Tokyo Cherry Blossom Trip: 2 Days 1 Night of Shopping, Popular Cafes, and Must-See Picnic Spots

Join us on a 2-day, 1-night trip to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo and the nearby prefecture of Saitama. Spring lasts from March to May, when pink cherry blossoms and other bright flowers appear all over the city.

On this trip, you'll picnic under the cherry blossoms at several famous parks in both Tokyo and Saitama, shop in the Nakameguro area, relax at pretty, popular cafes, and eat well at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's a relaxed, romantic stroll from start to finish. Ready? Let's go.

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Day 1 Itinerary: Cherry Blossom Park Picnic & Walk Along the Meguro River

★ 9:00 Breakfast at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

★ 10:00 - 10:20 Stop to buy bento boxes at Marusei

Marusei is a bento shop that's very popular with both locals and office workers in the Harajuku area. The food has a simple, homemade taste at a great price. The signature item is the Karaage Bento, a generous fried chicken bento at a modest price, along with Chicken Nanban, sweet-and-sour fried chicken that many people love, served with Japanese-style side dishes like pickled vegetables or rolled omelet. We recommend buying one or two boxes each to enjoy as a picnic in the park.

・How to get there: Walk from the hotel to Yoyogi Station, 7 minutes (about 450 m). Take the Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, then walk 9 minutes (about 650 m) to Marusei. / Alternatively, walk from the hotel to the shop, 35 minutes (about 2.6 km)

・Transport cost: ¥150

・Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (closed Sundays)

・Food price: ¥600 - 1,000

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4AVDnNBPDPJymHBc8

★ 10:30 - 12:00 Picnic lunch under cherry blossom trees at Yoyogi Park

A famous, easy-to-reach cherry blossom spot, filled with about 600-800 cherry trees that bloom together beautifully. The most popular area is the central lawn, a wide open space perfect for laying out a mat and having a picnic. The atmosphere is lively but not too crowded, and you're free to bring in food and drinks to enjoy. Around Harajuku Station there are plenty of shops to choose from, so we recommend buying food, snacks, and drinks before entering the park.

・How to get there: Walk from Marusei to Yoyogi Park, 9 minutes (about 550 m)

・Hours: Open 24 hours

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChYceZH7t5JRwCtc7

★ 12:25 - 13:30 Walk and view cherry blossoms along the Meguro River

Let's continue viewing cherry blossoms along the Meguro River, one of Tokyo's most beautiful and popular spring spots. This stretch of the river has over 800 cherry trees lining both banks, with branches leaning toward each other over the water to form a long pink tunnel — an extremely romantic sight. The most popular photo spots are the bridges crossing the river, such as Sakura Bridge and the bridge near Nakameguro Station, where you can clearly see the cherry trees arching toward each other. We'll start walking from around Ikejiri-ōhashi Station, where the Meguro River begins, all the way to Nakameguro Station. During cherry blossom season, the area is also full of food stalls selling cherry-blossom-themed snacks and drinks.

・How to get there: Walk from Yoyogi Park to Shibuya Station, 10 minutes (about 700 m). Take the Den-en-toshi Line to Ikejiri-ōhashi Station

・Transport cost: ¥140

・Hours: Open 24 hours

・MAP : https://maps.app.goo.gl/kdT2oCGxPvkoceSK7

★ 13:30 - 15:30 Stop for tea, coffee, and sweets at HAUTE COUTURE・CAFE

HAUTE COUTURE・CAFE is a very popular cafe during cherry blossom season. It's located on the 2nd floor of a building along the Meguro River, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a close-up view of the row of cherry trees — a spot that's both romantic and great for photos. The cafe's interior decoration changes with the seasons; during cherry blossom season, the shop is filled with pink flowers on both the ceiling and walls, making it feel like you're eating dessert right in the middle of a cherry blossom garden. Some menu items are created just for the season, and the desserts are beautifully presented. However, you must book in advance. Reservations are taken in 2-hour slots only, and they fill up very quickly during cherry blossom season.

・How to get there: Walk toward Nakameguro Station; the shop is on the 2nd floor of a building along the Meguro River

・Hours: Open daily 11:00 - 20:30

・Food price: ¥6,000 - 7,000

・MAP : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gio4XW3c4VbTcBnG7

★ 15:40 - 16:30 Stroll through Sugekari Park and Saigoyama Park

Sugekari Park and Saigoyama Park have distinctly different atmospheres, but they're conveniently connected for a walk between the two. Sugekari Park stands out for its peaceful, historic feel — it was once part of the Saigo family estate during the Meiji era, and it features a traditional Japanese garden, a pond, and a waterfall. Saigoyama Park, on the other hand, sits on a high hill, offering open views of the Tokyo skyline and the sunset. It's a great place to take a walk and enjoy the cool breeze.

・How to get there: Walk from HAUTE COUTURE・CAFE to Sugekari Park, 6 minutes (about 400 m)

・Hours: Open daily 6:00 - 21:00

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AqZTsxjtDTM6ymUZ6

★ 16:40 - 17:50 Shopping at the Don Quijote Nakameguro branch

A shopping spot you shouldn't miss. The store is roomy and easy to walk around, not cramped like the branches in major tourist districts. The store is packed with over 40,000 - 60,000 items, from food, popular snacks, and everyday items, to electronics, clothing, and even brand-name goods, great for both personal use and souvenirs.

Click to see the special Don Quijote discount coupon https://www.talonjapan.com/coupon/don-quijote-coupon/

・ How to get there: Walk from Saigoyama Park to Don Quijote, 4 minutes (about 350 m)

・Hours: Open 24 hours

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fCN2dAczCt2qvz6u5

★ 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner at Sushi Tsubomi

This restaurant pays attention to every detail, from its elegant, contemporary interior design to its choice of tableware that highlights each bite of sushi. The menu uses high-quality ingredients, with large-grain rice seasoned only with red vinegar and salt so the flavor of the fish comes through. Every dish shows the care that goes into it. Note that the restaurant serves only an omakase course, which must be booked in advance, which can be made on the website https://jpneazy.com/restaurants/10156?host=ej4b

・How to get there: The restaurant is located on Nozawa Street, near the Meguro River

・Hours: Dinner seatings start at 18:00 and 20:30 (closed Wednesdays)

・Food price: Omakase course ¥25,000 / person

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U2cw3hSXpyKf8FzZ8

★ 19:40 - 20:30 Take night illumination photos at Meguro Sky Garden

A striking elevated park, laid out as an oval walking path about 400 meters long and divided into several zones — a Japanese garden, grassy areas, and seasonal flower gardens. Although it sits above an expressway with constant traffic, the atmosphere up top is calm and shaded by more than 1,000 trees of various species. It has ramps, elevators, resting benches, and a playground, making it a great spot for relaxing, taking a walk, and getting elevated-view photos.

・ How to get there: Walk from Sushi Tsubomi to Meguro Sky Garden, 10 minutes (about 700 m)

・Hours: Open daily 7:00 - 21:00

・Admission: Free

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZLuLG3yYAYBnbCM6

★ 21:20 Return to Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

・ How to get there: Walk from Don Quijote to Nakameguro Station, 12 minutes (about 750 m). Take the Toyoko Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Station, then walk 12 minutes (about 650 m) to the hotel

・Transport cost: ¥320

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nUgsBZT1nmS4S9qZA

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Day 2 Itinerary: Cherry Blossoms in Saitama

★ 8:30 Breakfast at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

★ 9:00 - 10:50 Travel to Satte, Saitama

・ How to get there: Walk from the hotel to Shinjuku Station, 5 minutes (about 240 m). Take the Shinjuku Line to Kudanshita Station, then transfer to the Hanzomon Line to Satte Station. Travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes

・Transport cost: ¥1,000

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/r73fPpNwoZgeUVeK6

★ 11:10 - 13:30 View cherry blossoms and rapeseed flower fields at Gongendo Park

Gongendo Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the Kanto region. Inside the park, more than 1,000 cherry trees are planted in a row stretching about 1 kilometer, with a bright yellow rapeseed flower field covering about 19,000 square meters below, blooming at the same time. This creates a beautiful contrast of soft pink and bright yellow. During cherry blossom season, the Satte Sakura Festival is held every year between late March and early April, with evening illuminations letting visitors view the cherry blossoms until around 10 p.m., along with plenty of local food stalls adding to the lively atmosphere.

・How to get there: From in front of Satte Station, take the Asahi Bus (bound for Gokamachi Town Hall「五霞町役場」) and get off at the Gongendo stop (travel time 10 - 15 minutes)

・Transport cost: ¥200

・Hours: Open daily 8:30 - 17:00 (extended to about 22:00 during cherry blossom season)

・Admission: Free

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RZTMqNf2nXB8Jkf57

★ 13:40 - 14:40 Lunch at Katsu Taro

A traditional Japanese restaurant known for its high-quality tonkatsu, made with thick, tender pork, breaded and fried until perfectly crispy, then served hot straight from the fryer. It's also known for the popular miso nikomi udon, udon noodles simmered in a rich miso broth, as well as a wide variety of sushi and set meals.

・How to get there: Walk from Gongendo Park to Katsu Taro, 6 minutes (about 400 m)

・Hours: Open daily 11:00 - 21:30

・Food price: About ¥1,000 - 2,000

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PXS2vr7YDMPW19WE7

★ 16:20 - 18:00 Enjoy evening cherry blossoms at the famous Omiya Park

Omiya Park is the most famous cherry blossom spot in Saitama Prefecture and is ranked as one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. It's spacious, with cherry blossoms in full bloom across the whole area. From late March to early April, a cherry blossom festival is held with evening illuminations from early evening until around 9 p.m. More than 1,000 cherry trees wash the park in soft pink, creating a romantic atmosphere ideal for walking or taking photos, and visitors are free to lay out a picnic mat under the trees. During the festival, food and drink stalls line the park.

・How to get there: From Gongendo Park, take the Asahi Bus (bound for Satte Station「幸手駅」) and get off at the Satte Station stop. Then take the Tobu-Nikko Line to Kasukabe Station, transfer to the TOBU URBAN PARK Line to Omiyakoen Station, and walk 5 minutes (about 400 m) to Omiya Park

・Transport cost: ¥580

・Hours: Open 24 hours (illuminations until 21:00)

・Admission: Free

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XKBy5NQgjsikEUuUA

★ 18:10 - 19:40 Dinner at Yakiniku King

A great-value yakiniku buffet with a long menu. There are three course levels to choose from, ranging from the starter course to the popular King Course and the premium course, each offering a wide range of pork, beef, side dishes, and desserts. The popular King Course includes four of the restaurant's signature large cuts of meat, tender and flavorful, grilled Japanese-style at your table. It's guaranteed to leave you full and satisfied after a long day.

・How to get there: Walk from Omiya Park to Yakiniku King, 7 minutes (about 500 m)

・Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11:00 - 23:00 / Saturday - Monday 10:30 - 23:00

・Food price: ¥3,000 - 4,000

・MAP : https://maps.app.goo.gl/uQB3jgQg71FhvULV6

★ 20:40 Return to Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

・ How to get there: Walk from Yakiniku King to Omiya Station, 17 minutes (about 1.2 km). Take the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku Station, then walk 6 minutes (about 450 m) to the hotel

・Transport cost: ¥490

・MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p3GEiTZahnFqYs9e7

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Cost Summary (Approximate Price per Person)

Accommodation : ¥20,000 / night

Food : ¥39,000

Transportation : ¥2,880

Total ：¥61,880