Tokyo cherry blossom progress report 2024: the sakura trees are looking more sparse now

As seen on Wednesday April 10

The immediate surroundings of Shibuya Station are what can only be described as sheer chaos. Near the station’s South Exit, however, there’s a small road lined with cherry trees that catches the attention of every busy commuter this time of year.

The cherry blossoms along Sakuragaoka in Shibuya are looking very sparse now, with more leaves than pink sakura. The strong winds and rain yesterday had quickened the loss of the flowers.

As seen on Wednesday April 10

Shinjuku Gyoen is still as busy, although most of the sakura flowers have fallen to the ground, exacerbated by yesterday's rain. Nevertheless, it's still a beautiful sight even though the trees have less blossoms now.

This sprawling garden has an abundance of cherry blossoms spread out across many different sections, so it doesn't feel overly crowded. And the best part is, many of the trees here are mature and huge, with branches so heavy with flowers they touch the ground.

As seen on Wednesday April 10

The Meguro River sakura is now past full bloom; many trees have already shed a majority of their flowers. This is due largely to Tuesday's rainy weather, which did not help in prolonging the lifespan the flowers – much of them were blown off by the strong winds. Nevertheless, the cherry blossoms are still quite beautiful, even when they fall.

Anyway, as many of you have noticed, the scenery here is less impressive this year, as the trees were pruned a few months back. Frankly, some of them looked a bit stumpy.

Regardless, this is still a popular cherry blossom attraction in central Tokyo. And as such, it tends to get really busy, so a good time to visit is early morning before the crowds start to gather. Otherwise, grab a seat at these riverside cafés and restaurants with the best cherry blossom views in Nakameguro.

As seen on Wednesday April 10

This winding road near Roppongi Hills shopping centre is flanked by huge, mature sakura trees. As of Wednesday, the cherry blossoms here still look pretty decent, although they are very much interspersed with green shoots by now.

For more sakura, stop by the Roppongi Hills Mohri Garden while you're in the area.

As seen on Tuesday April 9

The sakura trees on this stretch of the Meguro River are left as they are, not pruned like those near Nakameguro Station. The trees still looked quite full from afar, but the rain today would have washed off many of the cherry blossoms. Still, if you're looking for a quiet, relaxing stroll under cherry blossoms, this is a better place to be.

As seen on Monday April 8

The trees along a section of the Meiji-dori road between Hiroo and Ebisu are still looking full, although the flowers are starting to drop now. Delay no more, go see them now as the trees are starting to come down from peak bloom.

As seen on Monday April 8

The cherry blossoms around Tokyo Midtown are now fully open, with some trees already starting to shed petals. The Midtown Blossom event is ongoing until April 14 and highlights include the beautiful evening illuminations (5pm-11pm) as well as a pop-up café serving spring-inspired food and cocktails.

As seen on Sunday April 7

On Sunday, Inokashira Park in Kichijoji was bustling with people enjoying the cherry blossoms at full bloom. The flowers here are still at their peak, but will probably start shedding petals in the next few days.

As seen on Sunday April 7

The cherry blossoms at this secluded little park are now at peak bloom. The park closes at 4.30pm, so it's best to visit in the morning or early afternoon.

Komaba Park is extremely popular among hanami picnic groups, so you'll want to get there early to secure a good spot.

As seen on Friday April 5

Just a few steps away from Meiji Jingu Shrine, the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park are now at full bloom. With its close proximity to Shibuya and Harajuku, expect the park to be packed this weekend with hanami festivities.

As seen on Thursday April 4

The cherry blossoms along this scenic moat have reached peak bloom and they are now at their best. This is the perfect time to visit. The trees nearer to the boating dock are fuller and hence more photogenic.

The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival has been extended until this Sunday April 7. However, the boating and illumination times are now shorter. More info here.

As seen on Wednesday April 3

If you're visiting the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival at Chidorigafuchi Moat, it's worth stopping by the adjacent Yasukuni Shrine for more sakura. The trees on the premises are now about 70 percent in bloom. We expect the cherry blossoms here to reach peak bloom in a couple of days.