The beloved Nakameguro Cherry Blossom festival returns to Tokyo! After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the festival will be held in full for the first time since 2019. ByFood is excited to celebrate the return of the festival and all the wonderful matsuri foods that come with it! The festive runs from the 18th of March until the 9th of April 2023.
Visit the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival from 18 March to 9 April 2023
As one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing areas in Tokyo, the Nakameguro river walk attracts locals and tourists alike to enjoy the beautiful pink blossoms reaching over the waterway. Gorgeous during the day with bright blue skies, and even beautiful at night with lit-up lanterns from 5 pm to 8 pm.
The restaurants and businesses lining the river set up food stands with all sorts of sakura treats, like hanami dango, the classic tri-colored confection of the season. Other photogenic offerings include sparkling wine with strawberries, sticks of candied fruits, and even heart-shaped churros! Since eating while walking is discouraged; I recommend taking your treat to a nearby bridge to enjoy while taking in the view!
If sweets aren’t your thing, there are plenty of stalls selling savory snacks, and Nakameguro is full of cafes and restaurants that feature all kinds of cuisine. For a wonderful view over the river, the Starbucks Roastery balcony can’t be beat! But be aware, the line gets very long when the trees are in bloom, so get your tickets early and enjoy a walk around the river while you wait.
Tips for Enjoying the Sakura Festival
Since Nakameguro gets very crowded, especially during peak bloom and weekends, please be aware that some crowd-control restrictions will be in place. Hanami aka sakura viewing picnics (ie putting a blanket down under the trees) is prohibited in Nakameguro, but you can check out the other Best Spots in Tokyo to See Cherry Blossoms for hanami-friendly areas.
For a less crowded experience, going in the earlier morning or the evening is the way to go. The areas furthest from Nakameguro station tend to be less visited. For those who enjoy a nice walk, I recommend starting from Ikejiri-ohashi station and walking south down along the river (about 10 min walk until reaching the river) to avoid the massive crowds at Nakameguro station.
Enjoy the sakura stress-free by joining one of our Cherry Blossom Experiences today! Don’t miss your chance to discover Japan in its most iconic season.
