When it comes to spring in Tokyo, cherry blossoms and hanami are a must. At Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots, such as Meguro River and Chidorigafuchi, cherry blossom festivals and hanami events are held during the peak season, and there are many places where you can enjoy food stalls and illuminations.
In this article, a writer born and raised in Tokyo will introduce a wide range of cherry blossom viewing spots you can enjoy in Tokyo in 2026, including festivals and events held at famous sakura locations, information on food stalls, and even hidden gems. Why not find the perfect Tokyo hanami plan to suit your style this spring?
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Where Are Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots? Hidden Gems Also Introduced
Tokyo offers a wide variety of hanami spots, from nationally famous cherry blossom locations to peaceful parks loved by locals. While you should definitely check out the classic sakura spots, it’s also good to know about hidden gems that tend to have fewer tourists.
Tokyo’s Most Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
When people think of cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo, the first places that come to mind areMeguro River and Chidorigafuchi. The appeal of these spots is that you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while strolling along the riverside or waterfront, and during full bloom, the scenery of the blossoms reflected on the water is breathtaking. These areas are also popular with those looking for photogenic spots.
If you want to experience a lively hanami atmosphere, Ueno Park and Inokashira Park in Kichijoji are classic choices. Many people spread out blue tarps and gather in groups, creating a truly Japanese hanami scene.
On the other hand, if you prefer to quietly admire the cherry blossoms, garden-style spots are also recommended. At Rikugien Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, you can enjoy a relaxing cherry blossom viewing experience in beautifully maintained gardens, allowing you to spend a peaceful time in the city.
Local Recommendations! Hidden Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo with Fewer Tourists
As a writer born and raised in Tokyo, I will introduce not only the classic spots but also cherry blossom viewing locations that are beloved by locals.
Gotenyama (Shinagawa Ward)
Located just steps from Keikyu Line Kitashinagawa Station. This historic area has been known as a famous cherry blossom spot since the Edo period, when cherry trees were first planted here. Even today, the Gotenyama Sakura Festival is held every spring.
Edogawa Park (Bunkyo Ward)
Just a short walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. Weeping cherry trees line the Kanda River, and the flurry of falling petals is breathtakingly beautiful.
Kinshi Park (Sumida Ward)
Within walking distance from JR Kinshicho Station. There are spots in the park where you can enjoy views of both Tokyo Skytree and the cherry blossoms at the same time.
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Events and Festivals Held at Tokyo’s Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
At Tokyo’s famous cherry blossom spots, a variety of events and festivals are held to coincide with the best viewing season. The appeal lies in being able to enjoy not only the cherry blossoms but also extras like illuminations, food stalls, and music events.
Nakameguro Sakura Festival
About 800 cherry trees are planted along the Meguro River, and the long row of cherry blossoms stretching from around Ikejiri-Ohashi to the area near Nakameguro Station is a classic springtime scene. Especially upstream from Nakameguro Station, the branches from both banks extend over the river, creating a view that looks just like a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Another highlight is that restaurants along the Meguro River set up food stalls just for this occasion, offering gourmet street food to enjoy as you stroll.
At the “Goryuten Playground” near Nakameguro Station, the Nakameguro Sakura Festival is held every year, featuring live music and performance art. Since it is located along the riverside walking path, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the event while viewing the cherry blossoms.
- Location: Goryuten Playground
- Access: About 1 minute on foot from Nakameguro Station
- Date: Late March every year (March 29 and 30 in 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food stalls: Available
Chiyoda Sakura Festival
Chidorigafuchi is known as one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom spots. The Chidorigafuchi Greenway, which runs along the moat of the Imperial Palace, is lined with cherry trees in full bloom, creating a stunning landscape that makes you forget you are in the heart of the city.
The Chiyoda Sakura Festival is held here. The main highlight is the nighttime illumination of the cherry blossoms, which takes place during the blooming season. About 700 meters of the greenway are bathed in gentle light, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water create a magical scene that is completely different from the daytime. Another popular attraction is the boat rides at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier. Viewing the cherry blossoms from the water offers a powerful and unique perspective compared to walking along the path.
- Venue: Chidorigafuchi Green Way
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station
- Event Dates: Mid-March to mid-April (For 2025, March 12 to April 23)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: None
Ueno Onshi Park Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the liveliest cherry blossom viewing events in Tokyo is the "Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival" held at Ueno Onshi Park. During cherry blossom season, special areas for hanami are set up throughout the park, and from morning until night, the park is bustling with people. After sunset, paper lanterns are lit along the cherry tree-lined paths in the park, and the cherry blossoms along Shinobazu Pond are also illuminated.
During the festival, not only can you enjoy the cherry blossoms, but a variety of events are also held. At Takenodai Plaza (Fountain Plaza), the "Ueno Sakura Festa" takes place, featuring local gourmet foods from all over Japan and menus using regional ingredients.
- Venue: Ueno Onshi Park
- Access: Just a short walk from Ueno Station
- Event Dates: Usually late March to early April (For 2025, March 15 to April 6)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: Available
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
At Sumida Park, which stretches along both banks of the Sumida River, cherry blossoms bloom in abundance in spring, and the "Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held on both the Taito and Sumida sides.
On the Sumida side, local neighborhood associations set up food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere rooted in the community. Another highlight is the temporary "Geisha Teahouse" run by geisha who are active in the area. If you stop by while strolling, you can enjoy a unique experience different from other cherry blossom events.
- Venue: Sumida Park
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Event Dates: Usually late March to early April (For 2025, March 15 to April 13)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: Available
Asakusa Kannon-ura & Ichiyo Cherry Blossom Festival
The "Asakusa Kannon-ura & Ichiyo Cherry Blossom Festival" is held on Ichiyo-zakura Komatsubashi Street, which stretches about 500 meters east to west on the north side of Sensoji Temple. This is a relatively new festival that began in 2003 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Edo, but it has become a beloved spring event rooted in the local community.
On the day of the festival, stage events are held at Fuji Park, the main venue, featuring performances such as shamisen and traditional Edo-style work songs, evoking the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Depending on the year, there are also Edo-style dances and traditional Japanese music, allowing visitors to experience the unique traditional culture of Asakusa.
There are no food stalls, and the overall atmosphere is calm and relaxed. This event is perfect for those who want to enjoy a local cherry blossom festival away from the hustle and bustle of the Asakusa tourist area.
- Venue: Taito City, Tokyo (Taito City Fuji Park)
- Access: About a 12-minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Event Dates: The second Saturday of April every year
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: None
Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival
The Somei Yoshino is the most well-known variety of cherry blossom in Japan. The "Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival" is held in the Komagome area, which is said to be the birthplace of this variety. The venue, Somei Yoshino Sakura Memorial Park, is known as a place where you can feel the history of cherry blossoms, and in spring, it is filled with a warm atmosphere as local people gather to celebrate.
On the day of the festival, there will be ceremonies, parades, food stalls, and a plaza for children, offering entertainment for all generations. Since the event is mainly organized by local residents, it has a warm, homey atmosphere that sets it apart from large-scale events.
- Venue: Somei Yoshino Sakura Memorial Park
- Access: Just a short walk from Komagome Station
- Date and Time: Sunday, April 5, 2026, 10:00–16:00
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: Available
Special Night Viewing at Rikugien Garden in Spring
The “Special Night Viewing at Rikugien Garden in Spring” is a light-up event that symbolizes spring at Rikugien Garden. The garden opens specially during nighttime hours when it is usually closed, allowing visitors to experience a unique tranquility different from the daytime.
Within the garden, you’ll find iconic scenic spots such as Nakanoshima, the site of Ginkatei, and Suikōe. Among them, the highlight is the weeping cherry tree, which is also the symbol of the garden. This large weeping cherry tree, about 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide, is illuminated and appears to float against the night sky, creating a breathtaking sight.
In addition, there will be projection mapping on the earthen storehouse walls and photo spots where you can enjoy taking pictures. This event is recommended for those who want to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night in a quiet atmosphere, away from the crowds.
- Venue: Rikugien Garden
- Access: About a 2-minute walk from Komagome Station
- Date and Time: About one week in mid to late March, 18:30–21:00 (last entry at 20:00)
- Admission: Advance tickets ¥1,000 / Same-day tickets ¥1,200
- Food Stalls: None
Spring Festivals and Cherry Blossom Viewing Events in Tokyo’s Popular Areas
Not only at famous cherry blossom spots, but also in Tokyo’s most popular areas, there are many spring-only events. Here, we introduce spring festivals and cherry blossom viewing events that are easy to visit even while sightseeing.
SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI
SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI is held in the Nihonbashi area, where historic streets and modern commercial facilities coexist. Around the Bank of Japan and throughout the area, Nihonbashi is known as a famous cherry blossom spot, and in spring, the whole town is enveloped in soft cherry blossom colors.
During the event, the streets are decorated with pink noren curtains and lanterns, so you can enjoy the spring atmosphere just by walking around. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, letting you experience a different side of Nihonbashi from the daytime.
The gourmet offerings are also plentiful, with kitchen cars gathering at the Grand Roof Plaza of COREDO Muromachi Terrace. In the past, there have been food stalls serving cherry blossom-themed sweets and long-established Nihonbashi specialties.
- Venue: Entire Nihonbashi area
- Access: Just a short walk from Mitsukoshimae Station
- Date and Time: Late March to early April (March 19–April 6, 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: Available
Roppongi Hills Spring Festival
Around Roppongi Hills, cherry blossoms bloom in spring, centering on Mohri Garden and Roppongi Sakurazaka, creating a glamorous cityscape unique to central Tokyo. The "Roppongi Hills Spring Festival," held during the cherry blossom season, is an event where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, Japanese culture, and urban entertainment all at once.
During the festival, stage performances themed around traditional Japanese performing arts are held. In the past, Noh and Kyogen performances have been showcased. Experiencing traditional performing arts in a modern city setting is a unique feature of this event.
At night, about 90 cherry trees planted in Mohri Garden and Roppongi Sakurazaka are illuminated, so don't forget to take photos.
- Venue: Roppongi Hills
- Access: Just a short walk from Roppongi Station
- Date: Early April (April 4–6, 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: Available
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KIOI SPRING Kioicho Hana Sanpo
The Kioicho area, including the cherry blossom-lined streets around Yotsuya Station and Shimizudani Park, is known as a walking course where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
The cherry blossom festival held in this area is "KIOI SPRING Kioicho Hana Sanpo." At the main venue, Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho, various types of cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers decorate the grounds, creating a space where you can feel close to nature even in the city. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, and the rainbow-colored lighting creates a memorable scene.
During the event, restaurants inside the facility offer special spring menus and takeout gourmet options. In addition, there are plans for workshops on traditional crafts such as making Japanese accessories, combining cherry blossoms with Japanese culture.
- Venue: Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho
- Access: Immediately from Nagatacho Station
- Date: Mid-March to mid-April (March 17–April 15, 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: None (Takeout gourmet available from restaurants)
Tokyo Skytree Town(R) Spring Events
At Tokyo Skytree Town(R), which spreads out at the base of Tokyo Skytree(R), a variety of spring events are held during the spring break season. Every year, there are special limited-time displays and gourmet events, making it a popular spot to visit while sightseeing.
In the past, Tokyo Skytree(R) has been specially illuminated in cherry blossom colors, and artificial cherry blossoms are set up in the Solamachi Hiroba on the first floor of Tokyo Skytree Town(R), allowing visitors to enjoy hanami while viewing the blossoms in full bloom.
- Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town(R)
- Access: Just a short walk from Oshiage Station
- Date: Late February to mid-April (February 27–April 14, 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: None (Takeout gourmet available)
Spring Festivals and Hanami Events at Famous Hotels in Tokyo
Even in the heart of the city, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a calm atmosphere at famous hotels. The elegant settings, such as gardens and interior decorations, offer a refined experience unique to hotels.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
Hotel New Otani, which boasts a Japanese garden with over 400 years of history, is known as one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The approximately 33,000-square-meter garden is home to 58 cherry trees of 19 different varieties, including Somei Yoshino. Because the blooming periods differ depending on the variety, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for a relatively long period.
During cherry blossom season, the hotel sometimes features spring-themed decorations and limited-time plans both inside and outside the building. In the past, there have been nighttime performances in the lounge overlooking the Japanese garden and illuminated night cherry blossoms.
- Facility name: Hotel New Otani Tokyo
- Address: Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Akasaka-mitsuke Station
- Event period: Early March to mid-April (From March 1 in 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food stalls: None
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo “Yozakura Unkai”
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, located in the heart of the city, features a Japanese garden where you can experience the changing seasons. In spring, the blooming begins with early-blooming Kawazu-zakura, and then passes the baton to various other cherry trees. At the end of the season, double-flowered cherry blossoms bloom, and about 100 cherry trees of around 20 varieties color the garden over a period of about two months.
The annual “Yozakura Unkai” (Nighttime Cherry Blossom Sea of Clouds) is held during this period. The “Tokyo Unkai,” said to be one of the largest mist garden productions in Japan, envelops the night garden. Combined with the illuminated cherry blossoms, it creates a softly shimmering, fantastical scene. The gorgeous cherry blossoms together with the sea of clouds create a unique atmosphere that is hard to experience elsewhere.
- Facility name: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
- Address: Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Edogawabashi Station
- Event period: Early February to mid-April (February 7 to April 13 in 2025)
- Admission: Free
- Food stalls: None
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa “Takanawa Cherry Blossom Festival”
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa boasts a spacious Japanese garden of approximately 20,000 square meters, all while being conveniently located about a five-minute walk from Shinagawa Station. In the garden, the cherry blossom season begins in early February with the blooming of Kawazu-zakura, followed by Somei Yoshino and Shidare-zakura, among others. Because the different varieties bloom at different times, you can enjoy the spring scenery here for a relatively long period.
At the annual “Takanawa Sakura Festival,” the cherry blossoms in the Japanese garden are illuminated, creating a calm and serene atmosphere that is quite different from the daytime. In past years, there have even been projection mapping displays at the Kannon Hall, which is designated as a tangible cultural property of Minato City. The combination of traditional architecture, cherry blossoms, and light displays creates a harmonious and beautiful scene.
- Facility Name: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
- Address: Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Shinagawa Station
- Event Period: Early March to mid-April (For 2025, March 7 to April 13)
- Admission: Free
- Food Stalls: None
Important Points for Attending Cherry Blossom Viewing Events and Festivals: Restrooms, Trash, Crowds, and More
Cherry blossom viewing events and festivals in Tokyo are extremely popular, and they tend to get especially crowded during peak bloom and on weekends. Entry restrictions may be put in place around stations and event venues, so it is best to allow extra time for getting around. Many venues have a limited number of temporary restrooms, so you may have to wait in line for a long time depending on the timing. In recent years, more events have stopped providing trash bins, so taking your garbage home with you is the basic rule. Please be considerate of those around you and enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a pleasant manner.
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