Best Cherry Blossom Spots Near Shibuya
Spring is just around the corner, which means cherry blossoms will soon start blooming. According to this year’s forecast, cherry blossoms in Tokyo are estimated to start going into bloom in late-March. Since the Heian era (around 750CE), hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, has been a beautiful Japanese tradition during the spring season. Locals celebrate hanami by enjoying drinks and food with families, friends and co-workers while sitting under the pink petals of the cherry blossom trees.
Today, we will be listing 10 cherry blossom spots you can easily visit from The Millennials Shibuya or HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA (opening soon) in about 30 minutes or less!
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If you fancy floating flowers on the lake, night views, stunning park views or hanami, then the following three waterside parks are for you! Also, all of these places light up at night, making the experience even more memorable. It may be more crowded if you visit at night, however.
Chidorigafuchi Greenway
Nestled just a brief 5-minute stroll from both Kudanshita Station and Hanzomon Station, the Chidorigafuchi Greenway unfolds along a 700-meter path tracing the moat of the Imperial Palace. Along this path approximately 260 cherry trees, predominantly Yoshino cherry trees, sway gracefully, adorning the pathway with their delicate blossoms. From late March to early April, the air becomes infused with the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom along the riverside. This scenic walk offers an idyllic setting particularly enchanting during the Chiyoda City Sakura Festival when the cherry blossoms are illuminated after dusk. For a unique perspective, boat rides, available from March to November for a fee, offer a unique viewpoint to admire the cherry blossoms.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park boasts approximately 500 cherry blossom trees and a picturesque lake, making it a beautiful spot to do hanami and admire the cherry blossoms. To secure a prime spot amidst the blossoms, you should arrive early on weekends or opt for a weekday visit for a more serene experience. Besides its famous cherry blossoms, the park offers attractions such as a duck pond, a zoo and an aquarium, along with a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and eloquence. You can also explore the Studio Ghibli Museum within the park premises, though advance tickets are necessary.
Senzokuike Park
Located in Tokyo, Senzokuike Park stands out as the city’s largest cherry blossom spot, drawing numerous visitors in late March each year. Dating back to the Edo period, this historic site features approximately 200 cherry blossom trees. Visitors can partake in boat riding from the conveniently located boat pier, adding a unique perspective to their hanami experience. The huge pond covers an area of 40,000 square meters and holds significance in Japanese folklore, with legends suggesting it was where Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, washed his legs. Recognized for its scenic beauty since ancient times, Senzoku Pond is immortalized in ukiyo-e paintings and remains a popular destination for leisurely strolls or jogs within Ota ward’s municipal park.
Tokyo Midtown
For a fancy hanami experience, head to the outdoor Chandon Blossom Lounge at Tokyo Midtown during their MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2024 cherry blossom festival (details not yet announced). Midtown Blossom offers a breathtaking 200m-long cherry blossom avenue alongside sophisticated indoor and outdoor venues. Immerse yourself in a street museum, unwind at the chic Midtown Blossom Seltzer Lounge and marvel at the illuminated sakura. This botanical oasis boasts many types of greenery and flowers, including 30 different plant species like lavender and rosemary, creating an exclusive lounge ambiance.
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
For a Japanese garden styled cherry blossom festival experience, head to Takanawa Sakura Festival 2024, where you will be able to feel Japanese authenticity. A special selection of cherry blossom-themed stay-plans and seasonal foods are offered during this time to appeal to all the big sakura lovers out there. During the Takanawa Sakura Festival, you can see the 210 cherry blossom trees of 17 different varieties lit up every evening between 5:30 p.mm and 11 p.m.
Yoyogi Park
Don’t forget Yoyogi Park! Just a 10min walk from the Millennials Shibuya, it’s the perfect place to if you already have a full travel itinerary but still want to do hanami! Families and friends gather for picnics under the flowering trees, enjoying snacks and drinks amidst the bustling crowds. Amidst the excitement, you can stroll along the tree-lined paths, taking in the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
The following parks are not as popular as the ones just mentioned, but that means they are less busy! Enjoy traditional hanami with your friends, family or just on your own. These are the perfect spots to meditate while strolling underneath the sakura trees, empty your mind and simply appreciate the beauty of nature. Escape from the concrete jungle and take a deep breath of fresh air.
Hatagaya Ryokudo
The area stretching from Sasazuka to Hatagaya, along the Koshu Kaido, features a green pathway. During the Edo period, urban expansion led to the construction of a 43-kilometer waterway from the Tama River Hamura intake to near Shinjuku Gyoen, known as the Tamagawa Josui. Today, much of it is concealed underground. Though Hatagaya’s vicinity has been similarly channelized, remnants of its past, like numerous bridges, persist along the green pathway. Lined with cherry trees, it forms a scenic route in spring, attracting mainly locals, making it an ideal spot for tranquil cherry blossom viewing. Even during peak bloom, crowds are minimal, limited to the park near the station where hanami-goers gather.
Toyama Park
Toyama Park, near Waseda University, is split into the bustling Okubo section and the serene Mount Hakone area. In the spring, the area bursts with colorful pink and white cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for hanami in early April.
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