Spring has come early to Tokyo as cherry blossom season is officially upon us. Although we are extremely excited to see the beautiful blossoms, sakura season will look a little different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Many major cherry blossom festivals have already been cancelled and some Tokyo parks have also discouraged hanami (flower viewing) picnics in order to prevent large gatherings.
Just so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises, we’ve rounded up all of Tokyo’s cancelled hanami festivals this year. Don’t fret, though – even if the festivals aren’t on, you can still visit these places for a casual sakura stroll. Just remember to stay safe, practice social distancing and wear a mask. Alternatively, you can also check out the least crowded sakura spots around town.
Nakameguro Sakura Festival
The festival along the Meguro River, including the evening illumination, has been cancelled.
Koganei Sakura Festival
The festival at Koganei Park has been cancelled.
Bokutei Sakura Festival
This festival along the Sumida River near Asakusa has been cancelled.
Chiyoda Sakura Festival
The festival and illuminations along the Chidorigafuchi Moat have been cancelled.
Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri at Yasukuni Shrine
The cherry blossom festival at Yasukuni Shrine has been cancelled. The grounds will be open but some areas will be off limits.
Bunkyo Sakura Festival
The festival taking place along Harimazaka Sakura-namiki has been cancelled.
Fussa Sakura Festival
The festival along the Tama River embankment has been cancelled.
Sanshi no Mori Sakura Festival
The festival at Sanshi no Mori Park in Suginami has been cancelled.
Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival
This festival taking place around Koto ward has been cancelled.
Shibuya Sakuragaoka Sakura Festival
The festival along Shibuya’s Sakuragaoka Sakura street has been cancelled. However, the lanterns on the street will remain lit during the evenings.
Funado Sakura Festival
The festival in Ukima Park has been cancelled.
Hinode Sakura Festival
The festival and illumination at the Shioda cultivated embankment has been cancelled.
Tama Center Sakura Festival
The festival at Tama Center has been cancelled.
Toneri Park Sakura Festival
The festival and illuminations at Toneri Park have been cancelled.
Komatsugawa 1,000 Cherry Trees Festival
The festival at Oshima Komatsugawa Park has been cancelled.
For more cherry blossoms in Tokyo, see our ultimate guide to cherry blossom season.
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