Top 3 Things to Do During Japan Cherry Blossom Festivals

Japan’s cities come alive during cherry blossom season and the festivals flood historic quarters with a joyous atmosphere as locals and tourists enjoy the beautiful colors and exciting events.

A visit to the Meguro River in Tokyo during the season allows you to wander around a number of local food stalls, cafes, restaurants, and bars throughout the day amid the 800 cherry trees that line nearly two miles of the riverbanks.

The evening lighting events at Gongendo Park, less than an hour from Tokyo, showcase the contrasting pink of the blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers alongside 100 specialty stalls, revealing more natural charm around the corner from the capital.

Learn more: Top 6 Places to See on a Cherry Blossom Tour in Japan

Golden Week occurs between the end of April and the first week of May. It is the time when many cherry blossom trees between Tokyo and Kyoto bloom in concurrence, with four consecutive Japanese holidays that host incredible festivals.

The celebrations consist of locals sipping sake and snacking on home-cooked cuisine, in addition to the various food and souvenir stalls that offer regional specialties such as umibudo, or sea grapes, in Okinawa, or freshwater eel over rice, known as unaju in Tokyo.

At cherry blossom festivals during Golden Week, you too can indulge in the delectable dishes and regional cuisine at your favorite destinations for viewing the blossoms.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Japan for Cherry Blossom Season

The tradition of hanami reflects the idea of enjoying transient beauty, like the passing charm of flowers, especially during cherry blossom season.

The season often brings crowds of younger citizens and families to the countryside and city streets eager to experience the tradition, inviting travelers to participate in it for a more immersive experience at the festivals.

Some provinces use soft, electric lights or paper lanterns along the walkways for evening viewings. Hanami is often accompanied by special drinks and dishes, such as a sweet dumpling known as dango or the single-portion meal referred to as bento, complemented by sake.

Learn more: 4 Tips for Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan in 2023

The best cherry blossom festivals in Japan will introduce you to locals and demonstrate how different regions celebrate the changing scenery during the season. Whether in a northern mountain town or a world-famous metropolis, when you witness the cherry blossoms in Japan, you are connected to the local cultural and natural landscape.

Find more inspiration for your trip with our Japan cherry blossom tours or discover more possibilities in our Japan cherry blossom travel guide.