Sakura Season in Japan: Top Hanami Spots, Snacks, Etiquette & Traditions
Hajime UedaShare
Cherry blossom season (sakura season) is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Japan.
For a few weeks each spring, parks and streets turn pink and white with millions of delicate blossoms. Locals and visitors alike flock outside to enjoy hanami (花見, “flower viewing”) picnics under the blooming trees.
Part of the magic is the blossoms’ fleeting nature – most cherry trees bloom for only about one to two weeks, a brief beauty that symbolizes life’s transience. This makes hanami season feel extra special and eagerly anticipated each year. In this guide, we’ll cover Tokyo’s top cherry blossom viewing spots, a nationwide hanami bloom map, the best snacks to try, do’s and don’ts for blossom viewing, and the cultural reasons why the Japanese adore hanami. Enjoy your sakura adventure!
Cherry blossoms (“sakura”) in full bloom create a magical atmosphere across Japan each spring. Hanami – picnicking under these blooms – is a beloved national pastime.
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo offers countless fantastic places for hanami. Here are some of the best spots in the city to lay out a picnic and enjoy the sakura:
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Ueno Park |
One of Tokyo’s most famous and lively hanami spots, with over 1,000 sakura trees creating a tunnel of blooms along its central pathways. Ueno Park hosts a festive atmosphere during peak bloom, with food stalls, families, and friends celebrating under the trees (it can get very crowded!). In the evenings, traditional lanterns illuminate the blossoms for yozakura (night cherry blossom viewing). Arrive early to stake out a picnic spot – tarps dot the ground as people claim spaces in the morning. |
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden |
A sprawling former imperial garden with over 1,000 cherry trees of more than a dozen varieties. Shinjuku Gyoen is known for its beautifully landscaped lawns and ponds, and its wide variety of sakura species means the bloom can last longer. The atmosphere here is more tranquil and family-friendly – no alcohol is allowed, and there’s a small entrance fee. It’s a great spot if you want to enjoy blossoms in a relaxed, serene setting while still being in the heart of Tokyo. |
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Meguro River (Nakameguro) |
A trendy riverside area where roughly 800 cherry trees line a 3.8-kilometer stretch of the Meguro River. In spring, the river transforms into a canopy of pink blooms, and at night the trees are lit up with hundreds of lanterns. This spot is famous for evening strolls during the Nakameguro Sakura Festival. Grab a cup of sparkling wine or sakura-themed cocktail and join the crowd. Note: no picnic space – this one’s for walking, sipping, and snapping photos. |
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Chidorigafuchi Moat |
A postcard-perfect 700-meter walkway along the Imperial Palace moat, lined with hundreds of cherry trees. By day, rent a rowboat and paddle through the moat; by night, enjoy a romantic illuminated stroll. It’s breathtaking, though very crowded during peak bloom – best to visit early or on weekdays. |
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Yoyogi Park |
One of Tokyo’s largest city parks and a favorite for casual hanami parties. With around 600 cherry trees, wide lawns, and a festive atmosphere, it’s great for groups. Expect music, snacks, drinks, and plenty of laughter. Free to enter and conveniently located near Harajuku Station. |
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Sumida Park |
A riverside park near Asakusa with 640 cherry trees and iconic Tokyo Skytree views. Dating back to the Edo period, it remains one of the most historic hanami spots. Enjoy food stalls, yakatabune (lantern-lit boats), and an illuminated sakura tunnel in the evening. It’s perfect for combining with a visit to Senso-ji Temple. |
Nationwide Cherry Blossom Forecast (Hanami Map)
Sakura season moves across Japan like a wave.
The “sakura zensen” (cherry blossom front) begins in the south (Okinawa in January) and progresses northward (Hokkaido in May). Each year, meteorologists release forecasts showing when the blossoms will open in each region. You can check the blooming status across Japan in real time.
In 2025, Tokyo’s full bloom was predicted for March 30. These maps are helpful if you’re traveling around Japan and want to catch peak blooms in multiple cities. Just remember – nature isn’t always predictable!
Best Snacks to Enjoy During Hanami
No hanami picnic is complete without food and drinks.
Popular hanami foods include onigiri, karaage, tempura, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Spring-themed sweets like sakura mochi and sakura chocolates are everywhere.
Drinks are also key – green tea, spring sakura lattes, beer, sake, and canned cocktails are all common sights. Whether you prepare a homemade ohanami bentō or grab goodies from a convenience store, the important thing is to enjoy the experience with a delicious spread beneath the blossoms.
Traditional Hanami Treats to Try
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Hanami Dango – Tri-colored rice flour dumplings on a skewer in pink, white, and green. Soft, chewy, and lightly sweet, they’re symbolic of spring and pair well with tea.
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Sakura Mochi – Pink rice cakes filled with red bean paste, wrapped in a salted cherry leaf. There are regional styles (Kanto and Kansai), but both are beautiful and tasty.
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Hanami Bentō – Picnic boxes with colorful seasonal foods like sushi, tamagoyaki, skewers, pickles, and sweets. Found at department stores or konbini during spring.
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Convenience Store Treats – Japan’s konbini are packed with ready-to-eat hanami foods: fried chicken, onigiri, chips, sweets, sakura drinks, and even limited-edition desserts.
Hanami Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
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Don't |
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Arrive early to grab a good picnic spot. People often reserve areas early in the morning.
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Don’t touch or damage the cherry trees. No climbing, picking, or shaking branches.
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Take your trash home. Parks may not have bins, so bring a bag and leave the space clean.
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Don’t litter. Never leave trash behind, even if bins are full.
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Be courteous. Keep noise at a reasonable level and don’t block paths or intrude on others’ spaces.
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Don’t get too rowdy. Drink responsibly and follow park rules—some ban alcohol completely.
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Why Japanese People Love Hanami: Beauty, Friendship and Tradition
Hanami is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting nature of life – their short-lived beauty evokes the idea of mono no aware, a gentle sadness in impermanence. Socially, hanami brings people together after winter. Families, friends, and coworkers gather under the trees to eat, drink, and bond. Office groups often send someone early to secure a prime spot. Food and drink are central – from sakura beers to flower-shaped sweets – and the shared experience is filled with nostalgia and warmth.
Hanami also represents new beginnings. April marks the start of the school and business year, and hanami often serves as a welcome party. The joy of spring, the brilliance of the flowers, and the togetherness of the people make this tradition one of Japan’s most beloved. Tourists are always welcome to join and experience this cultural treasure firsthand.
Conclusion
Sakura season in Japan is a truly magical time when nature and culture come together in celebration.
Whether you view blossoms at a major Tokyo park or a quiet riverside, the experience is unforgettable. By visiting great spots, trying seasonal foods, respecting etiquette, and joining in the festive spirit, you’ll create beautiful memories. Just like the falling petals, your hanami moments will be fleeting but cherished. So spread out your picnic sheet, raise a glass, and enjoy every second of the season. Happy hanami!
Sources: Tokyo tourism guides, Japan Meteorological Agency, Weather Map Japan, cultural and travel resources.
