Update-date: Apr 07 2025
The ultimate way to spend spring here in Japan: Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. This article introduces some of the best places to view these beautiful flowers, as well as some restaurants to take a detour to. The best time to see sakura vary from place to place, so take a look at this article to prep in advance!
1. Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Ueno Park is one of the most famous hanami spots in not just Tokyo, but all of Japan. It started becoming known for its sakura trees roughly 400 years ago, and is currently home to over 1,200 sakura trees, many of them which are planted along Sakura-dori (Sakura Street). You will get to see these pale pink flowers blossom if you visit between late March to early April. The Ueno Sakura Festival, where you can enjoy the sight of sakura illuminated by lamps, is also held around this time.
Ayakaritai
Ayakaritai is a 2-minute walk from Ueno-Hirokoji Station and is a great place to go after viewing the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park. This restaurant is particular about Niigata's local cuisine and rare sake. The famous "Hegi soba'' is made with Niigata's famous "Koshi seaweed ground fresh soba'' and is served in beautifully prepared bite-sized pieces. Guests can also enjoy a la carte dishes made with ingredients carefully selected that day.
The interior of the restaurant is a modern Japanese space that resembles an old folk house. There are a variety of seats available, including counters, tables, and tatami rooms, so you can choose according to the occasion. In addition, at the attached Japanese sake specialty store Washuya, you can purchase carefully selected sake from sake breweries from all over the country and drink it in the store or take it home.
Ayakaritai
Open: [Weekdays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (Food L.O. 2:00 am / Drink L.O. 2:30 am), [Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm / Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station North Exit / 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station Exit A4 / 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station Exit A4
Address: 1F, Ueno Shinkyo Bldg., 3-38-15, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station North Exit / 2-minute walk from Ueno Hirokoji Station Exit A4 / 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station Exit A4
Address: 1F, Ueno Shinkyo Bldg., 3-38-15, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
76Vin
76vin is a 2 minute walk from Nezu Station and close to Ueno Park. This is a restaurant where guests can enjoy yakitori in style. The main dish is yakitori made with Saisai chicken from Iwate Prefecture, and guests can enjoy creative yakitori using red wine sauce and Guérande salt from France. When it's hard to decide, order the ”recommended 3-piece set,'' which includes three popular skewers, including thigh meat with a hint of spice.
The restautant also recommend the "charcoal-grilled seasonal vegetable platter'' made with naturally farmed vegetables. The interior of the restaurant is based on white and has a sophisticated cafe-like atmosphere. They also have about 100 types of natural wines, so guests can enjoy pairing them with yakitori. This is the perfect shop to stop by on the way back home from cherry blossom viewing.
76Vin
Open: 18:00 - 24:00, no yakitori (grilled chicken) on Wednesday
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go out of exit 1 of Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Head through the traffic signal along Genmon Street for about 30 seconds, next to Akafudado.
Address: 1F, 2-13-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)
Located between the buildings of a corner of Shinjuku, one of the busiest locations in the nation, is Shinjuku Gyoen, a vast park full of greenery. About 65 varieties of 1,100 cherry blossom trees are planted in the park, and the earliest flowers bloom around the middle of Feburary. The best time to see the sakura is from late March to late April. During the first two weeks, approximately 400 Yoshino cherry trees bloom, and in the latter half, you'll see 300 double-flowered cherry trees in bloom.
Raika Shinjukugyoen (Shinjuku-gyoemmae / Chinese Cuisine)
![[2019 Edition] The Best Spots and Restaurants in Japan for Viewing Cherry Blossoms](/gg/content_image/t0217_008_20190221105925.jpg)
This famous restaurant offers "nouvelle chinois", a new kind of Chinese cuisine based on traditional Shanghai food that incorporates Japanese ingredients and Western elements. One of the most delectable dishes there is the [Blue Shark Fin Stew from Kesennuma with Shanghai-style Sauce] (from 8,000 JPY for 100g). Choose your favorite sauce from 4 to 6 options, and enjoy this luxurious dish! Raika Shinjukugyoen is only 3 minutes away from Shinjuku Gyoen on foot.
Raika Shinjukugyoen
Open: Lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (last order 14:00) / Dinner 17:30 - 23:00 (last order 21:30)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from exit 2 of Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku-Gyoen station. A 10-minute walk from exit E5 of Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Shinjuku-Sanchome station.
Address: 1F Itchome Sanbankan , 1-3-12 Shinjuku , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from exit 2 of Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Shinjuku-Gyoen station. A 10-minute walk from exit E5 of Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Shinjuku-Sanchome station.
Address: 1F Itchome Sanbankan , 1-3-12 Shinjuku , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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Fukiyosekomachi
Fukiyose Komachi is a Japanese restaurant located a 5-minute walk from Yotsuya Sanchome Station. This is a restaurant guests should definitely stop by after viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Guests can enjoy orthodox Japanese cuisine made with luxurious seasonal ingredients. Reservations are required, limited to two groups per day, and there are four counter seats and one private room that can accommodate six people.
The "One Day Course'' is a course meal that uses seasonal flavors to let you feel the season on your plate. The restaurant uses small quantities of ingredients purchased from the market that day and prepares them using a variety of methods. The colorful dishes will satisfy both the appearance and taste. Guests can feel Japan right down to the matcha and Japanese sweets that appear at the end.
The "One Day Course'' is a course meal that uses seasonal flavors to let you feel the season on your plate. The restaurant uses small quantities of ingredients purchased from the market that day and prepares them using a variety of methods. The colorful dishes will satisfy both the appearance and taste. Guests can feel Japan right down to the matcha and Japanese sweets that appear at the end.
Fukiyosekomachi
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Sunday] Dinner from 6:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 11,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station (Exit 2). Follow the road toward Shinjuku and turn right at the third alley.
Address: 1F, 4-10-1, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 11,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,500 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station (Exit 2). Follow the road toward Shinjuku and turn right at the third alley.
Address: 1F, 4-10-1, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Sakura at Mt. Yoshino (Nara)
Every year from early to late April, around 30,000 Shiroyama sakura blossom in the Shimo-senbon and Naka-senbon areas. The best spot to get a panoramic view of this sight is Yoshimizu Shrine, also known as a place where you can view 1,000 flowers in just one glance. It takes around 39 minutes on the Kintetsu express train from Kashiharajingu-mae station to Yoshino Station. From there, during the hanami season, visitors can take a bus all the way to Nakasenbon.
Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu
Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu is the oldest soy sauce storehouse in Nara that has been renovated into an inn. At the on-site restaurant, guests can enjoy dishes made with MARUTO soy sauce. This soy sauce is made using native soybeans and wheat from Nara Prefecture, and is made with yeast that has been passed down for 300 years. We offer dishes that bring out the charm of soy sauce, such as sashimi where you can enjoy the aroma of freshly squeezed soy sauce, bowls made with flavorful "heated soy sauce'', and takikomi rice cooked with moromi (soy sauce residue).
This is a gourmet restaurant that makes the most of the bounty of Nara, such as home-grown vegetables, Yamato beef, and Yamato pork, as well as the flavor of soy sauce. Why not stop by after cherry blossom viewing?
This is a gourmet restaurant that makes the most of the bounty of Nara, such as home-grown vegetables, Yamato beef, and Yamato pork, as well as the flavor of soy sauce. Why not stop by after cherry blossom viewing?
Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu
Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 12:00 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 6:30 pm) *Please see the official website for temporary closures.
Closed: Wednesday, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Average price: [Dinner] 13,200 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute by taxi from Kintetsu Tawaramoto Station
Address: 170, Iyodo, Tawaramoto-cho, Shiki-gun, Nara Map
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Closed: Wednesday, the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Average price: [Dinner] 13,200 JPY / [Lunch] 5,500 JPY
Access: 10-minute by taxi from Kintetsu Tawaramoto Station
Address: 170, Iyodo, Tawaramoto-cho, Shiki-gun, Nara Map
4. Osaka Castle Park (Osaka)
Osaka Castle is a symbolic icon of Osaka, and its surroundings have been turned into a park called "Osaka Castle Park". This park is a well-known sakura spot, and during the peak of the hanami season, around 3,000 cherry blossom trees bloom and gracefully embellish the castletower. During this season, the trees are also illuminated at night, adding a magical ambience to the scene.
CHIKICHIKI Temma Branch
CHIKICHIKI Tenma Branch, located a 3-minute walk from Temmabashi Station, is an easy-to-go restaurant after admiring the cherry blossom trees along the Okawa River. Guests can enjoy authentic yakitori grilled by artisans. The "chicken tataki'' is carefully grilled after the order is placed. Because it is cooked to the perfect temperature, the skin is fragrant and the inside is moist. The restaurant also has wine and other alcoholic beverages that go well with yakitori.
The interior of the restaurant has a stylish atmosphere based on gray. We recommend sitting at the counter where guests can watch the food being grilled right in front of them. For groups, there are table seats and private rooms. It's a comfortable restaurant where guests can feel free to stop by even with children.
CHIKICHIKI Temma Branch
Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: Get off at Tenma Station and go straight north on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. It's across from Sushiro.
Address: 5-7-19, Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 8,000 JPY
Access: Get off at Tenma Station and go straight north on Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. It's across from Sushiro.
Address: 5-7-19, Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
Kaminoza
Kaminoza is a 5-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, and is a restaurant where guests can enjoy original Japanese cuisine. The menu is limited to omakase courses that require reservations. The owner uses carefully selected ingredients from all over Japan, and he also makes his own seasonings such as miso and soy sauce. The dishes change with the seasons, but ''Naniwa Black Beef Shabu Shabu'', which uses seven kinds of seasonal vegetables, is the only standard dish.
The restaurant has counter seats and table seats, and has a stylish atmosphere with a traditional Japanese feel. There are also courses where you can enjoy pairing with wine or sake. Why not spend some luxurious time on your way back from cherry blossom viewing at Osaka Castle Park?
The restaurant has counter seats and table seats, and has a stylish atmosphere with a traditional Japanese feel. There are also courses where you can enjoy pairing with wine or sake. Why not spend some luxurious time on your way back from cherry blossom viewing at Osaka Castle Park?
Kaminoza
Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holiday] 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm),[Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 12:00 - 2:30 pm (L.O. 12:00 pm) *Lunch is currently acceptable for Sunday only on the web. Available on other days of the week for a minimum of 4 people. Please inquire by phone or email for lunch from Tuesday to Saturday.
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station/ Sakaisuji Hommachi Station. It is located on the Southwest corner of the Noninbashi intersection.
Address: 3-1-25, Noninbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 20,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station/ Sakaisuji Hommachi Station. It is located on the Southwest corner of the Noninbashi intersection.
Address: 3-1-25, Noninbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
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5. Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Hirosaki Park was built upon the ruins of Hirosaki Castle which was home to the Tsugaru family until the 19th century. It has 52 types of 2,600 sakura trees, including over 400 Yoshino cherry trees, Yae-zakura (double-cherry) trees, and Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) trees. The best period to see these cherry blossoms is toward the end of April to the beginning of May. Don't miss out on the stunning sight of sakura adorning the three-story castletower. It makes for an amazing photo spot!
Other than what's mentioned above, Japan is full of spots to view sakura, the flower that Japanese people love the most. Enjoy the flowers and seasonal foods available at these spots!
Dining Umi no Akari
A 3-minute walk from Chuo-Hirosaki Station, Dining Umi no Akari is within walking distance of Hirosaki Park, making it perfect for returning from cherry blossom viewing. This restaurant does not use frozen fish, only fresh fish, so guests can enjoy fresh fish dishes at reasonable prices. The ”assorted sashimi'' is made with fresh fish carefully selected from the fish market that day, so when it comes to making a reservation, guests can discuss their preferences and price.
The inside of the restaurant has a clean and refreshing atmosphere. There are counter seats and 3 private rooms that can be reserved for small groups of 4 or less. There is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages including sake and shochu, and there is also an all-you-can-drink menu. We also recommend the cocktails, which are made individually to order.
The inside of the restaurant has a clean and refreshing atmosphere. There are counter seats and 3 private rooms that can be reserved for small groups of 4 or less. There is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages including sake and shochu, and there is also an all-you-can-drink menu. We also recommend the cocktails, which are made individually to order.
Dining Umi no Akari
Open: [Saturday,Day Before Holidays] 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (last order 1:30 am)[Weekday] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 am)
Closed: If Monday is a holiday, Monday is a regular holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access:
Address: 2F-B, Maruni Building, 95 Honmachi, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: If Monday is a holiday, Monday is a regular holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access:
Address: 2F-B, Maruni Building, 95 Honmachi, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture Map
More Details Reservation
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
