Sakura Viewing in Oji: Bento & Sake Brewery Tour (Tokyo)

Visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season is unforgettable. Rivers, streets and parks become coated in delicate light pink petals, transforming an already beautiful landscape into a picture-perfect wonderland.

However, knowing the best cherry blossom viewing spots to avoid the crowds can be a real challenge. Luckily, this Oji sakura experience has you covered. Enjoy a seasonal bento lunch under the blossoms, tour a historical sake brewery, and learn about the unique brewing culture in one of Tokyo's most unassuming neighborhoods.

To begin, you'll meet your guides at the observation floor of the Hokutopia building, just one minute from Oji Station. From the 17th floor, you'll get to look out over Oji at sights such as Asukayama Hill and the Otonashi River, lined with centuries-old cherry blossom trees. Your hosts are National government-licensed interpreters and sake experts ready to share their love for Japanese culture and cuisine and share unique local insights.

You'll begin your tour by visiting the Oji Jinja Shrine, where you'll learn about Japanese traditions before visiting the Red Brick Brewery, an Oji landmark. Operating for 120 years, this was once known as the Brewing Research Institute (and is now the National Research Institute of Brewing). Although it generally isn't open to the public, on this tour, you'll get the rare chance to enter the brewery, tour its facilities and enjoy a sake tasting.

Lastly, you'll stroll through Asukayama Park. You'll arrive at your specially reserved seat along the river for uninterrupted cherry blossom views that are even illuminated at night. Here, you'll enjoy a bento box filled with local Japanese delicacies. Enjoy interacting with friendly hosts as you engage in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of flower viewing (hanami) together.