Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Spring in Japan is a time of celebration and joy. Every year, in March and April, Japan's iconic cherry blossoms arrive, bringing a feeling of renewal and beauty. The stunning flowers have become a symbol of the country, attracting visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the unique experience of this special time of year. From afternoon tea under the blossoms to the best view spots to see them, there are countless ways to experience the beautiful cherry blossom season in Japan.  

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea and Event in Tokyo and Kyoto 

The Tavern Grill & Lounge Spring Berry Afternoon Tea

Enjoy the best of spring in Tokyo with a luxurious afternoon tea featuring delightful berry treats from cassis, blueberry scones with whipped cream and blueberry jam to traditional savory treats such as croissants and quiche. You can also indulge in a selection of delicious sweets such as cranberry crumble tart and strawberry daifuku, all served with a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee. With its stunning cherry blossom-inspired treats and cozy atmosphere, The Tavern Grill & Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea this spring in Tokyo. It's the ideal place if you're looking for a special treat for yourself or a fun outing with friends.  

Date: April 1–May 31 
Time: 1–3pm and 3:30–5:30pm
Price: ¥6,380
Website
Address: 1-23-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Toranomon, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills 51st floor Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Fragrant Afternoon Tea

If you're looking to experience something extra special this spring, you might want to visit Kyoto. Ella K, a perfume brand from Paris, and Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto have come together to bring you an exclusive afternoon tea experience. Enjoy a fragrant afternoon tea surrounded with the scenery of cherry blossoms. The menu includes seven types of sweets and five types of savory flavors derived from two fragrances. You can indulge in delicious treats such as salmon and grapefruit tart, rose mousse strawberry and nutmeg, and iconic sweets such as icing cookies in fragrance bottles. The Garden Bar is served using contemporary tableware fashioned in the artisinal style that Kiakiado and Asahiyaki Nakagawa Mokkougei. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto has received five stars in the 2023 edition of Forbes Travel Guide. They are the first hotel in Japan to receive a five-star rating in the first year of operation. If you like Japanese culture and architecture, you're in for a lovely surprise. The front entrance of the hotel with The Kajiimiya Gate is a symbol of the hotel dated back to 300 years.

Date: March 16–April 27
Time: 12:00 and 14:30
Price: ¥6,100–(2 drinks)/ ¥6,700–(free flow)
Website
Address: 284 Nijo Aburanokoji-cho, Aburanokoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-0051 

Rooftop Bar Afternoon Tea

During April, the much-loved Sakura Garden will once again be available on the 52nd floor Rooftop Bar terrace for a limited time only. It's the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea and cherry blossom experience in Tokyo. Stunning views of the city skyline and nearby cherry blossom trees provide a beautiful backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation, tea, and light refreshments. Enjoy the unique selection of cherry blossom-themed sakura sweets such as sakura tartlet, sakura shortcake and sakura roll cake. The menu also features delicious savory food such as sakura shrimp and sakura and parmesan rice croquette. Take advantage of the Sakura Garden afternoon tea this spring. 

Date: April 15–16, 22–23 and  29–30
Time: 1–3pm and 3:30–5:30pm
Price: ¥7,150–¥8,470
Website
Address: 1-23-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Toranomon, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills 52nd floor Toranomon Hills Mori Tower

Grand Hyatt Tokyo Sakura and Strawberry Afternoon Tea Buffet

Enjoy a wide selection of Japanese and Western-style treats this spring at The French Kitchen in Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Indulge in specialty seasonal desserts such as strawberry tart, sakura white chocolate and strawberry mousse and cherry blossom shortcake. Try savory treats such as crepe spinach ricotta cheese semi-dried tomato and quiche. This exquisite afternoon tea buffet also features premium organic tea from Los Angeles, California. Free-flow coffee will be available to accompany your delicious treats. The Grand Hyatt Tokyo Sakura and Strawberry Afternoon Tea Buffet is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossom season and savor the flavors of spring.

Date: March 12–April 9
Time: 3–5pm
Price: ¥5,720–¥6,820
Website
Address: 6 -10-3 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, The French Kitchen 

Evening Cherry Blossom Tour Tokyo

Arigato Japan is hosting a cherry blossom tour in Tokyo. The tour takes you through the majestic cherry blossoms of Tokyo, giving you an amazing spectacle of nature’s beauty. You can take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Tokyo and visit some of the city’s most beautiful cherry blossom trees. The tour includes a tasty dinner at a local izakaya and you’ll also get to try local snacks.

Date: March 19-April 9
Time: 4:30–7:30 pm
Price: ¥20,000
Website

Cherry Blossom Drinks 

Rooftop Bar Sakura Gin Cocktails

Experience the beauty of a cherry blossom evening with delicious gin cocktails. The Rooftop Bar is a lovely place to spend a spring evening in Tokyo. The bar offers a wide range of cherry blossom-flavored gin cocktails, from the sakura gin sour cocktail made from gin with an egg white base to the sakura gin sparkle, which has a lovely aroma of cherry blossoms. Every cocktail is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure the perfect balance of flavors. The Rooftop Bar is one of the best spots in Tokyo for a romantic evening or simply a great night out and its delicious gin cocktails will make your evening one to remember. 

Date: March 1–April 30
Price: ¥2,420 per cocktail
Website
Address: 1-23-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Toranomon, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills 52nd floor Toranomon Hills Mori Tower

Cherry Blossom Coffee

Starbucks Japan is ushering in the spring season with its cherry blossom coffee. The limited-edition cherry blossom coffee comes in two flavors—sakura soy latte and sakura blooming saku frappuccino. Both flavors are topped with a sprinkle of "sakura petals" for a delightful crunch and a hint of floral sweetness. Each beverage is created with an elegant sakura pattern and color in mind, making it a drink that's beautiful to look at yet delicious to the taste buds. 

Website
Store finder: https://store.starbucks.co.jp/?nid=mm 

Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Japan 

Omiya Park Saitama

Omiya is one of the busiest places in Saitama. The city features many restaurants and shopping arcades in and around the station. Omiya Park, adorned with Japanese red pines, magnolia trees, plum trees, and cherry trees, is one of the most visited parks in the area, especially in spring. The park also has large grass fields suitable for activities like picnics with friends or frisbee games. Other places to check out at the park are the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore and Hikawa Shrine.

Nearest station: Kita-Omiya Station 

Arashiyama Kyoto

The cherry blossom is one of the most beautiful and highly anticipated sights of the spring season in Kyoto. Each year, thousands of locals and travelers visit Arashiyama which is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto. As the cherry blossoms bloom in springtime, the entire area is covered in a beautiful pink hue. From the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge to the bamboo forest, the cherry blossoms add a magical touch to the scenery. Arishayama has beautiful views and hotels including the infamous Muni Kyoto hotel which is known for its excellent location with stunning views of the river and the bamboo forest. 

Nearest station: Arashiyama Station 

Maizuru Park Fukuoka

If you're looking for a peaceful and tranquil spot to appreciate the beauty of spring without crowds, Fukuoka is a perfect choice. Maizuru Park in Fukuoka is the perfect spot for hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms in the spring. It's easy to see why this park is so popular - the flowers are breathtaking, with thousands of cherry blossoms in full bloom, and it's also a great spot for outdoor activities like picnicking, bird watching, and photography. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, as well as a wide variety of shops. Even if you're not a fan of cherry blossom viewing, Maizuru Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Nearest station: Ohori Koen Subway Station

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Tokyo

Take a break from the hectic city life and relax in the beauty of nature. Shinjuku Gyoen is an oasis of tranquility and beauty in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The park is trendy among locals and tourists when its cherry trees bloom in spring. You can also find a variety of other attractions, such as a Japanese garden and a popular Starbucks. From the terrace of the Starbucks, you can admire the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in spring or enjoy the lush green trees in summer and autumn. Shinjuku Gyoen is a great place to experience calm within a busy city.

Nearest station: Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station

2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast Japan

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