2025 Cherry Blossom Season is Almost Here! Local’s Top Picks & Tips in Tokyo🌸

Spring in Japan is synonymous with breathtaking cherry blossoms. As the 2025 sakura season approaches, it's time to start planning how to enjoy this spectacular time of year.

According to the latest forecasts, cherry blossoms in central Tokyo are expected to start blooming between March 21 and 24, reaching full bloom by the end of the month. In this guide, I’ll introduce my favorite cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, along with tips on how to make the most of your hanami (Japanese term for "flower viewing") experience and avoid crowds.

Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo

1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

2. Yoyogi Park

3. Sotobori Park

4. Ark Hills

5. Nihonbashi Kayabacho Sakura Street

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

For a relaxed hanami experience, Shinjuku Gyoen is the perfect spot for a picnic. This vast park, located in central Tokyo, is home to a variety of cherry trees, including the popular Somei Yoshino, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms for an extended period. Unlike many other parks, Shinjuku Gyoen charges an entrance fee and has visitor restrictions during peak sakura season, making it less crowded. However, as there are no time limits for your stay after entrance, visiting in the early morning is highly recommended. Details on the 2025 entry restrictions have yet to be announced, so stay tuned for updates!

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

📍11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014

Yoyogi Park

Located near our Omakase Travels rental apartment, Yoyogi Park is a true urban oasis, hosting various events throughout the year and serving as a popular place to relax. During cherry blossom season, it becomes a lively hanami destination. Yoyogi Park is free to enter anytime and there are many take-out and delivery options around the park, making it ideal for a hanami picnic. My go-to hanami setup includes freshly baked bread from a local bakery, wine, and cheese for a perfect spring outing. However, the park gets very crowded on weekends during cherry blossom season, so visiting on a weekday is the best way to enjoy the blossoms peacefully.

Yoyogi Park

📍2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052

Sotobori Park

This hidden gem was my favorite hanami spot during my student days. Once part of Edo Castle’s outer moat, Sotobori Park stretches approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from Yotsuya Station to Iidabashi Station, lined with 350 cherry trees that create a stunning tunnel of pink in spring. The park is surrounded by office buildings and universities, making it a favorite relaxation spot for local workers and students, but it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by Canal Café near Iidabashi Station’s west exit, where you can enjoy hanami from a terrace overlooking the river.

Sotobori Park

📍Gobancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0076

Ark Hills

This was my secret hanami spot when I was working in Tokyo. Located near Roppongi-itchome Station, the Ark Hills Spainzaka street features 150 cherry trees and is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The nighttime illumination of the blossoms is especially magical. Since it’s located in an office district, it tends to be less crowded on weekends, making it a great spot for a quiet cherry blossom walk.

Ark Hills Spainzaka

📍1-3 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032

Nihonbashi Sakura Street

Sakura Street, which connects Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit to Nihonbashi and Kayabacho area, is another fantastic urban cherry blossom spot. Every year, seasonal events take place, and the area is lined with numerous restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the blooms. Nihonbashi’s historic buildings combined with the beauty of cherry blossoms create an unforgettable view, especially at night when the trees are illuminated.

Nihonbashi Sakura Street

📍1-8 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0027

Tips for Enjoying Cherry Blossoms Respectfully

Japan’s hanami culture comes with unique customs and etiquette. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, keep these points in mind:

1. Don’t touch the trees
   Cherry trees are delicate, so please be gentle with them. Just be careful not to touch or lean on them, as they can be easily damaged.

2. Stay within designated areas
   Some parks and streets have fenced-off sections to protect the greenery. Please respect these boundaries and avoid stepping into restricted areas.

3. Eat and drink in permitted areas only
   Rules for eating and drinking vary by location. For example, alcohol is allowed in most public parks, including Yoyogi Park, but not in Shinjuku Gyoen. Most parks in Tokyo prohibit open flames and barbecues, but some have designated barbecue areas. Each location has its own regulations, so be sure to check the rules in advance.

4. Stay warm

   Early spring in Japan can still be quite chilly, especially in the evening. If you’re planning a picnic, bring a warm jacket or blanket to stay comfortable. Blankets and disposable heat packs can be found at 100 yen stores like Daiso, so check them out along with the picnic supplies!

5. Enjoy seasonal foods
   Hanami isn’t just about the flowers—it’s also a time to savor spring-exclusive treats! Try sakura mochi, hanami bento, or other seasonal specialties to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

6. Plan ahead
   Some places, like Shinjuku Gyoen, require advance reservations during the cherry blossom season. Popular restaurants with cherry blossom views also book up quickly, so make your plans early!

Cherry blossom season in Tokyo is a magical time filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Whether you prefer a lively picnic in Yoyogi Park, a peaceful stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen, or a nighttime sakura view in Nihonbashi, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. To make the most of your hanami experience, plan ahead, follow local etiquette, and be sure to enjoy some seasonal treats along the way. We hope this guide helps you create wonderful spring memories in Japan!🌸