Sakura Season 2019: Best Times and Spots To See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Last updated 04 February, 2019

Thinking of visiting Tokyo for this year's Sakura season? Here are the top tips for making the most of the cherry blossom season so you can plan your vacation now!

Cherry blossom season is on the way so now’s the time to plan your vacation to catch hanami in gorgeous parks, enjoy romantic boat rides after dark, and be awed by spectacular illuminations surrounded by stunning blooming sakura. Skyscanner shows you when and where to enjoy Tokyo’s spectacular cherry blossoms this sakura season.

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When is the best time to see Sakura in Tokyo in 2019?

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is during late March to early April. If you’re hunting for cherry blossoms in Tokyo this Sakura season, be sure to check the cherry blossoms forecasts that will start to be updated from late January onwards. Plan and book your trip ahead of time to find the best deals! You can also check out some of the best sakura flight deals to Japan for cherry blossom season 2019 from Skyscanner.

Tokyo Sakura Season 2019Full bloom: 24 March

First bloom: 17 March

Tokyo Sakura Season 2018Full bloom: 24 March

First bloom: 17 March

Tokyo Sakura Season 2017Full bloom: 10 April

First bloom: 23 March

Tokyo Sakura Season 2016Full bloom: 1 April

First bloom: 20 March

Where are the best spots to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo for Sakura season 2019?

1. Ueno Park

If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant place to see Sakura, head to Ueno Park, which is one of the city’s most popular spots to enjoy the blossom. The park features more than 1,000 trees which are all beautifully lit up after dark and the mixture of somei-yosheino and mountain cherry trees bloom like stars in Sakura season. There are often special events and an antique market held in the park during Sakura season so take a stroll along the lantern-lit paths and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s worth noting that Sakura often blooms here 2 to 3 days before other parts of the city.

How to get to Ueno ParkUeno station
Where to stayFind hotels near Ueno Park

2. Sumida Park

Sumida Park is another popular spot to hanami, so join the crowds and head to the area between Azumabashi and Sakurabashi bridges and join in the fun! Wander with the crowds and enjoy the 640 cherry blossom trees here alongside stunning views of the Tokyo Skytree. Trees along both sides of the river are illuminated after dark and for a romantic evening, enjoy a slow boat cruise down the river.

How to get to Sumida parkAsakusa station
Where to stayFind hotels near Sumida park

3. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

This beautiful garden was once the regal residence of a renowned samurai family but is now a gorgeous park with over a dozen varieties of blooming cherry trees and spacious, tranquil lawns perfect for lazing on your picnic mat and soaking up the atmosphere. As many of the trees here are late blooming varieties, if you miss the peak blooming period in Tokyo head here to get your dose of Sakura this year.

How to get to Shinjuku Gyoen GardenShinjuku station
Where to stayFind hotels near Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Admission feeS$2.50 (JPY 200)

4. Chidorigafuchi

Tokyo Sakura Season 2019 | SingSaver

Rent a boat for a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms around Chidorigafuchi

Undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom viewing areas with the spectacular sight of hundreds of blooming cherry trees lining the moat surrounding Edo Castle. While it is forbidden to picnic here, renting a boat and rowing along Hanzo Moat at night under the illuminated blossom is a spectacular experience. If you get hungry, head over to the nearby Yasakuni Shrine which has lots of food stands and over a thousand cherry trees.

How to get to ChidorigafuchiKudanshita station
Where to stayFind hotels near Chidorigafuchi

5. Mount Takao

Mount Takao Tokyo Sakura Season 2019 | SingSaver

Hop on a train from Shinjuku for a short ride out of town to enjoy the Japanese countryside and a hike up Mount Takao. The mountain, at only 599m in altitude, isn’t a particularly challenging climb but rewards with ancient temples, pristine fresh air and a number of hanami spots beneath the cherry blossom trees. For the best spot to see Sakura, hike a further 30 mins from the summit until you reach the Takaosan Senbonzakura area and enjoy the different varieties of trees in bloom. It’s also worth noting that several of the varieties of tree bloom around two weeks later than in central Tokyo.

How to get to Mount TakaoTake a Keio Railways train (50 mins) for S$5 (JPY 390) from Shinjuku station to Takaosanguchi station and then hike the mountain!
Where to stayFind accommodation near Mount Takao

6. Yoyogi Park

With over 600 cherry trees, the spacious Yoyogi Park is a fun place to hanami. The park is renowned for its gatherings and markets and on Sundays, it is a mecca for the city’s cosplayers, which makes it a perfect spot for Tokyo people watching. Also, one of the varieties of cherry blossom tree in the park, which has darker pink blossoms than the more commonly seen somei yoshino blossom, usually blooms several days earlier than the forecast date so if you’re in Tokyo before most of the trees blossom, head here and you might strike gold!

How to get to Yoyogi ParkHarajuku station
Where to stayFind hotels near Yoyogi Park

7. Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park is one of Tokyo’s most revered and famous places for viewing the blooming cherry trees. The park is perched on a hilltop and is much quieter and smaller than more popular spots such as Ueno and Sumida, so is great for a breather from the crowds and also features a cool playground which includes a disused train and tram, perfect for kids to explore. Little rail enthusiasts will also love the free monorail that takes people up the hill to the park!

How to get to Asukayama ParkOji station
Where to stayFind hotels near Asukayama Park

Where to stay in Tokyo during Sakura season?

It’s important to note that Sakura season is super peak season in Tokyo and prices skyrocket, so it pays to do your homework and book as early in advance as possible. Also, try and snag a place near the JR Yamanote Line so you can save time, money and energy getting to the key areas. The line is well connected to prime cherry blossom viewing spots such as Ueno and Shinjuku and other tourist districts including Shibuya and Akihabara. The best three areas to start narrowing down your search for the perfect Tokyo digs for Sakura viewing are Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno. Find cheap hotels in Tokyo nowHappy hunting!

Sakura cherry blossom japan prediction 2019

First published in February 2017 and updated in January 2019. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.

This article was first published on Skyscanner

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