Sakura, as cherry blossoms are called in Japan, are one of the most hyped-about things during spring. It’s not an exaggeration to say that almost all Japanese people will partake in hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.
But cherry blossom viewing isn’t easy – you’ll find hordes of locals and tourists alike heading to public parks and having picnics under the cherry trees. Even if you do find a spot, it’s hard to have a serene and relaxing time, and your photos will likely be full of strangers – not great for the ‘gram.
Fret not if you’re scratching your head because we’ve sussed out some of the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo that only locals visit to help you beat the crowd and save you some time.
Image credit: @reina.prom
Toneri Park is a huge public park in Adachi City, northeast Tokyo. At about 61.2 hectares, it’s spacious and not crowded; you can easily find a little corner of your own.
Image credit: @emmasa5
Apart from the rows of blossoming cherry trees, the park has plenty of fields, plazas, ponds, and sports facilities to check out. Locals like coming to Toneri Park for picnics and barbecues, while others just enjoy strolling around.
Image credit: @setoerica.1984
Kids aged between 3 and 12 years old can sledge down a 20-degree slope at the park. If your child is between the age of 3 to 6, you should sledge together with them – for safety purposes, of course. Ahem.
Image credit: @abeke_ikujidiary
The slope is open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Keep an eye out for the ‘Reagan Sakura’, a cherry tree gifted by Mrs Nancy Reagan to the park during her visit to Japan. Fun fact: the sapling was taken from the sakura trees along the Potomac River in Washington, which were given to the US by Japan in 1905.
Image credits: @anz.mira.choco
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 1-1 Tonerikoen, Adachi City, Tokyo 121-0837, Japan
Nearest station: Toneri-Koen Station
Website
Image credit: @michelle.in.tokyo
Located at the edge of Meguro Ward, The University of Tokyo’s Komaba Campus is both an unlikely and unknown spot for viewing cherry blossoms. It’s near popular hanami spots in Yoyogi Park and along the Meguro River, but is much less crowded.
Image credit: @sunshine_929
The picturesque Komaba Campus is just 3 minutes away by train from the neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa – known for its hip old-school cafes and vintage thrift shops – and a 6-minute train ride from Shibuya.
Image credit: @froschmann_
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 3 Chome-8-1 Komaba, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan
Nearest station: Komaba-Todaimae Station
Image credit: @yomiuriland
Yomiuri Land is the biggest amusement park in Tokyo, but most tourists don’t know that the amusement park has over 1,000 cherry trees.
The Sky Shuttle connecting Yomiuri Land Station to Yomiuri Land brings you above the treeline – it’s as if you are walking over the flowers. It costs ¥500 (~USD4.70) for a round trip.
Image credit: @yomiuriland
The Ferris wheel at Yomiuri Land brings you up to 60 metres high, giving you a birds-eye view of the park and the cherry blossoms.
Yomiuri Land also boasts the fastest hanami experience with its rollercoaster, Bandit, which speeds through the cherry trees at speeds of up to 110km/h.
Image credit: @yomiuriland
As part of the park’s ‘Jewellumination’ display, cherry trees are illuminated at night in the latter part of March, when the trees are in full bloom.
Image credit: @yomiuriland
Day pass tickets: Adults (age 18-64): ¥5,500 (~USD51.60) | Middle and high school students (age 12-17): ¥4,400 (~USD41.30) | Children (age 6-11) and seniors (age 65): ¥3,900 (~USD36.70) | Preschoolers (Age 3-5): ¥3,400 (~USD31.90)
Opening hours: 9AM-8PM, Daily
Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8725, Japan
Nearest station: Keio Yomiuri Station
Website
Image credit: @teddymomo12
Along the banks of the Sumida River, you’ll find Shiori Park. The park is a popular spot to view the annual Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, but not particularly well-known as a cherry blossom spot.
Image credit: @clear.water1
Another reason why Shiori Park is so well-visited is because of its proximity to the Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage – you can spot the structure when looking into the horizon.
Image credit: @bakelin_mama
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 8 Chome-13-1 Minamisenju, Arakawa City, Tokyo 116-0003, Japan
Nearest station: Minamisenju Station
Image credit: @tatsuohase
Found along the JR Chuo East line tracks, the serenity of Sotobori Park is only punctuated by the occasional train passing. Around 240 cherry trees line the 2 kilometre-long promenade, which lines the old outer moat of the Edo Castle.
Image credit: @41n
Students from the nearby Hosei University have hanami parties here, so it may get crowded. However, it’s also a good opportunity to soak in that youthful atmosphere.
Image credit: @jonaoo
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: Gobancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0076, Japan
Nearest stations: Ichigaya Station, Yotsuya Station
Image credit: @esperbymitsume
On the west of Tokyo lies Showa Kinen Park, a huge national park opened to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. It’s one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo amongst Tokyoites who want to have a picnic.
Image credit: @anat.feldman
Besides cherry blossoms, you’ll also find many other seasonal flowers as well. In spring, you’ll spot tulips, nemophila, and poppies.
Image credit: @miqqka97
Visitors can rent bicycles to get around the park on the 14km-long cycling route. Prices begin from ¥420 (~USD3.90) for adults and ¥260 (~USD2.40) for children.
Admission: Adults (age 15 and above): ¥450 (~USD4.20) | Seniors (age 65 and above): ¥210 (~USD2) | Children: Free
Opening hours: 9.30AM-5PM, Daily
Address: 3173 Midoricho, 立川市 Tokyo 190-0014, Japan
Nearest stations: Tachikawa Station, Nishi-Tachikawa Station
Image credit: @akko.kornblume
Nogawa Park is a large residential park that spans the wards of Chofu, Koganei, and Musashino. It’s a hot spot amongst locals for barbecuing and camping in the woods.
Image credit: @gijinkun
The park is also popular amongst skaters as there’s a skate park and long stretches of pavements.
Image credit: @shichan_photo
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 6 Chome-4-1 Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0015, Japan
Nearest stations: Tama Station, Shin-Koganei Station
Image credit: @rokka_kawabata
Kasai Rinkai Park is a spacious garden by the sea, located across Edogawa River and adjacent to Tokyo Disney Resort. It’s a popular dating spot that’s also close to Odaiba, which is well-visited by couples too.
Built on reclaimed land, the park has a Ferris wheel, sea life aquarium, a bird-watching centre, and even a hotel. The 117-metre tall Ferris wheel is reportedly the second tallest in Japan. From the Ferris wheel, you can have a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Disneyland. On a very clear day, you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive Mt. Fuji. Entrance costs ¥700 (~USD6.55).
Image credit: @jun_rayra
At the centre of the park, you’ll find the Tokyo Sea Life Park. Entrance costs ¥700 (~USD6.55).
Image credit: @ariderella
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 6 Chome-2 Rinkaicho, 江戸川区 Tokyo 134-0086, Japan
Nearest station: Kasai-Rinkai-Koen Station
Image credits: @fellldown
Like Sotobori Park, Chidorigafuchi Park is situated along the moat of the old Edo Castle. It’s a 700m-long walk, lined with 200 cherry trees.
Image credit: @trico303
The trees are illuminated at night, imbuing the park with a different vibe.
Image credit: @moto_motoin
For the best cherry blossom viewing experience with your S/O, rent a boat and paddle down the moat under the trees. It costs ¥800 (~USD7.70) for a 30-minutes ride during the peak hanami season. In the later part of April, the surface of the moat will be entirely covered with pink flower petals – a breathtaking sight to behold.
Image credit: @m4288
Chidorigafuchi is located in Chiyoda ward, near the Imperial Palace.
Image credit: @i_yoccco
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily
Address: 1 Chome-2 Kōjimachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0082, Japan
Nearest stations: Kudanshita Station, Hanzomon Station
Hanami is a beautiful experience that you must try at least once in your lifetime, but the heavy foot traffic may leave you feeling suffocated. Beat the crowds and spare yourself some time by heading to these lesser-known but equally beautiful cherry blossom spots in Tokyo that only discerning Tokyoites know of.
For more stories on Japan, check out these articles:
Cover image adapted from: @yomiuriland , @michelle.in.tokyo
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