THE BEAUTY OF EVERY SPRING

From March to April, you can catch a glance of the beautiful yet fleeting cherry blossoms. Known as “Sakura” in Japan, these delicate pink flowers can be viewed throughout the region, but only for a short period of time. Once they bloom they can be viewed for about two weeks. Every season, people flock to streets, parks and festivals to catch a glimpse.

Dating back centuries the origin can be traced to before feudal Japan, with folklore stories of cherry blossom trees signifying rebirth and agricultural reproduction. Travelers would worship these trees and plant them across Japan. The Sakura season is widely celebrated in Japanese culture being tied to beauty, mortality, renewal and rebirth.

Visit some of these festivals taking place close by and partake in traditions that have been celebrated for generations.

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival 2022

17 Mar–3 Apr • Ueno Park A popular park for viewing cherry blossoms, this festival is easily accessible for everyone. Ueno park is about 7 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. With well over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, this is the biggest festival in Japan and hosts around two million people every spring. Friends and families can bring their own picnic or you can buy from a variety of vendors selling typical “hanami” snacks like yakitori, takoyaki and yakisoba. Stay until dark and view breathtaking lanterns light up the Sakura for a spring season full of enchantment and new beginnings.

Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2022

18 Mar–4 Apr • Sumida Park Visit Sumida Park, located in downtown Tokyo. It’s just a short train ride away and a popular destination to view the newly blossoming Sakura trees. The biggest attraction of the festival is their nighttime illumination. Right by the Sumida River, you can take in the bright lights of the Tokyo skyline and see the illuminated Tokyo Skytree while strolling through the park with friends and family. This festival is the perfect way to bring in your first spring season here in Japan.

Satte Sakura Festival

Late Mar–Early Apr • Satte Gongendo Park Tokyo is one of the top cities to view Sakura and Satte Gongendo Park is a prime location for a day trip to enjoy the scenery and cherry blossoms. Located in the Saitama Prefecture, it takes about an hour and 15 minute train ride to get to the park. Boasting about 1,000 cherry blossom trees and includes hundreds of vendors selling delicious street food and drinks. You can take a stroll or have a picnic on the hilltop while taking in the new spring season.

Sakura Cherry Spring Festival 2022

Sat • 26 Mar • 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • Yokota Air Base Celebrate the spring season right out your front door. Stroll the east side and view the blossoming Sakura trees that line McGuire Ave. Enjoy “hanami” with food and drink vendors and watch live entertainment and dance performances. The Sakura season is fleeting and you won’t want to miss your last chance to see the beautiful cherry blossoms right here at Yokota.

Paid ad. No Federal endorsement of advertiser intended.