Thinking about heading to Japan to catch the cherry blossoms? Absolutely a must-do! Concerned about the language barrier? No need to worry!
With “Join The Bloom” – Our easy and handy guide by myself, in collaboration with Brady from TripPlus, we’ll turn your cherry blossom dream into a reality across Japan using award travel. From leveraging miles and points to utilizing travel credit, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hanami experience with us!
This week we start with Tokyo.
In this post, you’ll find:
- What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
- Where can you see the cherry blossom in Tokyo?
- What are our top 5 best spots for cherry blossoms from award travel perspective?
- Chidorigofuchi
- Kiba Park
- Nakameguro
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Ueno Onshi Park
- Where to stay in Tokyo on points and travel credit?
- What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
- Our thoughts
What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
Where can you see the cherry blossom in Tokyo?
As cherry blossom fever sweeps through Tokyo from late March to early April, dive into the city’s finest sakura festivals and viewing spots. You can experience the enchantment of Nakameguro’s Sakura-matsuri Festival, where 800 cherry trees adorn the trendy neighborhood with a captivating pink canopy, accompanied by lanterns and delectable treats. We suggest you explore the ethereal “yozakura” at Rikugien Gardens, marveling at weeping cherry blossoms aglow in a hauntingly beautiful scene.
Then you indulge in cherry blossom-themed delights at Sakura Fes Nihonbashi 2024 and wander through the cherry tree tunnel at Sakura Festival in Chiyoda. The highlight of your cherry blossom trip is to join the jubilant crowds at Ueno Sakura Matsuri and delight in the history and nature at Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival, where 1,700 cherry trees illuminate the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum with a magical sakura light-up at night.
What are our top spots for the cherry blossom from award travel perspective?
Our mission is to help you make the most of your cherry blossom holiday by leveraging credit card offers, points, and miles. We consider various factors, such as whether there are hotels available for redemption and if you can take advantage of credit card benefits. Additionally, we look at their proximity to the landmarks you plan to visit together.
Chidori-ga-fuchi（千鳥ヶ淵）
- Near Hanzomon Gate
- Close to Ginza
- Exploring the moat by renting a rowboat
- Enjoying the illuminated cherry blossoms at night during the blooming season
Chidori-ga-fuchi, is a top spot for cherry blossom viewing by boat. In the Edo period, only samurais enjoyed this privilege, but with peace came the chance for everyone to enjoy leisure time and admire cherry blossoms. The Edo Shogunate planted cherry blossoms along the riverside, creating beautiful spots like Chidori-ga-fuchi. You can experience Edo vibes with hundreds of cherry blossom trees and cruise on the moat!🌸
Nakameguro and Meguro River（中目黑、目黑川）
- Close to Shibuya
- Near Meguro Sky Garden
- Exploring the vibrant atmosphere and event
- Attending the Nakameguro Sakura Festival
- Discovering the trendy coffee shops and relaxed vibe of the neighborhood
The cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are quite down-to-earth. The vast majority are planted by different Japanese governments of different eras to maintain the water and soil. You can enjoy the super high-density cherry blossom scenery both during the day and at night from late March to early April. The area is laid-back neighborbood where attracts coffee aficionados, boasting famous cafes like Sidewalk, Blue Bottle, Onibus, and Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Starbucks Reserve ® Roastery Tokyo is one of only six Starbucks roasteries in the world.
It is close to Meguro Sky Garden which is a rooftop park in the city and rises up to 35 meters above street level. It is an another place you can enjoy cherry blossom and fresh air in the hustling and bustling city. 🌸
Shinjuku Gyoen（新宿御苑）
- Within walking distance of Shinjuku
- Admiring skyscrapers framed by the garden’s ancient trees
- Having a picnic beneath the cherry blossoms
- Continuing your shopping spree at any time in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen, offers a delightful array of cherry blossoms. From early winter blooms to the beloved Yoshino cherry blossoms in late March to early April, it’s a serene escape close to the vibrant Shinjuku shopping district. It is perfect for post-meal relaxation or a break from shopping fatigue.🌸
Kiba Park（木場公園）
- Close to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kinshicho
- Enjoying early cherry blossoms in Jan
- Perfect for iconic landscapes in one frame – sakura, rivers, Tokyo Skytree
- Great for families to spend time in the Botanical Gardens
Kiba Park is near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and Kinshicho. Discover Tokyo’s charm at Kiba Park near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and Kinshicho. In February, witness the beauty of 80 early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees along the scenic Oyokogawa River. If you wish to capture the scene of cherry blossoms, rivers, and the Tokyo Skytree in one frame, we believe Kiba Park would also be your ideal spot! You can indulge in a picnic experience at Kiba Park, where you’ll discover tennis courts, a designated barbecue area, the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and the Kiba Koen Toshiryokka Botanical Gardens.🌸
Ueno Onshi Park（上野恩賜公園）
- Close to Ueno, Tokyo Skytree
- Enjoying the 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom
- Visiting Ueno Zoo
- Easily accessible to the airports – a perfect spot to visit when in transit
Ueno Onshi Park is near Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree. It’s said the first cherry blossoms here were planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu (the grandson and designated successor of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate). With nearly a thousand trees, Ueno Park hosts Japan’s largest cherry blossom festival each year. Convenient transport means even if you are just transiting in Tokyo, you can easily reach Ueno Park to participate in the festivities.🌸
Where To Stay In Tokyo?
Conrad Tokyo (Hilton)
Why: We suggest the blend of liveliness and serenity! Nestled in the prestigious Shiodome district, surrounded by towering office buildings, it’s a peaceful oasis amidst the urban buzz. Yet, it’s just a hop away from Ginza’s shopping paradise, Tsukiji Outer Market’s culinary delights, and Shinbashi’s vibrant work culture.
Hilton Honors elite members might find themselves upgraded to rooms overlooking the enchanting Hamarikyu Gardens, where they can soak in the verdant scenery and breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay. It’s like a slice of tranquility in the heart of the bustling Minato ward!.🌸
- Recommended credit card pairing: Amex Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
- 95,000 points per night (or a Free Night certificate) = almost two complimentary nights upon opening the card, plus potential spending rebates
- Ideal for visiting Chidori-ga-fuchi and enjoying cherry blossoms at Hamarikyu Gardens
- Located in the upscale district of Shiodome, adjacent to Tsukiji Outer Market, within walking distance of Ginza, and with convenient access to Odaiba
- Holding the Hilton Honors Aspire Card grants you Hilton Diamond status – providing complimentary breakfast and access to the Executive Lounge, making it extremely cost-effective
Hyatt House Shibuya (Hyatt)
Why: Hyatt House Shibuya opens in late February 2024, and it is a brand new hotel. The best treat is not only there comes with standard amenities but also a kitchen, washing machine, and bathtub which were impossible in Tokyo. We believe it’s perfect for ‘slow travel’ in Tokyo. The nearby areas of Daikanyama and Ebisu are ideal for leisurely exploration, offering a different charm compared to rushing to touristy spots every day.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase Ink Business Preferred (Please Click)
- 12,000 points per night, but cash price exceeds $620, equivalent to a value of over 5 cents per point (Hyatt points valued at around 1.7 cents per point)
- Signup bonus offers up to 8 nights
- Ideal for cherry blossom viewing in Nakameguro and Shinjuku Gyoen
- Located in bustling Shibuya, close to Shinjuku, Omotesando, Ebisu, and other shopping districts
- Each room features a washing machine, simple kitchenette with fridge and microwave, offering excellent amenities for daily living
Kimpton Shinjuku (IHG)
Why: This brand new hotel, which we haven’t stayed at yet, marks a significant addition to Shinjuku’s hotel scene. Shinjuku is traditionally dominated by the Park Hyatt. Finally, the InterContinental Group has introduced a high-end hotel. Given the style of Kimpton, it always appeals to us along with its central yet serene location and convenient transportation. It definitely becomes the top choice for us staying in Shinjuku.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
- 80,000 points per night, equivalent to two complimentary nights upon signup
- Ideal for cherry blossom viewing in Nakameguro and Shinjuku Gyoen
- Despite being located in the bustling heart of the city, it manages to offer tranquility (with a bit of distance from Kabukicho)
Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho (Marriott)
Why: If you’re looking to experience a more local vibe, Kinshicho might be a down-to-earth choice. The area around the south exit of the station, with its lively red-light district and abundance of izakayas (don’t worry, it’s still very safe here). It offers a glimpse into an insider view of Tokyo. Also, it’s conveniently close to trendy areas like Kiyosumi Shirakawa and the Skytree.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Please Click)
- Booking with cash tends to be more cost-effective, and cardholders can enjoy Platinum member benefits
- Ideal for visiting the Skytree and cherry blossom viewing in Kiyosumi Shirakawa
- Not your traditional main shopping district but more local side of Tokyo
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno (A good case for travel credit)
Why: Narita Airport was Tokyo’s main gateway in the past, Ueno served as the starting point for many to explore the city (thanks to the Keisei Electric Railway’s quick 41-minute ride!). Ameyoko was often the first stop for shopping enthusiasts, while nearby areas like Asakusa and Akihabara drew visitors from all walks of life. For us, Mitsui Garden has always been the go-to when we want a relaxed stay in Tokyo. While the Ueno branch may lack a large bathhouse, the cozy rooms and delicious breakfast remain unchanged. With its thoughtfully designed decor, it’s the perfect choice for a laid-back stay in the city..🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
- Booking through the Capital One travel portal earns you 10x points back.
- Accommodation expenses can be directly offset by the annual $300 travel credit, effectively making hotel stays free upon signup
- Ueno’s Ameyoko area is vibrant with grassroots culture, and it’s easy to walk (or take the subway) to Asakusa, Skytree, and Akihabara
- Easily accessible from Narita Airport by Keisei Electric Railway. Only 41 minutes by Skyliner
What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
Amex® Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
Chase Ink Business Preferred® (Please Click)
Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ (Please Click)
Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
Our Thoughts
There are plenty of amazing spots to catch the stunning cherry blossoms in Tokyo. According to the forecast, Tokyo will be in full bloom by mid-March. However, you can still catch glimpses of these beautiful blooms from late March to early April. Tokyo is an excellent destination for beginners exploring Japan and you can embrace the cherry blossom season to soak up the authentic local culture that Japan has to offer.
This is our first attempt at crafting such a guide from an award travel and seasonal travel perspective. We eagerly anticipate all your feedback, which will fuel our enthusiasm to continue sharing more insights in the weeks ahead until the end of cherry blossom season.
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