Ueno Park, located in Tokyo’s Taito Ward, is a well-known destination for cherry blossom viewing. The park is home to many facilities, and there are numerous spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms. From late March to early April, the Ueno Sakura Festa is held, making it one of the must-visit spots for those sightseeing in Tokyo.
In this article, we introduce the top spots in Ueno Park for cherry blossom viewing. Depending on the spot, the atmosphere may change between day and night, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossoms all day long. If you’re planning to visit Ueno Park to view the cherry blossoms, be sure to check out these recommendations.
1. Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Ueno Park
Ueno Park (officially Ueno Onshi Park) in Tokyo’s Taito Ward is a famous spot for cherry blossoms. Covering about 53 hectares, the park is home to various facilities and walking paths. When visiting for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), it’s a good idea to know the best spots in advance.
Here are five recommended spots for cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park:
1-1.Sakura Dori
Sakura Dori (Cherry Blossom Avenue) is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park.This pedestrian path, located near the center of the park, is lined with about 800 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and KanhiZakura varieties.
At night, the atmosphere on Sakura Dori changes completely as the trees are illuminated by lanterns, creating a romantic ambiance. If time allows, it’s recommended to experience both the daytime and nighttime cherry blossoms.
During peak bloom, a central divider is set up, and foot traffic on either side of the divider flows in one direction. Even during crowded times, visitors can smoothly walk along the cherry tree-lined path.
1-2.Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Kiyomizu Kannon-do, modeled after Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu Temple, is a designated Important Cultural Property. It was originally built in 1631 on the hill of Suribachi-yama in Ueno Park and relocated to its current location in 1694. It was constructed as one of many temples intended to protect the northeast, an unlucky direction, of Edo Castle.
Behind the main hall of Kiyomizu Kannon-do, you’ll find a row of weeping cherry trees known as shushiki zakura (autumn cherry blossoms). Weeping cherry trees have been planted here since the Edo period, with the current trees being the ninth generation.
This spot is also popular for photography, with the cherry blossoms providing a stunning backdrop to the historic temple. Compared to spots like Sakura Dori or Shinobazu Pond, Kiyomizu Kannon-do is less crowded, offering a quieter hanami experience.
1-3.Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond is located in the southwestern area of Ueno Park. The pond, about 1.3 kilometers in circumference, is split into two by a bridge. One side is a lotus pond, and the other is a pond where visitors can enjoy boat rides.
The area around the lotus pond in particular abounds with cherry trees.During full bloom, the cherry blossoms are reflected on the water’s surface, creating a breathtaking scene. Benches are available along the shore, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the blossoms at their own pace.
Shinobazu Pond is also a sanctuary for many birds, including migratory species that come to winter there. Its natural beauty, combined with the vibrant cherry blossoms, makes it a perfect escape from the urban bustle.
1-4.Ueno Toshogu Shrine
At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, you can enjoy cherry blossoms along the approach that leads from the Grand Stone Torii Gate to the shrine’s main hall, known as the Golden Hall.This flower-filled approach, surrounded by historical architecture, is especially popular among international tourists.
Ueno Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Golden Hall, built in 1651, is known for its lavish use of gold leaf. Despite wars and natural disasters, the structure has remained intact since its original construction.
Visitors to Ueno Toshogu Shrine often pray for success and long life. During the cherry blossom season, it’s a great idea to combine hanami with a visit to this shrine for a more spiritual experience.
1-5.Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum hosts a special event during the cherry blossom season, where its garden is open to the public. The garden features over 10 types of cherry trees along with other trees and wild plants, making it a popular hanami spot.
Founded more than 150 years ago, the Tokyo National Museum boasts a collection of around 120,000 cultural properties and artworks from Japan and across Asia. Special exhibitions related to cherry blossoms are also often displayed during this time, offering a perfect blend of art and nature.
The museum’s garden is located on the north side of the main building. Featuring a pond and five traditional tea houses, the garden also contains relics such as a five-story pagoda and stone lanterns related to the Tokugawa Shogunate. It’s an ideal spot for those who love Japanese art and culture.
2.Information about the Ueno Sakura Festa
The Ueno Sakura Festa is a festival held during the cherry blossom season in Ueno Park. Those visiting the park during the festival can also enjoy food stalls and special live performances, making it a great time to experience Ueno’s festive atmosphere.
Below is an overview of the festival’s venue, dates, access, and highlights. Please note that the information is based on past events, as details for the 2025 event have not yet been announced.
2-1. Venue
The Ueno Sakura Festa is held at Take-no-dai Plaza (Fountain Plaza), located in the northeastern part of Ueno Park. A special stage is set up in the plaza, where various artists perform music, dance, and taiko drumming.
There are about 1,200 cherry trees planted throughout Ueno Park.The park has been a famous spot for cherry blossoms since the Edo period, and many visitors come to enjoy the Ueno Sakura Festa when the blossoms are in full bloom.
2-2.Dates
The Ueno Sakura Festa was canceled from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it returned in 2023. In 2024, it ran for about three weeks, from March 16 to April 7.
Although the dates for the 2025 event have not yet been announced,the festival is typically held from late March to early April.
2-3. Access
Ueno Park is easily accessible by train. The nearest station is Ueno Station, which is served by JR lines, the Keisei Line, and the Tokyo Metro. If you take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, it’s about 7 minutes from Tokyo Station or 15 to 20 minutes from Shinagawa Station. From Ueno Station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Ueno Park.
If traveling from Haneda Airport by train, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line for Ueno Station. The total travel time is about 35 minutes.If using the airport limousine bus, you can transfer at Tokyo or Akihabara Station to the JR Yamanote Line for Ueno Station.
From Narita Airport, the Keisei Skyliner is the most convenient option, providing direct access to Ueno Station in about 50 minutes.
2-4. Highlights
The Ueno Sakura Festa offers more than just beautiful cherry blossoms. Highlights include the evening cherry blossom light-ups and live concerts held on the special stage.
The food fair at the festival features a variety of stalls from local shops and other regions, offering a wide range of delicious foods. Visitors can enjoy tasty treats while admiring the blossoms.
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Conclusion
One of the best-known cherry blossom spots in Ueno Park is Sakura Dori, which is lined with about 800 cherry trees. You can also enjoy cherry blossoms at the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Toshogu Shrine, both of which offer unique hanami experiences.
If you visit during the cherry blossom season, be sure to check out the Ueno Sakura Festa. The festival includes events like cherry blossom light-ups and live performances, allowing you to enjoy hanami in a lively and festive atmosphere.
*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.
