A Must-Do in Tokyo This Spring: Your Guide to Flower Viewing from March to May

Japan’s ever-changing natural beauty captivates travelers from all over the world. Even Tokyo, a bustling metropolis, transforms in spring with vibrant flowers like cherry tree blossoms and wisteria painting the city in color. Why not spend a special moment enjoying the unique spring scenery of Tokyo?

Late March to Early April 1: Cherry Blossoms & Trams

Hop aboard the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), the only tram line left in Tokyo, and discover sakura cherry blossom hotspots along the way. Highlights include Asukayama Park, home to over 600 cherry trees, and Omokagebashi Bridge, where the rows of cherry trees beautifully overhang the Kanda River. Capture the enchanting sight of trams framed by blossoms or tour these scenic spots by tram.

URL https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/toden/kanren/spot_sakura.html

Late March to Early April 2: Cherry Blossoms & Cruise

If you want to enjoy cherry blossoms from the water, the Tokyo Mizube Cruising Line’s “Asakusa–Odaiba Cruise” is highly recommended. This route connects Ryogoku, Asakusa, Takeshiba, and Odaiba, and you can board without a reservation! You’ll have the chance to view the cherry blossom trees of Sumida Park, one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom spots, from the water. It’s perfect for those looking to capture photos from a unique angle. Be sure to check it out!

URL https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/water/waterbus/

Late March to Early April 3: Cherry Blossoms & Evening Light Displays

At HOTEL NEW OTANI TOKYO, close to the Shinjuku area, you’ll find a historical Japanese garden over 400 years old, showcasing 19 varieties of cherry blossoms. At night, the garden is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Although situated in a hotel, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit—it’s free for everyone! Enjoy the light display until midnight for a late-night spring treat.
Illumination period: March 1–Mid-April 2025

URL https://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/sakura/

Early to Mid-April: Azaleas

Nezu-jinja Shrine

Visit the Tsutsuji-en (Azalea Garden) at Nezu-jinja Shrine, where around 3,000 azalea bushes of 100 different varieties bloom in vivid colors. With early and late bloomers, the garden offers a long viewing season. Don’t miss the picturesque sight of the azaleas against the backdrop of the shrine’s iconic vermilion torii gates.

Access Nezu Sta., Sendagi Sta., or Todaimae Sta. (Tokyo Metro) → 5 min walk
Business hours Varies depending on the period (Please see official website)
URL https://nedujinja.or.jp/

Mid to Late April: Shiba-zakura (moss phlox)

Shin-Arakawa Bridge Green Space

Experience a pink carpet of around 64,000 moss phlox flowers blooming along the Arakawa River. Visit between early and mid-April to catch a rare chance to see moss phlox and cherry blossoms together. Just a 30-minute trip from Ikebukuro by train and on foot, this spot is easy to reach and perfect for a spring picnic.

Access Akabane-iwabuchi Sta. (Tokyo Metro) → 10 min walk / JR Akabane Sta. → 20 min walk

April: Wisteria

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

This iconic shrine in Koto City offers a stunning view of wisteria blossoms with TOKYO SKYTREE in the background. The annual Wisteria Festival features food stalls and traditional performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere. This spot is a favorite among both locals and tourists, so it is recommended to visit relatively early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Other wisteria spots in Tokyo include Hie-jinja Shrine and Nishiarai Daishi Temple, both renowned for their beautiful wisteria trellises.

Access JR Kameido Sta. or Kinshicho Sta. → 15 min walk
Business hours 8:30-17:00
URL http://kameidotenjin.or.jp/

Mid-April to Early May: Nemophila

Toneri Park

Step into a sea of blue at Toneri Park, where fields of nemophila flowers create an ocean-like spectacle. This spacious park also offers food stalls featuring snacks inspired by these small, delicate flowers, making it a delightful spot for both nature lovers and foodies. Keep in mind that this popular attraction gets crowded during peak bloom. To make your visit stress-free, using public transportation is highly recommended.

写真提供:(公財)東京都公園協会

Access Toneri-koen Sta. (Nippori-Toneri Liner) → 5 min walk
URL https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/toneri/index.html

Seasonal Goshuin Stamps You’ll Want to Collect

At Horinji Temple in Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku, you can get beautifully crafted kirie-style (paper cutout) goshuin stamps featuring seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms, wisteria, and hydrangeas. These intricate designs are true works of art and make for a unique souvenir of your visit!

URL https://www.ho-rinji.com/shop

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The information herein is as of January 2025
Writer
chang
I am from Taiwan and currently living in Japan. I started listening to the radio for language study and this habit has become part of my life. Now my hobby is learning about lesser-known great places and information on local food all over Japan via the radio. On my days off, I visit places mainly in the Kanto area to look for seasonal views, such as those with cherry blossoms and hydrangea. I am a big fan of Arashi, a popular Japanese boy band.

Tokyo Article

Nature/spectacular views/scenery Article