Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing｜Popular/Less-Known Cherry Blossom Spots, How to Choose?

It's the end of March, and the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo are about to bloom. According to the latest cherry blossom forecast from the Meteorological Bureau, Tokyo's cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on March 26 and reach full bloom on April 2. Speaking of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, today we'll take a look at some popular and less-known cherry blossom viewing spots, and see which ones you can include in your cherry blossom viewing plans this year. Popular Spots 1. Ueno Park: Convenient transportation, dense cherry trees, connected to the Tokyo National Museum, which you can visit together. However, it's crowded, especially during peak season. 2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Many varieties of cherry blossoms and a garden-like atmosphere, suitable for picnics. Also crowded and requires an entrance fee. 3. Tokyo Tower: Right under the Tokyo Tower, the combination of cherry blossoms + landmark makes for great photos. The downside is that there aren't many cherry trees. 4. Nakameguro: Cherry blossoms are concentrated along the Meguro River, and the night view of the cherry blossoms is beautiful. However, it's extremely popular, and the roads on both sides are narrow and crowded. 5. Others: Yoyogi Park is suitable for viewing cherry blossoms + picnics, and Chidorigafuchi is suitable for boat rides to enjoy the cherry blossoms, but you may have to queue for boats during peak season. Less-Known Spots 1. Takadanobaba + Omokibashi Bridge: Walk from Takadanobaba to Todaira Bridge, and follow the river to Takada Bridge and Omokibashi Bridge. Both sides are full of cherry blossoms, and Omokibashi Bridge is the most suitable for taking photos. 2. Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden: Next to Hamamatsucho Station, it's 150 years old. There aren't many cherry trees, but the Japanese garden + cherry blossoms are quite suitable for taking photos. The key point is that there are few people! 3. Shibuya: Mainly for viewing night cherry blossoms. There aren't many, but it's in Shibuya. There's a pedestrian bridge opposite, which is the best place to take photos. 4. Kawagoe Edo-style Town: The town retains the original Edo-style appearance. The cherry blossoms dotted throughout will take you back to the Edo period. Cherry Blossom Photography Tips 1. Iconic Angles: • Find a pedestrian bridge to capture the classic image of cherry blossom branches intertwined into an arched tunnel. The reflection in the river adds more depth. • Riverside walkways: When walking along the river, choose a low angle and shoot upwards to capture the dreamy effect of cherry blossoms flying all over the sky. 2. Must-Shoot Night Cherry Blossoms: • Lighting time: From evening to around 9pm, the lights illuminate the cherry blossoms and the water surface, creating a charming interplay of light and shadow. It is recommended to use night mode or adjust the shutter speed to capture the warm and soft light. 3. Portrait Composition Tips: • Use the wooden railings on the riverbank as the foreground, with the person standing sideways to create a sense of depth. Use the "cherry blossom framing" technique to let the hanging cherry blossom branches naturally surround the person's face, adding to the atmosphere.