Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Vlad
Your Guide to 2025 Sakura Magic in Tokyo
🌟 Hello again, Sakura Fans!
Tokyo offers a sakura experience for everyone – from lively hanami parties in Ueno Park to serene boat rides under the blossoms at Chidorigafuchi. Whether you love festive crowds or peaceful retreats, these hand-picked locations promise an unforgettable in-Japan-only experience.
Here’s your guide to Tokyo’s best cherry blossom spots!
🎉 For the Lively Crowd
🎊 1. Ueno Park (上野公園) – Tokyo’s Hanami Party Central
Why it’s lively:
Ueno Park is Tokyo’s hanami heartbeat, where over 800 cherry trees form a pink canopy every spring. The park turns into a festive wonderland, with food stalls, sake-drinking crowds, and glowing lanterns at night.
What to expect:
- Packed pathways and blue tarps filled with hanami parties
- Food stalls selling yakitori, taiyaki, and festival snacks
- A buzzing atmosphere with music, laughter, and lots of photo-taking
Getting there:
📍 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Lines)
🎟️ Free entry | Open 5 AM to 11 PM
Nearby gem: National Museum of Nature and Science (2-minute walk)
💡 Tip: Arrive before 10 AM during the Ueno Sakura Matsuri (late March–early April) to grab a picnic spot!
🌆 Meguro River (目黒川) – Tokyo’s Most Stylish Hanami Spot
Why it’s lively:
This 4-km stretch of 800 cherry trees near Nakameguro is Tokyo’s trendiest hanami location. Cafes and bars spill onto the streets, and at night, the illuminated blossoms reflect on the water, making it perfect for photographers and city dwellers alike.
This was the location of my very first ohanami and cherry blossom experience well over a decade ago
What to expect:
- A stylish urban hanami with floating petals on the river
- Pop-up stalls, food trucks, and boutique coffee shops
- A mix of locals, expats, and tourists enjoying the festive scene
Getting there:
📍 5-minute walk from Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
🎟️ Free access
Nearby gem: Starbucks Reserve Roastery (10-minute walk)
💡 Tip: Visit at night during the Nakameguro Sakura Festival (late March) for spectacular lighting displays.
🌿 For a Peaceful Retreat
🌳 3. Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) – A Tranquil Escape
Why it’s peaceful:
A 500-yen entry fee keeps the crowds at bay, allowing you to wander among 1,000+ cherry trees spread across a beautifully designed landscape featuring Japanese, French, and English gardens.
What to expect:
- Quiet paths, serene ponds, and open grassy areas
- A mix of early- and late-blooming cherry trees, extending the sakura season
- The perfect spot for a relaxed stroll or a peaceful hanami picnic
Getting there:
📍 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
🎟️ Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM | Closed Mondays before March 25
Nearby gem: Shinjuku shopping district (15-minute walk)
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning for the most peaceful experience.
💧 4. Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵) – A Picturesque Moat-Side Hanami
Why it’s peaceful:
This moat-side spot near the Imperial Palace offers breathtaking sakura reflections on the water. You can rent a boat and row under the arching cherry blossoms for a serene, postcard-perfect hanami experience.
Getting there:
📍 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai/Hanzomon Lines)
⛵ Boat rentals ~800 yen for 30 minutes
Nearby gem: Yasukuni Shrine (5-minute walk)
💡 Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the long queues for boat rentals.
🌸 Best of Both Worlds
🏞️ 5. Sumida Park (隅田公園) – Stunning River Views & Festive Vibes
Why it’s both:
Over 500 cherry trees line the Sumida River, offering a mix of bustling festival areas near Azumabashi Bridge and quieter riverside paths further away. The Tokyo Skytree backdrop makes it one of the most photogenic hanami locations.
Getting there:
📍 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
🎟️ Free entry | Boat cruises ~1,000 yen
Nearby gem: Senso-ji Temple (10-minute walk)
💡 Tip: Go at dusk to enjoy both daytime sakura and the beautiful nighttime illuminations.
📅 Plan Your 2025 Sakura Adventure
🌸 Peak bloom: Sakura will start flowing on March 25, with a peak bloom forecast for April 1st. (Check the latest forecast in my post here).
🚆 Easy transport: All spots are 10–30 minutes from Tokyo Station.
☔ Be prepared: Spring showers are common – check the weather forecast and bring an umbrella if required!
🕊️ Peaceful: Japanese ‘peaceful’ means less crowded but not necessarily empty – expect calm but not solitude at even the quietest locations.
💬 Which Tokyo cherry blossom spot is your favourite? Have a hidden gem we missed? Drop your thoughts below! 👇