Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011

Shinjuku Gyoen

One of the only parks to be spared when all sakura trees were chopped down in the 1860s. Wide-open spaces, placid ponds and hidden pavilions make this worth the entry fee.
Open daily (Mar 25-Apr 24) 9am-4pm. Free (6 and under)/¥50 (kids)/¥200 (adult). Nearest stn: Shinjuku-Gyoenmae. www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen

Chidori-Gafuchi

Popular with OLs and salarymen on their way home from work, with boat rides during the day and illuminated blossoms at night.
Open 9:30am-8pm, illumination daily 6:30-10pm. Nearest stn: Kudanshita or Hanzomon. www.kanko-chiyoda.jp

Yoyogi Park

One of the largest parks in Tokyo is a surefire hanami picnicking spot. Open daily 24 hours from late March through mid April.
Nearest stn: Harajuku. http://meturl.com/yoyogikoen

Yasukuni Shrine

Enjoy the festival atmosphere with over 100 street stalls selling food and drink in the shade of approximately 1,000 sakura trees.
Open daily (6am-6pm), illumination daily 6:30-10pm. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. www.yasukuni.or.jp

Ueno Park

Hanami mecca that is home to over 1,200 cherry trees, plus lion dances and other performances.
Cherry blossom festival (with illumination) March 3-April 10, 5:30-10pm. Open daily 5am-11pm. Nearest stn: Ueno. http://meturl.com/uenokouen

Rikugien

Known for the waterfall of petals from its weeping willow-like shidare cherry tree.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Illumination through March 24, sunset-9pm. Admission: ¥300 (general); ¥150 (65 and over); free (elem and under, Tokyo MS students). Nearest stn: Komagome. http://meturl.com/rikugien

Mitsuike Koen, Kanagawa

Relax by one of the three ponds, surrounded by the “Forest of 100 Trees.”
Nearest stn: Tsurumi, then bus. www.kanagawaparks.com/mitsuike

Shiba Koen

Party atop an ancient kofun burial mound in view of Tokyo Tower.
Nearest stn: Shiba-Koen. www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Roppongi Hills

Enjoy the nighttime view of illuminated cherry trees backed by the soaring Mori Building.
Illumination daily 5:30-11pm. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.roppongihills.com

Hamarikyu Garden

Edo-era park featuring traditional Japanese and Chinese performances.
Illumination daily sunset-9pm. Admission: ¥300 (general); ¥150 (65 and over); free (elem and under, Tokyo MS students). Nearest stn: Komagome. www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Meguro River

Paper lanterns adorn the trees lining the river. On March 27-28, enjoy wine and jazz music at the Sakura Festival.
Illumination Apr 1-10, 6-10pm. Nearest stn: Nakameguro.

When?

Knowing exactly when the sakura will blossom is an inexact science. But who needs science when you’ve got the web? Keep your eye on these sites for updates about the arrival of the cherry blossoms across the nation

• www.mapple.net/sp_sakura This website from leading mapmaker Mapple lists the country’s 100 best hanami spots, chosen by the Nihon Sakura no Kai
• www.rurubu.com/season/spring/sakura Rurubu offers a popular sakura photo gallery, plus a rundown of theme-based viewing spots
• http://hanami.walkerplus.com Listings for 900 popular hanami locations around Japan are offered on this popular site, complete with details on events and average number of blossoms

sakura Charity Bazaar

Enjoy the cherry blossoms with traditional Indian food and handicrafts. Hosted by the Rachna Club, an organization of Indian women in Tokyo. April 1-3 and 8-10, 11am-8pm. Free entry. Embassy of India, 2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest stn: Kudanshita. www.embassyofindiajapan.org

Which area parks have the most trees?

1. Takiyama Park (Hachioji): 5,000
2. Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park (Atsugi);
   Kodomo no Kuni (Aoba): 3,000

3. Kinugasayama Park (Yokosuka); Koboyama Park (Hadano); Sagamiko Kohan (Sagamihara); Koganei Park (Koganei): 2,000
4. Mitsuike Park (Tsurumi): 1,600
5. Showa Kinen Park (Tachikawa): 1,500
6. Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku): 1,500 (last year 1,300)
7. Ueno Park (Ueno): 1,200
8. Yasukuni Shrine (Itabashi): 1,000
9. Kinuta Park (Setagaya); Yoyogi Park (Harajuku): 930
10. Meguro River: 830