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If you’re visiting Tokyo in April, chances are you want to see the cherry blossoms. And so does everyone else. So, where can you go that is bit less well-known than the incredibly popular spots? Here are some ideas…
There is no shortage of places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. If you’ve been researching locations, your list probably has Ueno Park, Nakameguro Bridge, Chidorigafuchi Park (below) or Shinjuku Gyoen Garden written on it. These are four of THE most popular places to see the blossoms – but this also means that they are the busiest places to see the cherry blossoms.
So, what if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more low-key or local? These suggestions from the Tokyo Tourism team might fit the bill.
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Quieter Parks
If you’re looking to experience Tokyo’s cherry blossoms in a park situation, the team suggests these two within easy reach of the city. They will still be popular with locals, but not as popular as the big four sites above.
Sarue Park
Sarue Park is a peaceful green space with a stunning view of Tokyo Skytree framed by delicate cherry blossoms. It’s located in the far east of Tokyo and is the perfect spot for those seeking a serene hanami experience with fewer tourists. See more details here.
How to Get There
Sarue Park is a 2-minute walk from Sumiyoshi Station on the Toei Shinjuku or Hanzomon Lines. It might look a long way away from town, but it will only take 25 minutes to get there from Shinjuku station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
The park is also a short walk from Kinschicho Station, which makes it easy to combine with a visit to Japan’s Sumo area, Ryogoku. Come here early in the morning to visit a Sumo stable, then make your way to the park for a morning with the flowers.
Musashino Park
Musashino Park offers one of the longest cherry blossom viewing periods in Tokyo.
You see, the cherry blossom forecast many tourists use to work out if they are going to be lucky enough to see the trees refers to just one type of cherry blossom—but there are many other types. In Musashino Park, you’ll find over 900 trees and around 30 different cherry blossom varieties.
This means that the blossoms begin in early March and continue through mid-April, making it a potential option if you miss out on the ‘official’ bloom.
How to Get There
Musashino Park is a 15-minute walk from Shin-Koganei Station on the Seibu Tamagawa Line. You can reach it in about 45 minutes from Shinjuku. See more details here.
Note: This area has a couple of parks with similar names. Use Shin-Konganei Station as your guide on Google Maps, then look for the park to the southwest. There’s a landmark in the park called Kujira (Whale Mountain) that you can use to confirm that you have the right one.
You can easily combine this with a trip to the Studio Ghibli Museum. Inokashira Park, where the museum sits, is another popular cherry blossom spot.
Image: Tokyo Tourism
Visit a Festival
Cherry blossom festivals won’t be quiet. They will be busy with local tourists enjoying the fun, but they are a great way to see the flowers and enjoy the hanami atmosphere. You might even get to go on a boat! Here are four that are close to Tokyo.
Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Festival
Date: 22 March 2025 – 4 April 2025
For a truly unique cherry blossom experience, head to the Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Festival (pictured above and below), which takes place along the Fukagawa River in east Tokyo. This event is known for its picturesque boat rides, which allow you to glide along the river and enjoy the beauty of the blossoms from the water.
This area is also illuminated at night, so you can also visit to see the cherry trees lit up after dusk. Find more details here.
How to Get There
The festival takes place on the Fukagawa River in Koto-ku. The closest station is Monsen-Nakacho. This is just a 10-minute train ride from Tokyo Station on the Toei Line. This is also easy to visit if you’re staying at Tokyo Disney. Take the Keiyo Line to Etchijima and walk for about 20 minutes.
If you do come here, then also make time to see the fire ritual at the nearby Fudo-Fukugawa Shrine. It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen in Tokyo.
Toneri Park Senbonzakura Festival
Date: 29–30 March 2025
Located in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward, northeast of the city, Toneri Park offers a tranquil escape with over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring.
The Toneri Park Senbonzakura Festival celebrates the peak of sakura season, complete with over 100 food and drink locals offering local treats. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the blossoms, indulge in local products, or soak in the lively atmosphere, this festival offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. See more about it here.
How to Get There
The park is a short walk from Toneri Park Station on the Nippori-Toneri Liner. Catch this from Nippori Station. You can easily combine this with visiting the quaint Yanaka area.
Image: Tokyo Tourism
Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: 29–30 March 2025
The charming Koganei Park, located in the far west of Tokyo, is home to 1,400 cherry trees representing 50 varieties and is a must-visit for any sakura enthusiast.
The Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and features beautiful cherry blossoms, traditional stage performances, and around 40 food stalls offering regional and local specialties.
There are also ikebana (flower arranging) displays and a traditional tea ceremony at the museum, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a blend of culture and nature. See more about it here.
How to Get There
It’s a 10-minute bus ride from JR Musashi Koganei Station, which is 25 minutes away from Shinjuku Station on the Chuo Line. Combine your visit to the Sakura with a trip to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.
Need Extra Planning Help?
Our Japan trip planners can help. You might like our First-Timers Japan Planner, which will help you plan your trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka step-by-step, including tips on everything from picking hotels to sightseeing and dining. Or our super-duper Tokyo Disney Planner makes arranging your park trip MUCH easier. Find them in our Planners store – printable and digital versions are available.
Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival
Date: 30 March 2025 – 25 May 2025 (Cherry Blossoms in Late March – Early April)
Situated in Tachikawa, about a 50-minute journey by train from Shinjuku, Showa Kinen Park boasts a stunning collection of over 1,500 cherry trees, including the iconic Somei Yoshino variety.
The park not only offers incredible sakura views but also features a variety of other seasonal flowers throughout the year. But cherry blossoms are the highlight for those visiting in late March to early April. Don’t miss the magnificent 50-year-old cherry trees in the Sakura Garden. See more about it here.
How to Get There
There are a couple of different trains that will take you toward Showa Kinen Park, but all of them take about 30 minutes to go from Shinjuku Station to Tachikawa Station. You can then catch a bus to the park, or if you’d prefer to walk, it’s a 20-minute walk from the station.
Where to Check the Cherry Blossom Forecast?
It’s very hard to plan a trip to Japan around the cherry blossoms as the exact date they bloom differs each year – and even the official forecasts can change regularly.
However nearer your trip you can use the Sakura Navi app to find the latest update on when the flowers are expected to bloom. Or, the latest updates via press release are here.
