Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Shinjuku

Whether you're a local resident or visiting Tokyo during sakura season, these recommended cherry blossom locations in Shinjuku offer the perfect blend of scenic beauty, accessibility, and seasonal magic.

Shinjuku Station Area

Shinjuku Chuo Park Shinjuku’s largest ward park is a lush, green haven nestled between towering skyscrapers. The lawn area is lined with cherry trees such as Somei Yoshino, Shidarezakura (weeping cherry), and early-blooming Kawazu-zakura. During the season, the park becomes a peaceful oasis perfect for daytime strolls or relaxed hanami picnics.

• Address: 2-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 1 min walk from Tochomae Station (Oedo Line), 5 min from Nishi-Shinjuku Station, 10 min from Shinjuku Station
• Nearby spots: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Kumano Shrine, SHUKNOVA, Peace Memorial Exhibit

‍

Shinjuku East South Exit Plaza In 2016, two Takato Kohiganzakura trees were planted here, a gift from Ina City in Nagano Prefecture, a sister city of Shinjuku. These deep-pink blossoms bloom in front of the Shinjuku Tourist Information Center, creating a charming touch of spring at one of the city's busiest transit hubs.

• Address: 3-37-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 1 min from JR Shinjuku Station East South Exit / E10 underground exit
• Nearby spots: Tenryu-ji Temple, Taiso-ji Temple

‍

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This iconic national garden features over 900 cherry trees of approximately 70 varieties, from early-blooming Kanzakura in February to rare Kenrokuen-kikuzakura in late April. The mix of Japanese, French, and English landscape styles creates a refined hanami setting.

• Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 5–10 min from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station, Shinjuku Station, Sendagaya Station, or Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station
• Note: Advance reservations are required on weekends from March 22–April 6 (10:00–16:00). No alcohol or smoking allowed.

‍

Kagurazaka & Yotsuya Area

Sotobori Cherry Promenade Running along the JR tracks from Yotsuya to Iidabashi, the Sotobori cherry trees create a stunning tunnel of blossoms visible even from train windows. A walk along the Sotobori Street during peak bloom is like stepping into a dream, especially when petals begin to fall.

• Best Access: Yotsuya, Ichigaya, or Iidabashi Stations (JR, Tokyo Metro)
• Nearby spots: DNP Plaza, Ichigaya no Mori Museum, Ichigaya Kameoka Hachimangu Shrine

‍

Meiji Jingu Gaien While most famous for its gingko avenue, this area is also adorned with beautiful cherry trees, especially near the National Important Cultural Property, Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery.

• Address: Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 5 min from Shinanomachi Station or Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station
• Nearby spots: Japan Olympic Museum, Sato Art Museum

Waseda Area

Hakoneyama (Toyama Park) Home to the highest elevation within the Yamanote Line, Hakoneyama (44.6m) offers a panoramic view of blooming cherry trees below. This forested park features rolling hills and shaded paths, perfect for an invigorating spring walk.

• Address: Toyama 1–3-chome & Okubo 3-chome, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 6–25 min walk from Waseda, Nishi-Waseda, or Takadanobaba stations
• Tip: Visit the Toyama Park Service Center to receive a Summit Certificate!
• Nearby spots: Anahachiman Shrine, Waseda Sports Museum, Statistics Museum

‍

Kanda River Promenade (Nishi-Waseda) A hidden gem among Tokyo's cherry blossom spots, this riverside walkway is covered by a dense canopy of about 130 Somei Yoshino trees. The reflection of falling petals on the water is breathtaking.

• Address: Nishi-Waseda 1 & 3-chome
• Access: 1 min from Omokagebashi or Waseda tram stops / 15 min from Waseda Station
• Nearby: Waseda University Theater Museum, Haruki Murakami Library, Okuma Garden

‍

Kansen-en Garden Selected as one of the “Top 100 Japanese Historical Gardens,” this Edo-era strolling garden is named after its pure spring water, once famous for brewing tea. Its cherry blossoms, especially the shidarezakura, perfectly complement the tranquil garden setting.

• Address: 3-5 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku
• Hours: 7:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb), 7:00–19:00 (Mar–Oct)
• Access: 1–13 min from Takadanobaba, Waseda, or Nishi-Waseda stations
• Nearby: Tokyo Dyeing & Textile Museum, Atom Wall Mural

Ochiai Area

Otomeyama Park This forested park along the Ochiai Escarpment is known for its natural spring water and selection of rare cherry tree varieties including Yamazakura, Oshima, Kohigan, and Uwamizuzakura. It’s perfect for nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat.

• Address: 2-10 Shimoochiai, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 7–10 min from Takadanobaba, Shimo-Ochiai, or Mejiro stations
• Nearby: Seseragi-no-Sato Park, Tsuyoshi Nakamura Atelier Museum

Higashihase-dera Yakuoin Temple While renowned for peonies, Yakuoin Temple is also famous for its weeping cherry trees planted from the 1960s. The deep pink blossoms bloom in early April and are especially beautiful in the temple’s serene grounds.

• Address: 4-8-2 Shimoochiai, Shinjuku-ku
• Access: 5 min from Shimo-Ochiai Station
• Official Site: Yakuoin Temple

‍

🌙 Nighttime Light-Up Events in Shinjuku

See cherry blossoms in a completely new light—literally—with atmospheric night-time illuminations throughout the ward.

Shinjuku Chuo Park

• Area: Lawn Plaza (Deck Terrace area)
• Duration: March 22 – April 13
• Time: 16:00–22:00
• Features: Gorgeous city backdrop with Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, romantic atmosphere

‍

Sotobori Cherry Promenade (Ichigaya)

• Duration: Late March – Early April
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: From Shinmitsuke Bridge to Ichigaya Bridge
• Trees: Somei Yoshino

‍

Kanda River Walk (Nishi-Waseda Area)

• Duration: Late March – Early April
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: From Akebono Bridge to Nakano Bridge

‍

Kanda River Walk (Takadanobaba Area & Kanda Josui Park)

• Duration: Late March – Early April
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: From Minami-Otaki Bridge to Seseragi Bridge

‍

Nishi-Ochiai Park Area

• Duration: Late March – Early April
• Time: 18:00–21:00
• Location: Along Myōshōji River near Nishiochiai Park

Note: All light-ups are subject to change based on bloom conditions and weather.

🌸 A Few Things to Remember

• Please refrain from holding parties or drinking in prohibited areas.
• Take your trash home to keep parks clean and safe for everyone.
• Some locations require reservations during peak weekends—plan ahead!

‍

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000889.000008210.html

https://4travel.jp/travelogue/11117375

https://www.kanko-shinjuku.jp/minispecial/-/article_3898.html

‍

‍