1. Cherry blossoms in the sun
    Photo: Tunafish/UnsplashAn undated stock photo of cherry blossoms in Japan
  2. Cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi Moat
    Photo: Lim Chee WahCherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi Moat, as seen on March 25 2023
  3. The cherry blossoms at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi
    Photo: Lim Chee WahThe cherry blossoms at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, as of March 22 2023
  4. Ueno Park sakura
    Photo: Picture cells/ShutterstockWhat to expect when the cherry blossoms are at peak bloom

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

The 2023 sakura season has begun, and we're tracking the progress so you know the best time to see the cherry blossoms

Written by
Time Out Tokyo Editors
Advertising

What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After three years of cancelled events, this year's cherry blossom season is one of the most exciting times we've had in a long while. Many sakura festivals have made a comeback in Tokyo this year, including the ones in Nakameguro, Ueno and along Chidorigafuchi Moat, all of which offer some of the most beautiful sakura sights in the city.

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.

Now, the not-so-good news. After about two weeks of blooming – which started around March 15 this year – the sakura in Tokyo have gone past their prime. The trees have started shedding petals and sprouting leaves instead, but that's not to say there are no cherry blossoms left to see. So if you still want to catch these pink spring blossoms, don't waste any more time. Get out there now before they are all gone.

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

Tokyo cherry blossoms as of April 3

Meguro River, Meguro
Photo: Kaila Imada

Meguro River, Meguro

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.

 

Midtown Garden (Tokyo Midtown), Roppongi
Photo: Kaila Imada

Midtown Garden (Tokyo Midtown), Roppongi

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.

Advertising
Sakurazaka, Roppongi
Photo: Kaila Imada

Sakurazaka, Roppongi

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.

Meiji-dori, Shibuya
Photo: Lim Chee Wah

Meiji-dori, Shibuya

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.

Advertising
Inokashira Park, Musashino
Photo: Kaila Imada

Inokashira Park, Musashino

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.

Sakura-dori, Shibuya
Photo: Lim Chee Wah

Sakura-dori, Shibuya

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.

Advertising
Chidorigafuchi Moat, Chiyoda
Photo: Lim Chee Wah

Chidorigafuchi Moat, Chiyoda

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.

Komaba Park, Meguro
Photo: Kaila Imada

Komaba Park, Meguro

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.

Advertising
Yoyogi Park, Shibuya
Photo: Kaila Imada

Yoyogi Park, Shibuya

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.

More flower power

Advertising
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising