[Update, Mar 30] The Moominvalley Park in Saitama will be closed from March 31 to April 12.
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A growing number of major attractions in Tokyo have closed temporarily due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and now the city's parks are following suit. Hopefully the move will encourage people to follow Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike's advice that we should stay home, especially this weekend, to curb the spread of the virus.
The cherry blossoms may be in peak bloom, but officials have decided to close the following Tokyo parks from Saturday March 28 until Sunday April 12: Rikugien, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Kinuta Park. Showa Kinen Park will also close from March 28, although its reopening date is yet to be announced. Moominvalley Park in Saitama, on the other hand, is closing its gates only over the weekend (March 28-29).
Moreover, all roads leading to the cherry trees in Ueno Park, Inokashira Park and Yoyogi Park will be blocked off until hanami (flower viewing) season is over.
If you're still keen on experiencing the cherry blossom season in Tokyo (or Japan in general), the safest and the best way to do that right now is through these soothing 360-degree VR videos of cherry blossoms.
Get the latest updates on the coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan here.
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See these incredible cherry blossom VR videos
Mix yourself a cocktail using common convenience store ingredients