Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo and Kyoto

Quick answer

• Tokyo favourites: Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen and Sumida Park.
• Kyoto favourites: the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park, Heian Shrine, Daigo-ji and Arashiyama.
• For picnics: Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park and Inokashira Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto.
• At night: Meguro River and Rikugien in Tokyo, Maruyama Park and Nijo Castle in Kyoto.
• Beat the crowds: go at 7am. Kyoto's famous spots fill up by 10am.

Hanami, or flower viewing, is a national celebration. People spread blue sheets under the trees, bring food and drinks and enjoy the blossoms with friends. These are the best places to join in, and how to enjoy them without fighting the crowds. Comparing seasons? See our month-by-month best time to visit Japan guide.

Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots

• Chidorigafuchi: a moat by the Imperial Palace lined with trees. Rent a rowing boat for the classic view.
• Ueno Park: over 800 trees and Tokyo's liveliest hanami parties. Busy but fun.
• Meguro River: about 800 trees arching over a narrow canal, with food stalls and lanterns at night.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: a spacious garden with many varieties, so the season lasts longer. Entry fee, and alcohol is not allowed.
• Sumida Park: blossoms along the river with views of Tokyo Skytree, near Senso-ji.
• Rikugien: a beautiful weeping cherry in a classic garden, lit up in the evening.
• Inokashira Park: swan boats on a pond under the trees, near the Ghibli Museum.
• Yoyogi Park: a big, relaxed park for picnics near Harajuku.

Kyoto's best cherry blossom spots

• The Philosopher's Path: a stone path along a canal lined with trees, from Ginkaku-ji towards Nanzen-ji.
• Maruyama Park: Kyoto's most famous weeping cherry, lit up at night, and lively picnics.
• Heian Shrine: the weeping cherries in the shrine garden are stunning. Garden entry fee.
• Daigo-ji: a temple with hundreds of trees, made famous by a great cherry blossom party in 1598.
• Arashiyama: blossoms on the hills along the river, best from a boat.
• Okazaki Canal: boat rides along a canal lined with cherry trees.
• Nijo Castle: many varieties and evening illuminations in spring.
• Kiyomizu-dera: blossoms around the wooden stage, with evening openings in spring.

Day trips for blossom lovers

• Mount Yoshino near Nara, a whole mountain of cherry trees.
• Himeji Castle, the white castle framed in pink, an easy trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
• Chureito Pagoda, with Mount Fuji, blossoms and a pagoda in one view.
• Nara Park, with blossoms and friendly deer.

Hanami tips

• Arrive early. For the best photos and calm paths, be there by 7 or 8am.
• For a picnic, buy food from a convenience store or depachika food hall and bring a sheet to sit on.
• Take all rubbish home with you. Bins fill up quickly.
• Do not shake branches or pick flowers.
• Check local rules. Some gardens ban alcohol, and some parks limit sheets or set closing times.
• Weekdays are calmer than weekends.

Our tip: Look up the full bloom forecast for each city. A spot that is at peak in Tokyo may still be in bud in Kyoto a few days later.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?

Chidorigafuchi and the Meguro River are the most beautiful. Ueno Park is the liveliest for hanami parties.

Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto?

The Philosopher's Path and Maruyama Park are the classics. Daigo-ji and Heian Shrine are also wonderful.

Can you drink alcohol during hanami?

In most parks, yes. Shinjuku Gyoen and some gardens ban it, so check before you go.

What is the best time of day for cherry blossoms?

Early morning for quiet paths and soft light, or evening for illuminations.