2025 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Guide: 21 Must-Visit Sakura Spots with Nighttime Light-Ups, Garden Views, and Hidden Gems

Spring in Tokyo is a magical time when cherry blossoms paint the city in soft pink hues. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's nothing quite like experiencing hanami (flower viewing) beneath canopies of blooming sakura. From iconic riverside walks to peaceful temple grounds, here’s your ultimate 2025 guide to the best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo—complete with night light-ups, historical gardens, kid-friendly parks, and hidden gems.

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🌸Nighttime Magic: Sakura Spots with Stunning Light-Ups

Meguro River (Nakameguro, Meguro Ward)

A perennial favorite, Meguro River features around 800 cherry trees—mostly Somei Yoshino—lining both sides of a 4km-long waterway. In peak bloom from late March to early April, the area transforms into a pink paradise. Stylish cafés and boutique shops along the river make it perfect for a romantic stroll or shopping-filled hanami. At night, traditional bonbori lanterns reflect off the water, creating a dreamy, otherworldly scene.‍

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April
Event: Nakameguro Sakura Festival & Night Illumination (TBD for 2025; held Mar 23–24 in 2024)
Bonus: Book a Meguro River Cherry Blossom Cruise in advance for an unforgettable view from the water.

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Rikugien Garden (Bunkyo Ward)

A highlight is the massive shidare-zakura (weeping cherry), standing 15m tall and spreading 20m wide. Its cascading, pale-pink blossoms resemble a waterfall. Blossoming slightly earlier than Somei Yoshino, the tree is lit up for a limited time, casting an ethereal glow against the night sky.

Best Viewing: Mid-March to Mid-April
Night Event: Spring Nights at Rikugien – 7 consecutive days between Mar 14–30, 2025, from 6:30–9:00 PM
Admission: ¥300 (General), ¥150 (65+), Free for elementary students & Tokyo-based junior high students
Same-Day Ticket: ¥1,100

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Chidorigafuchi Park (Chiyoda Ward)

One of Tokyo’s top sakura destinations, this park lies between the British Embassy and the Imperial Palace’s west moat. Around 260 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino and Ooyamazakura—create an unforgettable setting. During the annual festival, the riverside path glows under lights, and night-time boating adds to the romance.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April
Event: Chiyoda Sakura Festival – Mar 12 to Apr 23, 2025
Illumination Dates: To be announced around Mar 10

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Ueno Park (Taito Ward)

An iconic cherry blossom hub since the Edo period, Ueno Park boasts 800 cherry trees within the park and around 1,200 including the zoo. Lantern-lit nights bring back the traditional atmosphere of evening hanami.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April
Event: Ueno Sakura Festival (TBD for 2025; previously Mar 16–Apr 7)

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Sumida River & Sumida Park (Sumida/Taito Ward)

With a cherry-lined riverbank stretching 1km and views of Tokyo Skytree®, Sumida Park is a unique blend of old and new. For a memorable experience, hop on a traditional yakatabune boat to see blossoms from the water. Nighttime illuminations enhance the romantic ambiance.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April
Event: Spring Breeze Connection Festival – Mar 15 to Apr 13, 2025
Night Illumination: 6:30–9:00 PM

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Tokyo Midtown (Minato Ward)

Along the 200m Sakura-dori street, majestic cherry trees—some dating back to the Defense Agency days—form a tunnel of blossoms. The MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2025 features events and a stunning light-up at night.

Best Viewing: Late March to Mid-April
Event: MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2025 – Mar 14 to Apr 13, 2025

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Ark Hills (Minato Ward)

Home to around 150 old Somei Yoshino trees lining Sakurazaka and Spain-zaka, Ark Hills forms a 700m tunnel of pink. Lights cast a magical glow at night, and the bridge between the South Tower and Ark Hills offers a hidden, elevated view.

Best Viewing: Late March to Mid-April
Event: Ark Hills Sakura Festival 2025 – Mar 28–30, 2025

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Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa (Minato Ward)

This 20,000 sqm Japanese garden features 210 cherry trees across 17 types, beginning with Kawazu-zakura in February. The 2025 season includes a Bamboo Light-Up event, where bamboo lanterns inspired by cherry petals gently illuminate the garden in vivid colors.

Best Viewing: Mid-February to Early April
Event: Sakura Bamboo Light-Up – Mar 7 to Apr 13, 2025

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🌿 Breathtaking Sakura in Traditional Japanese Gardens

Koishikawa Korakuen (Bunkyo Ward)

Dating to the early Edo era, this garden is both a Special Historic Site and Scenic Beauty designation. A must-see is the 60-year-old shidare-zakura. Around the central pond, various cherry trees—including the rare yellow-blossomed Ukon-zakura—offer a unique visual treat.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Entry: 4:30 PM)
Admission: ¥300 (General), ¥150 (65+), Free for children and Tokyo-based junior high students

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Hamarikyu Gardens (Chuo Ward)

A former feudal lord’s estate featuring tidal ponds and wild duck hunting grounds, this elegant garden houses about 26 types of cherry trees—from classics like Somei Yoshino to rarities like Gyoikou and Ukon. The staggered blooming times allow for extended viewing.

Best Viewing: Late March to Late April
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Entry: 4:30 PM)
Admission: Same as Koishikawa

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🛕 Sacred Sakura: Temples & Shrines with Blossoms

Yasukuni Shrine (Chiyoda Ward)

With 500 cherry trees, Yasukuni Shrine is both beautiful and symbolic—it houses Tokyo’s official bloom declaration tree. During peak season, the shrine hosts festive events including Sakura Festival, Dedication Sumo, and Nighttime Noh Performances.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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Ikegami Honmonji Temple (Ota Ward)

This head temple of Nichiren Buddhism is home to 300 sakura trees. The temple’s ancient five-story pagoda—Tokyo’s oldest and a national cultural asset—makes for a breathtaking backdrop. For the best view, head to the observation deck of nearby Ikegami Kaikan.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Sakura Spots

Yoyogi Park (Shibuya Ward)

One of the largest parks in central Tokyo, Yoyogi is famous for open lawns and its 700 cherry trees. Early bloomers can be seen from February, while the main Sakura Garden between Shibuya and South Gates becomes a festival hub with food stalls during peak bloom.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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Inokashira Park (Musashino City)

Centered around Inokashira Pond, this park has 400 cherry trees. Rent a boat and glide under a shower of petals. The view from Nanai Bridge of sakura reflected on the water is especially enchanting.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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Kinuta Park (Setagaya Ward)

A sprawling park with 840 cherry trees, Kinuta Park is ideal for picnics. Massive trees with 3m trunk girths allow for up-close viewing, and the lush lawns are perfect for laying out a picnic mat.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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Showa Memorial Park (Tachikawa City)

At 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome, this national park has 1,500 cherry trees across 30 varieties. Visit the Sakura Garden or the Old Sakura Garden near Zambori River for prime hanami spots.

Best Viewing: Late March to Mid-April
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (till 6:00 PM on weekends)
Admission: ¥450 (Adults), Free for junior high school and below

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🔍 Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Sakura Spots

Shiba Park (Minato Ward)

One of Japan’s oldest parks, Shiba Park features 140 cherry trees with Tokyo Tower standing proudly in the background. Popular among office workers for evening hanami, it offers some of the city’s most Instagrammable views.

Best Viewing: Late March to Mid-April

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Hibiya Park (Chiyoda Ward)

Japan’s first Western-style park may have only 40 cherry trees, but they bloom beautifully around Kumogata Pond and the Crane Fountain. The view from Kamome Plaza is a peaceful, low-key option for hanami lovers.

Best Viewing: Late March to Early April

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Toneri Park (Adachi Ward)

Spanning massive grounds with sports fields, ponds, and lawns, Toneri Park offers a thousand cherry trees. A standout is the “Reagan Sakura,” planted by the former First Lady. The tree’s lineage traces back to cherry trees gifted to the U.S. in 1912.

Best Viewing: Mid-March to Early April

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Wherever you choose to visit, Tokyo’s cherry blossoms in 2025 promise a magical, unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking a peaceful garden stroll, a lively hanami picnic, or a glowing night view, the city has something to charm every traveler. Don’t forget to check for updates and book your tickets early for the most popular events—sakura season waits for no one!

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https://www.hatobus.co.jp/feature/sakura/sakura_tokyo

https://tokyo-trip.org/spot/visiting/uenosakura/

https://www.arkhills.com/events/2024/03/0097.html

https://www.asoview.com/note/957/?page=2

https://trvbook.com/kanko/spot-kinuta_park-591/tag-872/

https://iine-tachikawa.net/topics/season/89975/

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