This weekend, you could really just spend all of your time checking out the cherry blossoms – and we’ve got more than a few opportunities to do that in this weekend roundup – but we’ve also thrown in a few other kinds of activities into the mix, from sake sipping and food to fashion and a musical Sunday night. So here’s to another weekend in Tokyo – this one very much in the pink!
Memory of Image: NNTT’s 20th Anniversary Poster Exhibition
As the New National Theatre, Tokyo celebrates their 20th anniversary, they’re looking back on their history with the “Memory of Image” exhibition, which showcases their performance posters from the last two decades. The posters are not only beautifully designed artworks but also a preservation of the memories created at NNTT.
Midtown Blossom 2018
Boasting over 200 meters of cherry tree-lined “Sakura Street,” Tokyo’s Midtown Blossom has become one of the city’s must-see hanami experiences. During the event, the trees are lit up daily from 5pm to 11pm, perfect for an evening stroll – or you can also enjoy the pink scenery from nearby cafés and restaurants.
Nihonbashi Sakura Festival
Enjoy a series of spring events while admiring the cherry blossoms around Nihonbashi – look out for the pretty illumination display.
Sakura Island 2018
Enjoy a whole slew of sakura and Easter-inspired events and decorations at Hakkejima this spring! From hanami penguin parades to cherry blossom-decorated barbeque venues, and sakura-decorated desserts, this is the place to experience the best of the season. Don’t miss the sakura train, an adorable retro tourist train that goes through an avenue lined with 700 cherry blossom trees!
Flower Garden 2018
Walk into a floral world at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and explore four different gardens, which are illuminated every night from 6pm until midnight. You can also drop in at the Hanabar where you can enjoy food and drink garnished with edible flowers. and a spring-inspired menu.
Aoyama Sake Flea vol.8
Get a taste of Japan’s stellar sake culture through tastings from sake breweries gathered from all over the country. Feast on a selection of traditional and modern food to pair with your sake sips. There will also be live music performances and other entertainment.
Interpets – Pet Fair
The biggest pet fair in Japan features over 450 exhibitors and more animal pals than you could wish for. A fun day out for all the family (well behaved pets on leashes are also welcome), the fair is open to the public for three days and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of seminars, workshops, shopping opportunities, events and more.
Easter Open Bakery Day
Mornington Crescent Tokyo is holding one of its occasional open bakery days this Saturday, this time featuring British Easter favorites! Drop by for some authentic British baked goods — buy just a slice or a whole cake, it’s up to you!
Tokyo Girls Collection
Japan’s biggest fashion festival is held twice a year, and the March 2018 edition hopes to spread “Japanese girls’ culture” across the world, with the motto “Be Yourself.” The event is a calendar highlight for many teenage girls and young women who love fashion and want to get closer to some of their favorite celebrities. Runway shows by numerous fashion brands feature popular models with devout followings, and stars from various media also attract an enthusiastic audience.
Denim Act Night
A fresh and cool event mixing denim, fashion and live music! Young creators including fashion designers, independent labels and artists have collaborated with top denim brands in this exhibition and live event organized by Ready to Fashion Corporation together with Isetan department store. Sure to draw in a suitably stylish crowd are performances from some of Japan’s hottest musicians.
City Light Fantasia – Evening Cherry Blossom Edition
Combine the spectacular city view with the magic of pink cherry blossoms at Tokyo Tower’s City Light Fantasia. During the spring season, a series of stunning sakura scenes will appear across the Main Deck (at 150m). Projections on three sides of the tower will transform the views of the city through the windows and floors of the observation area, creating some incredible photo spots.
nature airliner
The folk duo nature airliner will be playing on Sunday night at What the Dickens!, playing material from their 2017 album Cardinal, as well as other songs. Inspired by rock troubadours like Leonard Cohen, nature airliner’s songs are uplifting, lyrical, and moving – a perfect musical way to end your weekend.
Top 14 Most Beautiful Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
We’re pretty much at peak cherry blossom time here in Tokyo, and these 14 spots – some old standbys and a few lesser known places – are perfect for taking in the short-lived blooms. Here’s to a happy hanami season!
