Tokyo, like many big cities, can often feel hot, crowded, and busy, so the sakura season, when the cherry blossoms bloom, is always a cause for celebration. The season runs roughly from March to April, and if you are in town at that time then there are a number of places that you absolutely can’t miss.
Unlike other regions of Japan, there can be more of a party atmosphere in Tokyo when it comes to cherry blossom season. Instead of simply going for a stroll to see the famous blooms, you will find locals having picnics, playing live music, and all number of other fun pursuits.
The cherry blossom festival, when the trees bloom, is called hanami in Japanese, and is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the year.
Here are the best sakura spots in Tokyo...

1. Chidorigafuchi Moat:



Chidorigafuchi Moat is one of the most famous sakura viewing spots in the whole of Japan and is the moat of the Imperial Palace. The moat has hundreds of sakura trees along its banks and you can take to the waters and rent a boat so that you can take in the spectacle that way. If you come a little later in the season, the moat itself is pink with scattered petals.

2. Yoyogi Park:



Yoyogi Park has a reputation for being an edgy and fun location even when it is not cherry blossom season, but when the sakura blooms there is even more of a party atmosphere in the air here. The park unfolds for 134 acres and there are around 600 sakura trees here for visitors to admire as they join in the festivities.

3. Meguro River:



The scenic Meguro River lies near the Nakameguro region of Tokyo and has some 800 sakura trees that run along its banks. At night these are particularly spectacular as they are illuminated. The river is more like a small waterway and the trees are reflected in its calm waters. Many people come here for a stroll in the evening and the atmosphere is truly magical.

4. Ueno Park:



Ueno Park is often crowded at sakura blooming time, but this only adds to the celebratory feeling here. The park spans 133 acres and has more than 1,000 trees on display. There is also a famous pond called Shinobazu Pond in the center that reflects the pretty pink hue of the blossoms perfectly. The trees here usually bloom early so make sure you are here in March if you want to see them at their finest.

5. Yasukini Shrine:
Yasukini Shrine has some 600 sakura trees and is also the place to come for the Sakura Festival. The festival is famous as it is attended by a whole host of sumo wrestlers, so this is one event that is not to be missed if you are here during cherry blossom season. Bear in mind however that as this is a shrine there is a more solemn and less celebratory feeling to the proceedings.

6. Koganei Park:



Sprawling across 196 acres, Koganei Park is the second largest park in Tokyo and has over 1,700 cherry blossom trees. This means that it is considered one of the premium sakura viewing spots in the city, and while it is incredibly beautiful, you should also expect large crowds.

7. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden:
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo and dates from 1629, so if you come here know that this is a place of great historical and cultural significance. The garden is known for having a mix of sakura trees, so this is a good spot to visit to see varieties such as the weeping cherry trees with their delightful dropping, petal-heavy branches.

8. Roppongi Sakurazaka:
Roppongi Sakurazaka is a popular spot for couples to enjoy and sits on a slope behind the Roppongi Hills. You will find 75 cherry trees here that are especially beautiful at night when they are lit up and shine in the darkness. If you walk along to the Roppongi Hills you will also find some cherry trees in the Mori Garden there. This is a good spot if you don’t want to stray too far from the center of town.

9. Rikugien Garden:



Rikugien Garden is widely held to be one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Tokyo. The garden is perfect for anyone who wants to go for a stroll to check out the fluffy cherry blossom blooms and was first established in 1695. The garden opens late into the evening during cherry blossom season and the trees are illuminated to great effect.

10. Shinjuku Gyoen:



Shinjuku Gyoen stretches for 144 acres and is located near the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. The park has 1,500 cherry trees in it which means that there is space for everyone to wander around and enjoy the views. Shinjuku Gyoen is also well known for having so many different types of sakura trees, and you can see a mix of vibrant species, all with different shades of pink here. With this in mind, some of the cherry trees bloom in late April, so this is one spot that you can still enjoy even if you have missed the earlier blooming in March.