Top 5 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Near Ginza: Experience Tokyo's Sakura Season
Ginza is a sophisticated urban district that exudes a refined, mature atmosphere. While lined with luxury brand shops and Michelin-starred restaurants, it also features many historical buildings that reflect its heritage, such as the Kabukiza Theatre and long-established department stores.
It's a neighborhood where high-sense modern trends coexist harmoniously with a spirit that cherishes long-standing traditions.
One of its attractive points is the ability to enjoy nature within the city, with its seasonal tree-lined streets and lush parks. In this article, we'll introduce recommended cherry blossom spots in Ginza. You can experience a unique way of enjoying cherry blossoms that's distinctly Ginza - the fusion of urban landscapes with sakura blooms!
Ginza Features Many Tokyo-style Cherry Blossom Spots Where Urban Landscapes Merge with Sakura
While there are many famous cherry blossom spots throughout Japan, nowhere surpasses Tokyo for enjoying the collaboration between urban scenery and sakura. In Ginza particularly, you can witness uniquely urban landscapes, such as the combination of stylish luxury brand shops with rows of cherry blossom trees.
The nostalgic charm of brick-paved roads and retro street lamps creates an atmosphere that can only be experienced in Ginza.
Long-established department stores feature restaurants where you can dine while viewing cherry blossoms, and you can feel spring throughout the city streets.
Why Are Cherry Blossoms Special to Japanese People?
Cherry blossoms, synonymous with Japanese spring, have frequently appeared in traditional tanka and haiku poetry since ancient times. Their subtle pink elegance continues to captivate Japanese hearts, both now and in the past.
In Japan, March to April is a season of various endings and beginnings, including graduations, school entrances, and new life chapters. Cherry blossoms have become especially significant to Japanese people as they are often associated with these memorable life moments.
Viewing cherry blossoms also brings joy in marking winter's end and spring's arrival. Perhaps people are drawn to their ephemeral nature - blooming and scattering within a brief period of the year.
3 Premier Cherry Blossom Spots Around Ginza, Tokyo
Hibiya Park
Established in 1903, Hibiya Park holds the distinction of being Japan's first Western-style park. Despite its location in the business district, this nature-rich park serves as an urban oasis for city dwellers.
During the peak cherry blossom season from late March to early April, visitors can admire various cherry blossom varieties, including Somei Yoshino, Mountain Cherry, and Weeping Cherry trees, making it one of the most attractive cherry blossom spots in Ginza.
The park's iconic large fountain area becomes bustling with people enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing). The collaboration between high-rise buildings and cherry blossoms creates a uniquely Tokyo landscape.
The park features restaurants and shops, including the long-established restaurant "Matsumotoro," where you can savor Japanese-style Western dishes like hamburger steak and curry.
If you want to fully enjoy urban spring in a spacious setting, this is definitely worth a visit!
Address: 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-3501-6428 (8:30-17:30)
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hibiya/index.html
Hama-rikyu Gardens
Hama-rikyu Gardens, established during the Edo period, is a traditional stroll garden where visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk while appreciating the scenery.
The garden features approximately 80 cherry trees of 26 different varieties, which begin reaching full bloom from late March. After sunset, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a romantic atmosphere as they appear to float in the garden.
The garden's charm lies in its quintessentially Japanese scenery, including traditional bridges. In the middle of the seawater pond drawn from Tokyo Bay, there's a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while viewing the cherry blossoms.
The garden shop offers exclusive original goods that can only be purchased here – perfect for souvenirs! This is a highly recommended spot for those who want to experience cherry blossoms in a traditional Japanese garden setting.
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyu Garden, Chuo-ku
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 03-3541-0200
Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/index.html
The Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
The Imperial Palace Outer Gardens (Kokyo Gaien) is a national park surrounding the Imperial Palace. With its spacious lawns, historic structures including stone walls, bridges, and gates, it's a popular destination among international tourists. Many people enjoy jogging and walking in these lush gardens.
In spring, Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the outer perimeter. At Kitanomaru Park on the palace's north side, magnificent weeping cherry trees (Shidarezakura) adorn the main entrance and pond areas.
A delightful aspect is the extended cherry blossom viewing period - as the Somei Yoshino petals fall, double-flowered cherry blossoms (Yaezakura) reach their peak.
The gardens retain traces of traditional Japan with their atmospheric waterways and historic structures. Visitors can enjoy the striking contrast between this traditional setting and the surrounding modern office buildings.
Address: 1-1 Kokyo Gaien, Chiyoda-ku
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open year-round
Phone: 03-3231-5509
Official Website: https://fng.or.jp/koukyo/en/
Don't Miss Chidorigafuchi Green Path When Visiting the Imperial Palace!
Source:Go Tokyo
Chidorigafuchi features about 140 cherry trees forming a tunnel-like passage, attracting over a million visitors during peak bloom. At night, LED illuminations create a different kind of beauty from the daytime view.
Renting a boat to view the cherry blossoms from the water is highly recommended. Enjoy the harmonious blend of nature and urban landscape with water, cherry blossoms, blue sky, and office buildings.
For a leisurely stroll, we recommend taking the route from Kudanshita Station through Chidorigafuchi Green Path, passing by the British Embassy to Chidorigafuchi Park. At the park, you can enjoy the vibrant contrast between pink cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers.
3 Recommended Spots to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Among Ginza's Cityscape
Cherry Blossoms from Ginza 1-chome to Yurakucho
About 3 minutes' walk from Tokyo Metro "Ginza-itchome Station" lies "Ginza Sakura Street," a hidden gem for viewing double-flowered cherry blossoms. These Yaezakura feature full, round blooms with multiple layers of petals.
The Yurakucho Station area, just a 5-minute walk from Ginza Sakura Street, offers several cherry blossom viewing spots. The West Ginza Department Store near Yurakucho Station houses stylish restaurants where you can enjoy dinner while viewing cherry blossoms. We'll introduce these in detail below, so stay tuned!
Access: 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Ginza-itchome Station" to "Ginza Sakura Street" / 5-minute walk from "Ginza Sakura Street" to "Yurakucho Station"
Ginza Chuo Street
Source:Google Maps
Ginza Chuo Street, stretching from Ginza 1-chome to 8-chome, is the iconic main street that symbolizes Ginza. The street is lined with traditional department stores like Mitsukoshi and high-end brand shops such as Tiffany. On weekends, it becomes a "pedestrian paradise" with designated hours when vehicle traffic is prohibited.
In spring, visitors can enjoy a spectacular collaboration between the magnificently blooming cherry blossoms and Ginza's sophisticated cityscape. The illuminated cherry blossoms against Ginza's nighttime scenery create an enchanting view.
It's delightful that you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while shopping. If you want to experience the quintessential "This is Ginza!" scenery with cherry blossoms, this spot is absolutely must-visit!
Ginza Wako
Source:Official website
Ginza Wako, standing at the Ginza 4-chome intersection, is a historic department store specializing in watches and jewelry. The towering "SEIKO" clock tower has become a symbolic landmark of Ginza.
One of Wako's most distinctive features is its window display that changes with the seasons. Created with the concept of "welcoming all visitors to Ginza," this display transforms into a spectacular cherry blossom-themed world during spring.
The breathtakingly beautiful decorations allow visitors to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) atmosphere right in the heart of the city. Those interested in seeing an artistic interpretation of cherry blossoms, different from natural ones, should definitely visit!
Access: Directly connected to Tokyo Metro "Ginza Station" exits A9, A10 (immediate walking distance) / Direct access from exit B1
Nishi-Ginza Department Store Offers Dinner Spots with Cherry Blossom Views!
Source:PR TIMES
Beyond street-level cherry blossom viewing spots, Ginza actually offers locations where you can enjoy dinner while admiring beautiful cherry blossoms.
Below, we'll introduce two restaurants in Ginza where you can savor exquisite cuisine while enjoying cherry blossom views.
BISTECCHERIA INTORNO Steak & Bar Ginza Tokyo
Source:Tabelog
Connected directly to Tokyo Metro's Ginza Station, the Nishi-Ginza Department Store houses a restaurant where you can dine while enjoying cherry blossoms.
Established in 1925, "BISTECCHERIA INTORNO Steak & Bar Ginza Tokyo" is a steakhouse operated by Ginza's long-standing restaurant "Mikasa Kaikan."
Stepping inside, you'll find yourself in an elegant space that makes you forget the bustle of Ginza. Their Italian-style steaks, grilled at 900°C, are characterized by being served with carefully selected salt and olive oil to enhance the meat's natural flavors.
In spring, you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the scenery adorned with fully bloomed cherry blossoms. For dinner, we recommend their seasonal special course that guarantees seating with cherry blossom views.
Savoring Italian cuisine while overlooking the urban Ginza landscape and cherry blossoms will surely become a precious memory of your time in Japan.
Address: Nishi-Ginza Department Store 2F, 4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:30 (LO 14:00) • Dinner & Bar 17:00-22:00 (LO 20:30)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-3566-4155
Official Website: https://www.intorno-ginza.tokyo/
Ginza Enzo
Source:Tabelog
"Ginza Enzo" is a yakiniku restaurant offering carefully selected Japanese Black Wagyu beef from across Japan. They're also popular for their rare cuts and fresh domestic organ meats that are hard to find elsewhere.
To maximize the meat's flavor, they adjust the cutting method for each cut of meat. Their secret sauce, which doesn't overpower the meat's natural taste, pairs excellently with Japanese sake, wine, and makgeolli.
The counter seats facing the window offer a spectacular view of cherry blossoms through floor-to-ceiling windows. Grilling your own meat while viewing the full bloom creates an atmosphere similar to having a BBQ under cherry blossoms.
Be sure to make a reservation if you want window seating!
Address: Nishi-Ginza Department Store 2F, 4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00 (LO 14:30) • Dinner 16:30-22:00 (LO 21:00)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-3538-5775
Official Website: https://en.enzo.createdining.com/
When in Ginza, Enjoy Japan's Top Restaurants with a Local Guide!
In Ginza, where numerous restaurants compete for attention, it can be challenging to choose where to dine. Have you ever experienced visiting a restaurant listed in guidebooks only to find it different from your expectations?
Moreover, in Ginza's upscale establishments, some visitors might feel anxious about Japanese dining etiquette.
For such visitors, we recommend joining a guided tour. Here, we'll introduce you to exclusive tours led by guides who know Ginza inside and out!
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
The first tour offers an immersive experience in sushi and tempura, Japanese cuisines that are particularly popular among international visitors. While there are numerous restaurants serving these traditional Japanese dishes, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. On this tour, a local guide will take you to luxury Japanese restaurants unique to Ginza, where you can enjoy your meal while potentially viewing nearby cherry blossom spots that dot the district during spring.
Why do I recommend this tour?
- Selected restaurants are either Michelin-listed or award winners on Japan's largest gourmet site (Tabelog)
- Leisurely enjoy both sushi and tempura at separate specialized restaurants
- Guaranteed counter seating to watch skilled chefs demonstrate their artistry
- Exclusive special course menu only available through this tour
- Guide provides detailed explanation of fine dining etiquette
If you want to experience the artistry of Japanese cuisine, especially during cherry blossom season when Ginza's streets are lined with beautiful sakura trees, this tour is perfect for you!
Meeting point: Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi
Tour area: Ginza Area (Sushi & Tempura restaurants)
Start time: 16:30
Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza
This tour is perfect for those who want to savor wagyu beef and sake. You can enjoy tasting various styles of sake and indulge in premium wagyu beef teppanyaki, all while being near some of Ginza's most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots.
Why do I recommend this tour?
- All-you-can-drink selection of approximately 20 types of sake for 30 minutes
- All-you-can-eat A5 grade wagyu beef
- Enjoy teppanyaki style where the chef cooks and serves right in front of you
- Guide explains sake's history, brewing methods, and how to appreciate its flavors and aromas
After satisfying your appetite, take a leisurely stroll through nighttime Ginza. Walk along streets lined with both traditional architecture and cutting-edge buildings, learning about Ginza's culture and history. The tour concludes with dessert time at a bar or café, perfectly situated near some of Ginza's famous cherry blossom spots.
This course is recommended for those who want to experience sophisticated nighttime Ginza with all five senses.
Meeting point: Shinbashi Station
Tour area: Ginza Area (Cafe & Bar / Teppanyaki Restaurant / Night Cafe)
Start time: 17:00
