The cherry blossoms are slowly blooming flower by flower in the Kanto region of Japan―which encompasses the Greater Tokyo Area and six other prefectures.
What kind of hanami, or “flower blooming” season can we expect to enjoy this year? We have compiled a list of six must-attend events celebrating Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms of the Kanto region this year.
Yozakura Jewel Illuminations at Yomiuri Land
Japanese amusement park Yomiuri Land is set to hold its first ever Yozakura Jewel Illumination event from March 21 to April 7. It will combine evening-time cherry blossoms with a range of different gorgeous illuminations. The 180-meter long Sakura Promenade will be lined with bright lights in the evening, creating a memorable and must-see display. The Ferris wheel, too, will be lit up with colourful lights in the image of cherry blossoms, creating a romantic spectacle.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/182255
■Information
Yozakura Jewel Illuminations
Running: March 21, 2019 – APril 7, 2019
Time: 16:00-20:00
Price: General Night Pass: ¥2,400 / 3-12 Year Olds & Seniors (65+): ¥1,600
Night Entry: General: ¥1,400 / Junior High School Students: & Seniors (65+) ¥600 / Elementary School Students: ¥300
*Free for those below elementary school age.
*Guests are not allowed to take cans, bottles or alcohol into the park. They can however take bento boxes.
Yomiuri Land
Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo
Website: http://www.yomiuriland.com/jewellumination/
Tenkuu no Ohanami 2019 at Roppongi Hills Observation Deck
The Tokyo City View Observation Deck at Roppongi Hills is holding a hanami event this spring titled Tenkuu no Ohanami 2019 (“Flower Viewing From the Sky 2019”) which will run from March 15 to April 7. From the observation deck you can glimpse the cherry blossoms dotted around some of Tokyo’s most famous sites and landmarks including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and elsewhere, each of which will be a sight to behold from up high in the sky.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/182366
■Information
Roppongi Hills Observation Deck Tokyo City View
Location: Mori Tower Floor 52F / Sky Deck (6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Price: Adult ¥1,800 / University & High School Student ¥1,200 / 4-13 Year Olds ¥600 / Seniors (65+ Years) ¥1,500
Sky Deck Ticket: ¥500 (¥300 for those aged 4-12)
Opening Hours:
Weekdays & Holidays – 10:00-23:00 (Last Entries 22:30)
Friday, Saturday & Day Before Holidays – 10:00-01:00 (Last Entries at Midnight)
Sky Deck – 11:00-20:00 (Last Entries 19:30)
Official Website: https://tcv.roppongihills.com/en/index.html
Kimono Campaign – Free Entry to Sky Deck
Running: April 5, 2019 – April 7, 2019
Details: Those who visit dressed in a kimono can enter the Sky Deck for free (normally ¥500).
*However, you still must have paid entry to the observation deck (prices listed above).
Sakura Matsuri 2019 at Ark Hills
Sakura Matusri 2019 will run from April 5 to 7 at Ark Hills in Tokyo. The 1km long tunnel of cherry trees―a symbol and landmark of the surrounding area―will decorated with beautiful illuminations. The bridge that runs from Ark Hills’s south tower to the main building is a secret hanami spot that overlooks the row of trees that run up Spain-zaka Slope. This means you can enjoy the flowers from different angles, whether down below and up close or up high overhead.
■Information
Ark Hills Sakura Matsuri 2019
Running: April 5, 2019 – April 7, 2019
Address: 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.arkhills.com/
Tokyo Disney Resort’s® Kawazu-zakura
Make sure to stop by Minnie’s House in Tokyo Disneyland’s® Toon Town which is home to a Kawazu-zakura tree. These trees typically bloom faster than Yoshino cherry trees and are known for their deep pink colour. The pink house and pink cherry blossoms are such a cute match! A range of cherry blossom- and spring-themed items will also be sold to be enjoyed together with the hanami season.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/180825
Rickshawing Through the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms With Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
For a three-day limited period from March 29 to 31, you can thoroughly enjoy Japanese hospitality as Hotel Gajoen Tokyo will be running a rickshaw service around Meguro River for guests to enjoy the cherry blossoms. When booking a room at the hotel you can select a plan that includes this rickshaw ride around Tokyo’s foremost-leading cherry blossom viewing hot spot for 30 minutes. During the ride, guests can enjoy the spring breeze as they sweep around the cherry blossom trees of Meguro River. The plan includes a springtime cherry blossom menu and more, so if you’re looking for luxury then look no further!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/173973
■Information
Rickshaw Plan (Japanese Name: 人力車で巡る目黒川の観桜小旅行)
Running: March 29, 2019 – March 31, 2019
Food: Breakfast included. The 8th floor Executive Lounge serves a buffet-style breakfast featuring both western and Japanese food. Entry permitted between 7:00-10:30
Plan Price: From ¥116,000 – 1 night, 1 room (2 Guests / Breakfast Included) *Separate accommodation fee and tax charged.
The rickshaw accommodation plan includes free entry to the “Spring, sakura, sakuya” exhibition at Hyakudan Stairs Art Museum. To book a rickshaw ride, please choose a 30-minute time slot between 11:00 and 17:00. The last opportunity to ride will be 16:30.
Book your special accommodation plan here: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/stay
Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Cherry Blossom Festival
The Lake Sagami Cherry Blossom Festival will be held at Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture from March 21, 2019. Just an hour’s distance from Tokyo, this hanami festival is a chance to enjoy 2,500 cherry trees―the biggest collection in the Kanto region―from many different angles. Board the “Pair Lift” and glide over the gorgeous cherry blossom trees for a skybound hanami experience. Soar even higher in a hot-air balloon and see the pink landscape and evening illuminations.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/?p=183232
■Information
Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Cherry Blossom Festival
Address: 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture
Running: March 21, 2019 – April 21, 2019 (Closed April 11 & 18)
*Evening illuminations from March 21 to April 7.
Opening Hours
Until April 7 – 9:00-21:00
From April 8 – Weekdays 10:00-16:00 / Weekends & Holidays 9:00-17:00
Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Daytime Entry Prices (10:00-16:00)
Entry: Adults ¥1,700 / Children, Seniors & Pets (Dogs) ¥1,000
Free Pass: Adults ¥3,900 / Children, Seniors & Pets (Dogs) ¥3,100 Adults
Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Evening Entry Prices (16:00-21:00) *Last entries 20:30
Entry: Adults & Seniors ¥1,000 / Children & Pets (Dogs) ¥700
TEL: 0570-037-353 (Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest)
Website: http://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/
Hot-Air Ballon Event
Date: March 23, 2019
Time: 14:00-20:00
Price: Adults ¥2,500 / Children ¥2,000
*Tickets sold at the park’s Pleasure Station souvenir shop
*Illuminations from 18:00
Did you enjoy this list? When visiting Japan for the cherry blossoms be sure you get to experience them in lots of different ways and from different angles.
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Hatsune Miku’s iconic track Senbonzakura, written by Kurousa-P, turns 10 this year. What better way to enjoy it than beneath virtual cherry blossom trees? Even if you can’t visit Japan quite yet, enjoy the Japanese shrine atmosphere as you spend time with friends in this gorgeous virtual space. Miku's Detective Agency This puzzle-solving attraction invites guests to become assistant detectives by passing a test handed out by Detective Hatsune Miku! Those able to complete the challenge will also receive a limited-edition item. Rin & Len Kagamine's Post Office in the Sky This post office in the clouds isn’t just a quiet place to relax. Visitors can take on a few different challenges, from mazes to more physical tasks. Official Ambassadors Megu Shinonome Comment “I’ve been chosen as an ambassador for MIKU LAND! My name is Megu Shinonome, and I’m so excited to work with Miku! MIKU LAND keeps getting bigger and bigger, so I’m wondering what it will look like this spring…I’m looking forward to it! I’ll do my best along with my fellow ambassadors Tokino Sora and Mirai Akari to convey the many charms of MIKU LAND to as many people as possible. We can’t wait to see you!” Tokino Sora Comment “I’m so excited to visit MIKU LAND again! I’ll do my best to make this another incredible event, and I’ll be sure to enjoy myself as much as possible!” Mirai Akari Comment “I’ve been invited to MIKU LAND to act as the MC for this awesome event! During the SUMMER VACATION event, everyone on Virtual Cast was so kind to me. It was a blast, so I’m really looking forward to this too! I’ll be sure to bring some extra excitement, so don’t miss it!” Information
Dates: April 28, 19:00 – May 1, 21:00
Location: Virtual CastOfficial Site: https://mikuland.com/
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Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022. Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe! Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/
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People flock to Kanda Myojin to pray for good luck at the start of the new financial year, surrounded by beautiful pink blooms. The shrine offers beautiful sights during the day, and this year, it's collaborating with digital art collective NAKED to host a beautiful light-up event every evening from March 26 until April 10, 2022. Kanda Myojin is a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. This spring-only event is held in the hope that people will pray at Kanda Myojin, one of the most popular power spots in Tokyo, for a great start to the new year. Guests will be able to see cherry blossom trees lit up in iridescent lights with pink petals projected on the ground. Some of the digital sakura are interactive and change shape and color when you’re nearby. Digital art is even incorporated at the hand sanitizing station, where you’ll see vivid pink sakura projected onto your palms. Visitors will also be handed a special Naked Distance Lantern, which naturally creates distance between others as you hold it up.
Information
NAKED Sakura Pilgimage
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine
Running: March 26 – April 10, 2022
Hours: 18:00-20:30
Admission: FreeOfficial Site: https://myoujin-sakura.com/
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Lake Biwa Canal, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Shiga, will be completely illuminated each night from March 25 until April 10! The nearby Onjo-ji Temple will also be lit up during the duration of the event. Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination - Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
The Lake Biwa Canal carries water from the biggest lake in Japan to Kyoto and was built during the Meiji era using the best civil engineering technology of the time. Both sides of the bank are lined with almost 200 cherry trees, making it one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots with a spectacular view leading to Onjo-ji Temple. Onjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022 Over 600 lights will be set up around the temple grounds to illuminate the cherry blossoms. The national treasures and designated cultural properties will be completely open to the public for nighttime viewing. Information
Lake Biwa, Otsu Spring Illumination – Cherry Blossoms on the Lake Biwa Canal
Running: March 25 – April 10 (Dates may change depending on when cherry blossoms bloom)
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30
Location: Lake Biwa Canal
Sponsored by the Lake Biwako Otsu Tourism AssociationOnjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022
Running: March 25 – April 10
Hours: 18:00 – 21:30 (Last Entry at 21:00)
Location: Onji-ji Temple
Admission: Adults ¥1,000 / Children ¥500
*Public transportation is recommended due to heavy congestion on surrounding roads during the event period. -
Wishing you could be in Japan to see the cherry blossoms? The Cherry Blossom Drone Project on March 27 will be live-broadcasting some of the most beautiful blossoms in the country to viewers around the world. Incredible 4K aerial footage will be available to watch on YouTube LIVE for free from 12:00 until 19:00 on March 27, 2022. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to lose yourself in the feeling of spring. Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Chosen by Sakura Enthusiasts Breathtaking Mountain Cherry Blossoms at Mount Yoshino in Nara
The First New Sakura Species in Over 100 Years Found in Wakayama Prefecture A Sea of Cherry Blossoms at Takato Joshi Park in Ina, Nagano Prefecture Information
Online Hanami
Date: March 27, 12:00-19:00
Fee: Free
Where to Watch: YouTube LIVE
https://www.youtube.com/channelUCb8WTSeDH2LcxPtkIrKwSEw
Official Site: https://drone-entertainment.co.jp/ -
Creative company NAKED has opened its popular annual spring event NAKED Sakura Aquarium at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa until April 17, 2022. Since winter 2015, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa and NAKED have held a number of collaborative events each season based on blending the concepts of sound, light, images, and living things. The centerpiece of this spring event is the immersive area titled ‘Patterns.’ The walls of the aquarium are decorated with fluttering cherry blossoms as petals dance across the ground, pulling guests into a virtual Japanese garden. The Garden of Dancing Sakura
Fluttering Sakura Flower Lantern Nighttime Dolphin Performance 'Sakura Story' NAKED Tsukubai - Sakura Version Guests can also enjoy a cherry blossom version of NAKED Tsukubai, a virtual hand-washing experience. Why not come experience spring in a whole new way? Information
NAKED Sakura Aquarium
Address: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Running: March 12 – April 17, 2022
Details/Tickets: http://www.aqua-park.jp/special/sakuraaquarium2022/Official Site: www.aqua-park.jp