Have you decided where you’re going to see Japan’s cherry blossoms this year?

If not, then we have you covered. Here are 5 hanami events happening this year that are a little different from usual – from more traditional festivals to others using technology like AR and projection mapping.

Aqua Park Shinagawa – “SAKURA AQUARIUM by NAKED”
“SAKURA AQUARIUM by NAKED” is an experience-based hanami event that will use the latest in Tokyo’s cutting-edge entertainment to combine Japanese traditional culture, digital art, cherry blossoms and the world of the sea. NAKED is a leading creative company in Japan who will use projection mapping and artwork to depict illustrations of vividly coloured cherry blossoms using all parts of the room including the ceiling, walls and floor. Guests will be completely surrounded by cherry blossoms upon entering the aquarium.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/92366

Gotenyama Cherry Blossom Festival

From the Edo period, Gotenyama was used for many activities and gatherings, such as a place where successive shogun engaged in falconry, and where formal tea parties were also held. It’s an area that has bred elegant culture and has even come to become a famous place to view cherry blossoms ever since the common people of the Edo Period used it as a popular retreat. This year, the festival will combine Edo, art and technology to host a range of events and activities, such as a cherry blossom light-up show, a Gotenyama tea party, a cherry blossom bar, an AR experience, and more.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/95179

Takato Sakura Matsuri
Takato Sakura Matsuri is held every year in Nagano Prefecture, bringing in almost 200,000 people during the cherry blossom season. There are about 1,500 cherry trees planted inside the park, which is known as one of the 3 most famous spots for hanami in Japan. This year, the festival has teamed up with famous confectionery store Ina Sweets! They are also holding a campaign where you can get your hands on some limited-edition collaborative spring sweets.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/94437

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival　　　　
You can look forward to enjoying an artistic hanami at this event. This year marks the 5^th run of the festival, where there will be cherry blossom inspired food, a music festival, an art exhibition and much more. The main highlight of the festival is the “SAKURA TUNNEL” that will run along the road to Fukutoku Shrine where around 100 cherry blossom lanterns will illuminate the entire street in a magical pink colour.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88158

Kichijoji Yozakura

The dining bar “Kichijoji SUN Tama Bar” is now holding a limited spring event where the interior of the bar is decorated with 8,000 cherry blossoms and 1,500 illuminations. Tuck into some original sweets such as the “Horoyoi Parfait” and enjoy a strawberry cocktail. Sounds nice for a girls-only get-together.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/93129

Sakura Train
Tokyo Metro are holding a campaign where you can hop on board their trains to go and see the cherry blossoms. During the campaign, the interior of Tokyo Metro 1000 series trains on the Ginza Line will be decorated in cherry blossoms. A guide to hanami in Tokyo will be displayed at each Tokyo Metro station recommending spots and places to drop by to view the cherry blossoms. There are also spots where you can receive special bonuses by presenting the booklet.

Did you enjoy our list?

Get involved in lots of cherry blossom events in Japan and have an unforgettable spring!

Japan's cherry blossom season is almost here! While it's most definitely a beautiful sight to see the flowers during the day, we also recommend making a trip to see them at nighttime too.

Here's a list of 7 spots you should stop by in Tokyo to see the illuminated cherry blossoms this year.

Chidorigafuchi Moat

kiyotakaさん(@kiyotakakubo)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 11, 2017 at 7:58午前 PDT

Chidorigafuchi is known as one of the best locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. When the Yoshino Cherry trees are in full bloom along the grand moat, many people turn up to see the spectacle whether it's a weekday or weekend. You can rent a boat and sail along the moat while gazing at spring's awakening.

Rikugien Garden

Kimihiro Kawanoさん(@kimihiro_kawano)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 7, 2017 at 5:13午前 PDT

The lush Rikugien Garden is a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station. It's a typical example of a garden from the Edo period where the daimyo lords would stroll, and is famous for its Shidarezakura, or "Cheal's Weeping Cherry" trees. There is a tea house in the garden where you can enjoy snacking on traditional Japanese wagashi and drinking tea. The Bunkyo Green Court and other commercial facilities also neighbour the garden, making it a fun day out for the family.

Meguro River

Meguro River is a famous cherry blossom location in Tokyo, where cherry blossom trees line almost 4km along the river. Simply take a stroll and take in scene, and take some photos at the hugely popular photo spot along the bridge.

Ueno Park

Kelly Marie Johnsonさん(@tooqute2nv)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 12, 2017 at 10:27午後 PDT

Ueno Park is just 2-minutes on foot from Ueno Station. As well as having an art gallery, museum, and zoo, Ueno Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, with both locals and tourists gathering to soak up the mesmerizing foliage.

Tokyo Midtown

head lococoさん(@kololon0426)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 4, 2015 at 4:28午前 PDT

Head on over to Toshimaen, an amusement park, for a fun day out and stay after-hours to experience their "Sakura Nights" where a fantastic display of 500 cherry blossom trees will be lit up from sundown. Enjoy a hanami where the cherry blossoms turn even more enchanting at night. Immerse yourself in the experience even more by snuggling under a kotatsu with the park's "Enkai Plan."

Yaesu Sakura-dori, Nihonbashi

arisaさん(@aririichan)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 9, 2017 at 6:36午後 PDT

Spanning the length from Tokyo Station's Yaesu North Exit to Kayabacho are 150 cherry blossom trees. The area from Sotobo-dori to Showa-dori will become pedestrian paradise as it will be lit up once night falls. Whether you roll up during the day or at night, you'll get your fill of springtime while you're in the center of Tokyo metropolis. What's better is that you can walk there from Tokyo Station.

Did any of these cherry blossom spots peak your interest? Make sure you get to experience multiple illuminated locations if you're in Tokyo this spring.

As the cold winter continues to freeze forward, we're all waiting in anticipation for spring's warmth to break through. Did you know, there are places in Japan where the cherry blossoms bloom as early as the end of January? Keep that in mind as we introduce you to some cherry blossom inspired food and drink hitting Japan very soon.

"Cherry Blossom Drink" - Lindt

Lindt is an established premium chocolate brand from Switzerland founded in 1845 loved all over the world. The company will release some limited edition, early-springtime items including the "Lindt White Chocolate Sakura Ice Drink" and the "Lindt Delice Sakura" on February 16th. Enjoy this refreshing cherry blossom drink and feel the vibe of spring early.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88257

"Sakura Mini Bon" - Cinnabon

Cinnamon roll specialist store "Cinnabon" are selling a limited edition cherry blossom flavoured cinnamon roll, the "Sakura Mini Bon," from February 1st to March 31st. The roll is topped with a gracious amounts of cherry blossom flavoured cream cheese frosting and a crunchy decoration. Enjoy an exquisite balance of subtle cherry blossom and specially made cinnamon.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88270

"Spring Coloured Veggie Pota Soba" - Cafe & Bar BW CAFE

SOBA (buckwheat noodles) CAFE & BARU BW CAFE which sells original soba dishes serve up their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” from February 1st. Their new menu “Haruiro Vege Pota Tsuke Soba” uses lots vegetables such as fresh potatoes and corn and one can eat soba with a warm dipping soup that tastes like potage. The dipping soup and ground vegetables go well with soba since it uses a Japanese-style broth. Also, the baked cheese used as a topping adds a mildness and special aroma to the dish. Enjoy this pink-coloured soba that brings to mind cherry blossoms.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87477

"Matcha Milk Sakura Flavour" - Tsujiri

CAFE & BARU BW CAFETsujiri Online Shop will sell a seasonally limited product of an established store in Kyoto, Tsujiri’s “Tsujiri Matcha Milk – Sakura Flavor” with only a limited supply. “Tsujiri Matcha Milk -Sakura Flavor,” is a matcha milk which has the scent of cherry blossoms and the soft flavors of Ujimatcha and milk. It is a seasonally limited flavor which uses matcha from “Tsujiri,” an established store in Uji, Kyoto. The tea masters of Tsujiri selected the Uji Matcha that goes well with milk by blending two kinds of matcha to draw out the flavor of matcha. A cherry blossom leaf powder produced in Japan is added to the soft flavor of milk to give the product its cherry blossoms flavour.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84872

"Spring Bouquet Salad Set" - BOTANIST café

"BOTANIST Tokyo," the flagship store in Omotesando, is serving a spring themed menu on the 2nd floor "BOTANIST café" from February 1st to March 31st. The "Spring Bouquet Salad Set" uses lots of fruit and vegetables reminiscent of springtime to look like a botanical bouquet. They're selling a range of other foods and sweets too which taste great and are fun to look at. Everything on the menu is available for this spring only!

Feel the warm breeze of spring early with these cherry blossom inspired foods and drinks.