The Best Cherry Blossom Spot in Tokyo
The best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo is Shinjuku Gyoen. Is that a bold statement? Some might think so. Why do I make such a claim? How many people agree with me? I’m convinced many would. Let’s talk about it.
I had the perfect cherry blossom experience at Aoyama Cemetery a few days earlier. It’s been my longtime favorite. So why am I now calling Shinjuku Gyoen the best? Am I making a contradictory statement? No, perspective is key.
Some people might find Aoyama Cemetery too dark for a happy event. I get that, but it’s the opposite for me. Cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting nature of life. That goes hand in hand with a cemetery. The flowers and the graves are attractive. The architecture of the tombstone fascinates me. But not everyone will agree with me. I get that.
We need a place that appeals to the average person. Somewhere, everyone can appreciate. From that perspective, Shinjuku Gyoen ticks all the boxes. Let’s look at it.
Why Shinjuku Gyoen is the best cherry blossom spot
1. A huge variety of cherry trees
Shinjuku Gyoen has over 1,000 cherry trees of 68 different varieties. They include early- and late-blooming types. The sakura season can run from mid-March to late April.
2. Massive grounds, spacious vibes
Unlike smaller, crowded parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is huge—about 58 hectares (144 acres) wide. There is space to walk, photograph, or chill without bumping into selfie sticks. Peaceful spots exist even during peak bloom.
3. Well-maintained and clean
The government runs it and attaches an entrance fee. That keeps Shinjuku Gyoen immaculate, litter-free, and calm. People can’t camp the best spots from the early hours, waiting for their friends to come.
4. Incredible photo opportunities
Shinjuku Gyoen has different types of trees and different gardens. Photographers use them for macro shots, scenic views, and unique compositions. The mix of light and shadow through the different trees is a dream during golden hour.
5. Central location
The park is in the heart of Tokyo, a short walk from Shinjuku Station. Going there feels like an escape from the city. Finding it is easy. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, finding Shinjuku Gyoen is easy.
Aren’t other cherry blossom spots in Tokyo good?
Yes, there are. Many are awesome. But they don’t match the all-around greatness of Shinjuku Gyoen. Ueno Park and Meguro suffer from overcrowding during hanami. Others aren’t as close to the center of Tokyo.
Conclusion
I went to Shinjuku Gyoen for this article’s photos on April 7, 2025. We had the weather I dream about. A few clouds and blue sky gave us the perfect background. The flowers were perfect. I left the park happy.
But is it the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo? Let me know if you agree. Tell us why. Leave questions and comments below, too.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has been photographing Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5.
More Shinjuku Gyoen articles:
External related articles:
- Shinjuku Gyoen (official website)