Enjoy Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Through All Senses
Photo by Pixta
More than just beautiful views, Japan's cherry blossom season is a feast for all senses with seasonal treats and special events. We suggest saving at least two days to enjoy Tokyo's cherry blossoms to the fullest.
Our recommended spring itinerary for 2024 features the cherry blossom art events at teamLab Planets to nighttime cherry blossom light-ups and restaurants that serve exquisite seasonal menus and sweets.
Two-Day Cherry Blossom Itinerary in Tokyo
Day One
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Day Two
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Other Options and Tips
Book the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours) to get around Tokyo conveniently.
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Day 1 Morning: Cherry Blossom Viewing in Sumida Park
Photo by Pixta
While places like Ueno Park and Meguro River might be famous for their cherry blossoms, visit Sumida Park near Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa in order to enjoy the blooms at leisure. Despite its location near Tokyo landmarks, this park is significantly less crowded than other places.
There are plenty of trees with low branches for you to take close-up pictures of cherry blossoms with the river or Tokyo Skytree in the background.
Picture from Japan's Seasons in Photos - April: Lovely Cherry Blossoms
If you stay around until noon and the weather is good, why not have lunch as a picnic under the blossoms? Tokyo Solamachi, the shopping complex at the bottom of Tokyo Skytree, has shops on its first floor selling bento lunch boxes and take-out dishes.
There are excellent restaurants on the seventh floor of Tokyo Solamachi; consider them if the weather requires dining indoors. From sushi to tempura, soba noodles, and grilled dishes, there is something here to satisfy any customer.
If you've never climbed up to the Tokyo Skytree observatory, now is a great chance to enjoy the breathtaking views from above!
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Early Afternoon: Interactive Art at teamLab Planets
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Two of the art installations within teamLab Planets Tokyo DMM feature a cherry blossom theme allowing visitors to experience these flowers in a unique way.
The interactive exhibits Floating in a Falling Universe of Flowers and Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity can be enjoyed for a limited time, from March 1 until Apri 30, 2024.
Book your teamLab Planets ticket in advance.
The easiest way to reach teamLab Planets from Sumida Park is to board a train on the Toei Asakusa Line from Asakusa Station to Shimbashi Station (*this part of the ride is covered by the Tokyo Subway Ticket). At Shimbashi, you'll have to change to the Yurikamome Line and get off at Shin-Toyosu Station, the nearest to the museum.
Late Afternoon: Edogawa Park and Teatime or Dinner
Photo by Pixta
The place that we recommend for afternoon cherry blossom viewing is Edogawa Park in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward. If you depart from Shin-Toyosu, take the Yurikamome Line to Toyosu Station, then change to the Yurakucho Line, which will bring you directly to Edogawabashi Station in 20 minutes.
Bunkyo Ward Edogawa Park has rows of cherry trees on both banks of Kanda River. It has been a famous cherry blossom viewing spot for at least three centuries. The branches lying heavy with blooms over the river create a magnificent view.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Stop for afternoon tea or dinner at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, located right by the park. This hotel is renowned for its refined afternoon noon tea menu served at lobby lounge Le Jardin; in spring, this teatime menu has a cherry blossom theme.
The cherry blossom themed Evening High Tea menu available until April 14 or dinner at one of the eight restaurants within the hotel are excellent ways to enjoy exquisite seasonal menus.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Chinzanso Garden, home to several varieties of cherry trees, is beautifully illuminated in the evening. Until April 14, the garden hosts a cherry blossom light art event and its famous Tokyo Sea of Clouds will have pink hues enhancing the springtime atmosphere.
The Sakura Sea of Clouds
Dates: February 8 - April 14, 2024
Event website: https://hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/unkai_lightup/
Evening: Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Picture from Japan's Seasons in Photos - April: Lovely Cherry Blossoms
Nighttime cherry blossom illuminations are one of the spring highlights in Japan and shouldn't be missed. While simple, the cherry blossom illuminations in Edogawa Park are splendid and can be enjoyed for free. The beauty of the blossoms at night is surreal!
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Morning: Stroll along Meguro River
Photo by Pixta
Meguro River is one of Tokyo's major cherry blossom spots. We recommend coming here in the early hours of the day because the area tends to become very crowded in the afternoons and evenings.
If you get a chance to take pictures of the blossoms, though, they will be nothing short of spectacular.
Cherry Blossom Lunch or Teatime at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Sakura afternoon tea at New American Grill KANADE TERRACE. Picture courtesy of PR Times
If you're in Meguro, do stop by Hotel Gajoen Tokyo for lunch or tea time. The restaurants and cafes within the hotel serve cherry blossom inspired menus until April 7, 2024. These seasonal treats are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Sakura cocktails. Picture courtesy of PR Times
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Sakura Afternoon Tea menu includes cherry blossom sweets, some of which can be purchased at the hotel shop as souvenirs.
For details on their 2024 sakura event, please refer to this page (Japanese).
Evening: Cherry Blossom Light-up at Chidorigafuchi
Photo by Pixta
Chidorigafuchi Park, located near the Imperial Palace, is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Photo by Pixta
In spring, the blossoms around the moat are lit up in the evenings, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. If you visit Japan during the cherry blossom season, enjoying a stroll at Chidorigafuchi in the evening is a must!
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Other Options: Cherry Blossom Cruise, Mt. Fuji Day Trips, and Other Seasonal Activities
Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Picture courtesy of PR Times
If you'll be spending some more time in Tokyo in spring, consider going on a Cherry Blossom Viewing Cruise on the Sumida River or on a day trip to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival (April 15 - May 28) to see a pink carpet of moss phlox flowers with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Alternatively, explore some of the cherry blossom locations introduced in the article below:
Book the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours) to get around Tokyo conveniently.
We hope the tips featured above will help you make the most of this year's cherry blossom season in Tokyo. Remember that the blooms are around just for a little while so do try to enjoy them through all senses.
Main image by Pixta
