If you arrived in Tokyo a couple of days or weeks too late for the cherry blossoms, don't give up yet. There are ways to enjoy the seasonal spectacle, after all:
Option 1: See late-flowering cherry tree varieties
There are more than a hundred cherry tree varieties in Japan. The large majority of trees bloom usually around late March and early April, but there are a few varieties that bloom several days or weeks earlier and later. While not as popular nor spectacular as the mainstream cherry trees, the later blooming varieties can still provide nice hanami conditions for several weeks beyond the end of the main season:
Two to three week beyond the end of the main season
10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station, 500 yen, 9:00 to 18:00
In addition to being one of the best spots to see the mainstream Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, Shinjuku Gyoen also features a large number of late blooming cherry tree varieties that extend the viewing period around the park by about three weeks beyond the end of the regular season.
Option 2: Make a side trip
Due to its moderate maritime climate and wealth of heat emitting concrete, central Tokyo is one of the first places in Japan to see the cherry blossoms open every year. But you do not have to travel far to places where the blossoms open several days or weeks after the trees in the center of Tokyo, such as the suburbs further inland or the higher elevations surrounding the capital. Below are a few places where you can see the blossoms in easy side trips:
Nishi-Tachikawa Station, 450 yen, 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 on weekends)
Located half an hour west of central Tokyo by the JR Chuo Line, Showa Memorial Park (Showa Kinen Koen) is one of Tokyo's largest public parks. It has about 1500 cherry trees planted around its central lawns, which usually bloom a few days later than those around central Tokyo. The huge park is divided in several, spread out areas which are connected by paved walking paths and cycling trails which are fun to explore by rental bicycle.
Koganei Park
A few days behind central Tokyo
5 minute bus ride or 20-30 minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Stations, free admission
Koganei Park is another large public park in the western suburbs of Tokyo. More than a thousand cherry trees are planted around its grounds and are typically in bloom a few days later than those around central Tokyo. The cherry trees are mainly found in the western part of the park around the Cherry Garden (Sakura no En) and in front of the interesting Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum, which is also part of the park.
About one hour north of Tokyo by shinkansen or two hours by local trains
The cherry blossoms in Gunma Prefecture typically open a few days after those around Tokyo, giving visitors who just missed the season in the capital another opportunity to see the flowers at their best. Several cherry blossom spots are located around the city's largest and most easily accessible cities of Takasaki and Maebashi. Further into the mountains, the blossoms can be enjoyed another one or two weeks later.
About one hour west of central Tokyo, free admission
Mount Takao west of central Tokyo has only a modest number of cherry trees along the main trail up the mountain. A larger concentration of cherry trees can be found in the Itchodaira area an additional 30 minutes hike beyond the summit. Also known as the Takaosan Senbonzakura ("Mount Takao Thousand Cherry Trees"), Itchodaira is home to several different cherry tree varieties which typically bloom a few weeks later than the ones in central Tokyo due to their higher elevation.
The Fuji Five Lake region (Fujigoko) at the northern base of Mount Fuji offers the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms in combination with Japan's most iconic volcano. The best views of the blossoms in conjunction with the mountain can be seen from the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and from the Chureito Pagoda.
About 2.5 hours by JR limited express trains (more details)
The city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture is most famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of the most celebrated castles in Japan. The castle is also one of the city's best cherry blossom spots, where the blossoms, together with those around Matsumoto's other popular hanami spots, bloom about two weeks after Tokyo.
Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
Located 100 metres from Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden in Tokyo, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa provides accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi. A flat-screen TV with Blu-ray player, private bathroom with slippers, and a kitchenette with fridge are provided in certain units. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Sanyabori Park, Chokoin Temple and Honryuji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa.
7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe features air-conditioned rooms with TV in the Edogawa district of Tokyo. Located around 500 metres from Subway Museum, the hotel with free WiFi is also 1 km away from Furukawa Shinsui Park. The hotel features family rooms. All units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The private bathroom is equipped with a bidet, bathrobes and slippers. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is available daily at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe. The accommodation provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Popular points of interest near 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe include Gyosen Park, Ukita Park and Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
Located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Zuiken Kawamura Former Residence Place Monument, Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo Kayabacho provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is around 500 metres from Oiwa Inari Shrine, 600 metres from Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and 700 metres from Takao Inari Shrine. Each room is equipped with a balcony. At the hotel, each room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo include Shinkawa Historic Place Monument, Sailor Education Origin Place Monument and War Disaster Memorial Service Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 27 km from the accommodation.
Located in Tokyo, near Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park, Kameido Tenjin Shrine and Umeyashiki Monument, SOLA HOTEL features free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a terrace. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with hot tub, slippers and a hairdryer. Some units include a seating area and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Olinas Kinshicho Shopping Mall, Tobacco & Salt Museum and Gokinimono Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 30 km from SOLA HOTEL.
Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Esterre offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
Designed by Kengo Kuma, Capitol Hotel Tokyu boasts 3 restaurants, a 14th-floor indoor pool and direct access to 4 subway lines. Rooms are spacious for Tokyo and have city views. Free WiFi is available in the entire building and paid private parking is available on site. Rooms at Tokyu Capitol Hotel offer a softly lit blend of the old and new, with paper screens and a large flat-screen TV. A minibar and a large private bathroom with a bathtub are included. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer are provided. Guests can look out over Tokyo as they work out at the fitness centre or relax in the hot tub. Carju Rajah TIADO Spa offers massages and the hotel includes a beauty salon, photo studio and other shops. The business centre on the 3rd floor features a computer and photocopying services for guests' convenience. Guests are also provided with a handy Smartphone. Star Hill Chinese Restaurant serve lunch and dinner in stylish modern settings. Suiren offers various Japanese dishes including teppanyaki, sushi and kaiseki multi-courses. Asian and Western cuisines are available all day at Origami. The Capitol Bar offers mood lighting, natural wood and elegantly served cocktails. The hotel has direct access to the Tameike-sanno and Kokkai-gijido-mae subway stations, which offer direct links to the Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza areas. The Imperial Palace is a 5-minute drive, while Roppongi Hills is a 10-minute drive away.
Situated a minutesf walk away from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station of the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Marunouchi Line, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho boasts free WiFi throughout the entire property. There is a sake bar, a sushi restaurant and a teppanyaki restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is directly linked to Nagatacho Station of the Nanboku Line. It is a 10-minute drive from Tokyo Station, and a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Narita International Airport is a 100-minute drive away. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a spa and wellness centre and a sauna facility, and the front desk offers currency exchange. Laundry services are offered at an extra cost. All rooms are air-conditioned/heated and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms come with a desk, minibar, electric kettle, a coffee machine, personal locker and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub and shower. Hairdryers, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes provided. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine on site, and there are several restaurants within a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
Conveniently situated in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, Backpacker's Mini House is located 500 metres from Kanda Children's Park, 600 metres from Bellesalle Kanda and 600 metres from Tokyo Sankei Building Metro Square. The 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The property is close to popular attractions like Taira no Masakado's Grave, Wake no Kiyomaro Statue and Goto Inari Shrine. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Otemachi Building Shops & REstaurants, Tokiwa Park and Kotoku Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 28 km from Backpacker's Mini House.
Located just a 5-minute train ride from Haneda Airport, 328 Hostel & Lounge offers cosy accommodation fitted with free WiFi and a shared kitchen. Anamori Inari Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. The hostel offers modern dormitory rooms with air conditioning. Shared bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests at the 328 Hostel can unwind at the common lounge, or prepare their own meals at the kitchen. The hotel is a 15-minute train ride from Shinagawa Train Station.
