11 Premium Sakura-Themed Events To Enjoy This Spring

Feel the first blush of spring at these 11 premium seasonal events.

Though the weather outside reminds us that it’s still early to take off our winter coats, the capital is gradually getting ready to welcome the spring blossoms, expected to start blooming and entertaining us as early as next week. As we get ready to see the city turn pink, it’s important to remind ourselves that the sakura experience in Japan is not limited to sitting under the trees and admiring the cherry blossom canopy — the sakura is everywhere: in hotels, in shows as well as in the food we eat in March and April.

To commemorate the beginning of the hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season, here are 11 of the capital’s best sakura-themed events and seasonal specials for the year. 

Spring Elegance

All Things Sakura At The Peninsula Tokyo

Head to The Peninsula Tokyo for one of your first hanami experiences this year. Until April 2, the hotel will be transformed into an elegant sakura-inspired venue with gorgeous 3-meter-high cherry trees decorating its lobby, special sakura-themed products at its Boutique & Cafe, sakura cocktails at Peter: The Bar, and, of course, the hotel’s signature Classic Sakura Afternoon Tea (¥5,000) served at the lobby. Presented on a classic three-tiered stand with savory seasonal bites and sakura-inspired sweets (scones, cakes, jelly and mousse, cookies and even cotton candy), and served with a selection of 20 teas, this is currently one of the most exquisite and elegantly-displayed afternoon teas in the capital.

Date

Now through Sunday, April 2, 2017

Time

Afternoon Tea Set: 2:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Location

The Peninsula Tokyo, The Lobby, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥5,000 for one (With glass of champagne)

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All You Can Eat Sakura

Cherry Blossom Lunch Buffet At Chinzanso

Ready for a feast? This all-you-can-eat sakura-inspired buffet offers a wide selection of mouth-watering Japanese and Western foods from the seasonal menu, including Hokkaido’s raclette cheese and sakura soba. For dessert, enjoy the splendid view of the hotel’s Japanese-style garden, where over 120 sakura trees of 20 different kinds will be blooming just in time for your dining experience. Dinner buffet (¥8,500 for adults) is also available.

Date

Now through Sunday, April 9, 2017

Time

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location

Hotel Chinzanso Banquet Hall, 2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥4,500 (Adults), ¥2,600 (Elementary school children), ¥1,600(Children over 3)

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A Taste of Spring

Sakura Afternoon Tea Set At Sheraton

Got a sweet tooth? You’re in for a special sakura treat. Sheraton Hotel’s spring exclusive afternoon tea set features four different types of sakura-flavored exquisite sweets spread over a three-level high tea stand and a selection of black tea from the 190 year-old German tea brand, Ronnefeldt. Get ready for a relaxing afternoon away from the hustling and bustling city life. Reservations recommended.

Date

Now through Sunday, April 20, 2017

Time

11:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Location

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel, 1-3-23 Kitasaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Fee

¥3,704

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52 Shades Of Sakura

Rooftop Bar-Hanami Dinner At Andaz

Overlooking the Tokyo bay and city lights, Andaz’s 52F Rooftop Bar is one of the most popular spots for a special spring getaway. Featuring everything from a sakura tree-filled terrace to flower-inspired selection of foods, desserts and drinks, this event is bound to give you that unforgettable enchanted experience you’ve been looking for.

Date

Saturday, March 25, 2017- Sunday, April 9, 2017

Time

5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location

Rooftop Bar 52 floor, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥12,000 - ¥16,000 (Depending on champagne plan)

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A traditional Japanese experience with a sakura twist

Sakura Matsuri At Prince Hotel

What could be a better way to enjoy sakura than attend traditional Japanese spring festivities? This annual cherry blossom festival takes place in the Japanese Garden near the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, a location known for having 20 different kinds of cherry blossoms. Various traditional events —such as kimono try-ons and Japanese musical and dance performances — will certainly help you create special sakura memories.

Date

Saturday, March 25, 2017 - Sunday, April 2, 2017

Time

Varies according to event. See website

Location

Prince Hotel, Japanese Garden, 3-13-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free entrance, ¥2,000 for Kimono try on

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A Spring Night’s Dream

Tokyo Skytree Special Sakura Show

This special collaboration between Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Super Dry beer presents a whimsical and magical sakura light show at the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck 350m. Sakurairo (Sakura colors) from the Flowers by Naked 2017 exhibition will also be projected throughout the deck, giving the ultimate visual pleasure you won’t find elsewhere.

Date

Now through Sunday, April 9, 2017

Time

In the evening

Location

Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck 350m, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥2,060 (adults), ¥1,540 (age 12-17), ¥930 (age 6-11), ¥620 (age 4-5)

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Magical Sakura

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival

Nihonbashi has a mission to become the capital's coolest sakura viewing venue and, we must say, it's getting quite close. This festival features a series of sakura-themed events: from projection mapping, light-up, traditional performances, sakura-special food and drink menus, workshops and more! A must-see is the Nihonbashi Sakura Gate — a magical entry to the area, which has the entire street turned into a sakura-filled river, with a sky of countless sakura-colored strips of paper.

Date

Thursday, March 16-Sunday, April 9, 2017

Time

Varies upon event

Location

Nihonbashi Area, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

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Night Time Bliss

Tokyo Midtown Blossom

Yozakura, or late night cherry blossom viewing, brings the whole sakura experience to another level. Tokyo Midtown’s surrounding restaurants are hosting special dinner hours for the purpose of viewing sakura in the late evening, offering a true romantic experience.

Date

Friday, March 17, 2017- Sunday, April 16, 2017

Time

5 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Location

Tokyo Midtown Garden area, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo

Fee

Varies by restaurant

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Under-The-Tree Cultural Exchange

Hanami Language Exchange

Are you looking to gain new experiences and meet new people during this cherry-blossom season? This festive cultural exchange brings people together by providing free kimono rentals, fun ice breaker games and various performances. Feel free to bring in an ethnic dish or drink to join the cultural potluck. Reserve in advance if interested in free kimono rental (limited to nine women). This event is limited to 100 people, so sign up while you still can!

Date

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Time

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Fee

¥500

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Funday Sunday

TELL’s Hanami Party

Swing by Yoyogi Park for a fun hanami party filled with wine tasting, excellent food and family games! All proceeds from the event will be donated to Tokyo English Life Line, one of Tokyo's longest-running and highest regarded non-profit support organizations.

Date

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Time

12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Location

Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,000

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A Traditional Touch

Sakura Japanese Art Exhibition

Witness the beauty of Japan’s most famous flower depicted through the eyes of 30 renowned modern Nihonga (Traditional Japanese Paintings) artists in this unique art exhibition dedicated to Japanese cherry blossoms. A must-see event for anyone interested in traditional Japanese art.

Date

Now through Sun, May 28, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location

Sato Sakura Museum, 1-7-13 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥500

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