Rikugien Garden in Tokyo: Cherry Blossoms in 2025 and Spring Light-up

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Rikugien Garden is one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo. We have compiled information on the peak cherry blossom viewing times, light-up events, and highlights of the weeping cherry trees at Rikugien Garden.

Written by

Cham

I am Cham, a writer.

I obtained my General Travel Service Supervisor license at the age of 18.

Started working for a travel agency and left after marriage. After that, I became a freelance writer. I worked as a web writer for about 8 years, writing on-demand media and conducting interviews. I am now back as a writer at MATCHA because I want to be involved in the travel industry once more!

Recently, I started a travel-reporting Instagram page with five of my classmates who work for a travel agency^^ (followers are welcome!).

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo's Rikugien Garden

Rikugien Garden is a park located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. It is a popular spot for autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms.

Every year, many hanami (flower viewing) visitors come to enjoy the scenery during the peak bloom period. When it comes to the cherry blossoms at Rikugien Garden, the weeping cherry trees are a highlight!

Many people come to see the beautiful sight of the cherry trees, not only during the day but also for the evening light-ups. We have compiled detailed information regarding the cherry blossom forecast and peak viewing times at Rikugien Garden.

Rikugien Garden CherryBlossom Guide

Rikugien Garden: One of the Two Great Gardens of Edo
Best Times to View Cherry Blossoms at Rikugien Garden
Rikugien Garden's Stunning Weeping Cherry Trees are a Must-See
Rikugien Garden Cherry Blossom Light-Up Information
Access and Basic Information for Rikugien Garden

Rikugien Garden: One of the Two Great Gardens of Edo

Photo by CANVA

Rikugien Garden is a historically significant Japanese garden that has been passed down from the Edo period to the present day.

It was created over seven years starting in 1695 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, who was a close aide to the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Along with Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, it is referred to as one of the "Two Great Gardens of Edo."

This stroll garden features a central pond surrounded by paths, allowing visitors to enjoy a diverse range of plants and creatures throughout the seasons. It is a beloved garden appreciated by many year-round.

Best Times to View Cherry Blossoms at Rikugien Garden

Rikugien Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing Season

Photo by CANVA

Rikugien Garden reaches its peak cherry blossoms in late March each year. There are about 25 cherry trees planted, including the signature Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees.

During the cherry blossom viewing season, special night viewings are available. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

In 2025, the Special Nighttime Viewing in Spring event at Rikugien will be held from March 22 to March 30.

The viewing season begins a bit before the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This allows visitors to enjoy the transition of the seasons from the initial blossoms to the leaves turning. This is a unique and enjoyable aspect of Rikugien Garden.

Rikugien Garden's Stunning Weeping Cherry Trees are a Must-See

Photo by CANVA

What is particularly noteworthy at Rikugien Garden is the weeping cherry tree, measuring about 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide!

The overwhelming presence and beauty of the weeping cherry tree, contrasted with the unique appearance of the Japanese garden, create a beauty that is beyond words.

The pale pink flowers swaying in the wind resemble a "cherry blossom waterfall," causing many visitors to stop in their tracks as petals dance in the air.

Many people come from afar just to enjoy this cherry tree every year.

The weeping cherry tree reaches its peak bloom earlier than the Somei Yoshino. Be sure to check the blooming information regularly.

Rikugien Garden Cherry Blossom Light-Up Information

In 2025, the Special Nighttime Viewing in Spring will be held from March 22 to March 30.

The schedule may vary according to the blooming period and peak viewing times of the cherry blossoms in the garden.

Major spots in Rikugien Garden, especially the weeping cherry tree, will be illuminated. There will also be various events, including projection mapping, tea ceremony events, and photo spots planned during the period.

Visitors can enjoy the charming scenery that can only be seen during the peak cherry blossom season.

However, note that the event may be canceled due to weather conditions such as rain or strong winds. We recommend checking the event page in advance.

Additionally, special night viewings require the purchase of separate admission tickets. Buying tickets online in advance allows you to enter smoothly without waiting in line.

Access and Basic Information for Rikugien Garden

Photo by CANVA

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: New Year's (December 29 to January 1)
Admission Fees: General 300 yen, Seniors (65 years and older) 150 yen. Free for elementary school students and junior high school students residing or studying in Tokyo.

Access: 7-minute walk from Komagome Station (South Exit) via the JR Yamanote Line/ 7-minute walk from Komagome Station (N14) via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line/ 10-minute walk from Sengoku Station via the Toei Subway Mita Line.

Rikugien Garden

113-0021 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Rikugien Garden is one of the most famous Japanese gardens. This garden was built in 1702 and covers a vast area of approximately 8.9 hectares. Rikugien is known as a strolling garden with a rocky mountain spring, and its beauty and perfection was such that even the Edo period shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, visited it many times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter Rikugien Garden without a reservation?

You can enter without a reservation on weekdays, but reservations are accepted on weekends due to larger crowds. It is recommended to make a reservation if you plan to visit during the peak cherry blossom season when many visitors are anticipated to come.

How much time should I allocate to explore Rikugien Garden?

Plan for about 30 minutes to walk around the pond and around 1 hour to explore the entire garden. During cherry blossom season, there will be photo spots and events, so consider allocating a bit more time for your visit.

Can I bring my own lunch?

Generally, you can bring food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. Additionally, the use of leisure sheets or any kind of mats within the garden, as well as access to the lawn, is prohibited.

Visit Rikugien in Spring

Rikugien Garden is a historically significant Japanese garden that has been passed down and preserved since the Edo period.

The beautiful ambiance of the Japanese garden along with the impressive weeping cherry trees create a stunning scene! The fully bloomed cherry blossoms and the enchanting sight of the falling petals are also wonderful. We recommend visiting and experiencing it for yourself!

Read also

Main image and information courtesy of atpress

Written by

Cham

I am Cham, a writer.

I obtained my General Travel Service Supervisor license at the age of 18.

Recently, I started a travel-reporting Instagram page with five of my classmates who work for a travel agency^^ (followers are welcome!).

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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