The 2025 edition! 800 cherry trees will be in full bloom at this Tokyo cherry blossom viewing spot! Ueno Onshi Park

  • Tokyo
  • Sightseeing
Cherry blossoms in Ueno Onshi Park Photo courtesy of Taito City
Ueno Onshi Koen was designated as Japan's first park in 1873. Today, it is a cultural zone with a museum, art museum, zoo, and other facilities that attract many visitors. There are approximately 1,200 cherry trees in the park, and it is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many people every spring.

Since when did Ueno Park become a cherry blossom viewing spot?

Ueno Onshi Koen, or Ueno Park, is located on a hill called "Ueno no Oyama" (Ueno Mountain). In the Edo period (1603-1867), this area was the site of Kan-eiji Temple on Toeizan (Mt. Toeizan), which left a vast area of nature. It is said that the cherry blossoms in the mountains of Ueno began when the founder of Kan'eiji, Tenkai Sojo, who was a cherry blossom lover, had cherry trees transplanted from Yoshinoyama in Nara, which is famous for its cherry blossoms. Hanami in Ueno was known as a place where the common people could enjoy cherry blossoms as well as noble banquets. In 1827, the guidebook "Edo Meisho Karyo" (Edo Meisho Hanayaku) introduced the best cherry blossom viewing spot in Edo as Toeizan (Kan-eiji Temple).

Ueno Onshi Park recommended photo spots

Shinobazuno Pond

Duck boats on Shinobazuno Pond Photo courtesy of Taito City
View of Sky Tree from Shinobazuno Pond.
Shinobazunoike (Shinobazu Pond) is located in Ueno Park. Shinobazunoike Pond consists of three ponds, "Lotus Pond," "Cormorant Pond," and "Boat Pond," and is characterized by a bridge that divides the center of the large pond. Cherry trees are planted mainly on the "Lotus Pond" side, and visitors walking along the pond can see cherry trees hanging down over the pond. You can take a stroll and admire the cherry blossoms, or take a boat ride and leisurely view the blossoms from the water. Also, a collaborative photo of the Sky Tree seen from Shinobazunoike Pond and Shinobazunoike Benten-do (Shinobazunoike Benten Hall), a fusion of old and new, is recommended as a good Instagram picture, coupled with the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

Shimizu Kannon-do Temple

Pine tree of the moon at Kiyomizu Kannon-do Hall, Kan'eiji Temple Photo courtesy of Taito City
Kiyomizu Kannon-do (Kiyomizu Kannon Hall) is a short walk from the statue of Takamori Saigo near the entrance to Ueno Park. The hall was built in 1631 by priest Tenkai, who modeled it after Kiyomizu Temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto. The famous pine tree in front of the Kiyomizu Kannondo is the "Moon Pine," which Hiroshige Utagawa also depicted in his ukiyoe woodblock prints. It is recommended to take a picture of the Shinobazunoike Ranten Hall, which can be seen only slightly within this beautiful circle of the moon. The cherry blossoms in full bloom around the "Moon Pine" add to the splendor of the scene.
Behind the main hall is a cherry tree called "Shushikizakura," which has been known since the Edo period (1603-1868). It is one of the famous cherry trees that have appeared in the "Edo Meisho Hanayaki" and "Edo Meisho Zue" and still blooms today, despite the passage of generations. Autumn color in spite of spring? It is strange, isn't it? There is a monument near this weeping cherry tree that tells the story of its origin, so please go and see it in person.

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival" will be held again this year!

The 76th Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Schedule: Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, April 6, 2025
Location: Ueno Onshi Park
*Subject to change depending on the blooming of the cherry trees.

The "Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival" holds a variety of events every year. Last year, an antique market, a monkey show by Nikko Gundan, a flower and grass market, festival music and Kotobuki Shishi (Kotobuki lion), etc. were held. At night, bonbori (paper lanterns) are lit and visitors can enjoy the fantastic nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by lights. In addition, the "Ueno Sakura Festa" held during the festival attracts many people with stage events and food stalls.

Ueno Sakura Festa 2025
Dates: Tuesday, March 18 to Sunday, April 6, 2025
Location: Fountain Plaza, Hakamakoshi and Shinobazuno Pond area

Cherry lights up along Shinobazuno Pond
Dates: Friday, March 14 to Sunday, April 13, 2025

For more information about the event, please visit the Ueno Tourism Association's For more information on the event, please visit the website of the Ueno Sightseeing Federation or contact them by phone.
Ueno Sightseeing Federation website is here:
Photo courtesy of Taito City
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April, but it may be later or later depending on weather conditions. Ueno Park is close to the nearest station, Ueno Station, and various events are scheduled during the cherry blossom season, making Ueno Park enjoyable for both children and adults. In the past, the people of Edo (old name of Tokyo) used to go cherry blossom viewing with shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) and enjoy singing and dancing. This spring, why not enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, a popular hanami spot among the Edo people?

Ueno Onshi Koen official website is here:
For reservations for train + accommodation in the Tokyo area, please visit the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package at
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