Jindai Botanical Gardens Cherry Blossom Festival

Where better to see one of Japan’s botanical beauties? Head to the Jindai Botanical Gardens for its annual cherry blossom festival.

What happens?

The Jindai Botanical Gardens is home to sixty varieties of cherry blossoms, spread out across 750 trees. The mix of species and tree locations keeps them blooming brightly throughout the season, so every day is a new tapestry. If you head over on Mar. 30 or Apr. 6, you can take a guided tour under the boughs. Run by volunteers, it offers visitors a chance to learn more about the blooming patterns of the cherry blossoms and is completely free.

If you miss the tour, don’t fret. On the same days, you’ll be serenaded by a sakura concert, with jazz and classical performances echoing throughout the forest of pink.

Tickets

There’s no fee for the event, but you’ll need to pay for park entry. Adults pay ¥500, and those over 65 get in for ¥250. Junior high school students from Tokyo and younger children enter for free. The park is closed on Mondays, or the next day if Monday is a national holiday.