Spring is an incredible time to be in Tokyo; parks and neighborhoods are filled with cherry blossoms, and locals welcome the season with long strolls under the fluttering pink canopies. These festivals are an opportunity to see some of the city’s most beautiful views, from historic riverside walks to illuminated night trees.
While these events are a highlight of the year, keep in mind they are very popular; you can expect huge crowds, especially on weekends or when the flowers are in full bloom. Since many of these spots are located in the heart of local communities, it’s important to be mindful of residents by keeping noise levels down and ensuring trash finds a bin. This helps keep the atmosphere pleasant for everyone.
Here are a few cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo to check out in 2026, each offering its own unforgettable sights and experiences.
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
One of Japan’s oldest and most beloved cherry blossom festivals, Ueno Park comes alive each spring with over 1,000 blooming trees lining its central path. The festival features a large antique market, various performance stages and over 50 food stalls serving traditional snacks such as yakisoba and hanami dango. At night, the atmosphere changes as 800 paper lanterns are lit along the main avenue to allow for evening viewing.
When: March 14–April 5, 2026
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
Centered around the Chidorigafuchi Green Way, this festival focuses on the 700-meter-long promenade along the Imperial Palace moat. The event is famous for its stunning illuminations that bathe the cherry trees in a soft pink glow after sunset. During the festival, the nearby boat pier extends its hours, giving visitors the rare chance to row through the moat at night beneath the blossoms.
When: March 26–April 6, 2026 (Illuminations and night boating)
Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival
The Meguro River is renowned for its cascading tunnel of cherry blossom trees, but the official festival is a specific weekend event organized by the local shopping arcade and held at the Goryuten Playground. It features live music, brass band parades, dance performances and a variety of local entertainment. While the pink lanterns along the river are lit for several weeks, the festival activities are concentrated into this single weekend.
When: March 28–March 29, 2026
Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Set along a scenic stretch of the Sumida River, this historic festival celebrates over 600 cherry trees originally planted by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The event is famous for its unique vantage point, allowing visitors to photograph cherry blossoms with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. Local neighborhood associations set up a bustling market of food stalls, and illuminations cast pink reflections across the river from sunset until 9 p.m.
When: March 20–April 5, 2026
Tokyo Midtown Blossom
In Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown offers a stylish spring spectacle with roughly 100 cherry trees lining its garden paths. As evening falls, the entire area is transformed by vibrant light displays that illuminate the branches from 5 to 11 p.m., casting a glow that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding cityscape. The event also integrates contemporary art and floral design directly into the scenery, which is ideal for visitors seeking a modern, curated take on traditional hanami.
When: March 13–April 12, 2026
Sakura Fes Nihonbashi
This district-wide celebration transforms Nihonbashi with pink lanterns and large-scale light displays on historic buildings like the Mitsui Main Building. The festival features the “Nihonbashi Parfes,” an outdoor parfait extravaganza at Coredo Muromachi Terrace, and the “Nihonbashi Sakura Yatai” market where 25 local legacy restaurants and hotels serve limited-edition street food. Visitors can also enjoy nighttime stalls along Edo Sakura-dori.
When: March 18–April 5, 2026
Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival
Located in western Tokyo, this festival takes place in Koganei Park, which houses roughly 1,400 cherry trees. The event features food trucks and a large temporary stage for traditional Japanese dance and music performances. A special highlight of this festival is the one-night-only illumination of the cherry blossoms on March 28, which is timed to coincide with the festival weekend. An entrance fee is required to visit Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, located within the park.
When: March 28–March 29, 2026
Bunkyo Cherry Blossom Festival
This festival is held on Harimazaka Slope, a residential street transformed by a tunnel of approximately 120 cherry trees. The local community organizes a variety of street events including brass band marches and traditional Japanese drum (taiko) performances. The road is often closed to vehicle traffic during the festival weekends to allow for maximum pedestrian viewing and open-air seating.
When: March 21–April 5, 2026
Note: While these are the planned 2026 festival dates, the timing of peak cherry blossom bloom may vary depending on spring weather. Check local updates before visiting to catch the blossoms at their best.
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Updated On April 22, 2026
