Tokyo in Bloom: Your Ultimate Guide to Spring's Best Sights
Spring in Tokyo is a special season throughout the year. It's full of charm, with parks bursting with cherry blossoms, lively spring festivals, and seasonal delicacies.
Having lived in this city for over 30 years, I rediscover Tokyo's charm every time spring arrives.
Enjoying hanami with friends, savoring street food at weekend festivals, and discovering full-bloom cherry blossoms during walks.
In this article, I'll introduce a wide range of places, from cherry blossom spots I've found through years of living in Tokyo to popular destinations that everyone should visit at least once.
It's packed with tips for fully enjoying Tokyo's spring, including cherry blossom spots, spring festivals, and seasonal delicacies.
Please use this article as a reference to find your own way to enjoy Tokyo's spring!
Table of Contents
・Tokyo's Spring Highlights
・Spring Festivals and Events in Tokyo
・Spring Flavors of Tokyo
・Things to Note When Enjoying Tokyo's Spring
Tokyo's Spring Highlights
Spring in Tokyo is a season full of colorful flowers and vibrant energy.
Parks are filled with blooming cherry blossoms, gardens are adorned with vibrant flowers, and various events celebrating the arrival of spring are held throughout the city. I'll now introduce my favorite spring highlights.
Cherry Blossom Spots
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is known as Tokyo's premier hanami spot. The sight of about 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom is breathtaking. I've been coming here for hanami with my family every year since I was a child, and even as an adult, its charm hasn't faded. The park also houses Ueno Zoo and art museums, which you can enjoy along with cherry blossom viewing.
At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, offering a fantastical atmosphere different from daytime. My recommendation is to visit from evening to night. You can see a quiet and beautiful aspect of the cherry blossoms, different from the daytime bustle.
Also, many food stalls and vendors line the park, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while viewing the cherry blossoms. The time I spent with friends under the full-bloom cherry blossoms, drink in hand, remains vividly in my memory.
Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html
Meguro River
Meguro River is a cherry blossom viewing spot known for its breathtaking tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching about 4km. I recommend walking from Nakameguro Station to Gotanda Station, with lovely cafes and restaurants lining the riverside.
The annual "Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival" is not to be missed. At night, it's illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical atmosphere completely different from daytime. Many couples visit, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi is a quiet cherry blossom viewing spot located along the moat of the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, a place I often visited when I was a university student. The sight of about 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees reflected on the water surface is truly spectacular.
I especially recommend the night illumination. The sight of cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface in a fantastical atmosphere is sure to create unforgettable memories. I used to visit here every year after work, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying the cherry blossoms at leisure.
There's also a boat rental place, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms from the water. The experience of riding a boat with friends, passing through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, was very special. The time spent viewing the full-bloom cherry blossoms overhead while gliding along the quiet water surface feels like being in a different world.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, often called an oasis in the heart of the city, is a vast park with over 1,000 cherry trees of about 65 varieties planted.
The great charm of Shinjuku Gyoen is that you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossom species. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for an extended period, from early-blooming cherries to late-blooming ones.
Also, it's characteristic that different styles of gardens coexist, including Japanese gardens, French formal gardens, and English landscape gardens.
There's an admission fee, but in return, it's relatively uncrowded, allowing for a relaxed cherry blossom viewing experience.
There's also a greenhouse in the park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers. As you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year, I think it's a place worth visiting year-round.
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is known as a spectacular spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background. The sight of about 600 cherry trees lining up is breathtaking.
What particularly sticks in my memory is the tunnel of cherry blossoms you can enjoy while walking along the promenade by the Sumida River. I feel the contrast between the cherry blossoms reflected on the river surface and the towering Skytree in the background is a sight unique to Tokyo.
In spring, the "Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, with many food stalls lining up. I recommend buying food from the stalls and leisurely strolling while viewing the cherry blossoms. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere bustling with locals and tourists.
Also, Sensoji Temple is nearby, so it's recommended to combine it with cherry blossom viewing. Water buses also operate, so viewing the cherry blossoms from the river is also a wonderful experience.
I have memories of enjoying cherry blossoms with friends on a water bus, and it was a valuable experience to view the cherry blossoms from a different perspective than from land.
Spots to Enjoy Spring Flowers
Azaleas at Nezu Shrine
Nezu Shrine is a place where you can enjoy about 3,000 azalea plants from mid-April to early May. When I first visited here, I was overwhelmed by its beauty.
One of the charms of Nezu Shrine is that you can enjoy a variety of azalea species. You can enjoy slightly different scenery depending on the time, from early-blooming species to late-blooming ones. I used to visit multiple times every year to enjoy these changes.
Also, Nezu Shrine itself is a historic shrine that has remained since the Edo period, with many attractions besides the azaleas. The sight of vermilion torii gates lined up and the main shrine building are places where you can feel the traditional beauty of Tokyo.
Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/tsutsuji/
Peonies at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
The peony garden at Ueno Toshogu Shrine is one of the hidden gems that color Tokyo's spring. The "Spring Peony Festival" held from early April to early May is one of the events I look forward to every year.
Various species of peonies are planted in the peony garden, and their gorgeous appearance is breathtaking. What was particularly impressive was the beauty of the peonies with large flowers. I remember being taken aback by their size and vivid colors.
Also, Ueno Toshogu Shrine itself is a historical building, characterized by gold-leafed sculptures and beautiful coloring. I think it's a wonderful place where you can enjoy Tokyo's traditional beauty along with the peonies.
My recommendation is to enjoy the cherry blossoms in nearby Ueno Park after visiting the peony garden. Depending on the year, it may coincide with the best viewing time for cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, allowing you to enjoy two beautiful flowers at once.
Website: https://uenobotanen.com/english/
Spring Festivals and Events in Tokyo
Spring in Tokyo is adorned with colorful festivals and events. From traditional festivals to modern events, various activities are held, filling the entire city with excitement.
Traditional Festivals
Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa Shrine)
Sanja Matsuri, held in mid-May, is one of the three great Edo festivals with a history of about 700 years.
The highlight of the festival is the sight of about 100 portable shrines parading through the town. I felt that the shouts of the people carrying the portable shrines and the cheers of the spectators echoing throughout the city symbolize Tokyo's spring.
The area around Sensoji Temple becomes the center of the festival, with food stalls lining up during the period, creating a bustling atmosphere.
What particularly stays in my memory is the night procession of the portable shrines. The sight of the portable shrines illuminated by lanterns moving through the night streets is fantastical, allowing you to enjoy a completely different atmosphere from daytime.
I also recommend enjoying the surrounding tourist spots like Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street along with the festival.
When I went last year, I enjoyed a full day, praying at Sensoji Temple between festival events and buying souvenirs at Nakamise Street.
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/
Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Myojin)
Kanda Matsuri is a colorful festival held in May every two years. The next one is scheduled for 2025, and I'm looking forward to it too. This historic festival, continuing since the Edo period, can be said to be a spring tradition in Tokyo.
The biggest highlight of the festival is the sight of about 200 portable shrines parading through the town.
As it's a large-scale festival centered around Kanda Myojin that involves areas like Akihabara and Nihonbashi, you can enjoy the festival atmosphere in various places.
My recommendation is to watch the rituals at Kanda Myojin and then follow the procession of portable shrines to explore the city. In the process, you're sure to discover various aspects of Tokyo's streets.
Since Kanda Matsuri is held only once every two years, don't miss it if the timing is right. For me personally, the years I've been able to experience this festival remain in my heart as special memories.
Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/kandamatsuri/
Yasukuni Shrine Spring Grand Festival
The Spring Grand Festival at Yasukuni Shrine, held in late April, is one of the most important festivals at Yasukuni Shrine.
During the festival period, many food stalls line up in the shrine grounds, bustling with worshippers. My recommendation is to leisurely stroll around the shrine grounds while enjoying the festival atmosphere. The vast grounds of Yasukuni Shrine have many attractions, including the Yushukan and the shrine's garden.
While it often misses the best time for cherry blossoms, please participate in this festival where you can feel Tokyo's traditions.
Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/
Modern Events
Nico Nico Chokaigi
Nico Nico Chokaigi is one of Tokyo's largest subculture events held in April. When I first participated, I was overwhelmed by its scale and diversity.
The charm of this event is that various genres of content, including games, anime, music, cooking, and technology, come together in one place.
Another feature is the many user-participation events. There are opportunities to showcase your hobbies and talents, such as cosplay, karaoke, and dance performances.
The stage events featuring popular creators, voice actors, and artists active on Nico Nico Douga are not to be missed. I feel that the atmosphere where the entire venue comes together in excitement is truly unique to this event.
Nico Nico Chokaigi is a wonderful opportunity to experience Tokyo's pop culture all at once.
For first-time participants, I recommend checking the schedule on the official website in advance and planning which events you want to see. Every year, I also make plans with my friends to enjoy efficiently.
Website: https://chokaigi.jp/2024/en/
Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Tokyo Rainbow Pride is Japan's largest LGBTQ+ event held from late April to early May.
The main venue, Yoyogi Park, hosts parades and stage events. Particularly impressive is the parade that stretches for about 3 kilometers.
The scale of the event has been expanding year by year, with many companies and organizations setting up booths. My recommendation is to learn about Tokyo's LGBTQ+ community culture and activities while visiting various booths.
When I was in Tokyo, it was a valuable opportunity to deepen my thoughts on diversity, with new discoveries every year.
Don't miss the diverse program including music live performances and talk shows. There are many highly entertaining events, such as live performances by famous artists and talk sessions by celebrities.
As it's an event open to all people, not just LGBTQ+ individuals, please participate if you're interested.
I too have learned a lot and broadened my perspective through this event. I think it's one of the meaningful events that color Tokyo's spring.
Website: https://tokyorainbowpride.com/english/
Spring Flavors of Tokyo
Spring in Tokyo can be enjoyed not only with the eyes but also with the tongue. Even now, one of my pleasures is searching for seasonal limited ingredients and dishes that appear with the arrival of spring.
Dishes using fresh spring ingredients and sweets themed around spring are luxuries unique to this season.
Spring Ingredients
Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo shoots are one of the representative ingredients of spring. What I particularly like is bamboo shoot rice. The aroma and texture of bamboo shoots mixed into freshly cooked rice make me feel the arrival of spring.
The texture and aroma of fresh bamboo shoots are special and can't be tasted in other seasons. They are characterized by a crisp texture and a slight sweetness, and are used in various dishes.
Many restaurants in Tokyo introduce limited-time menus using bamboo shoots in spring.
Also, you can find various side dishes and bento boxes using bamboo shoots at supermarkets and specialty stores. It's nice to be able to easily enjoy spring flavors during your trip. I often used to buy bamboo shoot rice onigiri on my way home from work.
Rape Blossoms
Rape blossoms, with their vivid yellow color and distinctive bitterness, make you feel the spring. You might not eat them much overseas, but in Tokyo, they are representative ingredients of this season.
What I particularly like is rape blossom ohitashi. This simple dish of boiled rape blossoms seasoned with soy sauce and yuzu is packed with the scent of spring.
Besides ohitashi, rape blossoms can be enjoyed in various cooking methods. When made into tempura, you can enjoy the crispy texture along with the aroma of rape blossoms. Also, when added to pasta, you can enjoy a Western-style spring dish.
They are often sold as side dishes in supermarkets, so you can easily enjoy them. My recommendation is rape blossoms with sesame dressing. The nuttiness of the sesame harmonizes wonderfully with the bitterness of the rape blossoms, making it hard to stop eating.
Spring Seafood
When it comes to spring seafood, the first thing that comes to mind is cherry blossom sea bream. Its beautiful appearance tinged with cherry blossom color and its mild yet flavorful taste represent the flavors of spring.
Kohada is also indispensable as a spring delicacy. Vinegared kohada is characterized by its refreshing taste and chewy texture.
To enjoy spring seafood, I recommend restaurants around Tsukiji or Toyosu. You can taste sushi and sashimi made with fresh seafood.
During your stay in Tokyo, please be sure to savor fresh spring seafood.
Spring Limited Sweets
Sakura Mochi
Sakura mochi is a representative Japanese sweet that heralds the arrival of spring. For me, eating sakura mochi is one of the traditions of spring. The appearance of rice cake wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf, made from either domyoji powder or wheat flour, is beautiful to look at, and its scent alone makes you feel the arrival of spring.
Interestingly, there are two types of sakura mochi: Kanto style and Kansai style.
The Kanto style uses wheat flour and wraps the bean paste in a thin crepe-like dough, then wraps it in a cherry blossom leaf. On the other hand, the Kansai style uses domyoji powder (powdered mochi rice) and wraps the bean paste in a slightly thicker dough, also wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf.
I like both, but I particularly prefer the texture of the thin dough in the Kanto style sakura mochi.
The harmony of the cherry blossom leaf's scent and the sweetness of the mochi is exquisite, and when you take a bite, the flavor spreads throughout your mouth. My recommendation is to enjoy it with hot tea. The sweetness of the sakura mochi and the bitterness of the tea harmonize wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy a deeper flavor.
They are sold seasonally in spring at Japanese confectionery shops and department stores, so please try them if you see them.
Sakura Flavored Sweets
When spring arrives, various sakura-flavored sweets appear. These limited-time products are one of my spring pleasures. You can enjoy the cherry blossom flavor in various forms such as lattes, ice cream, and cakes.
The characteristic of sakura-flavored sweets is their pale pink color and gentle aroma. They have an exquisite taste that's not too sweet but not unsatisfying either.
My favorite is sakura ice cream. The subtle cherry blossom flavor matches perfectly with the creamy texture of the ice cream.
Starbucks also releases spring-limited menus, so it's worth checking out. For me too, it has become a tradition to celebrate the arrival of spring by drinking sakura lattes with friends every year.
Please try various types of sakura sweets and drinks. It's interesting to see how different shops and products express cherry blossoms differently.
Strawberry Daifuku
Strawberry daifuku is a popular Japanese sweet that heralds the arrival of spring. The combination of the chewy texture and the sweet and sour strawberry is exquisite, and once you eat it, you'll be hooked.
Many Japanese confectionery shops sell it exclusively in spring, so I often end up buying it during this season.
Interestingly, there are various colors and types of mochi, with different characteristics depending on the store. For example, some use sakura-colored mochi like sakura mochi, while others use matcha-flavored mochi, offering a wide variety.
Every year, I look forward to comparing strawberry daifuku from different stores. Discovering the individuality and ingenuity of each store is also one of the pleasures of spring.
Hanami Dango
Hanami dango is a classic sweet indispensable for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
There are various types such as three-color dango and sakura mochi, but what I particularly like is the pink, white, and green three-color dango. Its cute color scheme seems to express spring itself, and just looking at it makes my heart leap.
You start seeing them in supermarkets and department stores when spring arrives.
The charm of hanami dango also lies in its moderate sweetness. It goes well with Japanese tea, creating an exquisite balance between the bitterness of the tea and the sweetness of the dango.
Please try it not only during cherry blossom viewing but also when you want to feel the arrival of spring.
Things to Note When Enjoying Tokyo's Spring
While Tokyo's spring is beautiful and attractive, there are several points to keep in mind to enjoy it comfortably. Below, I'll share some advice based on my experience.
Climate and Clothing
The spring climate in Tokyo is changeable, characterized by large temperature differences. Therefore, layering is recommended. Carrying a thin cardigan or jacket helps you adapt to temperature changes.
Be careful as it can be cold in the mornings and evenings even if it's warm during the day. I once shivered from the evening chill when I went out early in the morning and stayed out until late at night. Since then, I've made sure to carry a thin jacket.
You still need warm clothing like coats in early March as there can be cold days. On the other hand, from mid-April onwards, there are more days when you can get by in short sleeves. My advice is to always check the weather forecast before departing. Understand the temperature changes for the day and prepare appropriate clothing.
Choosing comfortable, well-worn shoes is also important. Spring in Tokyo is a great season for walking, but as you'll often be walking for long periods, it's crucial to choose shoes that don't strain your feet.
Also, as you may walk on grass or dirt in parks and gardens, choose shoes suitable for that.
Dealing with Crowds
Tokyo's spring, especially cherry blossom spots, can get very crowded.
Cherry blossom spots are particularly crowded on weekends, so consider visiting on weekdays or early in the morning if possible. My favorite is early morning visits. With fewer people, the beauty of the cherry blossoms illuminated by the morning sun is exceptional.
Also, if you've visited Tokyo several times before, it's a good idea to check the blooming information and visit slightly before or after the peak bloom.
I recommend securing a spot early for cherry blossom viewing. Good spots at popular locations fill up quickly.
I once went to Ueno Park with friends around noon and had trouble finding even a place to sit. Since then, I've made sure to secure a spot early in the morning for important cherry blossom viewing sessions.
Also, rules can differ depending on the park, so it's important to check in advance. For example, restrictions on spreading sheets or drinking alcohol vary by location.
Preparing Alternative Plans
The best time for cherry blossoms changes every year and is relatively short, lasting about a week. Therefore, it's somewhat risky to include only cherry blossom spots in your itinerary.
I once invited a friend from afar to see the cherry blossoms, but due to poor timing, I couldn't show them the full bloom.
So, I recommend including non-cherry blossom tourist spots in your itinerary as well. For example, incorporating popular spots like Shibuya or Harajuku that aren't affected by seasons can give you peace of mind.
Recently, when guiding friends, I always make sure to balance cherry blossom spots with urban sightseeing.
Also, it's a good idea to include indoor spots like museums and art galleries that can be enjoyed regardless of weather. These can serve as a backup plan if the weather turns bad.
My recommendation is the National Museum in Ueno. Sometimes they hold special exhibitions themed around spring to coincide with the cherry blossom season, allowing you to fully enjoy the spring atmosphere even if you can't see the cherry blossoms.
Furthermore, it's a good idea to have alternative plans for tourist spots near Tokyo.
For example, Kamakura and Yokohama are within day-trip distance from Tokyo and each has its own unique charm. I once had an experience where I suddenly went to Kamakura when Tokyo's cherry blossoms had already fallen and ended up having a wonderful day.
Manners for Cherry Blossom Viewing
It's very important to observe manners when enjoying cherry blossom viewing.
First, special attention is needed for garbage disposal. If you can't find a garbage bin in the park, make sure to take your garbage home with you.
Next, never touch the cherry trees or flowers. It's strictly forbidden to break branches or pick flowers.
Also, refrain from making loud noises or playing music at high volumes. Other people are also enjoying cherry blossom viewing, so consideration is necessary to ensure everyone can have a pleasant time.
Lastly, be careful about reserving spots during crowded times. Avoid securing unnecessarily large spaces or leaving seats empty for long periods.
Spring in Tokyo is full of various charms, not just cherry blossoms. It's a wonderful season where you can experience a wide range of things, from traditional festivals to modern events and seasonal flavors.
However, popular tourist spots are expected to be crowded, so advance planning and flexible responses are important. I recommend checking the weather and blooming conditions and having multiple options ready.
The beauty of cherry blossoms, the bustle of festivals, the deliciousness of spring flavors, and the scent of spring wafting through the city. These experiences are sure to become unforgettable memories.
Please use this article as a reference to find your own way of enjoying Tokyo's spring!