Tips · Japan
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Trip: What Should You Prepare Now?
Tokyo's cherry blossom season is late March to early April. How to use the forecast, Ueno Park, March-May normals, a 4-day plan and what to book early.
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Short answer: aim for late March to early April and look at hotels early
The Tokyo guide names late March to early April (cherry blossoms), along with October-November, as the best time to visit. If you are thinking of a spring trip, build your date options around that window, and because so many people travel then, the key step is to look at accommodation, flights and transport early.
The exact blossom timing changes every year, though. Always check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book and again before you go. According to the guide, 4 to 5 days is enough.
When do the blossoms come? Late March to early April, but it changes every year
The guide gives Tokyo's cherry blossom season as late March to early April. This post does not promise any particular date, because the exact timing changes every year.
So the order matters. Start looking at hotels and transport early with a generous late March to early April window, and check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book and before you leave so you can fine-tune your dates. Checking change and cancellation terms when you book makes it easier to adjust to the forecast.
Note that the guide describes Golden Week (late April to early May) as crowded and pricey. Keep that in mind if you plan to stretch a spring trip toward late April.
Where to see them: Ueno Park, the guide's blossom spot
The Tokyo guide names Ueno Park as its spot for spring cherry blossoms. With museums and a zoo in the park, it is easy to combine blossom viewing with sightseeing in one day, and the Ameyoko market is right next door.
Ueno also works as a base. The guide says the Asakusa / Ueno area is near Senso-ji and Ueno Park, has cheaper hotels and offers easy access to Narita. From Narita Airport, the Keisei Skyliner reaches Nippori and Ueno in about 35-45 minutes for about 2,600 yen.
March-May weather and what to wear
Temperatures and rainfall are 1991–2020 normals from the Japan Meteorological Agency's Tokyo station. March: high 14°C, low 5°C, 116 mm of rain. April: high 19°C, low 10°C, 134 mm. May: high 24°C, low 15°C, 140 mm.
In March and April, when the blossom season falls, normal lows are 5°C and 10°C, so mornings and evenings feel chilly. Layers you can take off and put back on work best, and by May daytime highs approach 24°C, so lighter clothes are enough.
All three months get around 116-140 mm of rain, so a folding umbrella is worth packing.
- A light outer layer for layering
- Comfortable walking shoes (walking one or two stops is often faster)
- A folding umbrella
A 4-day spring plan: the guide's route plus Ueno Park
The guide's 4-day route works just as well in spring. Day 1 ends near Ueno's Ameyoko, so adding Ueno Park that day fits blossom viewing naturally into the plan.
Senso-ji is best early in the morning or when lit up at night, and Meiji Jingu is most peaceful in the morning. Booking Tokyo Skytree online cuts waiting time.
- Day 1: Senso-ji and Nakamise Street in the morning, Tokyo Skytree in the afternoon, then Ueno Park and the Ameyoko market in the evening
- Day 2: Meiji Jingu in the morning, Harajuku and Omotesando in the afternoon, then Shibuya Sky views
- Day 3: Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza shopping in the afternoon, then Rainbow Bridge views in Odaiba
- Day 4: Akihabara in the morning, Ikebukuro or Shinjuku Gyoen in the afternoon, then yakitori in Omoide Yokocho
What to book early and how to get around
Blossom season is a busy time to travel, so it pays to look at accommodation, flights and transport early. For entry rules, check official information before you travel.
From the airports, the Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Narita to Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya stations without a transfer (about 55-90 minutes, about 3,000-3,400 yen). From Haneda, the Keikyu Line reaches Shinagawa in about 15-20 minutes for about 300-350 yen.
In the city, a Suica or PASMO IC card covers JR, subways and buses, and the JR Yamanote loop line is the backbone of most plans. On days with lots of subway rides, the tourist 24/48/72-hour subway passes pay off. From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping switches to a refund system: you pay the tax at purchase and get it refunded after customs checks your goods at departure. Check official information for the procedure.
- Accommodation: start looking early around your blossom-season date options
- Flights and airport transfers: plan your route into the city from your arrival airport (Narita or Haneda)
- Tokyo Skytree tickets online
- An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi: it makes navigating complex transfers much easier
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FAQ
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
The guide gives late March to early April as the cherry blossom season. The exact timing changes every year, so check the official cherry-blossom forecast before you book and before you go.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
The guide's spring blossom spot is Ueno Park. It has museums and a zoo, and pairs well with the Ameyoko market next door.
How chilly is Tokyo in March and April?
Normals are a high of 14°C and low of 5°C in March, and a high of 19°C and low of 10°C in April (Japan Meteorological Agency, 1991–2020). Bring a layer for mornings and evenings.
How many days should a blossom trip be?
The guide suggests 4 to 5 days. Adding Ueno Park to Day 1 of the 4-day route lets you fit in blossom viewing.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Shinjuku skyscrapers · Morio / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Koko-en Garden · Drivephotographer / CC0
- Odongdo Island · Mobius6 / CC BY-SA 4.0