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Tokyo events for Monday, March 25 to Sunday, March 31, 2019
Spring has arrived in Tokyo—and it’s very much in your face—with more cherry blossoms than you can shake a branch at, a sea of blue hanami tarps as far as the eye can see, and a slew of IG sakura pics as far as your thumb can scroll. Below are some of our favorite cherry blossom–related events, generally coupled with nighttime illuminations and/or food stalls—but there are plenty of quieter spots to choose from away from the big crowds too.
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.
Jim Gaffigan’s Quality Time Tour
As a small reprieve from the heap of cherry blossom talk, we thought we’d mention that there are a few tickets left to see the very funny, very relatable comedian Jim Gaffigan! He’s got a new Netflix special out and is currently on an international tour performing his observational comedy on life, traveling and family.
| Advance sales: ¥8,000 | ||
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.
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