As spring officially arrives, cherry blossom enthusiasts throughout Japan are gearing up to enjoy the season’s blooms, with numerous events and exhibitions highlighting the iconic sakura. From Tokyo’s top parks to special food fairs, the experience promises to be vibrant and delightful.
At Ueno Park, the cherry blossoms, particularly the Somei Yoshino variety, have yet to fully blossom as of Sunday, March 23, 2025, but the Komatsu Otome, located near the entrance of Ueno Zoo, is already in bloom. Visitors can expect the iconic cherry trees to start blooming anytime soon, with last year's blossoms peaking around March 30 and the year before on March 15.
The Tokyo University of the Arts is currently holding a free exhibition titled "Kashima Kazuko: The Form of Lingering Dialogue," from March 16 to 24, showcasing student art developed during a fieldwork project on a small island in the Goto Islands. The preparation reflects the spirit of spring as students creatively incorporated everyday materials found during their stay.
Among notable exhibitions related to cherry blossoms, the Tokyo National Museum kicked off its "Viewing Cherry Blossoms at the Museum" on March 11, which allows guests to appreciate masterpieces of Japanese art featuring cherry blossom themes throughout various exhibition rooms. This artistic celebration continues to blend nature and culture.
The National Museum of Nature and Science is currently showcasing a special exhibition titled "Ancient DNA - The Road to the Making of the Japanese People," which runs until June 15, while the National Museum of Western Art features "Western Paintings: From What Angle to View Them?" until June 8, promising art lovers insightful perspectives.
No cherry blossom season in Tokyo would be complete without the spectacular Miro Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, which will run until July 6. Visitors can immerse themselves in a wide array of Miro’s work, showcasing his multifaceted genius.
Moving further afield, Roppongi Hills has welcomed the Kawazu cherry blossoms that began blooming on February 12; by February 27, they were in full bloom, creating a beautiful sight for visitors.
Additionally, the Pirika Art Project has launched a group exhibition titled "Matsuyama Chie FIRST LAST" at Roppongi Hills Gallery starting March 8, showcasing the rapidly rising next-generation artists.
The Imperial East Garden, located at the site of Edo Castle, boasts an impressive diversity of cherry trees, with over 30 varieties, including the early-blooming Hikanzakura and the Ryukyu Kanzakura, both of which were blooming by March 11. This year's exhibition at the Museum of the Imperial Collections titled "A Riot of Flowers - Beauty Revolving Around Flowers" opened on March 11 and continues through May 6, featuring priceless Japanese art centered on flowers.
The National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo is also joining in the celebrations with its "Spring Festival at the Art Museum," which began on March 13. This year, it will feature a unique opportunity to see the Important Cultural Property, Gyokudo Kawai’s "Going Spring," which is typically preserved away from public view.
Meguro River is another prime cherry blossom spot, and this year's celebration is set against the backdrop of the Ramses the Great Exhibition, where visitors can see cherry blossoms in bloom at the exhibition’s venue in Toyozawa.
For those seeking to venture outside of Tokyo, the "Toyokawa Cherry Blossom Festival 2025" at Toyokawa Park is a significant event. Running from March 22 to April 6, the festival includes a delightful cherry blossom garden where attendees can enjoy local gourmet foods while the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. The nighttime light installation at three locations in the city will enhance the experience, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossoms under lights from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Despite the awakening of spring, on the opening day of the Toyokawa Cherry Blossom Festival, attendees were met with disappointment as the buds remain tightly closed. However, many visitors opted to enjoy picnic-style experiences while awaiting the blossoms.
In Kamisu City, the 34th edition of the "Kamisu Cherry Blossom Festival" is scheduled to take place at Gou no Ike Ryokuchi Park from March 26 to April 10. The park features around 2000 cherry trees alongside a scenic 4km walking trail surrounding the lake. This festival will also feature evening lighting displays from 6 PM to 9:30 PM, enriching the nighttime atmosphere.
On March 29, a variety of events will be held, including a fluffy playground and guided experiences like a Chanbara battle and a ride in a human-powered vehicle. Food trucks will also serve local delicacies throughout the festival, catering to visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM.
As the cherry blossom season advances across various locales, a tapestry of colors blooms in gardens, parks, and galleries throughout Japan. Whether it’s in the heart of Tokyo or regional celebrations, spring offers endless opportunities to witness and celebrate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.
