The best cherry blossom spots in Tokyo are Chidorigafuchi's moat with rowboats, the Meguro River in Nakameguro, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Sumida Park with Skytree behind the trees. Inokashira Park, Yoyogi Park, Rikugien's weeping cherry and Aoyama Cemetery round out the list; peak bloom usually falls in late March or early April.
Tokyo's cherry blossoms usually open in the second half of March and peak about a week later. The Japan Meteorological Corporation and Japan Weather Association publish forecasts. Hanami (blossom-viewing picnics) is a big tradition; claim a spot early in the popular parks.
Rowboats under cherry trees on the palace moat.
Chidorigafuchi is a moat of the Imperial Palace lined with cherry trees; you can rent rowboats and glide beneath them.
It is lit up at night in season.
Good to know: Boat queues are long; go early morning.
2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0075
A canal arched with cherry trees and lanterns.
The Meguro River through Nakameguro is lined with cherry trees for several kilometers, with lanterns and food stalls in season.
It is busy on weekends.
Good to know: Visit on a weekday evening.
Nakameguro Station, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051
Tokyo's liveliest hanami party park.
Ueno Park's main avenue is lined with around 800 cherry trees, with crowds picnicking beneath them.
It is festive and crowded.
Good to know: Stake out a spot early in the morning.
5-20 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
Many cherry varieties over a long season.
Shinjuku Gyoen has over 1,000 cherry trees of many varieties, which extends the season into mid-April.
Alcohol is banned, so it stays calm.
Good to know: Reserve entry tickets online in peak season if required.
11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014
Riverside blossoms with Skytree views.
Sumida Park lines both banks of the Sumida River, with cherry trees framing Tokyo Skytree.
River cruises pass beneath.
Good to know: Combine with Senso-ji.
1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033
Swan boats on a lake ringed with cherry trees.
Inokashira Park in Kichijoji has a pond surrounded by cherry trees, with swan boats for rent.
The Ghibli Museum is nearby.
Good to know: Rent a rowboat on weekdays.
1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005
Big lawns for hanami picnics.
Yoyogi Park's open lawns fill with picnickers under the blossoms, a lively and young scene.
It is next to Harajuku.
Good to know: Bring a picnic mat.
2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052
A huge weeping cherry lit up at night.
Rikugien's famous weeping cherry tree is illuminated at night in season, a serene sight.
Expect a queue at the gate in the evening.
Good to know: Go early for the evening illumination.
6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021
A quiet tunnel of blossoms.
Aoyama Cemetery's main avenues are lined with cherry trees, forming quiet tunnels of blossom.
Be respectful; it is an active cemetery and picnics are not appropriate.
Good to know: Walk through for a calm alternative.
2-32-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062
Usually late March to early April. Peak bloom lasts about a week; check the official forecasts.
Chidorigafuchi, the Meguro River and Shinjuku Gyoen are among the most beautiful.
Yes, at Ueno, Yoyogi, Inokashira and Sumida parks. Shinjuku Gyoen bans alcohol.
Yes. Chidorigafuchi, the Meguro River and Rikugien hold evening illuminations in season.
Late-blooming varieties continue into mid-April at Shinjuku Gyoen.