Chidorigafuchi during cherry blossom season illuminations — Photo: Torsakarin/Dreamstime | Chidorigafuchi Moat during cherry blossom season

Photo: Torsakarin/Dreamstime

16 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo in 2026

Sakura are gorgeous in the day, but the light-ups at parks and shrines prove that the blossoms look even better at night

Wednesday 11 March 2026

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Written by Youka Nagase & Emma Steen

Contributor: Shota Nagao

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With the weather warming up, we're not far away from Tokyo's cherry blossom season, with the flowers expected to start blooming from mid-March. Hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnics are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the flowers during the daytime, but there are plenty of opportunities to admire the pink blossoms in the evening, too.

Many parks, gardens, temples, shrines and streets in Tokyo have special illuminations and light-up events when the sakura trees are in full bloom – so you can still admire these pink blossoms in the dark. Here are some of the best places in Tokyo to see spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in the evening.

Lighten up

Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival

Things to do
Festivals
Kudanshita
Until 22 Apr 2026

Photo: Torsakarin/Dreamstime

This cherry blossom festival, one of Tokyo's most popular, takes place along the 700m-long Chidorigafuchi Ryokudo promenade near the Imperial Palace, around which there are some 230 sakura trees. During the day, you can take a stroll along the Chidorigafuchi moat or even rent a rowboat to see the cherry blossoms from the water. By night, you can enjoy the pink flowers lit up with LEDs from March 26.

Things to do
Festivals
Ikebukuro
Until 10 May 2026

Photo: Sunshine City Co., Ltd.

Catch the sight of cherry blossoms before anywhere else at the 60th floor observatory of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City this spring. From February 26 to May 10, the relaxing indoor park with artificial turf will be decorated with colourful cherry blossom decorations, including branches from real Somei Yoshino cherry trees nearby. These will be set up mainly around the Tembo no Oka (‘observatory hill’) area.

Since the observatory’s whole hanami experience can be enjoyed indoors, there’s no need to worry about the weather or any irritating pollen flying around. During the event period, the Tembo Park Cafe will be offering a special hanami menu featuring treats such as the Sakura Peach Soda Float and the Haruno-otozure (coming of spring) parfait. You can borrow a picnic blanket at the venue and sit down on the turf with your refreshments.

If you’re visiting after nightfall, don’t miss the chance to try the glowing Yozakura Soda, which is inspired by illuminated cherry blossoms in the night sky. It’s the perfect complement to the beautifully lit cherry blossom ornaments and eye-catching views of Tokyo. Handheld lanterns are also available to borrow after dusk, further enhancing the atmosphere.