Chase the cherry blossoms in Kanto! 🌸
Photo: @marjolein_dejongh (Instagram)
Photo: @tama____kichi (Instagram)
Sakura season is officially here, and if you're planning your Japan trip this springtime, we're here to help you discover the best cherry blossom spots in the Kanto region.
We've also compiled a list of recommended things to do in the area that you can explore and enjoy after your cherry blossom viewing, from tea ceremonies and kimono rentals, to fun outdoor activities. Check out these must-visit places in Kanto this spring!
- Meguro River
- Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
- Ueno Park
- Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way
- Tokyo Midtown
- Shiba Park
- Yoyogi Park
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Tokyo Skytree
- Inokashira Park
- Showa Memorial Park
- Motomachi Park
- Onshi Hakone Park
- Tokyo German Village
- Mother Farm
- Metsa Village, Hanno
- Motegi Shiroyama Park
- Ashikaga Flower Park
- Shizumine Furusato Park
- Senbonzakura (South of Akagi)
2023 cherry blossom forecast in Kanto
According to the official forecast announcement made on the 24th of February, the cherry blossom blooming period in Tokyo, Kantō is projected to begin around March 18, with peak bloom expected around 30th March 2023. By the end of March, it will be flowering in most places across eastern and western Japan.
Cherry blossom spots in Tokyo
There are many spots in Tokyo to view the cherry blossoms. Here is a list of the popular locations that you would want to visit while in the city, as well as fun things to do nearby:
1. Meguro River
Photo: Em (Klook)
Along the Meguro River is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot every year. The best part is how accessible Meguro River is - the location can be accessed from multiple train stations such as Naka-Meguro Station, Meguro Station and Ikejiri-ōhashi Station.
For the first time since the last 3 years, paper lanterns will be once again lit up during the cherry blossom festival this year! No matter daytime or night, you will surely be impressed by the sight of the pink and white blooms on both sides of the river.
Nakameguro Annual Cherry Blossom Illumination
- Period: 18th March (Saturday) to 9th April (Sunday)
- Time: 5PM - 8PM daily
📍 How to get here:
Naka-Meguro Station
- 2-minute walk from Naka-Meguro Station (via Tokyu Toyoko Line) toward Meguro River
- Click here for Google Maps
Meguro Station
- 5-minute walk from Meguro Station (via JR Yamanote Line / Tokyu Meguro Line / Tokyo Metro Namboku Line / Toei Mita Line) toward Meguro-shinbashi
- Click here for Google Maps
Ikejiri-ōhashi Station
- 4-minute walk from Ikejiri-ōhashi Station (via Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line) toward Meguro River
- Click here for Google Maps
We recommend making a reservation for the tea ceremony experience, located just a 15-minute walk away from Ikejiri-ōhashi Station, to enjoy the complete experience of enjoying Japanese culture together with the cherry blossoms. "Delicious, fun, and relaxing" is the motto here, so you rest assured that you'll experience the tea ceremony process in a way that's made for everyone to enjoy, even beginners.
2. Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Photo: @kenichikawamata (Instagram)
You can find cherry blossoms in bloom everywhere in this Takanawa's large Japanese garden, which covers about 20,000 square meters! There are 17 different cherry blossom types, with about 120 trees inside. In February, Kawazu cherry blossoms will bloom, followed by Somei-yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms, which will continue to bloom one after another up until early April.
This year, the garden will be lit up for the cherry blossom festival, held from 10th March (Friday) to 9th April (Sunday). The Japanese garden is also connected to Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa and The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, so you can access the garden from anywhere.
📍 How to get here:
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
- 5-minute walk from Shinagawa Station (via Shinkansen / JR Line / Keikyu Line)
- Click here for Google Maps
After enjoying your cherry blossom viewing, head to the popular Shinagawa aquarium. At the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa across the street from the hotel, you can enjoy a full-fledged indoor dolphin show. Children and adults alike will be impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities that combine sound, light, visuals and creatures.
3. Ueno Park
Photo: @10ton82 (Instagram)
Photo: @saoringosu (Instagram)
Ueno Park has been known as a cherry blossom viewing spot since the Edo period. Although it is just a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station in Tokyo, being in this spacious park makes you feel as if you are not in the city.
Unlike the trees along the streets, you can take your time to enjoy the cherry blossom trees in the park without worrying about bumping into other passersby. The Ueno Toshugo Shrine that resembles cherry blossoms is also a spectacular sight to see.
📍 How to get here:
Ueno Park
- 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (via JR Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- Click here for Google Maps
After cherry blossom viewing, most visitors tend to go to the zoo, museums, and art galleries in Ueno Park, but why not try a different experience just a few stops away? If you enjoy being active, take the Yamanote Line from Ueno Station to Akihabara, located two stops away. Give street go-karting a go and take a cherry blossom tour in downtown Tokyo!
Make more springtime memories by renting a kimono! Go from Ueno Station to Asakusa Station - you can find the rental outlet just 3 stops away on the Ginza Line. Everything including accessories can be rented, so you can come empty-handed on the day. There are also photoshoot packages, including a plan to take pictures with the cherry blossoms around Asakusa, and also a studio shoot plan, making it a popular graduation photo spot.
4. Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way
Photo: @marjolein_dejongh (Instagram)
Photo: @etchan_simosimo (Instagram)
Also known as the Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat, the Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way is one of Japan's leading cherry blossom viewing spots where you can enjoy the flowers in full bloom along the moat of the Imperial Palace as you walk along the green path. When the petals begin to fall, the sight of the petals floating on the water's surface makes it a beautiful spot. We also recommend taking a boat ride as you enjoy the 'pink moat'.
📍 How to get here:
Chidori-ga-fuchi & Kitanomaru Park
- 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (via Toei Shinjuku Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
- 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station (via Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
- Click here for Google Maps
5. Tokyo Midtown
Photo: Em (Klook)
The greenery in Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi makes it the perfect place to do your shopping while you relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms. At night, catch the magical view of the lit up rows of cherry blossom trees between between the Tokyo Midtown Galleria mall and the gardens.
From the pedestrian bridge overlooking the row of cherry blossom trees, you can enjoy a slightly different view of the blooms.
Klook Tip: You may not be allowed to stop and take photos depending on the time of day due to traffic congestion
📍 How to get here:
Tokyo Midtown
- Directly connected from the Roppongi Station (via Toei Oedo Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- 3-minute walk from Nogizaka Station (via Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Click here for Google Maps
If you're in Roppongi, how about visiting Roppongi Hills at night? You can enjoy a romantic night view of the city from the Roppongi Hills observation deck. Book your voucher on Klook to enter the attraction at a discounted rate.
6. Shiba Park
Photo: @shelliemay_86 (Instagram)
To enjoy this next spot, take the Toei Oedo Line from Tokyo Midtown to Daimon Station, just 3 stations away, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms of Shiba Park at the foot of Tokyo Tower. About 200 trees such as Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, and it is a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot with Tokyo Tower in the background.
📍 How to get here:
Shiba Park
- 2-minute walk from Shibakoen Station (via Toei Mita Line)
- 2-minute walk from Onarimon Station (via Toei Mita Line)
- 2-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (via Toei Oedo Line)
- 5-minute walk from Daimon Station (via Toei Asakusa Line / Oedo Line)
- Click here for Google Maps
After cherry blossom viewing at Shiba Park, how about enjoying the night view from Tokyo Tower? There's a cafe that sells alcohol on the 150 meter-high observation deck, so it's a great spot to enjoy the sunset followed with a view of the city at night with a drink in hand.
When the weather is nice, we also recommend going for a ride on the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus to get the best sightseeing experience in Tokyo!
Take the Sky Hop Bus via Shiba Park (Zojo-ji Temple) to explore the areas of Odaiba and Marunouchi. You can also transfer between the Tokyo Skytree/Asakusa route and the Shinjuku/Shibuya route, so you can get off at any of the Tokyo landmarks and spots across the city that interest you.
7. Yoyogi Park
Photo: @saki_type1_fxdl (Instagram)
Photo: @kiyoka_tokyo (Instagram)
There are about 600 cherry trees planted in Yoyogi Park, which is just a short walk from Harajuku Station. It is one of the few spots where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a quiet and spacious location, feeling as if you aren't in the center of a city. Take a break away from everyday life and enjoy the moment as you lie down on the grass and look up at the cherry blossoms and the sky.
📍 How to get here:
Yoyogi Park
- 3-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line in Harajuku Station
- 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Fukutoshin Line in Meiji Jingumae (Harajuku) Station
- 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line in Yoyogi Koen Station
- Click here for Google Maps
Around Yoyogi Park are many pet cafes that we love. Our personal favourite is Mipig Cafe, a cafe in Harajuku where adorable micro pigs await you! Take a break and interact with these tiny creatures by giving them snacks, while you get to enjoy delicious donuts and tea. After viewing the cherry blossoms, why not go and get your spirit healed by the cuteness of these micro pigs?
8. Shinjuku Gyoen
Photo: @sugary_pink (Instagram)
Yoyogi Park's 600 cherry blossom trees are impressive, but Shinjuku Gyoen has about 1,000 cherry blossom trees, dyeing the entire park in shades of light pink. It is a famous spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms throughout spring, as there are late blooming double-flowered cherry trees such as the Kanzan and Ichiyo that only reach their peak bloom in April.
Advance reservations are required for admission during their peak season to ease congestion, which is between the 25th of March to the 24th of April 2023. Do check their official website for more details.
📍 How to get here:
Shinjuku Gyoen
- 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line in Shinjuku Gyoen Station
- 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Toei Shinjuku Line in Shinjuku Sanchome Station
- 10-minute walk from JR Line / Keio Line / Odakyu Line in Shinjuku Station
- Click here for Google Maps
Shinjuku Station is the starting point for many cherry blossom viewing tours. We recommend joining one to ensure you'll get the chance to visit the famous cherry blossom spots!
9. Tokyo Skytree
Photo: @etchan_simosimo (Instagram)
Photo: @imai_3104 (Instagram)
Photo: @ken_tokyo.jp (Instagram)
Tokyo Skytree is a landmark in Tokyo and has become a staple spot in the city for cherry blossom viewing. The wild cherry blossoms that bloom around Tokyo Solamachi, a commercial facility under Tokyo Skytree, are characterised by a slightly darker pink colour than Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms. You can take great shots of Tokyo Skytree in spring not only around Tokyo Solamachi, but also from Sumida Park along the Sumida River.
📍 How to get here:
Tokyo Skytree
- Directly connected to Tobu Skytree Line in Tokyo Skytree Station
- Directly connected to Tobu Skytree Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Keisei Oshiage Line / Toei Asakusa Line in Oshiage (Skytree-mae) Station
- Click here for Google Maps
After enjoying the cherry blossoms around Tokyo Skytree, head to the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree! Spot the famous landmarks from up there, such as Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower. We also recommend checking out Sumida Aquarium nearby.
10. Inokashira Park
Photo: @mayukohotate (Instagram)
Photo: @38_chess (Instagram)
Inokashira Park has been listed as one of the top 100 cherry blossom sites in Japan, and the highlights here are definitely the cherry blossoms that surround the pond, as well as the experience of going paddling on the surface covered with fallen blooms.
There are only a few places like Inokashira Park where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while on a boat, so on weekends when the blossoms are in full bloom, you can expect long lines at the boat terminal. It's also located close to Kichijōji Station, so it's a popular spot among people of all ages due to its accessibility.
📍 How to get here:
Inokashira Park
- 5-minute walk from JR Chuo Line / Keio Inokashira Line in Kichijoji Station
- 1-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line in Inokashira Park
- Click here for Google Maps
11. Showa Memorial Park
Photo: @hirokingraph (Instagram)
Photo: @naho_ne (Instagram)
One of the best parts of Showa Memorial Park, which is located near Nishi-Tachikawa Station, is its vast size - it's about 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome! You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while keeping your distance from other visitors in the same area.
The area where you can find the most Somei-yoshino cherry trees are the Mina no Harappa (open field) and Cherry Orchard areas in the park, which you can find by entering from the Nishi-Tachikawa entrance. Nearby and on the right of the entrance is the former Cherry Orchard area from the Fureai Bridge.
📍 How to get here:
National Showa Memorial Park
- 2-minute walk from JR Ome Line in Nishi-Tachikawa Station
- Click here for Google Maps
Cherry blossom spots in Kanagawa
Kanagawa is close to the city centre and is easily accessible via public transport. It is nice to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds - urban downtown areas such as Minatomirai and Chinatown, as well as a lush, green park on the same day.
12. Motomachi Park
Photo: @yum_t_k (Instagram)
Photo: @kumiko.719 (Instagram)
The tree-lined road in Motomachi Park with about 100 cherry blossom trees in full bloom is truly a spectacular sight. The cherry blossoms in the park can be seen alongside the Western-influenced Ehrismann House and Yamate 234th Building, which is a pretty unique and different setting from the usual Japanese aesthetic. There is also a church across the street, another great spot for taking pictures of the cherry blossoms.
📍 How to get here:
Motomachi Park
- 8-minute walk from Minatomirai Line in Motomachi-Chukagai Station
- Click here for Google Maps
13. Onshi Hakone Park
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Hakone is after April, the flowers blooming later than in Tokyo. Hakone's cherry blossoms are famous for its late blooming period, allowing visitors to enjoy the season at a later date.
At Onshi Hakone Park, the best time to catch these blooms is from mid to late April. The panoramic view of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji has been selected as one of the 50 best scenic spots in all of Kanagawa.
📍 How to get here:
Onshi Hakone Park
- About 40 minutes by bus on the Odakyu Line from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Onshi Koen-mae
- Click here for Google Maps
After enjoying some of Hakone's best sceneries, be sure to stop by an onsen. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, which is about 13 minutes away by car, has not only traditional open-air baths, but also many unique ones such as wine baths, green tea baths and coffee baths. It's a relaxing experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Cherry blossom spots in Chiba
14. Tokyo German Village
Tokyo German Village, a theme park located in Sodegaura City in the Chiba Prefecture, is also famous for its moss phlox that you can hardly find in the city. The Yoshino cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom in late March and the spectacular moss phlox in early April.
There are attractions in the park such as a children's zoo with mini pigs and guinea pigs, as well as a Ferris wheel, making it a very popular family-friendly spot.
📍 How to get here:
Tokyo German Village
- About 45 minutes by the Kapina highway bus from JR Line in Chiba Station (get off at Tokyo German Village)
- Click here for Google Maps
If you go on a tour to Tokyo German Village from Shinjuku, not only is getting around easy, but you can also enjoy additional activities such as strawberry picking and shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu! All-you-can-eat shabu-shabu lunch is included.
15. Mother Farm
Photo: @haraky227 (Instagram)
Mother Farm is another cherry blossom viewing spot in Chiba, famous for its spectacular cherry blossom and nanohana (rape blossom) views. The scenery of about 1,200 cherry blossom and rape blossom trees in full bloom is something you can't get elsewhere. It's definitely one of the must-visit places this spring to enjoy some fresh air, warm weather and spectacular blooms.
📍 How to get here:
Mother Farm
- Approximately 35 minutes by direct bus from JR Kimitsu Station
- Address: 940-3 Takura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture 299-1731
- Click here for Google Maps
Cherry blossom spots in Saitama
Head to Saitama, where you'll be surrounded by nature although it's just an hour's drive away from the city centre. There are many great spots here where you can enjoy views of cherry blossoms with the mountains in the background.
16. Metsä Village, Hannō
Photo: @sunnysideplace (Instagram)
Enter into Metsä Village in Hannō, a Nordic-themed entertainment complex where you can enjoy cherry blossoms against a backdrop of Lake Miyazawa and mountains. Both adults and children can enjoy the park area surrounding the shores of the lake free of charge.
A couple of other cherry blossom viewing spots in Hannō is the Hanno Central Park, where about 400 cherry blossom trees bloom each year, and if you don't mind climbing, we also recommend going to see the large cherry trees blooming on Mount Koa in Naguri.
📍 How to get here:
Metsä Village
- About 13 minutes by bus bound for Metsä from Seibu Line in Hanno Station (get off at Metsä stop)
- Click here for Google Maps
If you're a Moomin fan, visit Moominvalley Park where you can experience Moomin's story come to life, right next to Metsä Village. Enjoy fun activities such as an interactive show featuring the Moomin family, as well as themed amenities such as a cute restaurant that makes you feel as if you've entered the world itself.
Cherry blossom spots in Tochigi
In Tochigi, you can also enjoy cherry blossom viewing at popular sightseeing spots such as Nikko and Nasu. Continue reading for a couple of underrated locations!
17. Shiroyama Park
Photo: @lupin3rd.0203 (Instagram)
Built on the ruins of Motegi Castle, Shiroyama Park is a symbol of Motegi Town and is where you can find about 150 planted cherry trees. Aside from Somei-yoshino, there are also other cherry blossom varieties that are rare in the city, such as the weeping cherry and botanzakura.
📍 How to get here:
Motegi Shiroyama Park
- 15-minute walk from the Moka Railway in Motegi Station
- Click here for Google Maps
If you are heading to Utsunomiya, do drop by Utsunomiya Zoo. Here, you'll get to meet 90 different species of animals, including white tigers and chimpanzees. This outdoor attraction is the perfect place for the whole family to spend some quality time together - there's even an amusement park for you to hop on fun rides!
📍 How to get here:
Motegi Shiroyama Park
- 15-minute walk from the Moka Railway in Motegi Station
- Click here for Google Maps
18. Ashikaga Flower Park
Photo: @tokumi2183 (Instagram)
Photo: @yukizoh54 (Instagram)
Cherry blossoms are not the only springtime flower viewing you can enjoy at Ashikaga Flower Park. Approximately 30,000 tulips dye the flower park in vivid spring colours during the Spring Flower Festival. Snow willows, which reach their peak bloom at the same time as the cherry blossoms and tulips, are also a highlight at this flower park.
📍 How to get here:
Ashikaga Flower Park
- 3-minute walk from JR Ryomo Line in Ashikaga Flower Park Station
- Click here for Google Maps
We recommend going to Ashikaga Flower Park with a one-day cherry blossom viewing tour that is available on Klook. In addition to the park, you can also enjoy strawberry picking and spectacular views from the Watarasekeikoku Railway.
Cherry blossom spots in Ibaraki
Good news for those of you who miss out on the blooms in the city! Ibaraki's cherry blossoms bloom a little later than those in the city, so you can still manage to enjoy them towards the end of the spring season.
19. Shizumine Furusato Park
Photo: @tama____kichi (Instagram)
Photo: T-T-T
Shizumine Furusato Park, another location selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, is famous for its double-flowered cherry trees that are in full bloom from mid to late April .The pink blooms can be enjoyed later than in Tokyo, so don't worry if you weren't able to see the cherry blossoms in March. Just spread out a picnic mat, sit back and take your time to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
📍 How to get here:
Shizumine Furusato Park
- Approximately a 30-minute walk from JR Suigun Line in Shizu Station
- Click here for Google Maps
Cherry blossom spots in Gunma
When it comes to the famous cherry blossom spots in Gunma, most people may think of the famous Maebashi Park, known for its Somei-yoshino cherry blossom trees. However, here's another famous viewing spot in Gunma.
20. Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura
Photo: @kaeeru13 (Instagram)
With more than 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom, the cherry blossom trees create a beautiful cherry blossom-coloured tunnel, stretching 1.3km long and attracting visitors from all over. Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura is a rare spot in Japan where you can enjoy yellow rape blossoms and pink Yoshino cherry blossoms at the same time. We recommend getting here by car.
📍 How to get here:
Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura
- About a 30-minute via the Kita Kanto Expressway Isesaki IC
- Click here for Google Maps
