(Map – Japan’s nationwide Sakura opening timing: Tokyo 3/24, Nagoya 3/26, Osaka 3/29)
Apr 4th update: Full bloom at Ueno Park, Meguro River, Yasukuni Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Inokashira Park
Yasukuni Shrine Tokyo has officially announced the cherry blossom opening on March 23rd, indicating that the full bloom is expected in a week and will flutter down in another week.
Here are the popular places to enjoy Sakura cherry blossoms, so please consider visiting while you are in Tokyo this week until the first week of April. You can still enjoy them in some area in Tokyo even in the second week of April. We can search and recommend you the spot further, as neeeded.
1. Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Koen)
- Why it’s great: Over 1,200 cherry trees bloom here, making it one of the most iconic hanami (flower viewing) spots. It’s lively, with museums, a zoo, and night-time illuminations. Perfect for families and groups.
2. Chidorigafuchi Greenway
- Why it’s great: A picturesque walkway along the Imperial Palace moat lined with cherry trees. You can rent a boat and enjoy the blossoms from the water—ideal for couples and photographers.
3. Meguro River (Nakameguro Area)
- Why it’s great: Around 800 cherry trees line both sides of the river, creating a tunnel of blossoms. The area is stylish with cafes and boutiques—perfect for a trendy, relaxing stroll.
4. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Why it’s great: A peaceful, spacious garden with over 1,000 cherry trees across 65 varieties, allowing for a longer blossom-viewing season. Alcohol is prohibited, keeping the vibe calm and quiet.
5. Inokashira Park (Kichijoji)
- Why it’s great: Beautiful cherry trees surround a pond where you can rent rowboats. Combined with the charm of Kichijoji’s shops and cafes, it’s a popular date spot.
6. Rikugien Garden
- Why it’s great: Known for its spectacular weeping cherry tree (shidare-zakura), especially stunning when illuminated at night. A refined, traditional Japanese garden atmosphere.
7. Yasukuni Shrine
- Why it’s great: Home to Tokyo’s official “cherry blossom standard tree” used for declaring the start of the bloom. It’s festive with food stalls and crowds—a classic hanami experience.
8. Yoyogi Park
- Why it’s great: Open spaces and cherry trees make it perfect for picnics and big group gatherings. It’s centrally located and has a fun, laid-back vibe.
9. Sumida Park (Asakusa Area)
- Why it’s great: Cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background create stunning views. You can also enjoy a hanami cruise or stroll through the traditional streets of Asakusa.
10. Hibiya Park
- Why it’s great: A quiet, centrally located spot with Western-style gardens and fewer crowds, ideal for a relaxing hanami. Easily accessible from Ginza and Marunouchi, with a peaceful atmosphere and historical charm.
Common Types of Sakura Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Speaking of Sakura, there are actually 10 different foundation stocks, with variants of each. It is said that there are 600 different Sakura trees with subtle differences in Japan. Therefore, the timing of full bloom differs by tree and location. Here are the major ones known to Japanese people.
| Name (Japanese) | Name (English) | Blooming Period (Tokyo) | Flower Shape | Flower Color |
| ソメイヨシノ | Somei Yoshino | Late March – Early April | 5 petals, simple | Pale pink to white |
| シダレザクラ | Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry) | Late March – Early April | 5 petals, drooping branches | Light pink |
| ヤエザクラ | Yaezakura (Double Cherry) | Mid to Late April | Double-layered petals | Deep pink to vibrant pink |
| カンザクラ | Kanzakura | Late February – Early March | 5 petals, small | Light to medium pink |
| カワヅザクラ | Kawazu-zakura | Late February – Early March | 5 petals, larger bloom | Bright pink |
| ウコンザクラ | Ukonzakura (Turmeric Cherry) | Mid to Late April | Double-layered petals | Pale yellow to greenish white |
| ギョイコウ | Gyoikou (Imperial Cherry) | Mid to Late April | Semi-double petals | Greenish white with pink center |
| オオシマザクラ | Oshima-zakura | Late March – Early April | 5 petals, fragrant | Pure white |
Some Hanami Rules & Etiquette
Place your name or group info on your picnic sheet.
→ Helps avoid confusion or accidental takeovers.
Keep noise levels moderate.
→ Be respectful of other groups and nearby residents.
Take all your trash home or use designated bins.
→ Bring garbage bags and sort your waste (burnable, non-burnable, bottles/cans).
Check rules on alcohol.
→ Some parks allow drinking, others (like Shinjuku Gyoen) strictly prohibit it.
Use public toilets properly and cleanly.
→ Avoid long queues by checking maps in advance.
Please share with us your discoveries and experiences in Tokyo!