When To Visit Tokyo For Cherry Blossom Season
With Japan’s world-famous cherry blossom season fast approaching, Japan’s Meteorological Corporation has released – as they do every year – the first national cherry blossom forecast. Yes, that’s a thing. A forecast that predicts when the first cherry blossom buds will begin to open across the country. It may seem strange to you and I, but cherry blossom season is kind of a big deal in the east. More tourists visit Japan during this time than any other time of year, so now is the time to make those all-important travel plans, as the best hotels in Tokyo start to fill up. If you’re Tokyo-bound for a glimpse of blossoming beauty this year, here’s how to make the most of your trip.
When?
According to the Japan’s Meteorological Corporation, the first buds are due to open in Tokyo on March the 22nd and will be at their peak on March the 30th, four days earlier than last year. To play it safe, visit as close to the peak as possible, but be aware that this golden period is likely to result in many more tourists in tow. If you’re unfortunate enough to miss the bloom, head to the likes of Osaka, Fukuoka or Nagoya where the first blossom is scheduled for slightly later.
Where?
Even though Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, there are plenty of places to catch a glimpse of the sakura tree in beautiful natural surroundings. Here are a few of the best spots:
#1 Parks
Tokyo is brimming with rural refuges. Spanning 133 acres, Ueno Park boasts a party-like vibe and is home to over 1,000 sakura trees. One of the busiest sakura viewing spots, what it lacks in breathing space it more than makes up for in photogenic qualities. For less shoulder barging and a more relaxed vibe, head to the lesser known Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. Founded in 1629, this is one of Tokyo’s oldest traditional gardens. The entrance fee and limited opening hours naturally keep crowds under control.
#2 Historic Sites
When the sakura is in full bloom, it’s easy to see why Chidorigafuchi Moat is perhaps the most famous spot in all of Tokyo from which to witness the joys of cherry blossom season. Hundreds of trees envelope the moat, where loved up couples can hire boats and cruise the waters to take in the sites. Expect to wait for hours to board your watery chariot.
#3 Rivers
Naturally, cherry blossom trees were planted along riverbanks hundreds of years ago, the spectacular results of which can be enjoyed today by the thousands of tourists who make the journey east. Take an evening stroll along Meguro River, clad with vibrant pink from the 800 or so sakura trees that line it.
Image by Takasull
Go Traditional
It’s tradition for Japanese families to set up camp for the day and hold a hanami party underneath a cherry blossom tree. Whilst in town, get involved. Head to a supermarket en route and pick up a special hanami bento box to fit right in with the locals.
Image by Stardog Champion
Where To Stay
Accommodation during this period is likely to be snapped up quickly, so be prepared to book early and if not, pay bumped up prices. For an experience like no other, book into Palace Hotel Tokyo, where the Imperial Palace Gardens can be viewed from a handful of rooms.
Image by Palace Hotel Tokyo
Have you visited Tokyo? Have you seen the Cherry Blossom of Japan? We would love to hear your suggestions on the best place to see this wonder.
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The last two times that I attempted to visit Japan during Cherry Blossom season, I missed it. One day I will definitely try again!
Fingers crossed for next time! 🙂
I have never been to Japan but it has always been high on my list of places to visit, especially to go skiing. However, these cherry blossoms are just so beautiful in Tokyo.
I have never thought about heading to Japan to ski, normally thinking of places in Europe instead – perhaps this would be an exciting change.
Wow that’s amazing there are so many places to see the cherry blossoms! I’d love to go to the Chidorigafuchi Moat. Even though there’s so many people who go there, seeing the trees against the moat would be lovely! Thanks for sharing.
I think, regardless of the amount of people, seeing the cherry blossom is a beautiful sight. 🙂
I love this post about Japan! I’ll definitely have to visit for cherry blossom season. You took some great shots of cherry blossom trees.
Seeing cherry blossom anywhere in the world is a wonderful sight but visiting Japan to see it does seem to be a popular choice. 🙂
I knew about the blossom only as a fairy tale from Japan, wish i had visited Japan, but these are some great photos to apretiate how beauty it will be, thanks for sharing.
I love the idea of it being told as a fairytale! 🙂
Wow, these cherry blossoms are amazing! I imagine whole Japan is being colored with pink, and the lovely smell of cherry trees is everywhere. Would absolutely love to visit Japan in this season.
It would be a great time of year to visit 🙂
Really interesting post! For years when I first moved to Toronto I wondered why our big city park (High Park) would be overrun every spring by Japanese tourists, then I found out it was because they were flocking for the cherry blossoms to remind them of home!
That’s fantastic to hear that a traditional has moved with them.
Cherry blossoms have to be one of the most beautiful trees to see. We had them in Victoria British Columbia and they made for some great pictures. We’d love to see them in Japan as Japan is where I think of when I hear cherry blossums.
I do love to see blossom, it always signifies spring which is one of my favourite times of year.
It’s been a dream of mine for a while to see the blossoms, I didn’t realise you could see a good example of it in Tokyo. I went a few years back at a different time of year, and would love to go back and explore outside the city too.
I think Tokyo is one of those cities that changes it face with each season. What time of year did you visit? Would you recommend travelling then to others?
This is seriously one of the things I would love to see once. It seems so magical. It makes everything look even more beautiful than usually, but I would definitely visit as soon as the sun has risen a little, the crowds are insane haha.
What a great tip thanks 🙂 Crowds can add a completely different atmosphere to a setting and this one should be experienced in peace just as the sun is rising I think 🙂
I haven´t visited Tokyo, but I did have the pleasure of visiting Kyoto, which I absolutely loved! I´ve been dying to get back for the cherry blossoms. It looks so incredible! Love your photos.
I think anywhere you visit to see the cherry blossom is going to be special 🙂
Tokyo when covered with cherry blossoms is probably one of the most beautiful phenomenon of nature that we have seen. And those pictures just made my lust to see the pink bunches grow stronger
It does seem that nature inspires everyone to stop for a while and take a look around, even in the larger cities where we often forget to do this. 🙂
I’ve never been to a show like this, never been to Japan either but it seems that you can enjoy it without leaving the big city so it could be very convenient
I think that is why people like Tokyo – It is such a diverse city! 🙂
Lived in Tokyo for 3+ years so I always enjoy these posts & the memories they bring back. Yes, the cherry blossoms are wonderful
Wow, 3 years – what an experience.
One of the BEST places to see the Cherry Blossoms!!! Missed it the last time we were in Tokyo but definitely we will be back:)
Thanks for sharing…
I love the fact that nature takes people back to a city as much as the man-made sights do! 🙂
I’ve often seen stunning pictures of the Cherry Blossoms in Japan but never read about a personal experience, so it was great to read about your adventure. When I travel to Japan someday, I’m going to make sure that we see the Cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossom is such a beautiful sight. It always makes me think of spring, warmth and new beginnings 🙂
We have been dreaming of going there just to see Cherry Blossom. Can’t get enough of them. Rest all will have second priority. 🙂
It is a stunning time of year to visit. 🙂
I would love to visit Tokyo and this would be extra special. I love their tradition as a family outing to enjoy this beautiful time. It really is gorgeous!
I love that other countries still have traditions they keep as a family – so often these are missed now!
I love the cherry blossoms there. I went to the cemetery where the 42 Ronin and their lord were buried during that time and it was such a beautiful place. We have a huge festival in our capital in the U.S. but I have never seen them there. Would love to go back to Japan again during this time.
Wow, that sounds amazing. I hope you get to visit again one day.
Cherry Blossoms hold a special place in my heart, as they lined the streets in the city I grew up in. How amazing they would be to see in Tokyo! The Palace Hotel looks lovely. Great images and information – thank you for sharing.
I think cherry blossom is a great symbol of spring starting, it is nice to hear how others like seeing it as well.
I was in Japan for cherry blossom season last year and it was amazing! I saw the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park, which was great for people watching. Your pictures are gorgeous. I would really like to go to see the blossoms at Chidorigafuchi Moat next time.
Wow, that sounds amazing. I do love a bit of people watching! 😀
I am planning to visit Japan next year to see the Cherry Blossoms but I have to admit the crowds scare me! I will consider Osaka and Nagoya perhaps too so it won’t be such a crush.
I really dislike crowds as well so finding quieter places to experience things like this is always a bonus! 🙂
I absolutely love cherry blossom season in Japan. Growing up in Japan, it was my favorite time of year. Walking through the parks just brings so much joy during this time of year:) I wish it lasted longer!
What an amazing place to grow up! Such a beautiful time of year to be able to experience time and time again.
I think I’d find it hard to go past Kyoto and the famous Philosopher’s Walk beside a stream flowing down from the encircling hills. It is lined with cherry trees and the sakura petals fall into the water.
The view along the stream, of pink cherry trees on either bank, is beautiful enough, but as the water slows the accumulated petals form huge pink rafts serenely floating along.
It is, of course, crowded with tourists.
That really does sound amazing! 🙂