Sakura Viewing 2017: Don’t Miss Those 6 Best Hanami Spots in Tokyo

2017/02/12 2017/03/20

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑)

Located near Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station, this is one of the popular Ohanami destinations. It’s huge so that you are able to reserve the spot without any problems.

Alcoholic beverage is not allowed in here, so if you prefer quiet Ohanami, this is a great spot! There are about 1100 cherry blossoms trees!!

The administration fee is 200 yen for adults and 50 yen for 6-15 years olds.

Address: 11, Naito-machi, Shinjuku ward, Tokyo

・A couple minutes from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station

・10-15 minutes from Shinjuku Station, South Exit

Hours: 9a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社)

Sakura viewing festival would be taken place for a week. (2016 Festival was between March 25^th and April 3^rd)

After the festival, you are not allowed to put picnic blanket and sit on the ground. You can, however, take a walk and enjoy the sakura if there is any left.

There would be a lot of food stands (food booths) in Yasukuni shrine.

There are around 500 cherry blossoms in the shrine. Alcohol is permitted and it’s very crowded during the Ohanami season.

If you like to have Ohanami party with friends or colleagues, this is a perfect place.

Address: 3-1-1, Kudan-kita, Chiyoda ward, Tokyo

・5 minutes from Kudan-shita Station

Hours: 10a.m. to 10p.m.

・Lights would be on at 5p.m.

Ueno Park (上野公園)

I personally love to go to Ueno Park because it’s easy to access and I like its atmosphere. It’s close from Ueno Station and famous for beautiful Sakura trees.

There are about 800 cherry blossoms in the park.

Address: 5-20 Ueno-koen, Taito ward, Tokyo

・5 Minutes from Ueno Station (JR, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)

Hours: 7:30a.m. to 8p.m.

・It’s fine to stay after 8p.m. but lights for Sakura would be off

・Park would be closed between 11p.m. and 5a.m.

Inokashira Park (井の頭公園)

Inokashira Park has over 500 Sakura trees. Many people rent a boat and enjoy Sakura.

If you live near Inokashira Park, this place is great Ohanami destination. It’s perfect for couples and families.

Address: 1-18-31, Gotenyama, Musashino city, Tokyo

・ 5 Minutes from Kichijoji Station (Inokashira Line)

Hours: Not specified but lights would be off at night so better to go early (park itself doesn’t close)

Koganei Park (小金井公園)

This park is as huge as 16 Tokyo Domes and has over 1700 Sakura trees.

Popular Sakura viewing spot is near the pond and some people rent boats.

Since it’s famous and popular Ohanami destination, you need to reserve a spot by 8a.m. if you want to get one for a group of people. If you don’t have to reserve it, simply go to the park and walk around and enjoy the Sakura.

Address: 1-13-1, Sekino-cho, Koganei city, Tokyo

・From JR Koganei Station take Seibu Bus and get off at Koganei Park, West Exit (Koganei Koen Nishiguchi)

Hours: Not specified but Ohanami during night is prohibited.

Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)

Yoyogi park has around 600 cherry blossom trees. It’s pretty crowded during the Ohanami season, so you might have to wait for washroom (especially ladies).

There would be food stands so you could bring food or buy something in there. Some people buy in the convenience store near the park.

Address: 2-1, Kamizono-cho, Yoyogi , Shibuya ward, Tokyo

・3 Minutes from Harajuku Station, 2 Minutes from Yoyogi Park Station (subway)

Hours: Doesn’t close. Opens 24/7