Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from the Shinjuku local media site Daily Shinjuku.
Cherry blossom season has arrived once again. On beautiful spring days, it would be a shame not to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
In this article, I’ve put together a list of some of the best cherry blossom spots in Shinjuku. From famous parks to hidden temples and riverside walks, here are eight places where you can enjoy sakura in the area.
8 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Shinjuku
1. Shinjuku Gyoen (Paid Entry / 9:00–16:30)
When it comes to hanami in Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen is a must-visit.
Among the locations introduced here, it is the only place that requires an entrance fee. The garden features around 1,100 cherry trees across about 65 varieties, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms for an extended period—from late March to late April.
One of the highlights is the beautiful scenery around Tamamo Pond and Naka-no-Ike Pond, where cherry blossoms reflect on the water. Visitors without an annual pass may need to make reservations in advance during busy seasons.
Location: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
2. Shinjuku Central Park (Free / Open 24 Hours)
Next is Shinjuku Central Park in Nishi-Shinjuku.
The park is free to enter and open 24 hours, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms together with their pets. While the blossoms are not heavily illuminated at night, the contrast between the sakura and the surrounding skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku creates a unique nighttime atmosphere.
There are also many places to sit, such as benches and terrace seating around SHUKNOVA, making it an easy spot to drop by casually.
Location: 2-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Stations: Tochomae Station, Nishi-Shinjuku Station
3. Hanazono Shrine (Free / Open 24 Hours)
Located in Shinjuku 5-chome, Hanazono Shrine is another place to enjoy cherry blossoms.
After passing through the large red torii gate, visitors are welcomed by blooming sakura trees. Although the number of trees is not large, the shrine offers a peaceful atmosphere and is considered a hidden gem for quietly appreciating the blossoms.
Location: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Higashi-Shinjuku Station
4. Joenji Temple (Free / Open Until 21:00)
Joenji Temple in Nishi-Shinjuku is known for its beautiful nighttime cherry blossom illumination.
The large weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) is lit up after dark, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. Even though many visitors come to see it, the impressive night view makes it worth experiencing.
Location: 7-12-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Stations: Shinjuku Station, Nishi-Shinjuku Station
5. Toyama Park (Free / Open 24 Hours)
Next is Toyama Park in Okubo.
At the Hakoneyama South Entrance along Okubo-dori, rows of cherry trees line both sides of the road, forming something like a sakura tunnel.
Inside the park is Hakoneyama, the highest point within the Yamanote Line area. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of cherry blossoms across the park.
Location: Toyama 1–3-chome and Okubo 3-chome, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Stations: Nishi-Waseda Station, Waseda Station
6. Kansen-en Park (Free / 7:00–19:00)
Another hanami spot in Shinjuku is Kansen-en Park in Waseda.
This park is a historic Japanese garden dating back to the Edo period and is also listed among the 100 Historical Parks of Japan. It is a lesser-known location and tends to be relatively quiet compared with larger parks.
Visitors are sometimes greeted by a goat named Yuki-chan near the entrance.
Location: 3-5 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Stations: Omokagebashi Station, Waseda Station
7. Hanazono Park (Free / Open 24 Hours)
Hanazono Park, near Shinjuku Gyoenmae, is integrated with the playground area used by Hanazono Elementary School.
The park has playground equipment such as swings, slides, and horizontal bars. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom here, and people can often be seen enjoying casual hanami in the park.
Location: 1-21 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Nearest Station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
8. Kanda River Cherry Blossom Promenade (Free / Open 24 Hours)
Finally, the Kanda River cherry blossom promenade stretches from Waseda toward Edogawabashi.
The 830-meter path was created as a place for relaxation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Toshima City. Walking along the river also connects to scenic spots such as Higo Hosokawa Garden and Edogawa Park, making it ideal for a spring stroll.
Location: 2-10 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku
Nearest Station: Toden Waseda Station
Conclusion
In this guide, I introduced eight cherry blossom spots in Shinjuku that I have personally visited.
If you want a relaxed hanami picnic, large parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Central Park, Toyama Park, and Kansen-en Park are great choices. For nighttime cherry blossoms, Joenji Temple and Hanazono Shrine are recommended.
Choose a location depending on your mood and enjoy the cherry blossom season in Shinjuku.
Looking for the Original Japanese Article?
If you would like to read the original Japanese article, please visit the Daily Shinjuku page below.
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2022/04/02/shinjuku-cherryblossoms/
