Each year, something magical happens the last week of March and the first week of April. The cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo.

Known to the Japanese as “Sakura,” the unparalleled beauty of the blooms has captivated locals and visitors centuries. With millions of blooms appearing on thousands of trees across the city and Japan itself, it’s no wonder this annual phenomenon has become a major tourist attraction.

This natural feast for the eyes is fleeting, but if you plan well in advance, you too can experience the unspeakable beauty of the cherry blossoms. Here are a few of the best places to see them.

River Cruises

One of the most unique ways to take in the blossoms’ beauty is to see them by boat. With 18 rivers flowing in and out of Tokyo, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights.

Cruises are available both day and night. Consider a night cruise to see the city lights, and maybe even some blossoms! To see the blossoms at night, try to book a cruise on the Nakameguro or Meguro Rivers to enjoy the paper lanterns of the Nakemeguro Sakura Tree Festival.

Nakameguro Sakura Tree Festival

This annual festival takes place for the duration of the blooming period. It’s famous for its paper lanterns which illuminate nearly 800 trees more than 2 miles between Tenjin-bashi Bridge and Horai-bashi Bridge. The festival covers both the Nakameguro and Meguro Rivers.

This lighting of the trees, so to speak, provides an excellent opportunity to view the blooms through a new lens—at night. It’s become a popular spot for festive evening hanami, celebratory spring picnics, where people indulge in yummy street food, champagne and more.

The festival’s proximity to the Nakameguro train station has made this area quite popular for tourists. Although expensive, it may be a great place to book your Tokyo accommodations!

Rikugien Garden

This garden features a fairytale-like “shidare zakura” or weeping cherry tree. At nearly 50 feet high and 65 feet wide, its size alone can leave one in awe. However, when the blossoms are in full bloom, the tree is lit up to reveal its exquisite beauty.

Shinjuku Gyoen

This garden is an urban oasis, a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s largest and busiest cities. Add 1,500 blooming cherry trees to its charms and you have one of the most popular places to view the Sakura blooms.

Although it can get busy, don’t let that keep you away. This park has many spacious lawns, making it a great place to enjoy hanmi.

There are three convenient entrances, the Shinjuku gate being the closest to the train station. If the line at that entrance is too long, and it very well may be, you probably won’t have to wait longer than 5 minutes or so at the Okido or Sendagaya gates.

Please note that this park does charge for entry, although at ¥200 ($2 USD) per person it’s worth the price of admission. It also has limited hours, only being open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Chidorigafuchi Moat

You read that correctly — a moat. This waterway was once a part of the Imperial Palace. It is now a place where visitors can walk along the bank or row through its waters to view thousands of cherry blossoms.

Chidorigafuchi is famous for its “tunnel” of blossoms, comprised of nearly 700 trees. It’s another spot where trees are illuminated after sundown, creating a stark contrast to the dark, still waters of the moat.

This is a great place to visit if you’ve come late in the season. By the end of April, the water’s surface is completely covered by pink petals. Words cannot describe the pleasure of canoeing through these ethereal pink waters! If you’re lucky, the winds will blow just right and petals will shower over you.

While there, take in the ruins of the Imperial Palace and Edo Castle.

Conclusion

Before you go to see Sakura in Tokyo, plan your trip by determining where and when you want to see the blossoms. Be sure to get accommodations that are centrally located, based on the places you hope to visit.

Seeing the Japanese cherry blossoms is a truly transformative experience that will heighten your appreciation for nature’s beauty. No matter where you go, you will be ensconced in the blossom’s allure. Enjoy!

Published: 2018-11-13 22:43:55