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

2. Sumida Park

 

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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.

3. Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

 

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#shinjukugyoengarden #cherryblossom? #tokyo?? #spring enjoy everyone this is real! #sakura? is another name for cherry blossoms in Japanese !

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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.

4. Chidorigafuchi

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.

5. Mount Takao

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.

6. Yoyogi Park

 

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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!

7. Asukayama Park

 

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今年も江戸最古の花見どころ?飛鳥山で花見?結局花はどーでもよくなっているのも恒例だわ?#asukayama #sakura2018 #tokyo

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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!

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 now. Happy hunting!

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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