Skytree with cherryblossoms

Sakura (cherry blossom) marks the beginning of spring. The sakura’s fleeting life span, analogous to that of human life, encourages us to infuse our lives with more future nostalgia. To do so, we are recommending both popular and lesser-known hanami (sakura viewing) spots around Tokyo 2025. Make sure to check the sakura forecasts regularly as blooming periods can be unpredictable, particularly due to the acceleration of climate change.

Here’s an overview of the cherry blossom forecast for 2025:

A favorite among both locals and foreigners, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to an abundant 1,300 sakura trees as well as English, French and Japanese gardens. Being so vast, you can stroll through the numerous meandering paths to find the perfect spot to set up a picnic or barbeque under a blanket of sakura. A bit less rowdy and crowded compared to Ueno Park, this may be a favorable option for families.

Hours: 9am – 5:30pm (usually closed Mondays, but open every day from March 25 to April 24)
General Entrance: ¥500
Students and seniors: ¥250
15 and under: Free
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku
Station: Shinjuku-Gyoenmae or Shinjuku-Sanchome

Known as a hanami mecca since the Edo period, Ueno Park remains the most popular sakura season destination. The park hosts a cherry blossom festival — “Ueno Sakura Matsuri” — with several vendors selling classic matsuri (festival) food and drinks. Thanks to its late closing time and lantern-lined trees, drinking into the night during Yozakura (evening hanami) is a popular event. The park’s earlier blooming period and long opening hours make it an attractive and convenient spot for everyone.

Hours: 5am – 11pm
Entrance: Free
Address: Ueno Park, Taito-ku
Station: Ueno

Its proximity to Tokyo Skytree and some of the best views of cherry blossoms in the city make this riverside park a popular choice for hanami. Around 510 trees bloom throughout March and into April, creating a tunnel of cherry blossoms, and visitors even have the option to ride a riverboat along Sumida River. Sumida Park is undoubtedly a great place to revel in the beauty of Japanese spring.

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku
Station: Asakusa

Combine hanami with a scenic hike up Mount Takao, only an hour from Tokyo. Several varieties of cherry blossoms bloom on this mountain, so the experience varies depending on altitude. Breathtaking views of Tokyo, Mount Fuji on a clear day, and the delicate pink of cherry blossoms make this the perfect hanami destination for nature lovers. 

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free to hike (cable car and chair lift both cost ¥480 for a one-way ticket)
Address: Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi
Station: Takaosanguchi

A romantic spot with a scenic view of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi is the place to go if you’re looking for a more intimate hanami location. The best way to appreciate the area is by renting a boat and paddling through the sakura-lined waterways. This area also offers a dreamy, illuminated ambiance at night from 6pm to 10pm. As the trees start to wither, the moat is dyed pink with petals, making for a picturesque backdrop.

Hours: 24 hours (9am – 8:30pm for boat pier)
Entrance: Free
Address: 1-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku
Station: Kudanshita

Located in the young and hip Kichijoji, Inokashira Park boasts an animated environment that entertains various activities beyond your classic hanami. Rent a swan boat and paddle around the sakura concentrated pond, then make your way towards the park zoo or aquarium once you’ve had your fill of pink hues. Make sure to check out the beautiful landscape from Nanai Bridge before heading over to a stylish bar around the area to cap off your day. 

Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino-shi
Station: Kichijoji

The Meguro River promenade is arguably the most famous yozakura (night cherry blossom viewing) spot in Tokyo—and rightfully so. During the hanami period, the avenue hosts the “Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival,” with drink and food vendors padding the walkways. The canals are lined with over 800 yoshino cherry trees and stretch over several kilometers, making for a breathtaking walk. After dawn, the Japanese bonbori lanterns leave a colorful glimmer over the water, so make sure to take advantage of the beautiful photo opportunities. 

Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: Meguro River Nakameguro, Meguro-ku
Station: Nakameguro

Yoyogi Park is a popular destination for hanami with over 600 sakura trees and a huge amount of space for people to lay down tarps and enjoy eating and drinking with friends. There are lakes and plenty of foliage, and the park’s central location makes it easy for sightseers to visit Meiji Shrine before their picnic or a trendy bar later in the evening.

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya-ku
Station: Harajuku, Yoyogi-Koen, Yoyogi-Hachiman

This isn’t a typical hanami party venue but it’s ideal for quieter, more reflective afternoons. From the north to south of the center of the cemetery there is a row of several decades-old sakura trees, as well as resting places of famous figures including Hachiko, Hachiko’s owner Ueno Hidesaburo, novelist Shinichi Hoshi, and Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of the Mikimoto pearl company.

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 2-32-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku
Station: Nogizaka

With up to 100 sakura trees on either side of the street, a “sakura tunnel” illusion decorates this avenue. This experience is best when lit up at night, as day viewings may not be as picturesque. Walk through the tunnel in the evening to enjoy the illuminated atmosphere, then head to the famous Nihonbashi Takashimaya for a shopping spot.

Hours:
Entrance: Free
Address: 1-6-3 Yaesu, Chuo-ku
Station: Tokyo

Asukayama Park in the north of Tokyo is one of the oldest hanami spots from the Edo period—where sakura trees were first planted and hanami was founded. This is a less crowded, more local viewing spot on top of a hill. The peak can be reached via a free monorail, which will make for a nice photo of the view of the city.

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 1-1-3 Oji, Kita-ku
Station: Oji

Kinuta Park

Although a bit of a walk from the nearest station, Kinuta Park is a well-loved hanami spot for locals. It boasts over 800 sakura trees and is known for being family-friendly, meaning there are plenty of wide lawn spaces for picnics. In addition, several facilities are conveniently located on-site, including athletic fields and the Setagaya Art Museum, perfect for those with children who may want a more active option during the hanami.

Hours: 24 hours
Entrance: Free
Address: 1-1 Kinutakōen, Setagaya-ku
Station: Yōga