Best Places to See Sakura in Tokyo | Sightseeing, Activities and More!

Published: 01/02/2023

Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to see sakura, or cherry blossoms, when they bloom in the spring. The city is home to many parks and gardens perfect for viewing the beautiful pink and white flowers. In this blog, we will highlight some of the best places to see sakura in Tokyo, as well as some activities to do while you're there.

1. Ueno Park: A Top Destination for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo with Over 1,000 Trees

Ueno Park is one of the most popular places to see sakura in Tokyo. The park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, making it one of the largest sakura spots in the city. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the park's paths or take a boat ride on the pond to see the flowers from a different perspective.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen: Cherry Blossoms and More

Shinjuku Gyoen is a large park that is perfect for viewing sakura. The garden is home to numerous early and late-blooming cherry trees and other flowers and plants. Visitors can take a stroll around the garden, or sit and enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms.

3. A Cherry Blossom Tunnel at Chidorigafuchi Park

Chidorigafuchi park is a popular spot for viewing sakura in Tokyo. The moat around the Imperial Palace is lined with cherry trees, creating a beautiful pink and white tunnel. Visitors can take a boat ride on the moat to see the cherry blossoms up close.

4. Add a Touch of Tradition to Your Sakura Viewing

Renting a kimono and strolling around while viewing the cherry blossoms is a unique and memorable experience in Tokyo during the sakura season. Many kimono rental shops can be found throughout the city, offering affordable options for both men and women. Wearing a traditional kimono adds a special touch to the experience and makes for great photo opportunities. Keep in mind that kimono rental shops tend to be busy during this period, so it's best to book in advance.

きものレンタル麗 浅草店
Kimono & Yukata rental plan in Tokyo (About 5 minutes walking distance from Sensoji Temple)
Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
着物レンタルVASARA 新宿駅前店
Fashionably style cute accessories and hair set with an antique kimono
Shinjuku, Tokyo
株式会社Sakura Photo Studio
Wear a kimono and walk around Asakusa while viewing the cherry blossom trees
Taito City, Tokyo
株式会社Sakura Photo Studio
Walk around Asakusa wearing a kimono and taking in the views of sakura trees
Taito City, Tokyo

5. Experience Sakura Season in a Delicious Way

During sakura season in Tokyo, you can also learn about and make traditional Japanese sweets, known as "wagashi." These sweets are often made with in-season ingredients and shaped to reflect cherry blossoms. Many wagashi shops and classes in Tokyo offer workshops where visitors can learn about the art of wagashi making and even make their own. This is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture and have a delicious snack while viewing the cherry blossoms. Keep in mind that some classes may require prior reservation.

湘南サロンドローズ
Experience traditional Japanese culture and learn to make Neri-kiri wagashi sweets
Chuo City, Tokyo

6. Cherry Blossom Adventure: Paddle Through Tokyo's River

Canoeing or kayaking are both a great way to view the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. During sakura season, you can take a guided tour on the water surrounded by a sea of pink and white blossoms. Many tour companies offer guided canoe and kayak tours, which allow visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms up close while getting some exercise. It's recommended to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak season.

Outdoor Sports Club ZAC(ザック)
Tokyo Sky Tree Kayak Tour
Edogawa City, Tokyo
Outdoor Sports Club ZAC(ザック)
Tokyo Sky Tree Kayak Night View Tour - Beginner and Family-Friendly
Edogawa City, Tokyo

7. Cherry Blossom Viewing from Above: Take a Helicopter Tour in Tokyo

For a unique experience, consider taking a helicopter tour to see the cherry blossoms from above. The tours offer panoramic views of the city, and you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom from a bird's-eye view, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's a great way to make the most of your time and see as many cherry blossom spots as possible.

株式会社AirX
Helicopter sightseeing Flight experience of Tokyo's tourist attractions (10 minutes) - A superb view tour of 600m above the sky!
Koto City, Tokyo
株式会社AirX
Helicopter sightseeing flight experience of Tokyo's tourist attractions (20 minutes) - A superb view tour of 600m above the sky!
Koto City, Tokyo

8. Explore Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms by Bike: Join a Guided Cycling Tour

Cycling tours offer a fun way to explore Tokyo and view cherry blossoms during sakura season. Many tour companies offer guided tours to popular spots, led by a guide who provides information about the history, culture, and the best places to view cherry blossoms. It's an eco-friendly way to cover more ground, stop and take in the views at your own pace and get some exercise.

Cycling Holiday Tokyo
Guided Cycling Tour around Imperial Palace-Hibiya (Afternoon Course )
Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Cycling Holiday Tokyo
Guided cycling tour around Akihabara, Asakusa and Ryogoku (Morning Course)
Chiyoda City, Tokyo

9. Cherry Blossoms and Water: An Unforgettable Stand-up Paddleboarding Experience in Tokyo

Stand-up paddle boarding during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo offers a unique and beautiful experience. Paddleboarding along the river, lined with cherry blossom trees, is a popular way to take in the city's beauty and enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere created by the soft pink and white hues of the blossoms reflecting off the water's surface. Just make sure to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing.

10. Dine on a Boat Under the Cherry Blossoms: Yakatabune Cruising in Tokyo

Houseboat cruising restaurant or Yakatabune during sakura season in Tokyo is an exceptional way to experience the cherry blossoms. These traditional Japanese boats offer a dining experience while cruising along the city's waterways, allowing you to take in the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Many Yakatabune boats are decorated with cherry blossom motifs, adding to the festive atmosphere, and typically depart in the evening, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms lit up by the soft light of lanterns. These cruises are quite popular during sakura season; make sure to book in advance.

船宿 釣新
House boat tour around Tokyo (Sumidagawa River cruise with Nishiki lunch set and cherry blossoms views)
Sumida City, Tokyo
船宿 釣新
House boat tour around Tokyo (Sumidagawa River cruise with lunch set and cherry blossoms views)
Sumida City, Tokyo

11. Ride Through Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms: Rickshaw Tours during Sakura Season

Rickshaw tours in Tokyo during cherry blossom season offer a delightful way to witness the city's beauty. The streets transform into a sea of pink and white as visitors take in the stunning views while being pulled through the streets by a traditional rickshaw. Tour operators offer rickshaw tours to popular viewing spots like Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and Meguro River, making it a must-do for visitors during the sakura season. It's a memorable highlight of any trip.

Frequently asked questions

QWhat are some popular places to see cherry blossoms (sakura) in Tokyo?

AUeno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi Park are popular places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

QIs it possible to rent a kimono during cherry blossom season in Tokyo?

AYes, many kimono rental shops can be found throughout the city, offering affordable options for both men and women.

QAre there any traditional Japanese activities to do while viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

AYes, visitors can learn about and make traditional Japanese sweets known as "wagashi" during cherry blossom season.

QAre there any unique ways to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

AYes, visitors can take a helicopter tour, a guided canoe or kayak tour, or a guided cycling tour to view cherry blossoms in a unique way.

QAre reservations required for certain cherry blossom viewing activities in Tokyo?

ASome activities, such as wagashi making workshops and guided tours, may require prior reservation.

Summary

    FAQs

      Search by activity / experience
      Loading