Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

If you’re looking for one of the most stunning cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 or Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival is an absolute must. With nearly 800 cherry trees lining the riverbanks, this festival turns the Nakameguro area into a breathtaking tunnel of pink petals. There is no difference if you're visiting during the day or at night, the illuminated cherry blossoms reflected in the water create a magical atmosphere you won’t forget.

The festival usually runs from late March to mid-April, aligning with Japan’s cherry blossom forecast for Tokyo. Peak bloom is expected in early April, which is the perfect time to visit. The best part? Admission is free!

Disclaimer: These dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

History of Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

The tradition of cherry blossom viewing (hanami) has been an essential part of Japanese culture for centuries. The Nakameguro area, where the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, has gradually become one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom spots over the past three decades. The area officially began hosting the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) in early April, typically lasting for about ten days.

Today, it’s one of the most anticipated cherry blossom festivals in Japan, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the stunning tunnel of pink petals along the Meguro River. The Naka-Meguro organizes the festival in Front of Station Shopping Arcade Promotion Association, which works to enhance the area’s seasonal charm and support the local businesses that make this festival such a lively event.

What to Expect at Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

This is a full-on hanami (flower viewing) experience with sights, flavors, and traditions that make Tokyo’s sakura season unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll find along the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025:

• A 3.8-kilometer sakura tunnel – The cherry blossom trees stretch along both sides of the Meguro River, forming a canopy of soft pink petals. Beautiful weeping cherry blossoms add to the fairytale-like scenery.
• Nighttime illuminations – As the sun sets, the trees are adorned with lanterns, creating an enchanting evening hanami experience known as yozakura (night sakura).
• Food stalls and light meals – Vendors set up along the river offering seasonal Japanese treats, from sakura-flavored mochi to warm bowls of ramen: perfect for the chilly spring air.
• Hanami parties – Many visitors gather along the river cherry blossom festival route for picnics and celebrations, enjoying sake, street food, and the beauty of full bloom.
• Shopping and cafés – Nakameguro is a trendy shopping district, so after enjoying the cherry blossom viewing, explore boutique stores, stylish cafés, and hidden gems.

How to Get to Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Meguro River Park is conveniently located in Nakameguro and is one of the easiest cherry blossom spots to reach using Tokyo’s public transport system. Since the festival attracts thousands of visitors, planning your route ahead of time and arriving early can help you avoid the crowds.

• By train – Take the Toyoko Line or Hibiya Line to Naka-Meguro Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the river.
• By JR Line – Ride the Japan Rail Pass-eligible JR Yamanote Line to Meguro Station, then take a short 10-minute stroll to the festival area.
• By bus – Several local buses stop near Meguro River, offering convenient access from different parts of Tokyo, including Shibuya and Shinjuku.

The area gets very crowded during peak bloom, especially in the evenings when the illuminated cherry blossoms attract large groups. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit in the early morning or on weekdays for a more relaxed hanami walk.

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

Since this river cherry blossom festival attracts large crowds, bag restrictions may apply for safety reasons:

• Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but large luggage or bulky items might not be permitted along crowded viewing areas.
• No reserving spots – Unlike parks where you can spread out a hanami picnic, seating is limited, and visitors are expected to keep moving.

Check the festival website for updates on bag restrictions before attending.

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Enjoy the Festival Hands-Free with Bounce

Instead of carrying your bags through the busy festival crowds, store them securely with Bounce, which has multiple locations near Meguro Station, Naka-Meguro Station, and throughout Tokyo.

• Affordable – Store your bags for as low as ¥400 per day.
• Safe and Secure – Your belongings are protected up to ¥1,000,000, so you can enjoy the cherry blossom season stress-free.
• 24/7 Support – Need assistance? Bounce’s support team is always available.
• Free Cancellation – If your plans change, cancel for free before check-in.

How to Store Your Bags with Bounce

1. Find a spot – Use the Bounce app or website to book a nearby luggage storage location.
2. Drop off your bags – Choose a spot and store your items securely.
3. Enjoy the festival – Walk along the Meguro River cherry blossoms without extra weight slowing you down.

Tips to Make the Most of Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Check the cherry blossom forecast – The Japan cherry blossom forecast predicts blooming times based on weather conditions, so check before you go.
• Arrive early or go late – The best cherry blossom viewing spots get crowded fast. Visiting early in the morning or after sunset will help avoid the rush.
• Dress for the weather – Spring in Tokyo can be chilly, with temperatures in late March to mid-April ranging from 10 C to 18 C (50 F to 64 F) during the day and dropping to around 5 C to 10 C (41 F to 50 F) at night. Bring a light jacket or sweater for comfortable evening strolls along the river.
• Avoid weekends – If you want a more relaxed hanami picnic without the crowds, visit on a weekday.
• Explore beyond the festival – Afterenjoying the Meguro River cherry blossoms, stop by Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a famous luxury hotel nearby, or explore the trendy cafés of Nakameguro.

Experience Tokyo’s most beautiful river cherry blossoms! The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is a breathtaking spectacle that captures the essence of spring in Japan. Sip some sakura sake and enjoy cherry blossom season in Tokyo! And if you’re carrying extra bags? Store them with Bounce so you can enjoy the festival hands-free!