Tokyo Cherry Blossoms 2026: Dates, Best Spots, Festivals

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo: Blooming Season in 2026

Cherry blossom forecast map created based on information released by JMC

Tokyo is home to many parks and gardens where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in spring. Famous locations include Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi Park near the Imperial Palace, Rikugien Garden, and others.

In 2026, Tokyo's cherry blossoms started blooming on March 19 and are expected to reach full bloom around March 26. (Source: JMC)

Each park and garden in Tokyo hosts its own cherry blossom festival. Most locations host cherry blossom light-ups in the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the surreal beauty of the blossoms at night.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossom Parks and Festivals

1. Chidorigafuchi Park near the Imperial Palace - Light-up: March 26 - April 6
2. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade - Light-up: March 20 - 31
3. Ueno Park - Festival: March 14 - April 5
4. Sumida Park near Asakusa - Festival: March 15 - April 5
5. Yoyogi Park: Full Bloom in Late March
6. Edogawa Park and Kanda River: Late March - Early April
7. Tokyo Midtown - Festival: March 13 - April 12
8. Aoyama Cemetery: Late March - Early April
9. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: Full Bloom in Late March
10. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: Full Bloom in Late March
11. Hamarikyu Gardens: Full Bloom in Late March
12. Shiba Park near Tokyo Tower: Late March - Early April
13. Hibiya Park: Late March - Early April
14. Rikugien Gardens - Light-up: March 18 - 24
15. Inokashira Park: Late March - Early April
16. Koganei Park - Festival: March 28 - 29
17. Asukayama Park - Festival: March 28 - 29
18. Showa Kinen Park: Late March - Mid-April
19. Mt. Takao: Early to Mid-April
20. Otsu Hana-no-Sato Flower Garden: Mid to Late April
Other Tips
Weather and What to Wear during Cherry Blossom Season
Manners during Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties
Early and Late Cherry Blossom Varieties

1. Chidorigafuchi Park near the Imperial Palace (Light-up: March 26 - April 6)

Photo by Pixta

Chidorigafuchi, the moat area along the west side of the Imperial Palace, is home to various types of cherry trees. Though there are several skyscrapers located in the distance, these shouldn’t detract from the cherry blossom viewing experience.

During the Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Festival (March 5 - April 22), there are cherry blossom light-ups from March 26 to April 6. Held between 18:00 and 21:00, this is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom nighttime light-ups in Tokyo.

Photo by Pixta

The nearby Yasukuni Shrine is renowned for hosting the specific Somei Yoshino tree used by the Japan Meteorological Agency to officially declare the start of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season.

Designated as the city's 'specimen tree' in 1966, it is surrounded by approximately 600 other Somei Yoshino trees, making the shrine a premier destination for blossom viewing.

Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Dates: March 5 - April 22
Light-up: March 26 - April 6, from 6 PM to 9 PM
Location: Google Map
Official website: Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 (Japanese)

2. Meguro River: Light-up in Late March

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Meguro River is flanked by around 800 cherry trees on both sides, stretching for about 3.8 km. At night, lanterns are lit, making for a dreamlike cherry blossom experience.

The Meguro River cherry blossoms will be illuminated nightly from the first bloom until March 31, between 17:00 and 20:00.

There are several cherry blossom festivals held in the districts along the Meguro River, but the most famous one is the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival, which will be held during the last weekend in March.

The best way to enjoy the cherry blossoms here is by taking a stroll along the river and trying some of the treats offered by the many food stalls set up for the event.

The closest stations for Meguro River are JR Meguro Station or Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Light-up: first day of bloom - March 31, from 5 PM to 8 PM
Festival dates: March 28 - 29
Location: Google Map
Official website: https://nakamegu.com/archives/2581 (Japanese)

3. Ueno Park: March 14 - April 5

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No article on cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo would be complete without Ueno Park. In spring, the park is visited by thousands of families, company workers, and students, all looking to take in the beautiful pink blossoms.

Since the park can get crowded during this time of year, we recommend meeting up with your party at Ueno Station rather than in the park itself.

The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 14 to April 5. Highlights include food stalls and live shows. You can enjoy the festival every day from 10:00 to 22:00.

In the evenings, the cherry blossoms around Shinobazu Pond are beautifully illuminated. The bonbori paper lanterns add to the magical atmosphere.

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Dates: March 14 - April 5
Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Google Map
Official website: https://www.uenopark.info/2026/ueno-sakura-matsuri-2026/

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4. Sumida Park: March 15 - April 5

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Sumida Park, located just a short walk from Asakusa Station along the Sumida River, is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms.

The park spans both sides of the river—the Asakusa side (Taito Ward) and the Tokyo Skytree side (Sumida Ward)—and is managed by two separate local authorities. Visitors can easily move between the two areas by crossing the Sumida River Walk or the Kototoi Bridge.

On the Asakusa side, the Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 15 to April 5. On the Tokyo Skytree side, the festival begins on March 20 and ends on April 5. Both sides of the park are beautifully illuminated at night.

While walking along the river to see the blossoms drift onto the water is a wonderful experience, we also recommend chartering a pleasure boat (yakatabune). It offers a unique perspective of the trees from the river.

Nearby, the Tokyo Skytree provides a striking contrast of modern architecture against the traditional cityscape.

Sumida River Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates:
- Asakusa side: March 15 - April 5 Official website
- Sumida (Tokyo Skytree) side: March 20 - April 5 Official website
Location: Asakusa side, Sumida side

5. Yoyogi Park: Full Bloom in Late March

Photo by Pixta

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Yoyogi Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The park is home to approximately 500 cherry trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino variety.

While there is no official cherry blossom festival, spring-themed events are held on the weekends. Visitors can purchase snacks like yakisoba from stalls and food trucks throughout the park, or bring their own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees.

During cherry blossom season, lines for public restrooms can be quite long. To avoid waiting, consider locating a nearby restroom ahead of time or limiting your consumption of beverages.

The closest stations for Yoyogi Park are JR Harajuku Station, Yoyogi Koen Station on the Chiyoda Metro Line, and the Meiji Jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Chiyoda Metro and Fukutoshin Lines.

Yoyogi Park

151-0052 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

It is easily accessible from the station, and on weekends it is crowded with many people for cycling, picnics, musical instrument practice, various events, and flea markets. We also recommend spreading out the leisure sheet and relaxing in nature while looking at the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

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6. Edogawa Park and the Garden of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

The alley along Kanda River from Edogawabashi Station to Komazuka Bridge is one of the prime cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. This area is part of Edogawa Park.

Visit from late March to mid-April to enjoy the cherry blossoms lit up in the evenings. The most attractive feature of this place is that the branches are close to the ground, making it possible to see the blooms up close.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The beautiful garden of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is close by, offering stunning views of historical monuments surrounded by cherry blossoms. Over twenty varieties of sakura can be found in this garden, which makes it possible to enjoy the cherry blossoms here for around two months!

A sea of clouds is released several times a day in the garden, and between February 6 and April 12, the Tokyo Sea of Clouds has a special cherry blossom theme. After dark, the garden is beautifully illuminated at night with a thousand lights.

If you wish to have an extraordinary experience of the cherry blossom season, do visit Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo this spring. (*Please note that this garden can be accessed only by visitors who use the restaurants and other facilities within the hotel.)

Edogawa Park Cherry Blossoms
Dates: Late March - early April
Location: Google Map
Nearest station: Edogawabashi Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)

7. Tokyo Midtown: March 13 - April 12

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Tokyo Midtown, a commercial complex near Roppongi, features about 103 cherry blossom trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino variety. Visitors can also enjoy an additional 44 cherry blossom trees in the adjacent Hinokicho Park.

The facility hosts the MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2026 festival from March 13 to April 12, an event that celebrates cherry blossoms.

At night, the cherry blossom trees in the Midtown Garden along the Sakura Street are beautifully illuminated, creating a dreamlike spring atmosphere right in the heart of the city.

MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2026
Dates: March 13 - April 12
Location: Google Map
Official website: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7852/

8. Aoyama Cemetery

Photo by Pixta

Aoyama Cemetery, located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, is a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in tranquility.

However, unlike other hanami spots, visitors are not allowed to spread out tarps or consume alcohol in the cemetery. Also, the cemetery closes at night, so be sure to visit during the day.

The Aoyama Cemetery is the final resting place for several notable figures, such as Hidesaburo Ueno and his faithful Akita, Hachiko (the famous dog honored with a statue at Shibuya Station), novelist Shin’ichi Hoshi, and Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of the Mikimoto Pearl Company.

9. East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: Full Bloom in Late March

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Located near Tokyo Station, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) are home to 200 cherry trees of different varieties that bloom in order, from early March to mid-April.

While there is no official festival here, you can enjoy the Somei Yoshino blooms in tranquility during the garden's opening hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

With historical sites and a free museum featuring valuable works of art, this site is an excellent destination for visitors interested in Japanese history and culture, especially after enjoying a walk among the blooming cherry blossoms.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8111

10. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: Full Bloom in Late March

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Built at the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868), Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's two large Japanese gardens, alongside Rikugien Garden. Visitors are not permitted to spread out tarps or have picnics, so enjoying the cherry blossoms here is limited to walking tours.

The cherry blossoms in this elegant garden typically reach full bloom in late March.

After viewing the blossoms, be sure to check out Tokyo Dome, located right next door. This major stadium and performance venue hosts regular events, and there are numerous nearby restaurants, shopping options, and a small amusement park.

The closest station to the garden is Iidabashi Station on the Oedo Line.

Koishikawa Korakuen

112-0004 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Koishikawa Korakuen is a Japanese garden located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The garden imitates the scenery of various places such as Lake Biwa and Arashiyama in Kyoto, and about 480 maple trees are vividly colored in autumn. A fall foliage festival is held in November, and you can enjoy tea ceremonies and traditional performing arts. It is close to the station, and there are amusement facilities such as Tokyo Dome City in the surrounding area.

11. Hamarikyu Gardens: Full Bloom in Late March

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Also established during the Edo period, the Hamarikyu Gardens have been designated as a special historic and aesthetic landmark.

If you are in the Shimbashi or Ginza area and want to enjoy cherry blossoms, we recommend visiting Hamarikyu Gardens. This expansive garden features around 100 cherry trees, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Please note that there is no cherry blossom festival, nor evening light-ups. The garden closes at 17:00.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Tokyo, Chuo ward, Hamarikyu Gardens 1-1

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12. Shiba Park near Tokyo Tower: Late March - Early April

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Shiba Park, located at the foot of Tokyo Tower, features around 200 cherry trees. It is a fantastic spot to enjoy the blossoms with the iconic orange tower rising in the background.

Although the park doesn't host an official festival, the areas around Maruyama Fountain and Benten Pond are particularly popular for cherry blossom viewing and hanami picnics.

Visit in late March - early April to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

13. Hibiya Park: Late March - Early April

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Hibiya Park is a spot in central Tokyo surrounded by skyscrapers, where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms. Around 40 cherry trees are planted and bloom here during the sakura season.

The park is known as the first contemporary park to be established in Japan and is over 100 years old. You will notice a large fountain in the middle of the pond, which is rare in Japanese parks. Typically frequented by office employees taking breaks from work, a visit here will also give you a glimpse of daily life in Tokyo.

14. Rikugien Gardens - Light-up: March 18 - 24

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Rikugien Gardens is one of the two great Japanese-style gardens that can be enjoyed in Tokyo (the other is Koishikawa Korakuen). The gardens are beautiful year-round, but especially striking in the springtime when the drooping cherry trees come into bloom.

With the garden bathed in pink throughout the day, once the sun sets, the cherry blossoms are lit up, bringing about a whole new beauty to the blossoming buds.

In 2026, the cherry blossoms will be lit up at night for one week from March 18 to March 24 (*) in the 18:30 - 21:00 time interval (last entry at 20:00).

Evening admission fees are 1,000 yen for tickets bought online in advance, or 1,200 yen for same-day tickets.

Rikugien Gardens Special Nighttime Viewing in Spring
Dates: March 18 - 24, 2026
Hours: 18:30 - 21:00 (last entry at 20:00)
Location: Google Map
Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/special/rikugien_lighting_spring/index.html

15. Inokashira Park: Late March - Early April

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Just a short stroll from Kichijoji Station, Inokashira Park offers a breathtaking spring experience. Visitors can admire the blossoms from the winding paths or rent a paddle boat to see them from the water.

Photo by Pixta

The sight of 500 cherry trees in full bloom is truly spectacular, drawing families and couples from across Tokyo. The park’s central pond is a highlight, perfectly reflecting the 'ocean of pink' that surrounds it.

Inokashira Park

Tokyo, Musashino, Gotenyama 1-18-31

16. Koganei Park - Festival: March 28 - 29

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Koganei Park is home to the largest number of cherry trees in the city, coming in at around 1,700 with over 50 different varieties.

The park is located right next to the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms alongside a collection of historic Japanese buildings.

The Koganei Sakura Festival will take place from March 28 to 29, featuring food stalls, traditional performing arts, Japanese dance, and tea ceremony experiences.

Koganei Sakura Festival 2026
Dates: March 28 - 29
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (*on March 29, until 18:00)
Location: Google Maps
Website: https://koganei-s.or.jp/72th-koganei-sakuramatsuri/

17. Asukayama Park - Festival: March 28 - 29

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Asukayama Park has been a favorite cherry blossom spot for over 300 years. Located in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, the expansive grounds feature approximately 600 cherry trees, making it an ideal destination for a full day of flower viewing and hanami picnics.

Families and history buffs alike will enjoy the park's collection of vintage steam locomotives and old Tokyo streetcars on display.

On March 28–29, the park will host the Kita City Sakura SA-KASO Festival, featuring local food stalls and vibrant stage performances.

Kita City Sakura SA-KASO Festival
Dates: March 28–29, 2026
Hours: 10:00 - 17:30
Location: Google Maps
Website: https://sakurasakaso.jp/

18. Showa Kinen Park: Late March - Mid-April

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Located in Tachikawa, the Showa Kinen Park is home to about 1,500 cherry trees. The Sakura no Sono area of the park features several varieties of cherry trees and is especially beautiful!

Showa Kinen Park is hosting Flower Festival 2026 from March 20 to May 24. While the cherry blossoms are expected to reach peak bloom from late March through mid-April, visitors can enjoy a variety of other flowers throughout the event, including blue nemophila, tulips, and rape blossoms.

For the ultimate experience, bring a picnic mat, some food, and drinks to enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the blossoms.

Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival 2026
Dates: March 20 - May 24, with cherry blossoms from late March until mid-April
Location: Google Maps
Website: https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/

19. Mt. Takao: Early to Mid-April

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The rustic Mt. Takao is another famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring. This Tokyo peak is the ideal option for those looking to enjoy a more rural scene while still being close to the city.

Because of its higher elevation, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees around Mount Takao bloom slightly later than those in central Tokyo, typically peaking from early to mid-April.

It is also worth noting that the Yamazakura, a wild cherry variety, is more common on the mountain. These hardy trees bloom even later than the Somei Yoshino, making Mount Takao the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the blossoms later in the season.

Cherry trees line the hiking paths, and there are mountain temple buildings scattered around the mountainside. From the top, you can get a view of more sakura and, on a clear day, Mt. Fuji. For those who want to go straight to the top, there is a cable car and ropeway that will bring you to the peak.

Please note that Mt. Takao is a popular destination on the weekends. If you visit during the cherry blossom season, try to go on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Mount Takao

Takaocho, Hachioji City, Tokyo Prefecture 193-0844

Mount Takao, which belongs to Hachioji City, Tokyo, is located about 50 kilometers southeast of the Kanto Mountains, from the center of Tokyo. Takao is a Japanese mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo, and one of the most visited mountains in Tokyo. At the foot of Mt. Takao, from Kiyotaki Station to Mt. Takaosan Station on the hillside, there is a cable car that runs up about 1,000 meters. You can easily reach the middle of Mt. Takao in about 6 minutes while looking out over the nature of Mt. Takao. On Mt. Takao, there is a legend about Tengu, a monster that appears in the mountains. This legend, combined with the nature and atmosphere of Mt. Takao, is an attractive factor for those who are interested in mountain worship and yokai. While climbing Mt. Takao, there are also shops that sell goods and food with Tengu images. In addition, there are places where tengu monuments and sculptures are installed on the summit.

20. Otsu Hana-no-Sato Flower Garden: Mid to Late April

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Otsu Hana-no-Sato Flower Garden and the adjacent Ryushuin Temple, located in the scenic mountains of Akiruno in western Tokyo, offer breathtaking spring views. Here, Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees mingle with vibrant fields of yellow blooms, rhododendrons, and Mitsuba azaleas.

The temple grounds provide a serene Buddhist sanctuary featuring a charming tea shop—a tranquil haven to unwind amidst the blossoms. Because of the mountain air, the cherry blossoms here peak later than in central Tokyo, typically reaching their full beauty from mid to late April.

A 50-minute trip from Shinjuku, Akiruno boasts nature, hot springs, art, and cuisine. The garden is located near Furusato Kobo Itsukaichi Workshop, perfect for art lovers interested in crafting Japanese paper.

Otsu Hana-no-Sato Flower Garden
Location: Google Maps
Website: https://tokyo-westside.jp/spot_en/otsu-hana-no-sato/

Weather and What to Wear during Cherry Blossom Season

From the end of March to the beginning of April, it gets to be around 10℃ in Tokyo, a little chilly to say the least.

While you don’t need a thick winter coat, you’ll definitely need a jacket. Still, once the sun goes down the temperature drops considerably, so be sure to pack accordingly if you plan to be out late.

Manners during Cherry Blossom Viewing Parties

A lot of people come out to view the cherry blossoms every year, so it’s important to mind your manners when picking out a spot for your picnic and when throwing away your garbage so that everyone can enjoy their time outside together!

Manners When Picking Out a Spot

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The typical way that people set their spot for hanami is to lay out a tarp. However, one thing to keep in mind when doing this is don’t take any more space than you’ll need. If you end up taking too much space, then other people won’t be able to enjoy the flowers!

Also, somebody needs to stay behind after you set down your tarp. If not, security guards may come by and throw away your stuff, so make sure to leave someone behind to hold your spot.

Also, even if you get your spot, the wind can easily blow your tarp away, so use some nearby stones to keep the tarp from being blown away. Please don’t stick pegs into the ground or into tree roots!

Though this differs by location and day, some people may get there first thing in the morning or even the night before to claim their spot for their picnic. Though this may be difficult for guests visiting from out of town, it’s usually a good idea to try and get your spot as early as possible.

Sorting Trash and Throwing It Away

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Areas of the city with cherry trees are usually located in parks or along rivers, meaning that the majority of them are located in public spaces. Still, local municipalities are typically conscious of hanami season and set up places for people to throw away their trash, so don’t be a litterbug!

Just like with convenience stores and regular trash pickups, these trash boxes will be separated into different types of garbage for recycling, so make sure to abide by the signs and put trash in its proper place. The picture here shows the trash can area at Ueno Park during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival).

Typically, trash is separated into the following categories: combustible, non-combustible, glass bottles, and metal cans.

Early and Late Cherry Blossom Types

Photo by Pixta
Depending on the type of sakura tree, you may be able to see cherry blossoms that bloom earlier or later than the beginning of April.

For example, Kawazu-zakura is a type of cherry blossom that can be viewed as early as February until around mid-March. This type of cherry blossom is native to Kawazu, an area in Shizuoka prefecture.

On the other hand, if you visit Japan around the beginning of April, you may be able to catch the Yae-zakura, a layered type of cherry blossom that blooms a week or two after the regular sakura.

Tips for Enjoying a Spring Trip in Tokyo

Photo by Pixta

In Japan, the cherry blossom season is a great occasion for people to gather and have fun eating and drinking at a picnic under the cherry trees. If you visit Japan at this time of the year, join the party!

Please keep in mind the manners mentioned above, look for a great place to see the cherry blossoms and enjoy your time.

Main image by Pixta