The cherry blossoms in Tokyo will start to bloom on March 21 this year according to the 2018 forecast. This forecast is for the type of cherry blossoms called Someiyoshino Sakura. A few other varieties of sakura have already started to bloom.

There are many places in the city that are famous for sakura. These two Japanese Gardens are especially beautiful in the spring. They are usually closed to the public, but will open for the cherry blossom time.

Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a famous place for “hanami”, seeing the cherry blossoms. When you come here also visit the Tokyo National Museum.

March 13 to May 20, 2018, the museum shows art that depicts cherry blossoms in the Japanese Gallery. Old screens, paintings, and prints show how people went out for cherry blossom viewing in the past. Also on display will be items that are decorated with sakura flowers, such as colorful ceramics and luxurious kimono.

Spring opening of the Museum Garden

The Tokyo National Museum has a Japanese Garden with a pond, several teahouses, and tall trees. The Museum Garden lies behind the Honkan building. The regular museum admission fee will give you access.

The garden will be open from March 13 to May 20, 2018. You can take pictures and have a cup of coffee here. During the peak sakura time, the garden will be illuminated in the evenings until 19:30 on March 30 & 31 and April 6 & 7.

Tokyo National Museum: www.tnm.jp

Japanese Garden of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

You probably have seen a picture of the famous red Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple with its huge lantern. But do you know that the temple also has a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond and cherry trees? This garden is usually closed to the public and belongs to Denbo-in, the residence of the head priest.

This garden was created in the Kanei era (1624-44) by Kobori Enshu It is a “kaiyushiki” style garden that invites you to take a walk in it. Follow the path around the pond and you can see the temple’s pagoda from a new perspective.

Spring opening of Denbo-in Garden

The garden will be open March 16 to May 7, 2018 from 10:00 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00). Admission is 300 yen per person. When you enter the garden, you will first pass through a special exhibition of art pieces from the temple’s collection.

The entrance to the garden is near the five-storied pagoda of Senso-ji. From Asakusa Station walk trough Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street towards the Main Hall, then turn left.

Senso-ji Temple http://www.senso-ji.jp

The 2018 cherry blossom time in Tokyo: http://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=517