Cherry blossoms, sakura, are a famous symbol of Japan. Every year, people from all over the world visit Japan to see these beautiful flowers. Ohanami is a traditional viewing of cherry blossoms. If you’re planning to visit Tokyo during cherry blossom season, here are two popular spots that are easily accessible by train:
- Meguro River
Located in the middle of Tokyo and stretches for about 8 km. Over 800 Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the river, starting from around Ikejiri-ōhashi Station. At night, you can see cherry blossoms light up beautifully. You should go at night too!
Expected to bloom: March 26, 2025 (As of 3/13/25)
Full blooming: April 2, 2025 (As of 3/13/25)
- Kyunaka River
Along the Kyunaka River, you can see several types of cherry blossoms. The first blossoms to bloom are Kawazu-zakura, which bloom in late January. After that, over 270 Yoshino cherry trees start to bloom. The best time to see the Yoshino blossoms is about two months later, but you can see many kinds of cherry blossoms at different times. On sunny days, the blossoms reflect on the river, and you can even see the Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
Viewing etiquette
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Clean Up: Please make sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash in the appropriate bins.
- Respect the Flowers: Do not touch or pick the flowers. They are delicate and should only be admired from a distance.
Be respectful and enjoy viewing cherry blossoms!