Path beneath a tunnel of cherry blossom trees

5 Hidden Parks in Tokyo Best for Sakura Season

From March to May, spring in Tokyo transforms with sakura (cherry blossoms) filling the city with soft pink and white petals. Spring is the peak tourism season in Japan, bringing more than 3 million foreigners to see these stunning landscapes. Visitors and locals alike come from all over Japan to partake in hanami (flower viewing) picnics and parties—and there’s no better place to experience this seasonal magic than Tokyo’s many parks. Here are GoConnect’s recommendations for the best parks in Tokyo for sakura season that will also help you avoid the cherry blossom crowds. 

1. Koganei Park

Koganei Park

Home to more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees, Koganei Park offers incredible views in the spring. It tends to be less crowded compared to some of Tokyo’s more famous sakura spots, such as Ueno or Shinjuku, so there is more than enough space to have relaxing scenic picnics without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Koganei Park also has plenty of historical charm with traditional Japanese garden elements such as ponds, walking paths and local events, including the Kogenai Cherry Blossom Festival which is held annually and free to attend. 

Highlights: 

  • Less crowded
  • Relaxing atmosphere 
  • Historical charm 
  • Kogenai Cherry Blossom Festival

Location: Koganei City, accessible by the Chuo and the Seibu Shinjuku line.

2. Toneri Park

Toneri Park

This park is known to have a scenic and quiet atmosphere. Unlike some of the larger and more famous sakura spots, Toneri Park offers a relatively calm and relaxing environment for people to view the cherry blossoms. The park is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, offering stunning views as you stroll beneath them. It also features open green spaces where friends and families can relax, combining the vibrancy of urban life with the calm and peacefulness of nature.

Highlights:

  • Calm and quiet atmosphere 
  • Cherry blossom tree-lined streets
  • Open grass spaces 
  • Urban yet calm 

Location: Adachi Ward, accessible by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line. 

​​3. Asukayama Park

​Asukayama Park

One of Tokyo’s oldest parks dating all the way back to the Edo period, Asukayama Park used to be a site for cherry blossom viewing by samurai, adding a sense of tradition and culture to this hanami destination. The park offers more than 600 cherry blossom trees which are dispersed along multiple walking paths. It’s located on a small hill and the elevation allows for a beautiful view of the surrounding city and cherry blossom trees. This hidden gem of a park is also known to be less crowded, providing a tranquil oasis within the city.  

Highlights:

  • Elevated views
  • Steeped in tradition and culture 
  • Less crowded
  • Walking paths

Location: Taito Ward, accessible by the JR Keihin-Tohoku, Toei Oedo, Hibiya and Ginza line

4. Kinuta Park

Kinuta Park

This lesser-known spot for cherry blossom viewing offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds of more famous locations in Tokyo. Kinuta Park is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience while enjoying the beauty of the season. With wide open spaces and walking paths, it’s a perfect place for friends and families to hang out and relax in springtime. The park also offers playgrounds and sports facilities, making it a great destination for those who are visiting with children.

Highlights:

  • Quiet and relaxed atmosphere
  • Wide open space and walking paths 
  • Playground and sports facilities 

Location: Setagaya Ward, accessible by the Tokyu Meguro and Tokyu Oimachi line 

5. Shakujii Park

Shakujii Park

This park offers a blend of natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal location for sakura viewing. Shakujii Park is known for its historical charm, as it was once known as the grounds for samurai residences. It also has expansive green spaces, a large pond and a long walking path that winds around the park, making it a great spring destination. For photography enthusiasts or those looking for their next Instagram post, the park also has great photo spots that showcase the cherry blossoms. 

Highlights:

  • Tranquil atmosphere 
  • Historical charm 
  • Green spaces, large pond 
  • Photo spots

Location: Nerima Ward, accessible by the Toei Oedo and the Seibu Ikebukuro line.

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