Hanami, or flower viewing, is the Japanese custom. The arrival of cherry blossoms signals the end of the winter in Japan. On this occasion, local people often have a party under the cherry trees in full blossoms. They enjoy eating, drinking, and talking with their friends and families while viewing the flowers.

In several large cities including Tokyo, cherry blossoms season takes place around the end of March and the beginning of April. It has a lot of cherry blossom viewing spots in parks and gardens but there are only a few places offering the best view of cherry blossoms. If you plan to visit Tokyo in the cherry blossom season, do not forget to write down the following places in your travelling note:

Chidorigafuchi

Photo by Big Ben in Japan

Chidorigafuchi Park is located around a moat of the Imperial Place and known as a very popular place for great cherry blossoms viewing. You can rent a boat and row your friends around the Edo-era moat, or walk along the 700 m-long path, which is covered with about 260 cherry trees of different species. The trees are lit up at night during the cherry blossom season that creates a gorgeous tunnel of flowers.

Notes:

• Get off at Kudanshita Station
• Opening until 10 p.m. during the blooming season
• Free Entrance

Yasukuni Shrine

Photo by M/A Evliati

Although the Shinto Shrine is a controversial location as a memorial to those who died in the World War II, it is worth a visit to enjoy cherry blossoms here. There are hundreds of cherry trees around the shrine grounds including Tokyo’s representative cherry tree, which is used by the meteorological agency to signal the official opening of the cherry blossoms in the city.

Do not forget to bring mats and prepare snacks and drinks because it is an ideal place for a picnic.

Notes:

• The Shrine is on the opposite site of Chidorigafuchi
• Opening time: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Free entrance

Ueno Park

Photo by autan

Having about 1,000 cherry trees along the street leading towards the National Museum and Shinobazu Pond, the place becomes one of the most crowded, noisy and popular hanami spots in Tokyo. The trees typically bloom a bit earlier than those in other places in the city. If you plan to go to the park, remember to get there early, especially for picnics. You can party until the late evening because many lanterns are hung up

Photo by autan

Notes:

• It is located a few steps from Ueno Station
• Opening time: until 8 p.m.
• Free Entrance

Yanaka Cemetery

Photo by stekler

Does it sound unusual to enjoy cherry blossoms in a cemetery? Yanaka Cemetery near Ueno has been popular among locals for quite some time with its main path lined with cherry trees, known as Cherry Blossom Avenue. You will feel very peaceful when strolling along the narrow path framed by arrays of tombstones. Remember to arrive early to avoid crowds at the cemetery. Besides enjoying cherry blossoms, you can pay respect for Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last Shogun of Japan, or visit nearby attractions such as Tennoji Temple.

Notes:

• Get off at Nippori Station
• Free Entrance

Shinjuku Gyoen

Photo by Di

The national garden is home to more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties, including several early and late blooming ones. As a spacious area, it is a favourite place for families, couples and individuals who wish to escape the noise of Tokyo and want a taste of nature without leaving the city. Thanks to the early and late blooming cherry trees, people who miss the main season can enjoy viewing the flowers after one or two weeks. It is also a nice place to visit in the autumn when the leaves change.

Notes:

• It is a 10-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
• Opening time: 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
• Entrance fee: 200 yen
• Alcoholic drinks are prohibited

Sumida Park

Photo by Guilhem Vellut

There are 640 cherry trees on both sides of the Sumida River. You can sit down on its bank or take a boat trip along the river to view the cherry blossoms and the Tokyo Skytree. Trees are lit up in the evening.

Notes:

• It is just a few steps from Asakusa Station
• Opening until 10 p.m. during the blooming season
• Free Entrance

Spring is the best time to visit Japan, and your experience in the country will not be complete without enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms.