Meguro River
Photo: Kaila Imada
Photo: Kaila Imada

Tokyo cherry blossom progress report 2026: sakura nearing its end

The 2026 sakura season in Tokyo is coming to a close, with blossoms now starting to fall

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What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After recent weather fluctuations, the city’s cherry blossom season is now underway, with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing the official start on Thursday March 19. Thanks to the recent warm weather, the city hit full bloom on Saturday March 28. While recent rain and wind have knocked some petals loose, many trees are still holding on to at least 50 percent of their blossoms, and sakura festivals and illuminations are still ongoing.

To keep you up to date on how the blossoms are doing, we've done the legwork, visited different sakura spots in Tokyo, so you can check up on the blooming cycle before heading out.

RECOMMENDED: Make this your best sakura season yet with our ultimate guide to cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Tokyo cherry blossom updates

Meiji-dori street in Hiroo, Shibuya

As seen on Wednesday April 8

Trees along Meiji-dori between Hiroo and Ebisu have lost most of their petals, though some still hold onto 30-40 percent of their blossoms. It’s still worth a stroll for the occasional photo op under the falling petals.

Meguro River, near Nakameguro Station

As seen on Wednesday April 8

Cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are mostly gone, with trees now turning green and only about 30-40 percent of blooms remaining.

While the season is winding down, it’s still one of Tokyo’s most popular spots, and the area around Nakameguro Station can still get busy. A good time to visit is early morning before the crowds start to gather or further north towards Ikejiri-Ohashi Station. 

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Sakurazaka, Roppongi

As seen on Monday April 6

The cherry trees along this quiet residential street near Roppongi Hills are now past peak, with petals falling more heavily each day. Even so, the trees remain in good shape, holding on to around half their blossoms. For more sakura in the area, stop by the Roppongi Hills Mohri Garden where you’ll find additional trees dotted around the greenspace. 

As seen on Friday April 3

The closest sakura-lined street to Shibuya Crossing has passed peak bloom, with some green leaves beginning to show. With rain forecast this weekend, time is running out before the petals fall completely – catch it one last time before it’s gone.

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As seen on Wednesday April 1

The cherry blossoms at Tokyo Midtown are still at peak bloom, though some petals are starting to fall after the recent rain. While the weather is not so great, the area is still stunning in the evening, when the illuminations (5pm-11pm) are on. Additionally, the annual Midtown Blossom event is ongoing until April 12 with highlights including a pop-up lounge serving spring-inspired food and cocktails.

As seen on Monday March 30

The trees lining the famous moat have finally opened, with around 80 percent of blossoms now out. The cherry trees higher up along the walking path at Chidorigafuchi are further along, with some in full bloom and others already starting to fall. Rain is forecast over the next few days, so if you’re planning that picturesque boat ride, it’s best to wait until Friday when the weather clears.

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  • Attractions
  • Religious buildings and sites
  • Kudanshita

As seen on Monday March 30

Yasukuni Shrine is home to several cherry blossom varieties, some further along than others. The somei-yoshino specimen tree used to mark the official start of sakura season in Tokyo is now in full bloom, with a few petals already starting to fall. Most of the other trees around the shrine are also fully open. As it’s right next to Chidorigafuchi, you can easily visit both in one go.

Komaba Park, Meguro

As seen on Sunday March 29

The cherry blossoms at this secluded little park are now at peak bloom. The park closes at 4.30pm, so it's best to visit in the morning or early afternoon.

Komaba Park is extremely popular among hanami picnic groups, so you'll want to get there early to secure a good spot.

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Ueno Park, Taito

As seen on Thursday March 26

The expansive Ueno Park is home to several early-blooming cherry blossoms, especially the weeping varieties near the entrance by Keisei Ueno Station. While these darker pink blooms have already reached their peak, the somei-yoshino trees lining Shinobazu Pond near Benten-do Temple are still a way off full bloom, with around 60 percent now open. With more sunshine expected over the weekend, these are likely to bloom all at once. While you’re there, don’t miss the Ueno Sakura Festival, running until April 5.

  • Things to do
  • Shinjuku-Sanchome

As seen on Tuesday March 24

Shinjuku Gyoen is already dotted with early-blooming cherry blossoms, but the main somei-yoshino variety is still patchy, with around 30 percent of flowers open. With its wide range of sakura types – each blooming at slightly different times – it’s well worth multiple visits throughout the hanami season.

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Rikugien, Bunkyo

As seen on Monday March 23

This breathtaking Japanese garden is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful, with a traditional Edo-period (1603-1868) aesthetic. The large weeping cherry trees – an early-blooming variety – are already around 70 percent in bloom. While the nighttime illuminations wrap up on March 24, the blossoms remain stunning by day and should last about another week. 

Elsewhere, the locally rooted somei-yoshino trees are just beginning to open, with roughly 10 percent in bloom.

As seen on Sunday March 22 

The cherry trees at Inokashira Park are beginning to bloom, with around 20 percent of blossoms now open. By noon, the park fills up with picnic-goers, so it’s best to arrive early with a blanket to secure a good spot. Cherry blossom parties must wrap up by 10pm to avoid disturbing the neighbourhood.

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  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Harajuku

As seen on on Saturday March 21 

Yoyogi Park is home to several varieties of cherry blossoms, with some already blooming beautifully. As for the famed somei-yoshino – which line the park’s most popular sakura picnic spots – they’re only around 20-30 percent open. If you’re planning a hanami picnic here, it’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds, as many people are already setting up ahead of full bloom.

Your ultimate cherry blossom guide

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