April Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo: 5 Splendid Locations

Tokyo’s Best April Cherry Blossom Spots

In central Tokyo, cherry blossoms typically peak between late March and early April. Because their timing is so sensitive to yearly weather shifts, hitting the perfect window can be a challenge.

However, even if you miss the main bloom, you can still find cherry blossoms in Tokyo’s scenic mountainside in April.

In the western towns of Tokyo, varieties like the Somei Yoshino often bloom from mid to late April. This delayed season is thanks to the higher altitudes and cooler temperatures of the area.

Discover five spots to catch Tokyo’s cherry blossoms throughout April.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Mount Takao: Mid to Late April
• 2. Mount Mitake: Mid to Late April
• 3. Otsu Hana no Sato in Akiruno: Late April
• 4. Lake Okutama: Early to Mid-April
• 5. Kamanofuchi Park in Ome: Early April

1. Mount Takao: Mid to Late April

Photo by Pixta

Famous for its winding hiking trails, autumn leaves, and spirituality, Mt. Takao attracts visitors year-round to its lush nature. In April, several cherry blossom varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, grace its valleys with their light pink blooms.

The most famous location for cherry blossoms is Icchodaira Park, which can be reached in a 30-minute hike from the Takao summit toward Mt. Shiroyama.

Although it may be a challenge for some, Icchodaira offers beautiful views that make it well worth the effort.

For those who want to enjoy the blossoms without a strenuous hike, you can find them around the Kiyotaki Station plaza, the cable car stations at both ends, and Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji Temple.

If you decide to continue past the temple and hike to the summit, you will be rewarded with more blossoms and potentially a view of Mt. Fuji, weather permitting.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a pleasant ropeway ride toward the top, then hike down to enjoy the sakura along the way.

Mount Takao Cherry Blossom Spots
Kiyotaki Station: Google Maps
Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji Temple: Google Maps
Icchodaira Park: Google Maps

2. Mount Mitake: Mid to Late April

Photo by Pixta

Mt. Mitake is a destination beloved by nature enthusiasts for its tranquil retreat from the city. It is home to the famous 2,000-year-old Musashi Mitake Shrine, which sits atop the summit and hosts a deity said to watch over the Edo area.

Visitors often come here to hike and enjoy natural sites such as the Rock Garden trail, where you can find miniature waterfalls, incredible rock formations, and mossy paths.

For those visiting in April, you can catch beautiful cherry blossoms starting around April 8, reaching full bloom from mid to late April.

Some of the best spots to see the blossoms include: Mitakedaira Square, the observation area near Mitakesan Station (the summit cable car station), and the path leading to Musashi Mitake Shrine.

Mount Mitake Cherry Blossom Spots
Mitakedaira Square (Mitakesan Station): Google Maps
Musashi Mitake Shrine: Google Maps

3. Otsu Hana no Sato in Akiruno: Late April

Photo by Pixta

Otsu Hana no Sato is a beautiful garden located in Akiruno, a town in the western mountains of Tokyo.

The area turns into a colorful canvas in late April, blooming with pink weeping cherry trees, Somei Yoshino blossoms, vibrant azaleas, and yellow paths of rapeseed blossoms.

On-site, visitors can enjoy tea in the garden's tranquil tea house, visit the local Ryushuin Temple, and relax at nearby hot spring facilities.

Please keep in mind that it takes approximately an hour from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station via bus. Although it is a bit further out, the area is great for relaxing and unwinding in nature without the crowds.

Otsu Hana no Sato
Location: Google Maps
Ryushuin Temple: Google Maps

4. Lake Okutama: Early to Mid-April

Photo by Pixta

Tokyo's Okutama area is famous among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, it becomes a cool escape from the city heat, and in autumn, visitors flock here to enjoy the vibrant foliage around the lake.

In spring, visit the Lake Okutama area, especially near the Ogouchi Dam, where nearly 3,000 cherry blossom trees reach full bloom around April 3. You can also enjoy scenic hiking trails and delicious local food like ramen and soba.

The area around Minedani Bridge is also a famous cherry blossom spot, but it is located at a higher altitude. Here, the full bloom is around mid-April.

It takes around two hours to get to Okutama from Tokyo Station, plus an additional 20-minute bus ride from the station to the lake.

Although it is ideal for a day trip, it is even better to stay overnight at one of the many nearby hot spring hotels to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Lake Okutama Cherry Blossom Spots
Ogouchi Dam: Google Maps
Minedani Bridge: Google Maps

5. Kamanofuchi Park in Ome: Early April

Photo by Pixta

Located just an 11-minute walk from Ome Station, Kamanofuchi Park bursts into bloom with cherry blossoms from late March to early April each year. Here, you can enjoy watching Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms swaying gently along the Tama River.

Many visitors come to relax by the waterscape and enjoy a stroll through the park, which is home to the Ome City Provincial History Museum and the former Miyazaki Family Residence.

Ome also offers an array of restaurants and cafes, as well as its famous Showa-retro streets, museums, and shops, so it is an easily accessible location to enjoy with family and friends.

Ome can be reached in around one and a half hours from Tokyo Station via direct train.

Kamanofuchi Park
Location: Google Maps

Enjoy Tokyo Cherry Blossoms in April

While central Tokyo’s blossoms often fade by early April, the western mountains offer a stunning second act.

Whether you are hiking Mt. Takao, scaling the spiritual heights of Mt. Mitake, or relaxing by the shores of Lake Okutama, these highland escapes provide a tranquil alternative to the city crowds.

If you think you’ve missed the peak season, don’t pack away your camera just yet. Head west to discover Tokyo’s mountain spring—where the air is crisp, the crowds are thin, and the sakura linger just a little longer.