This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events For April 1–2

No, it's not an April Fool joke, Tokyo's cherry blossoms are actually expected to be in full bloom during this weekend, which means get that obento ready, call your friends and plan a day in the park, eating, drinking and enjoying the splendid flower views! But just in case you're not doing hanami this weekend, or you're simply not into that kind of thing, there's still plenty of opportunities to enjoy: a pet fair, two unique exhibitions and a live music show in Yoyogi Park, just to name a few! Have a great spring weekend!

Seasonal Entertainment

Sakura Events Across The City

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. Click "More Info" to see 11 of the capital’s best sakura-themed events and seasonal specials.

Date

Sat, April 1 - Sun, April 2, 2017

Time

Various

Location

THE PENINSULA TOKYO, HOTEL CHINZANSO, TOKYO SKYTREE, TOKYO MIDTOWN and more

Fee

Depends on event

More Info

© Photo by Messe Frankfurt / Interpets

Man's Best Friends

Interpets 2017

Interpets is a massive annual trade show focused on teaching us how we can improve the lives of our pets. Last year, nearly 30,000 visitors attended the event, which also featured 359 international exhibitors. This year, with 390 exhibitors, organizers promise it’ll be even better! If you have a pet or plan to have one (or simply enjoy the sight of them), this is your event!

Date

Fri, March 31 - Sun, April 2, 2017

Time

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Location

Tokyo Big Sight, East hall 1, 2, 3, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,500 (General)

More Info

The Hills They Are A' Blooming

Roppongi Hills Spring Festival

This urban event features food stalls, Japanese music performances, workshops and a special flower-carpet event that will be put together by visitors. The Hills area will be decked out for the weekend in red cloth-covered benches and Japanese umbrellas, creating a fun picnic atmosphere. Various restaurants in the complex will also participate by offering special themed menu items. It's the perfect event to enjoy with families and friends. At night, the sakura trees in Mohri Garden will also be lit up.

Date

Fri, March 31 - Sun, April 2, 2017

Time

3 p.m. - 8 p.m. (March 31), Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (April 1 & 2)

Location

Roppongi Hills Arena and Mohri Garden, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free!

More Info

© Photo by Koyo Kageyama Meal to celebrate the wheat harvest, June 25, 1946

My One Shot

Fujifilm Square Special Photo Exhibition

Held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Fujifilm Corporation, "My One Shot" displays over 100 rare photos taken by leading pioneers of Japanese photographic history from the Edo period (1603—1867) to modern days.

Date

Now through Wed, April 12, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Location

FUJIFILM SQUARE, 7-3 Akasaka, 9-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

More Info

© Photo by Alfie Goodrich

River Runs Pink

Nakameguro Sakura Festival

The Nakameguro area, known as one of the most popular hanami spots in Tokyo, will be packed with people this weekend thanks to two festivals running simultaneously: the 31st Nakameguro Sakura Festival (April 2) and the 13th Meguro East Area Sakura Festival (April 2). Enjoy the spectacular view of 800 sakura trees in full bloom along with delicious food and traditional Japanese performances, such as koto, yosakoi dance, awaodori and more.

Date

Sun, April 2, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location

Along the Meguro River and at Dendohiroba Park, 1-25 Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free!

Flower Carpet

Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival

Tachikawa's Showa Memorial Park is a heaven for family outings: there's flower viewing, picnicking, playing sports, barbecuing, water play, and so much more. This week, the park will be hosting its annual Flower Festival, which includes hundreds of hectares of beautiful tulips and other spring flowers of all colors and kinds. A perfect venue to get away from the crowds of Tokyo and enjoy a day in the park!

Date

Now through SUN, MAY 28, 2017

Time

9:30 A.M.–5 P.M.

Location

3173 MIDORI-CHO, TACHIKAWA-SHI, TOKYO (CLOSEST STATION: NISHI TACHIKAWA)

Fee

¥410 (ADULTS), ¥80 (ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS)

More Info

Spring Freedom

Harukaze Music Festival 2017

This annual outdoor party welcomes the coming of the hanami season with two days of free live music and fun events in Yoyogi Park. Expect various performances, market stalls, food and drink, and a wide range of other fun activities.

Date

Sat, April 1 - Sun, April 2, 2017

Time

12 p.m. - 8 p.m. (April 1), 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (April 2)

Location

Yoyogi Park, 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free!

More Info

Street Blossoms

Bunkyo Sakura Festival

Welcome spring with the annual Bunkyo Sakura Festival. There will be performances, parades and other events happening under the famous location's 120 sakura trees, which are just starting to bloom.

Date

Now through SUN, APRIL 9, 2017

Time

11 A.M. - 3 P.M.

Location

HARIMAZAKA STREET, 4 AND 5-CHOME, KOISHIKAWA, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE

More Info

An Art Journey

N.S. Harsha: Charming Journey

Join N.S. Harsha on a journey through India’s economic development, its life and the everyday relationships between people in his homeland. Known for being a master of miniature paintings depicting the modern reality of India, N.S. Harsha is a rising artist we should all keep an eye on. This art event is one in a continuing series of solo exhibitions at the Mori Art Museum featuring mid-career artists from Asia and showcasing contemporary art from rapidly developing nations around the world.

Date

Now through Sun, June 11, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays)

Location

Mori Art Museum, 53F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,800 (general), ¥1,200 (university and high school students), ¥600 (6 years of age to middle school), ¥1,500 (65 and above)

More Info