Nara’s Cherry Blossom Season

Trendy yet laid-back, Nakameguro is known for its stylish cafés and relaxed charm. Every late March, the usually tranquil banks of the Meguro River burst into life for the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival. Rows of lanterns are hung above the river, while food and drink stalls line the walkways, creating a festive, carnival-like atmosphere that draws large crowds.

Over 800 cherry trees stretch along the 3.8-kilometer riverbank, forming a breathtaking pale-pink arch that reflects beautifully on the water’s surface. From the bridges, you can admire the swaying blossoms mirrored in the river below—a scene of dreamlike romance. It’s one of Tokyo’s most photogenic spots, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments amid the fleeting beauty of spring.

In Japanese, there is a term called “yozakura” (夜桜), which literally means “cherry blossoms at night.” It refers to the magical sight of cherry blossoms illuminated after dark, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere.

Among all yozakura spots, Rikugien Garden is perhaps the most famous, especially for its magnificent weeping cherry tree. This Edo-period garden was originally built in 1702 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a feudal lord serving under the shogun, who designed it based on scenic imagery from classical waka poetry.

As you pass through the main gate, a grand weeping cherry tree—over 70 years old—greets you with cascading branches heavy with soft pink blossoms, resembling a waterfall of flowers. Each year from mid- to late March, Rikugien hosts a special evening illumination event called “Spring Nights at Rikugien”, during which visitors can admire the glowing beauty of cherry blossoms in the tranquil night garden—a breathtaking experience unique to this season.

 Held along the historic Sumida River in eastern Tokyo, the Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the city’s most beloved spring celebrations. Dating back to the Edo period when Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune ordered cherry trees to be planted along the riverbanks, this festival continues a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

From mid-March to mid-April, the riverside paths between Azumabashi and Sakurabashi transform into a breathtaking tunnel of pink blossoms. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls beneath the cherry trees, sample snacks from festive food stalls, and take in the romantic evening atmosphere as the trees are illuminated at night. The reflection of the glowing blossoms on the river, with the Tokyo Skytree in the background, creates one of Tokyo’s most unforgettable springtime vistas.

The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Tokyo’s most iconic spring events, held around the scenic Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace. Every year from late March to early April, more than 200 cherry trees bloom along the 700-meter-long promenade that borders the moat, creating a breathtaking pink tunnel reflected in the tranquil waters below.

During the festival, the paths are beautifully illuminated at night, offering visitors the chance to admire the mesmerizing yozakura (night blossoms). You can also rent a rowboat and glide across the moat beneath a canopy of petals—a truly romantic and quintessential Tokyo experience.

The surrounding area, including Yasukuni Shrine and Kitanomaru Park, also bursts into bloom, adding to the festive atmosphere. Food stalls and local performances bring a lively charm, making Chiyoda one of the best places in Japan to celebrate the fleeting yet unforgettable beauty of cherry blossom season.

The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Japan’s oldest and most popular spring celebrations, held in Ueno Park, Tokyo’s beloved cultural and historical hub. With over 1,000 cherry trees lining the central promenade from Kaneiji Temple to Shinobazu Pond, the park becomes a sea of soft pink petals from late March to early April.

The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) in Ueno dates back to the Edo period, when the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu ordered cherry trees to be planted here for the enjoyment of commoners and nobles alike. Today, the spirit remains alive—locals and visitors gather beneath the blossoms for picnics, music, and laughter, surrounded by museums, shrines, and street performances.

At night, about 1,000 lanterns illuminate the trees, creating a magical yozakura atmosphere. During the festival, food stalls and cultural events line the walkways, and nearby attractions like Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum add depth to the experience.

With its blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, the Ueno Sakura Matsuri perfectly captures Tokyo’s timeless love affair with cherry blossoms.

Held in late March, the Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival takes place at Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park and the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, offering visitors a delightful experience filled with both historic charm and natural beauty. The park is home to over 1,400 cherry trees from around 50 different varieties, creating a breathtaking spring landscape.

During the festival, a special stage features live performances including music, dance, traditional instruments, and taiko drum shows. At the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, visitors can also enjoy tea ceremonies and ikebana (flower arrangement) demonstrations, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the celebration.

You can sample local delicacies and regional dishes from the many food stalls, and as evening falls, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a dazzling night view that is simply unforgettable.