[Update, Apr 1] As you can tell from our Instagram feed, we've been going sakura crazy. We went to a few spots over the weekend and are happy to report that most of the cherry trees in Tokyo are already at their peak bloom. So really, this is the week to go see them all.
Photo: Lim Chee Wah
Rikugien's awe-inspiring cherry blossom light-up has turned the garden into an enchanting forest. The famed weeping sakura (pictured above) is the obvious highlight, as the majestic tree looks like it's glowing. However, do also make time for the other sakura tree with lighting that changes colours – it's quite magical. Hurry though: this special light-up event ends this Wednesday, April 3.
Photo: Lim Chee Wah
The trees at Chidorigafuchi Moat are at peak bloom. The queue for boating can get really long, but walking along the path by the water is a good enough experience as it's completely shaded by the pale pink petals.
Photo: Lim Chee Wah
Across the main thoroughfare from Tokyo Station's Yaesu exit, the trees at Sakura-dori are also at full bloom. Do be careful of oncoming traffic while taking photos at this busy street.
Photo: Lim Chee Wah
The cherry-tree lined Meguro River near Nakameguro Station is even busier than before, especially with the evening light-up that lasts until about 9pm. The trees have already reached peak bloom so best head there this week. If you want to get away from the maddening crowd, walk southeast along the river towards Meguro Station – the crowds at that end of the river are more manageable.
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[Update, Mar 27] Now's the time to visit the Meguro River as most of the cherry trees are approaching full bloom. They form beautiful pale pink-topped boulevards over the streets and the river (pictured top). You can easily spend a whole day here at this Nakameguro neighbourhood, exploring the many cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
If you're at Tokyo Station, head out the Yaesu exit and cross the main thoroughfare to Sakura-dori. The entire stretch of the street is flanked by blooming sakura trees. And when you're done, pop into the nearby Takashimaya department store to check out the stunning and poetic ikebana (Japanese art of flower arrangement; pictured below) centrepiece featuring cherry blossoms.
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year to be in Tokyo as the cherry blossoms have started blooming. While there are lots of places to catch the sakura here in the capital, we know what you’re thinking: but are the flowers at full bloom yet? Everybody wants that perfect shot of a full canopy of white/pink blooms, so we visited three of the top sakura viewing spots over the weekend (March 23-24) to keep you updated on the latest cherry blossom news.
Meguro River
One of the most picturesque rivers in Tokyo as it’s lined with cherry trees. When we visited on Saturday March 23 and again on Monday March 25, the trees were in the early stages of blooming. However, you’ll find a few trees with fuller blooms nearer to the new Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Tip: the roastery has outdoor terraces on the upper floors, and the views from there will be stunning once the cherry blossoms have fully bloomed.
Yanaka Cemetery
This peaceful cemetery (pictured above) has a central road that’s flanked by mature sakura trees, creating a photogenic boulevard. On Sunday March 24, the trees looked like they were just beginning to bloom.
Once you’re done with the cherry blossoms, continue to explore this charming neighbourhood – its unassuming traditional outlook is home to numerous cool cafés and top restaurants, plus a unique art gallery that was formerly a bathhouse.
Shinjuku Gyoen
One of the best and biggest parks in central Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen (pictured above) is an obvious port of call for fans of cherry blossoms. Nevertheless, as the cherry trees are scattered throughout the expansive grounds, the park doesn’t feel overly crowded, with lots of space for you to lay a mat for a picnic. On Sunday (March 24) the trees were in different stages of blooming and many of them were around the halfway mark.
However, the weeping cherry blossoms near the lake appeared to be approaching full bloom – they were gorgeous and hence very popular. Do note that the park has recently updated their admission fees and opening hours.
If you won’t be in Tokyo for these couple of weeks but would still like to catch the cherry blossoms, fret not. You can still see the pretty blooms in other parts of Japan until as late as early May. We have the deets here.