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Tokyo events for Monday, April 1 to Sunday, April 7, 2019
Cherry blossom festivals are still going stong, but best to attend them earlier in the week before the petals begin to fall. The weekend brings the Yokohama African Festival, the (in)famous Penis Festival and free admission day at the MOMAT.
African Festival Yokohama 2019
A festival of all things African in Yokohama, “to bridge the cultural difference between Africa and Japan.” There will be traditional drumming and dancing, games, a photo exhibition, fashion, quizzes, African product displays and a wide range of food and drinks.
Raw Tokyo Flea Market
A popular monthly flea market (next to the UNU Farmer’s Market) with vintage clothing, vinyl, craft coffee and more on offer.
Kanamara “Penis” Festival 2019
The “Festival of the Steel Phallus” is a yearly Kawasaki-area event boasting a parade (complete with giant penis float), plus penis-shaped candy, decorations and then some.
Museum of Modern Art – Free Admission Day
Head to the MOMAT this Sunday and save yourself the ¥430 admission fee. The museum houses mainly Japanese works of the 20th century including a number deemed ‘Important Cultural Properties’ or masterpieces.
Rikugien Gardens Cherry Blossoms and Illuminations
The stunning cherry trees at Rikugien in Komagome will be illuminated at night for a limited time. Most famous is the mystical and giant weeping willow. Entry to the gardens is ¥300 for adults.
Advance sales: ¥900 | At the door: ¥1,100 |
Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival
The Edo-Fukagawa Sakura Festival offers not only illuminations and plenty of food, but boat rides too! For ¥500 per person, take a ride on a wasen (traditional-style) boat along the nearby river in the quiet Monzen-Nakacho neighborhood. You’ll need to register though, so see the event listing for more info.
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
The rowdiest, most iconic spot in all of Tokyo to enjoy cherry blossoms. Ueno Park is decked out with blue picnic tarps (good luck finding a spot), illuminations, food stalls and a ton (we mean A TON) of people.
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
Food stalls, boat rides, illuminations and massive cherry blossom trees—this sakura festial has it all. It’s also one of the most popular spots in Tokyo, so expect crowds.
Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival
More illuminations can be found at Sumida Park in Asakusa. Take a stroll along the park’s kilometer-long line of cherry trees and grab some tasty treats at the many food stalls too!
Nihonbashi Sakura Festival: A Digital Gourmet Wonderland
This festival, in Nihonbashi, is for those looking for an eclectic sakura experience. Trade in the real thing for the astonishing variety of cherry blossom–themed installations.
Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
The Nakameguro Canal provides the perfect and most picturesque backdrop from your cherry blossom viewing. It’s one of Tokyo’s most popular sakura spots, with illuminations, lanterns and festival stalls.