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 an easy side trip from Tokyo:
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.
Enjoy each room's luxurious furnishings and attached bath/vanity in one of Tokyo's premier hotels. Just 25 minutes from Haneda Airport and also minutes from Tokyo Tower and Odaiba.
Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
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 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 bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A fridge and kettle are also provided. 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, 17 km from SOLA HOTEL.
The Hideout Tokyo is set in Tokyo. In a prime location in the Taito district, this cosy hotel is located 1.5 km from Sensoji Temple. JR Yamanote Uguisudani Station is just a 4-minute walk away. The compact rooms at The Hideout Tokyo are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. Rooms come with a private bathroom. Complimentary breads, banana and coffee are served every morning. Tokyo Skytree is 2.9 km from The Hideout Tokyo, while Edo Tokyo Museum is 2.9 km from the property. Tokyo Haneda International Airport is 18 km away.
Sumida Nagaya is situated in Tokyo, an 18-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree. Well situated in the Sumida Ward district, this guest house is set 2.6 km from Sensoji Temple. The property is 3.4 km from Edo Tokyo Museum and 7 km from Marunouchi Building. The guest house is equipped with a kitchenette with an electric kettle, microwave, toaster and fridge. Every room comes with a shared bathroom with a bath. An simple Japanese breakfast with rice balls and miso soup or a simple cereal is available daily at the property upon prior reservation. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from Sumida Nagaya.
Well situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, The Barn Tokyo is set 300 metres from Shikian, 300 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 400 metres from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi Mausoleum Imperial Scroll Gate. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is close to popular attractions like Kanei-ji Temple, Chosho-ji Temple and Kemmyo-in Temple. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The units in The Barn Tokyo are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nippori South Park, Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque and Kuroda Memorial Hall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from The Barn Tokyo.
Ideally set in Tokyo, Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is around 400 metres from Asakusa Public Hall, 500 metres from Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and 600 metres from Sogenji Temple. The property is close to popular attractions like Kinryu Park, Hozomon Gate and Honpo-ji Temple. Popular points of interest near the capsule hotel include Asakusa ROX Shopping Center, Drum Museum and Kappabashi-dori Shopping Street. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 18 km from Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa.
Conveniently situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo is located 60 metres from Komagatado, 500 metres from Kaminarimon Gate Senso-ji and 500 metres from Ekimise Asakusa. With a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. The hostel offers a terrace. Popular points of interest near Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo include Hozomon Gate, Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum and World Bags and Luggage Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.
Located in Tokyo, 700 metres from Togoshi-ginza Shopping Street, No Borders Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and free bikes. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to popular attractions like Meguro Fudoson Ryusen-ji Temple, Kaifukuji Temple and Yakushi-ji Tokyo Annex Temple. All guest rooms in the guest house are fitted with a kettle. The shared bathroom is equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. Guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Popular points of interest near No Borders Hostel include Remy Gotanda Shopping Mall, Anyo-in Temple and Musashi Koyama Shopping Street Palm. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
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. Crown 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.
