The spring season in Tokyo brings cool weather, sunny skies and most importantly, cherry blossoms! Cherry blossoms, or "sakura" as they are called in Japanese, are the most popular flower of the season. This is because the beautiful pink flowers only bloom for a limited amount of time. Labeled as "the" spring photo-op, people from all-over gather to the many gardens and parks Japan has to offer for the perfect picture beneath the blossoms. Here we have gathered a list of the 5 most popular locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo! The spots on this list are considered famous among locals and have endless rows of sakura trees! So whether it is for your pre wedding, engagement, wedding photos, or just for your personal Instagram, these locations are sure to impress!
1. Shinjuku Gyoen
Photo by KISA Photography
Considered to be one of Japan's most popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is dotted with over 20,000 trees from all over the world. The park is separated into different sections, each with a unique garden. If you're looking for a photo that is full of sakura, then why not check out Shinjuku Gyoen?
Access: 10 Minutes from Shinjuku Station
Best Time to Go: Late March, Early April
2. Ueno Park
Photo by STUDIO AQUA
Another notable park in the Tokyo area, Ueno Park also has museums and a zoo in its vicinity. The most popular sakura spot in the park is the central pathway lined with more than 1000 cherry blossom trees! Some of the other attractions in the area such as Shinobazu pond and Kaneiji Temple also make for popular photo spots.
Access: 1 Minute from Ueno Station
Best Time to Go: Late March, Early April
3. Sumida Park
Photo by Nacky Photo
Deemed by locals as one of the top 100 Sakura Spots in Japan, Sumida Park, located next to the Sumida river, has 1000 cherry blossom trees for park goers to see. The trees line the river and create an endless sea of beautiful pink blossoms.
Access: 5 minutes from Asakusa Station
Best Time to Go: Late March, Early April
4. Inokashira Park
Photo by RYUMA YORITA PHOTOGRAPHY
Spanning over 95 acres and with more than 10,000 trees, this popular park is absolutely crowded come spring time! Though the park is a favorite scenic spot during the spring, many locals have a warning for couples... Don't ride the boats in the lake! It is said that the boats are cursed and couples who ride them will break up soon after! However, it really doesn't stop most people and you can see many couples riding the boats in the lake. The beautiful lake paired with blossoming sakura makes for a superb photo-op!
Access: About 5 Minutes from Kichijoji Station
Best Time to Go: Late March, Early April
5. Koganei Park
Photo by PHOTO STUDIO KOWA
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, Koganei Park is the second largest park in the Tokyo metropolitan area (the first being Kasai Rinkai Park). Koganei park offers 1,700 cherry blossom trees for visitors to enjoy. You can also find the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in the area.
Access: About 5 Minutes from Higashi-koganei Station.
Best Time to Go: Late March, Early April