Tokyo cherry blossom progress report 2023: it's not all gone, yet

As seen on Monday April 3

The Meguro River is well past full bloom with most flowers already gone. However, you can still enjoy the festivities as the Meguro River Sakura Festival is running until April 9 with food stalls set up along the river and illuminations from 5pm to 8pm. The area is still quite busy, so a good time to visit is early morning before crowds start to gather. Otherwise, grab a seat at these riverside cafés and restaurants with the best cherry blossom views in Nakameguro.

As seen on Monday April 3

The cherry blossoms around Tokyo Midtown are mostly gone, with only a few trees still showing flowers. While you're there, you can still check out the garden's pop-up bar running until April 15. Be sure to stay until sundown because the trees are lit up at night.

As seen on Monday April 3

The cherry trees along this residential street at the far side of Roppongi Hills are now past full bloom. On our recent visit, the top of the trees were showing the most flowers, so a good way to enjoy them is from the footbridge connected to Roppongi Hills.

As seen on Monday April 3

The trees along a section of the Meiji-dori road between Hiroo and Ebisu are looking more green than pink now. They are showing 70 percent more leaves than flowers, but a few trees still have a decent canopy of cherry blossoms. It's just very uneven right now – so adjust your expectations.

As seen on Sunday April 2

On Sunday, Inokashira Park was still bustling with people enjoying the cherry blossom in the popular park, which is allowing sakura picnics until 10pm. The flowers here are mostly gone, but there is still the odd tree around the pond showing pink petals.

As seen on Saturday March 25

The immediate surroundings of Shibuya Station are what can only be described as sheer chaos. Near the station’s South Exit, however, there’s a small road lined with cherry trees that catches the attention of every busy commuter this time of year. As of March 25, the sakura trees here have hit peak bloom and they are stunning, especially with the addition of pink paper lanterns that light in the evening. This bit of Shibuya is now the prettiest corner of the neighbourhood. Go see it now.

As seen on Saturday March 25

Wow. With the cherry blossoms all fully bloomed, this 700m-stretch of moat-side park is looking sensational. Now's the best time to visit, especially after sundown, as the area is hosting a sakura festival with night illuminations.

As seen on Wednesday March 22

The cherry blossoms at this secluded little park are well on the way to reaching their peak. Thanks to a couple of warm days, about 80 percent of the sakura flowers have bloomed. The top of the trees still need a few more days, but many of the branches closer to the ground are in full bloom. The park closes at 4.30pm, so it's best to visit in the morning or early afternoon.

As seen on Tuesday March 21

Now that hanami picnics are allowed again, Yoyogi Park is once again one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom spots. If you're hoping to snag a prime place under the trees, it's best to arrive early as the area is already quite busy at around 10am. The trees here are about 75 percent in bloom, with most of them in the Cherry Blossoms Garden in the middle of the park.