Written by Shyam Bhardwa
Head to western Tokyo for a cherry blossom festival packed with food, folk dances, and fun. The Fuchū Citizens’ Cherry Blossom Festival is for people looking for a laid-back cherry blossom view.
What happens?
The Fuchū Citizens’ Cherry Blossom Festival is made up of several events, with the longest-running being the paper lanterns. Every evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., traditional lanterns are lit around the cherry blossoms. The dramatic lighting makes it the perfect spot for evening snaps and cozy late-night walks.
On the last weekend of the festival, Fuchū ups the fun with two days of parades, treasure hunts, and traditional folk dances. Not only that, but there’ll be food trucks, drinks, and games to round out the festival with some flair.
Schedule
- Mar. 14 to 23: Paper lanterns and illuminations (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Mar. 22 to 23: Festival area (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Mar. 22: Folk dance performance (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Mar. 23: Parade (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
How to get there
The festival will be held on Sakura Dori (Sakura Street) in Fuchū. The easiest way to get there is the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station out to Fuchū Station. The train ride takes about 25 minutes, after which there’s a 12-minute walk to Sakura Street.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.