Amidst the bustling streets of Tokyo, near the serene waters of Chidorigafuchi, lies Yasukuni Shrine—a place where history and nature converge.
When it comes to cherry blossom season in Tokyo, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: “Have the cherry blossoms bloomed in Ueno? Are there still blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen this week? When will the Meguro River be in full bloom?”
The pursuit of these answers could be a lot easier now. But here’s a suggestion: Why not set your sights on the “Sakura no Hyohonki” (Cherry Blossom Standard Tree) at Yasukuni Shrine?
Let’s take a cue from Tokyo’s 2019 cherry blossom season: The standard tree blossomed on March 26th and reached full bloom by March 30th. If we extend the estimate, you should be able to enjoy cherry blossoms all the way until March 31st.
Even with the occasional cherry blossom snowfall, you’ll likely still find blooms until at least April 3rd.
For your convenience, I recommend checking the “Sakura Kafuka Yosou Zensen” (Cherry Blossom Forecast Frontline) website, which provides up-to-date information on cherry blossom blooming across Japan. This site uses the Yasukuni Shrine’s standard tree as a reference point. Now, why is Yasukuni Shrine’s cherry blossom tree so revered? Well, I can’t say for sure, but every year, the Tokyo Meteorological Agency releases cherry blossom forecasts based on this iconic Sakura no Hyohonki (Yasukuni Shrine’s standard Yoshino cherry tree).
Since the Meiji Emperor’s time, Yasukuni Shrine has been the sole place where Japanese emperors bow. After World War II, due to the controversy surrounding the enshrinement of 14 Class-A war criminals, the emperor ceased visiting. But let’s momentarily set aside politics and historical disputes and purely enjoy the sakura under the shrine’s peaceful ambiance.
Within the approximately 100,000 square meters of Yasukuni Shrine, you’ll find around 500 cherry blossom trees. As you walk from the entrance, you’ll encounter three torii gates and three grand halls, all exuding traditional Japanese architectural charm. The serene atmosphere here adds an extra layer of tranquility to the cherry blossoms’ grace.
Transportation Options:
- From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Line Rapid (about 5 minutes) to Ochanomizu Station, then transfer to the JR Sobu Line (various stops, about 5 minutes) to Iidabashi Station.
- From Tokyo Station: Take the Marunouchi Subway Line (about 1 minute) to Otemachi Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line or Hanzomon Line (about 5 minutes) to Kudanshita Station.
