Tokyo Sakura Spots

Chidorigafuchi

Arguably the most dramatic display of cherry blossom in Tokyo. Well aged trees stretch their branches down towards the surface of the moat. Very popular spot too, so early morning could be the best moment to take in the splendor in peace.

1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku North-West corner of the Royal Palace.

Evening light up: 18:30 – 22:00

http://www.kanko-chiyoda.jp/ tabid/1117/Default.aspx (Japanese Only)

3 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.

壮齢のソメイヨシノの枝ぶりのすばらしさ、お堀沿いのどこか幻想的な景色で都内屈指の人気。夜のライトアップも必見！

千代田区北の丸公園１

Yoyogi Park

Located right next to the popular shopping area of Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu shrine, this large park offers a relaxed stroll under avenues of cherry trees. The passage running South-West side of the park is called the “Sakura Garden”.

Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/ english/park/detail_03.html#yoyog

2 minutes walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.

観光に人気の原宿や明治神宮からも近いこの大きな公園の南西側一帯には、サクラの下を歩ける遊歩道がある。比較的混雑が少ない。

渋谷区代々木神園町

Hamarikyu Gardens

This formal landscaped Japanese garden was originally designed for a Daimyo (a feudal lord) to enjoy duck hunting, and its central pond is tidal. Here you can enjoy the archetypal Japanese aesthetic, with sakura cherry trees surrounding the pond.

1-1 Hama Rikyu-teien, Chuo-ku

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission fee: adult 300yen

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/ english/park/detail_04.html#hamariky

5 minutes walk from Shiodome Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line.

東京湾と直接つながっているために潮の満ち引きがある「潮入りの池」を中心とした本格日本庭園。池を囲むサクラが美しい。

中央区浜離宮庭園1-1

Chinzan-so

If it’s still too early for the peak of the Somei Yoshino blossom, then head here. There are 19 different varieties of cherry trees, coming into bloom one after another from mid February.

2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku

TEL: 03-3943-1111

http://www.chinzanso.com/english/

10 minutes walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.

東京でいちはやくお花見を楽しめる日本庭園。2月中旬の河津桜から4月まで19種の桜が次々に咲き競う。

文京区関口2-10-8

Koishikawa Botanical Gardens

Originally established in the 17th Century Edo period as a medicinal herb garden. Although it is still primarily used for research, its Japanese garden is very well landscaped.

3-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Admission fee: adult 330yen

http://www.bg.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ koishikawa/eigo/e.html

10 minutes walk from Hakusan Station on the Toei Subway Mita Line.

江戸時代初期に薬草園としてスタート。現在も研究目的で使われているが日本庭園はよく整備されている。

文京区白山3-7-1

Rikugien

A landscaped Japanese garden built in the 17th Century. Its famous cascading cherry (Shidare Sakura) will be illuminated from 22nd March to 5th April.

6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku

Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (-9:00 pm during illumination)

Admission fee: adult 300yen

http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/ english/park/detail_08.html #rikugien

7 minutes walk from Komagome Station on the the JR Yamanote Line.

江戸時代に作られた本格日本庭園。有名なしだれ桜は3月22日〜4月5日まで夜間ライトアップされる。

文京区本駒込6-16-3

Ikegami Honmon-ji

As the main temple of one of the biggest schools of Bhuddism, Nichiren-shu, this is a very popular and lively temple. Its five-story pagoda was built during the 17th Century.

1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku

http://honmonji.jp/foreign/en.html

10 minutes walk from Ikegami Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line.

日蓮宗の総本山でふだんから参拝客が絶えず、イベントも人気がある。五重塔は1607年建立。

大田区池上1-1-1

Meguro River

Between Ikejiri and Meguro lies the Meguro River, which is lined with 830 Somei Yoshino trees. The flowers will be illuminated by hundreds of lanterns at night.

http://meguroku-net.com/ meguro/sakura/p1-egurogawa.htm (Japanese Only)

5 minutes walk from Ikejiri Ohashi Station on the Tokyu Shin Tamagawa Line, or 2 minutes walk from Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

池尻駅から目黒までの両岸を830本のソメイヨシノが彩る。夜には提灯などによるライトアップが楽しい。