s over 70 years old. Although the park does not have as many sakura trees as other places, it is still one of the best places to stop by. This nine-hectare park is considered one of the prettiest landscape gardens in Tokyo. That said, it is also a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, especially during autumn and spring.
Address: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
Admission Fee: ¥300 (~S$3)
8. Mohri Garden
Image credit: Roppongi Hills Official Website
Located in Roppongi Hills, Mohri Garden is a small park nestled amidst the astounding skyscrapers. During Tokyo sakura season, a row of cherry trees blooms along the walking path, providing a peaceful viewing experience. It’s like you’re walking straight into a slice-of-life anime scene!
Address: 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Opening hours: All day
Best places to stay during Tokyo sakura season
1. This cherry blossom-themed Airbnb in Shinjuku
Inspired by the several sakura viewing spots nearby, this Airbnb is located in the neon-filled area of Shinjuku. It’s about just a seven-minute walk to the Shinjuku-sanchome Station, making both sightseeing and shopping very convenient. The interior also has a classic tatami floor and minimalist decor, allowing guests to feel cosy and right at home.
2. This sleek contemporary condo unit near Tokyo Tower
Also situated in Minato ward is this accommodation that comes with clean and spacious rooms. Of course, that’s not the only thing that guests love about the place. Walk only a few minutes and you’ll already find yourself at the famous Tokyo Tower and Roppongi for cherry blossom viewing. Other nearby attractions include Shiba Park, Zojoji Temple, and Azabu Juban Shopping Street.
3. Sakura Stay Otorii
As the name suggests, Sakura Stay Otorii is one of the nicest places to stay during cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Located in Ota ward, this place is surrounded by many kid-friendly playgrounds and pretty parks that offer views of these pastel pink blooms. The stay itself already has beautiful sakura as decorations in the rooms, which is ideal if you wish to stay indoors longer due to the cold weather.
Sakura Stay Otorii is also near famous attractions, such as Omori Nori Museum and Tokyo Tower. It is only four kilometres away from Haneda Airport, making it super convenient if you’re arriving from there.
4. The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
Nestled in the heart of Minato ward, The Prince Sakura Tower is a contemporary hotel surrounded by dazzling cherry blossom trees, making it one of the best places to stay in the city during this season. The hotel is loved by many, as it offers cool amenities like the whirlpool, sauna bath, and most essentially, the large windows overlooking a stunning Japanese garden. It is near several parks and museums, as well as places like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and an aquarium called Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa.
5. Hotel Fukudaya
Approximately a 15-minute walk away from the JR Shibuya Station, Hotel Fukudaya is conveniently located in Meguro ward. It offers both Western and Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futon beds. Guests can further immerse themselves in old-school Japanese culture with the traditional tea sets and yukata available in each room.
The hotel is a stone’s throw away from parks like Sugekari Park and Meguro Sky Garden. It is also quite close to popular attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Sato Sakura Museum, and Roppongi Hills, which makes sakura-viewing nearly right at your doorstep.
Tips for travelling to Tokyo during cherry blossom season
1. Check the sakura forecasts
Image credit (L-R): Atul Vinayak; Redd F
When travelling for the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, the first thing you should do is check the forecast beforehand so that you can plan and time your visit as precisely as possible.
The sakura trees in Tokyo start flowering and blooming differently each year. For instance, according to the latest data from Japan Meteorological Corporation, mid to late March would be the best time to visit Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing in 2023. However, keep in mind that forecasts are subject to change, so we recommend checking regularly and allotting more days for your trip.
Also read: Japan Cherry Blossom 2023 Forecast: When & Where to See Sakura
2. Prepare suitable clothing for the weather
During springtime, people usually wear comfortable clothes and jeans, with a cardigan or jacket. For travellers who are not used to cold weather, do prepare sweaters or other warming essentials. The temperatures in Tokyo during springtime are generally under 20°C.
3. Know how to get around the city
Image credit: Yoav Aziz
Japan, in general, has most of its people travelling via public transport on a regular basis. But if we’re talking about Tokyo in particular, many take the JR Line as it brings you to most areas in the city. The price for an ordinary seven-day JR Railway Pass for adults is ¥33,610, while the price of it for the more premium green pass is ¥44,810. The green pass seats are more spacious and comfortable, and the train is quieter compared to the standard one.
There is also another underground train: the Tokyo Metro, which is widely used to travel to top tourist attractions. The regular ticket costs ¥170, ¥200, ¥250, ¥290, or ¥320 yen, depending on the distance you will travel.
Image credit: jennieramida
Of course, besides public transport, another alternative would be taking taxis or sharing a ride with others. Other than stopping a taxi conventionally, there are also other ride-sharing applications like Japan Taxi, Go, Didi, and Uber.
The chances of you taking the bus to travel around Tokyo are less likely, since the city is better known for its efficient subway system. Nevertheless, you can still use local buses run by the Toei Transport Network with a flat charge of ¥210 per adult.
TripZilla Tip: Download the Tokyo Metro Subway Map app for easier navigation around the city.
4. Take note of the budget for the trip
Excluding airfares, the general budget for a Tokyo trip during the cherry blossom season should cost around S$200 per day. A regular single meal is priced at around S$15, so the cost for meals per day should be approximately S$45.
The price of accommodation will depend on your travelling style and preferences, but a standard stay in Tokyo should cost around S$95 per night. If you are travelling for a week, it would be ideal to prepare a budget of S$1400, or more if you’re planning to spend on shopping.
Also read: 10 Essential Tips for Exploring Tokyo on a Budget
5. Take note of the essential things to bring
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Since you’re travelling to Tokyo during spring, it is best to prepare face mist, lotion, and moisturiser to prevent your skin from getting dry. Also, remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you will probably be walking a lot.
In Tokyo, cash is still a widely-used mode of payment, so we recommend bringing enough yen. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to bring your debit and/or credit cards as well. Don’t forget to purchase a data SIM card or turn on your data roaming. A universal adapter and power bank will be very helpful when you need to get your electronic devices charged.
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, you would definitely want to download some translation applications on your phone. You might also want to learn the basic phrases for better communication with the locals.
Lastly, since you are planning to witness the dazzling cherry blossoms in Tokyo, it is best to bring a camera so you can capture the beauty of the pink flowers as well as the happy moments of travelling in the city!
Also read: Cherry Blossom Season 2023: Must-Know Tips & Essentials
So here you go, a Tokyo cherry blossoms season guide for travellers who are planning to visit the city during the pinky season. Have fun admiring the cherry blossoms in real life and follow our Facebook page for more useful travel guides!
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