I toured the cherry blossoms in the western part of Tokyo’s 23 wards over two days, visiting Suginami and Nerima in the west and Meguro and Minato in the south. While these spots may not be the central highlights featured on various websites, they offered excellent cherry blossom viewing experiences, so I’ll record them here as hidden gems.
Hidden cherry blossom spots in western Tokyo:
Inokashira Park
Along the Shakujii River near the Minamitanaka Bridge
Zenpukuji Park
Along the Kandagawa River near the Takaido Station
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo typically bloom around the third or fourth week of March, but they were a bit late in 2024. It was my first cherry blossom experience with the insta360 x3, and I eagerly awaited their blooming. While the places I visited might not be the central highlights, they are still worth considering.
Inokashira Park, with its large pond, creates a beautiful landscape with cherry blossom-lined paths. It’s a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), and there’s a note that drinking is allowed until 10 p.m.
Shakujii River, especially around the Minamitanaka Bridge, offers a serene atmosphere with stunning cherry blossom tunnels along the walking paths.
Zenpukuji Park, located along the Ome Kaido, is another popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Besides cherry blossoms, various other flowers add to the seasonal charm.
Along the Kandagawa River near Takaido Station, you can enjoy cherry blossoms along the riverside walkway. The view from Takaido Bridge, with cherry blossoms lining the river, is breathtaking.
For those interested in central Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots, the areas around Meguro River and Shiba Park are highly recommended. Meguro River, known for its cherry blossom-lined banks, is particularly stunning when illuminated at night.
Shiba Park, in Minato Ward, is a vast park featuring cherry blossoms and a Japanese garden.
These were some insights into cherry blossom viewing in western Tokyo and the southern part of the city. While I toured by bicycle, taking trains or buses and leisurely strolling might be preferable for those looking to fully enjoy the cherry blossoms. And why not enjoy a beer while taking a stroll?
Note: Locations have been hyperlinked for easy reference.
