5 HIDDEN Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo 2020
We all know that one of the busiest times in Japan is cherry blossom season. People flock from all over the world to see the famous Japanese sakura, leading to famous cherry blossom viewing locations to be extremely busy. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you have traveled so far to see these amazing cherry blossoms! But DON’T WORRY! This year, we’re saving you the hassle of going to crowded places by showing you Tokyo’s TOP hidden gems regarding where to view the sakura in Tokyo. These spots are less known, but still offer amazing views of the cherry blossoms, so you can get some amazing pictures of the blossoms without crowds in the background!
When will the cherry blossoms bloom this year in Tokyo?
Before we start the list, let’s have a look at the cherry blossom forecast of 2020. Sadly, no one can give an exact date on when the blossoms are going to appear…but many experts put out there predictions of when they think the sakura will bloom in Tokyo. The general time frame is usually from late March to early April, but some years it has been in late April/early March. This year, experts have stated that the first bloom in Tokyo will be on the 19th of March meaning that the blossoms will be in full bloom from the 27th of March. The sakura usually lasts for around two weeks before they start falling off the trees, so if you want to see the blossoms make sure you go during that time frame! Now we’ve shown you when the sakura will bloom, keep scrolling to find out the best hidden places to see them!
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1. Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens is a park and a large traditional Japanese garden which offers the perfect view of the cherry blossoms in a peaceful environment with no crowds! As you can see from the photo above, these are the sakura trees in full bloom drooping over a river that runs through the park. The view is absolutely incredible and arguably better than some of the more popular places to view the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
As this picture demonstrates, the people who you will find in the park are mostly locals to the area and older people. This leads to a super calm environment in the park without tons of crowds and noise. When I went to this park last year, I got some of the best pictures with the cherry blossoms and visiting the park was super fun and calming. This park is my new go to spot to visit in any season when I need a break from city life.
Address
1 Chome-4 Kaigan, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0022
Access
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station
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2. Kanda River
One on the most famous places for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo is the Meguro River in Tokyo. If you have been here, you know that it is one of the most busiest places EVER when in comes to cherry blossom viewing. This makes it very hard to get a good picture of the cherry blossom and also to enjoy the view as it it is simply too busy. If you’re wanting to see the same amazing view without the crowds, then you have to check out the Kanda River in Tokyo!
The view of the blossoms at this river is truly amazing. The sakura droops deep in to the river and there are TONS of sakura trees lining the river! I have been to both the Meguro river and Kanda River and I personally prefer the Kanda river.
Address
2 Chome-1 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0014
Access
Take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Waseda Station.
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3. Koishikawa-Kōrakuen
This park in Tokyo is a mix of modern and traditional Tokyo, as you can see from the picture above. Much of the park has been decorated in a way that resembles older Tokyo, especially the shapes of the small bridges and the way the sakura drapes over it. You can see some amazing views of the cherry blossoms at this park, especially if you go during the full bloom! Although, there are fewer trees compared to other viewing spots in Tokyo, the background adds to the whole atmosphere.
If you’re looking to experience the cherry blossom of Japan in a small and local park, then this is the spot for you! The atmosphere of the park is very relaxing and enjoyable! I’d highly recommend this location to anyone who wants to relax whilst viewing the cherry blossoms.
Address
1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Access
Take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Iidabashi Station.
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4. Kinuta Park
Even you’re looking to see tons of cherry blossom trees in one place, Kinuta Park is the place to go. The park is literally FULL of sakura trees, all placed next to each other which lead to the amazing look of there being mounds of cherry blossoms everywhere! If you’re wanting to experience Japanese culture, this park is the perfect places to do ‘Hanami’ (花見). Hanami literally means ‘tree veiwing’ and is a Japanese cultural practice that involves having a picnic underneath the cherry blossom trees! This park is the perfect place to do so as the grounds are full of open grassy areas, perfect to set up your picnic spot on.
Address
1-1 Kinutakoen, Setagaya City, Tokyo 157-0075
Access
Take the Den-En-Toshi Line to Yoga Station.
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5. Asakayama Park
This park is the perfect place to go during the evening time, due to the park turning on lanterns in the sakura trees which lights up all the cherry blossoms and makes for some AMAZING pictures. This is the perfect place to go after a long day walking around the city as it allows you to relax and calm down. This is also a great spot to go on a date or go out with friends!
The park is also beautiful during the day and is the perfect place to go for a nice picnic. The lanterns placed in the cherry blossom trees are also very pretty during the day. The pink color of them really adds to the atmosphere as a whole and makes for some great instagram pictures. If you’re someone who loves instagram and want to get some amazing pictures whilst you’re in Japan, this is the perfect place to go!
Address
1 Chome-1-3 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0002
Access
Take the Keihin Tokoku Line to Oji Station
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Cherry Blossom Viewing Tips:
- There are tons of locations like these in Tokyo, where there are fewer crowds. Although visiting the famous cherry blossom viewing spots is fun as well, try and explore on your own and see what hidden gems you can find in Tokyo!
- Make sure to buy a picnic blanket if you go on a picnic! These can be bought at Daiso. Instead of preparing your food beforehand, it’s easier to buy everything for a conbini! They have tons of ready made items on offer that are delicious!
- Try to be respectful of others when taking photos/enjoying the blossoms. There may be children or elderly people around who don’t want to be disturbed.
- If you get lost and can’t find a location, make sure to check out Tokyo’s many Tourist Information Center’s. Everyone there can speak English and will help you as much as they can!
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Otaku in Tokyo is a travel website dedicated to helping your trip to Japan with tips and information on where to visit. With particular focus on real life anime locations, pop culture and Tokyo’s hidden gems!
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