Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)
If you’re in Tokyo during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season—from late March to early April—pack a picnic and join thousands of Tokyoites celebrating under pink, flowering sakura (cherry blossom) trees in the city’s parks and gardens.
Hanami is celebrated from late March to early April at Inokashira Park (Kichijoji), Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku), Ueno Park (Ueno) and Yoyogi Park (Harajuku).
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Every spring, over 830 cherry trees on both sides of the Meguro River come into full bloom, forming a 10-kilometer-long cherry blossom avenue.
There are illuminations, picnic spots and boat rides available, and on the weekends the promenades are lined with cherry-themed food stalls.
Visit the festival at the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade from late March to early April.
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival
At this shrine complex you’ll discover a long and picturesque promenade of over 200 vermilion-painted torii (gate) that winds its way through flower gardens and overlooks small ponds filled with Koi carp, as well as gloriously decorated prayer halls and gates and towers that enshrine Shintō gods who bestow love matches and business prosperity,
If possible, take in all this beauty during the shrine’s annual Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival) when over 3,000 Azalea bushes burst into full bloom.
The festival takes place at the Nezu Shrine in Nezu during the whole month of April.
Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
As you wander under the stunning purple wisteria flowers that overhang Kameido Tenjin Temple’s pretty ponds and frame its famous arched bridge, you may feel a spooky sense of familiarity, and that you’ve you’ve been transported back to the Edo era (1603-1868).
That’s because the temple grounds and its 50 wisteria trees were often the subject of legendary 19th century ukiyo-e artists Hiroshige and Hokusai.
As well as all the blooming wisteria, there are food stalls during the festival, with the temple lit up from sunset until 9pm daily, and traditional Japanese music and dance on weekends.
Visit the festival at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto from mid to late April.
Cat Festival
Looking for a purr-fect day in Tokyo? You’ll find it at this annual cat festival where hundreds of exhibitors sell cat-inspired artworks, clothes, craft and baked goods.
The fluffy festival is held on the fifth floor of Taito Hall, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center in Asakusa on the 6th of April from 11 am to 4 pm.
Wan Wan Carnival
Missing your pooch while you’re on holiday in Tokyo?
Head to this dog-themed carnival in Yoyogi Park to watch 1000s of well-dressed doggos attend yoga classes, play games, perform and visit photo studios.
Trot over to the Yoyogi Event Plaza in Yoyogi Park, Harajuku from the 10th to the 12th of April.
Naki Sumo Crying Baby Festival
Only in Japan is there a festival where sumo wrestlers gently shake babies to make them cry!
Based on the ancient belief that a crying baby will ward off evil spirits and grow as strong and healthy as sumo, the festival sees wrestlers hold a baby on stage and get them to start howling by softly swinging them or by wearing scary masks (all with the child’s parents’ permission).
The festival is held at Sensō-Ji Temple in Asakusa from the 25th of April, 10 am to 4 pm.
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