Chidorigafuchi (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
As cherry blossom season soon approaches, it’s time to start planning your outings to enjoy local festivals, Hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnics and more.
You’ll find plenty of fun activities planned both on and off base, so grab your picnic blanket, some yen and get ready to explore.
Aoyama Cemetery, Tokyo (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
There are many reasons to love this time of year, so read on to find some of the fun events near you.
Happy spring!
Hirosaki Castle Sakura Matsuri, Aomori Pref., 2-hour drive from Misawa AB
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(Photo courtesy of Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau)
-(6).jpg/alternates/LANDSCAPE_910/Sakura-at-Hirosaki-City-photo-courtesy-of-Hirosaki-Tourism--Convention-Bureau-6.jpg)
(Photo courtesy of Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau)
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(Photo courtesy of Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau)
Hours: April 18-May 5
Location: 1 Shimohakugincho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Tel: 0172-35-3131
Ogawara Sakura Matsuri, Miyagi Pref.
Hours: April 1-13, 9 a.m. -10 p.m. (Sakura light up 6-10 p.m.)
Location: Shiroishikawa Park, Shinseicho, Funaoka, Shibatacho, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
Tel: 0224-52-6688
Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri, Tokyo
Hours: Until April 23
Location: Chiyoda-ku around Chidorigafuchi Moat, 1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3556-0391
Ueno Park Sakura Matsuri, Tokyo
Hours: Until April 7 (Bonbori lantern light up, 5-8 p.m.)
Location: 5-20, Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3828-5644
Nakameguro Sakura Matsuri, Tokyo
Meguro River (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Hours: March 29-30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (lighting up sunset -8 p.m.)
Location: 1-24 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5722-6850
Rikugien Garden Sakura Light Up, Tokyo
Hours: TBD depending on blooming season. Usually for 7 days between March 14 thru 30, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Location: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3941-2222
Sagamiko Sakura Festival, Kanagawa Pref., near Camp Zama/NAF Atsugi
Hours: Until April 13, Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 9:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sagamiko Mori Mori, 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Pref.
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen; seniors and children 1,300 yen
Tel: 0570-037-353
Hadano Sakura Festival, Kanagawa Pref., near Camp Zama/NAF Atsugi
Hours: March 22 - April 6, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: Hadano Culture Park and Multipurpose Park, 1-3-2 Sakuramachi, Hadano City, Kanagawa Pref.
Tel: 0463-82-9648
Ueda Castle Park Senbonzakura Matsuri, Nagano Pref.
Hours: April 5 - 13, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Location: Ninomaru, Ueda City, Nagano Pref.
Tel: 0268-71-6074
Matsumoto Castle Sakura Lighting Up, Nagano Pref.
Hours: TBD; open for eight nights during peak bloom from 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Location: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Pref.
Tel: 0263-32-2902
Takato Sakura Festival, Nagano Pref.
Hours: During peak bloom, open 6 a.m. -10 p.m. (Illumination 6 - 10 p.m.)
Location: 3050 Shimoshinden, Ina City, Nagano Pref.
Admission: 600 yen high school students and adults; 300 yen middle and elementary school students
Tel: 0265-94-2556
Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Sakura Lighting Up, Ishikawa Pref.
Hours: April 5-14, sunset - 9:30 p.m.
Location: 1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Pref.
Tel: 076-225-1542
Himeji Castle Sakura Light Up, Hyogo Pref.,4-hr. drive from MCAS Iwakuni
Hours: March 28 – April 6, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (light up 6:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.)
Location: 68 Honcho, Himeji City, Hyogo Pref.
Admission: Adult 1,000 yen; elementary, middle, high school students 300 yen
Tel: 079-285-1146
Toji Temple Sakura Light Up, Kyoto Pref.
Hours: Until April 13, 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (light up 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.)
Location: 1, Kujomachi, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission: Free
Tel: 075-691-3325
Ninna-ji Temple Omuro Hana Matsuri, Kyoto Pref.
Hours: March 22 - May 6, 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Location: 33 Omuro-ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission: 500 yen adults; highschooler or younger free
Tel: 075-461-1155
Mount Yoshino Sakura light up, Nara Pref.
Hours: March 22 - April 20, 6 - 10 p.m.
Location: 41-3 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-gun, Nara Pref.
Tel: 0746-34-2522
Kumamoto Castle Oshiro Matsuri, Kumamoto Pref., 2.5-hour drive from Sasebo NB
Hours: Sat. and Sun. Until March 23
Location: Kumamoto Castle, 9-6 Hanabatakecho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Admission: High school students or older 800 yen; elementary and middle school students 300 yen
Tel: 096-352-5900
