This Week: At Home And Around Tokyo For April 12-18
#StayHome #SaveLives
The coronavirus situation continues across Japan, especially in Tokyo. For the sake of yourself and others, we recommend that you take whatever precautions necessary when leaving your home. To keep you entertained, we have some recommendations for things you can do at home this week, along with a few events happening online and around the city.
Bed of Flowers
Garden Necklace Yokohama
Stop by this breathtaking massive garden for a complete feast for the eyes and a splendid view of nature at its best form. Held as part of Yokohama City's annual celebration of nature and flowers, the popular Satoyama Garden will display the city's largest flower bed and so much more. Bring your camera and plan to stay at least a few hours because there will be much to see! Those at home can see a 360° panorama of the garden online, too.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH WED, MAY 5, 2021
- Time
- 9:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
- Location
- SATOYAMA GARDEN, 1442 KAMISHIRANECHO, ASAHI WARD, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE - Map
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, Friends, TOURISTS, COUPLES, Instagrammers
Seasonal Blossoms
Hanami Picnics At Home
The sakura around the city has finally started to begin to bloom. Although in most areas it may still be a little early, walking around in search of the cities secret sakura spots is a fun way to spend the weekend. Head to the store on your way home and prepare yourself a home hanami picnic with some sakura snacks and hanami decorations. #SafeSakura
- Date
- THROUGHOUT APRIL 2021
- Time
- WHENEVER YOU LIKE!
- Location
- VARIOUS
- Fee
- VARIED
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, FRIENDS, FOODIES, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
© Photo by Aki HongoA Floral Getaway
Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri)
Witness the beauty of tsutsuji (azalea) at Nezu Shrine's annual Azalea Festival, another event celebrating the beauty of spring's most breathtaking flowers. Here you can also check out the plant fairs, tea houses, and various food vendors.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH END OF APRIL 2021
- Time
- 9 A.M.- 6 P.M.
- Location
- NEZU SHRINE, 1-28-9 NEZU, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, COUPLES, FAMILIES, INSTAGRAMERS
Champagne Over Sakura
Midtown Blossom Lounge
For a more upscale hanami experience head to Tokyo Midtown's spacious garden where Chandon champagne and special sakura-inspired meal plans prepared by chefs at The Ritz-Carlton will be served throughout the day in a setting coming straight from a Manhattan movie scene. Book the
- Date
- Now through Sun, April 18, 2021
- Time
- 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Location
- Tokyo Midtown Garden, area alongside Sakura Avenue - Map
- Fee
- VARIED
- Info
- Recommended for: Girls' Day Out, Friends, Couples
Walk The Garden
Flower Garden Yokohama
Witness Yokohama's Red Brick Warehouse turn into a massive (and gorgeous) "wildflower garden" under this year's event theme for this popular annual event. Launched since 2007 to commemorate the then-5th anniversary of the renewal of Yokohama's symbol, this annual garden of some 14,200 blooming flowers is the perfect venue for a pleasant stroll amid blooming flowers and greenery. There will be many events and food as well, including, of course, edible flowers and blossom-inspired gifts to take back home.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH Sun, Apr. 18, 2021
- Time
- ALL DAY. LIGHT UP: 5:30 P.M.-8 P.M.
- Location
- YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE EVENT PLAZA, 1-1 SHINKO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE - Map
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: INSTAGRAMMERS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, PHOTOGRAPHERS
#SafeSakura
Safe Sakura Photo Contest
For 2021, we want to see how you celebrate sakura while social distancing and staying safe. Tag your best socially distant cherry blossom-inspired photo or home hanami picnic with #SafeSakura for a chance to be featured on our Instagram! Follow @SavvyTokyo and add a caption describing your submission. Not much of a photographer? That’s all good! You can enter our contest with anything sakura-inspired. We look forward to seeing your amazing submissions, just make sure to stay safe and avoid the crowds!
- Date
- NOW THROUGH Sat, Apr. 17, 2021
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- ONLINE (SEE “MORE INFO” LINK)
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: INSTAGRAMMERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, FAMILIES
Sell, Recycle or Donate
Organize Your Clothes And Closet
Until relatively recently, used clothes in Japan have had one fate: burnable garbage. If you’re from a country with a collection bin and a few secondhand shops in every neighborhood, this just feels wrong. Some people take suitcases full of castoffs back home rather than throw them out. Happily, the Japanese concept of "mottainai" (wastefulness) is catching on and leading to more options.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: PEOPLE WITH LOTS OF CLOTHES
Keep Immune
Learn About Japanese Superfoods That Boost Your Immune System
Many traditional Japanese foods are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and even beneficial bacteria (for optimal gut health). Forget the pills and potions—try these Japanese superfoods to naturally keep your body healthy and your immune system strong.See link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: EVERYONE
Be The Chef
Attempt A Savvy Tokyo Recipe
Why not take this opportunity to work on your cooking skills? Cooking can be extremely therapeutic and a great form of self-care. Check out the long list of delicious recipes on our site. From traditional Japanese dishes to international treats with an oriental twist, there’s something for everyone! Find something you’d like to try and give it a go! See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- YOUR KITCHEN
- Fee
- INGREDIENTS
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: EVERYONE, HOME CHEFS, THOSE LOOKING TO TRY NEW THINGS
Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
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