Written by Alexandra Ziminski
April is the best time to be in Tokyo — you can take advantage of all the events and festivals dedicated to spring flowers, among other things.
The cherry blossoms are blooming later than expected this year, so you can still catch them at the beginning of April. There are also plenty of late-blooming varieties at the end of the month. As the weather warms up, Tokyo residents take to the streets for parades, traditional festivals, and puppies.
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete events guide — organized by month.
1. Kanamara Penis Festival
April 6Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki
The world-famous “penis festival”
It’s that time of the year again — the slightly controversial Kanamara Matsuri, better known as the “Penis Festival,” is back. While the event has certainly gotten bigger over the years (no pun intended), it still is better known among foreigners than locals.
The highlight of the event is a procession in which four steel phalluses are paraded around the neighborhood. Side attractions include a radish-carving contest (guess the shape) the day before and genital-shaped candy — a crowd favorite, with long lines forming at booths that sell them.
Have fun, but don’t go too wild — wacky as the event may seem, it still does have a religious element to it, after all.
2. Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival
April 1–30Nezu Shrine, Bunkyō
Exquisite flowers
If you’re a fan of flowers, then the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival is for you. This isn’t just a festival where you go and “smell the azaleas;” there are several events in store. Get the chance to take home potted plants at the daily flower market, cheer on those parading the mikoshi (portable shrine), and enjoy the Sunday drum performances.
Tip: To see azaleas on a day trip from Tokyo, visit the Shiofune Kannon Temple Azalea Festival.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
3. Kamakura Festival
April 13, 19, and 20Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Kamakura
Archery, tea, and other traditions
A yearly tradition since 1959, the Kamakura Festival is Kamakura’s major spring event. Activities mostly take place on the grounds of Kamakura’s famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine and include a procession, Japanese archery competition, traditional dances, and an open-air tea ceremony.
4. Asakusa Horseback Archery
April 19Sumida Park, Asakusa
See the power of a bow and arrow
At the Asakusa Yabusame (horseback archery), participants don traditional garb and shoot targets from a galloping horse. Roars erupt when the aim is true, and sympathetic sighs when it isn’t — it’s harder than it looks. Viewing the horseback archery requires advance tickets (¥3,000), but there will also be a free show of normal archery in the morning before the yabusame.
5. Paella and Tapas Festival
April 4–6Hibiya Park, Hibiya
Sample the delights of Spanish food
Spanish cuisine is loved worldwide for its fresh flavors and healthy properties — seriously, look up the benefits of olive oil. Tokyo is gathering the very best Spanish restaurants in the country for two competitions — the National Paella Championship and National Tapas Championship. While a nervous day for them, it’s a great day for us as we peruse the various food stalls overflowing with ginormous paella pans and watch traditional flamenco on stage.
6. Nakizumo Crying Baby Festival
April 26Behind Sensōji Temple, Asakusa
Watch babies cry — we promise it’s interesting
One of Japan’s more unusual pastimes, crying baby rituals happen across the country each year. This one takes place in Tokyo’s most popular tourist spot, Asakusa. What does it involve, you ask? Babies go head to head to see who will cry first as they are held by sumo wrestlers. The first to do so wins.
7. Flower festivals: cherry blossoms, tulips, wisteria, and more
Cherry blossom festivals
The cherry blossom forecast for 2025 predicts full bloom in early April. We have a whole list of ongoing cherry blossom festivals, but here are some highlights:
- Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
- Bokutei Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
- Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
- Shibuya Sakura Stage Cherry Blossom Festival
Wisteria festivals
- Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival (day trip from Tokyo)
- Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
Other flower festivals
April is also the time for tulips and shibazakura (moss phlox).
- Flowering at Hitachi Seaside Park
- Spring Flowers at Shōwa Kinen Park
- Chichibu Shibazakura Festival and Fuji Shibazakura Festival
- Sakura Tulip Festival
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2017. Last updated in March 2025 by Alex Ziminski.
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