Spring in Tokyo : Everything from Photogenic Places to Activities

What's Tokyo like in spring?
Walking under cherry blossom trees for the first time can feel like stepping into a movie scene. 
With so many events happening, you'll be spoiled for choice: enjoying picnics in parks where petals flutter in the gentle breeze, or joining locals in the excitement of traditional festivals! 
Here's a casual look at the charms of spring in Tokyo, along with popular spots and seasonal gourmet treats unique to this season. 

1. What Makes Spring in Tokyo So Charming?
2. Famous Cherry Blossom Spots and Hanami Locations
3. Recommended Spring Events & Festivals
4. Activities to Enjoy in Tokyo This Spring
5. Seasonal Spring Cuisine & Souvenirs
6. Summary

1. What Makes Spring in Tokyo So Charming?

Parks and street trees burst into colorful bloom, with “cherry blossoms” reaching full bloom all over Tokyo! 
Precisely because the blooming period is so short, everyone eagerly plans their hanami outings. 
As spring is the season of new encounters and beginnings, events and festivals abound. 
From traditional celebrations to modern festivals, experiencing these “only now” events is uniquely Tokyo in spring.

2. Famous Cherry Blossom Spots and Hanami Locations

The city is dotted with popular cherry blossom locations, and both locals and travelers enjoy hanami at their favorite spots.
Spread a sheet under the cherry trees to eat bento, take photos, or simply stroll around—the ways to enjoy it are endless.
Here are some of Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom spots.

Ueno Park

Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spot, boasting approximately 1,000 blooming trees. 
During the blooming season, lanterns illuminate the night, allowing visitors to enjoy nighttime blossoms. 
Food stalls line the area, creating a festive atmosphere.
Ueno Park Official Website

Meguro River

Approximately 800 cherry trees line both banks, stretching their branches like a tunnel. 
At full bloom, the river surface turns pink, creating a breathtaking view. 
The evening and nighttime illumination is especially romantic! 
Take a leisurely stroll along the river, grab some cherry blossom sweets to go from a cafe, and enjoy them as you walk.

Chidorigafuchi Greenway

This promenade runs along the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace. 
Cherry blossoms hanging over the water create a photogenic scene. 
Renting a boat to view the blossoms from the moat offers an exceptional experience. 
Surprisingly rich in nature for the heart of Tokyo, it's perfect for those who want to quietly enjoy the flowers. 
Illuminated at dusk, it envelops visitors in a fantastical atmosphere.
Chidorigafuchi Greenway Official Website

Shinjuku Gyoen

With over 1,000 cherry trees of approximately 65 different varieties planted here, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing over an extended period. 
While there is an admission fee, the park offers a serene atmosphere in return. 
It's recommended for those seeking a relaxing time, whether enjoying a leisurely picnic on the lawn areas or taking in the scenery of the pond and cherry blossoms.
Shinjuku Gyoen Official Website

Yoyogi Park

Located near Harajuku and Shibuya with excellent access, it buzzes with lively hanami parties on weekends! 
If you want to have a lively time with friends starting in the daytime, this is the place. 
Note that the park closes early at night, so daytime hanami is recommended.
Yoyogi Park Official Website

Others...!

Tokyo boasts countless other locations to enjoy cherry blossoms, such as Sumida Park (where the collaboration of the Tokyo Skytree and cherry blossoms is beautiful), Inokashira Park (where the boats on the pond and cherry blossoms make for picturesque scenes), and Yasukuni Shrine (where the illumination of cherry blossoms and lanterns creates an atmosphere full of charm). 
The peak blooming period is typically short, lasting from late March to early April. 
Be sure to check your travel schedule and the bloom forecast to enjoy hanami at the perfect time.

3. Recommended Spring Events & Festivals

If your travel schedule allows, try participating in local festivals or seasonal events.
It's a chance to experience the unique energy and culture of Japanese festivals!

Yabusame (Asakusa)

Held around Asakusa Shrine on the third Sunday of April, this traditional event features samurai archers shooting arrows at targets while galloping on horseback—truly spectacular! 
With cherry blossoms blooming in Sumida Park as the backdrop, it feels like stepping back in time. 
Admission is free, but it's a popular event, so arriving early is recommended for a good viewing spot. 
The striking contrast between the heroic samurai figures and the vibrant spring scenery makes for a must-capture photo opportunity.
Yabusame Asakusa Official Website

Sanja Festival (Asakusa)

One of Tokyo's biggest festivals, held over a weekend in mid-May in Asakusa. 
It's the annual festival of Asakusa Shrine, where dozens of mikoshi (portable shrines) parade through the town. 
With a total of 1.8 million visitors over three days, it gets incredibly crowded—but that's part of the festival's charm!
Witnessing the mikoshi being carried amid spirited chants and sampling street food at the stalls offers a perfect chance to experience Japan's traditional festival culture firsthand. 
The grand procession of the main shrine mikoshi on the final day is especially spectacular.
Sanja Festival : A Traditional Festival in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Shrine Spring Grand Festival

Held at Meiji Shrine during Golden Week, from late April to early May. 
Traditional performing arts stages are presented daily, offering a rare chance to experience Japanese culture like Noh, gagaku, and bugaku. 
You might even encounter a procession for a Shinto wedding ceremony. 
Admission is free and open to all.
Meiji Jingu Shrine Official Website

Local Cherry Blossom Festivals

Various cherry blossom spots across Tokyo host “Cherry Blossom Festivals” timed with the blooming season. 
Examples include the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival (featuring live music and food stalls along the Meguro River), the Chiyoda Sakura Festival (with illuminations at Chidorigafuchi and extended boat hours), and the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (parades and stage events in Ueno Park). 
Each offers uniquely themed events, and you can fully enjoy the different charm of nighttime cherry blossoms compared to daytime. 
If your travel timing allows, be sure to join the locals and experience the festive atmosphere.
Beyond these, there's a packed lineup of intriguing events like the Spring Sumo Tournament (the Grand Sumo Summer Tournament in May at Ryogoku Kokugikan), Easter-themed celebrations, and spring-only art festivals.

4. Activities to Enjoy in Tokyo This Spring

Cherry Blossom Viewing by Boat

While rowing through the cherry blossom tunnel at Chidorigafuchi is a classic, another delightful option is a yakatabune cruise along the Sumida River. 
Viewing the blossoms from the water offers a uniquely beautiful perspective! 
Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the river with bento boxes and drinks, perfect for taking pictures. 
Check in advance as reservations may be required.

Stroll in a Kimono

Why not take a chance on spring weather and rent a kimono or yukata to explore the city in quintessential Japanese attire? 
Shops in Asakusa and Harajuku offer easy kimono dressing experiences; get professionally dressed and head straight out into the streets. 
Taking photos in your kimono against a backdrop of cherry blossom trees guarantees stunning social media shots! 
This popular activity among foreign travelers lets you experience Japanese culture firsthand for a truly special day.

Spring Hiking & Nature Walks

Mount Takao is a popular hiking spot, accessible by train in about an hour from central Tokyo. 
Spring brings beautiful mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. 
Walking the trails, you'll be soothed by birdsong and the scent of flowers. 
The view from the summit is exhilarating too. 
Mount Mitake and the Okutama area are also recommended for spring trekking.

Exploring the City by Rental Bike

With shared bikes available throughout the city, renting one is easy. 
Ride the bike paths around the Imperial Palace to enjoy views of the moat, or cycle through the old downtown areas, stopping at retro shopping streets. 
You can cover more ground than on foot and discover small alleys you'd miss by train.

5. Seasonal Spring Cuisine & Souvenirs

Savor the Flavors of Spring

Spring is the time when mountain vegetables, bamboo shoots, and other seasonal delicacies are at their best. 
At izakayas and Japanese restaurants, menus feature dishes like taranome and fukinoto tempura, bamboo shoot rice, and spring cabbage dishes. 
The slightly bitter mountain vegetable tempura pairs perfectly with beer! 
Also, don't miss seasonal seafood like clam miso soup or cherry sea bream sashimi.

Spring Sweets & Cafe Hopping

6. Summary

The fleeting beauty of the short cherry blossom season—this Japanese aesthetic sensibility is something you'll truly feel when you experience spring in Tokyo firsthand. 
The emotion you feel when the scenery you've seen in photos and guidebooks unfolds before your eyes will become an irreplaceable memory. 
Make lots of wonderful memories in springtime Tokyo.

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