Waseda Sakura Festival in Full Bloom under Clear Skies
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, I visited the annual Waseda Sakura Festival, held under clear skies and perfect spring weather. The previous day had been rainy and cold, so the sunshine on the 30th came as a pleasant surprise, making it an ideal day for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). In my opinion, the Waseda area is one of the best hidden cherry blossom spots in central Tokyo.
The festival centers around the cherry tree-lined paths along the Kanda River, with additional viewing spots at Kansen-en Park and inside Waseda University. The cherry blossoms were almost in full bloom, and large crowds came to enjoy the spring scenery. Throughout the festival, there were traditional performances such as a marching band parade, karate demonstrations, and Japanese taiko drum shows, adding cultural richness to the experience.
A Hidden Hanami Gem Along the Kanda River: From Edogawabashi to Omokagebashi
The cherry blossoms stretching from Edogawabashi to Omokagebashi along the Kanda River are well-known among locals but still relatively unknown to foreign visitors, making it one of Tokyo’s best hidden hanami spots. Even on the day of the festival, the sidewalks were not overly crowded, allowing for a calm and pleasant stroll beneath the blossoms.
This year’s festival committee was led by Mr. Atsushi Tomita, President of Tomita Sen Kogei, a long-established dyeing workshop in the area. We have a close relationship with Mr. Tomita as he hosts traditional dyeing experiences for our international guests. His wooden workshop, originally built in Asakusa and shifted to the Kanda riverside in 1914, has survived numerous disasters, including the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), the bombing of Tokyo during WWII (1945), Kanda River floods, and the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011). It remains a must-see example of traditional Japanese architecture.
During the festival, master artisans from the workshop, who usually instruct our international guests in dyeing, cooked and served dishes like yakisoba (fried noodles) in the studio’s garden. The food was delicious—who knew that traditional dyeing masters could also cook so well?
Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Central Tokyo: Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine & Sotobori Street Expected to Peak in 3–5 Days
After enjoying the Waseda Sakura Festival, we walked toward the Kagurazaka and Iidabashi areas to explore more cherry blossom spots. One of our personal favorites, the Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, a hidden gem in the heart of Tokyo, was at around 50% bloom. It should reach its peak in about 3 to 5 days. Similarly, the famous Sotobori Street cherry blossom path, known for its picturesque curve along the outer moat, was also about halfway to full bloom and is expected to be beautiful into early April.
Experience Local Hanami Parties You Won’t Find in Any Guidebook
Waseda, Kagurazaka, and Iidabashi are home to some of Tokyo’s most beautiful cherry blossom spots. Yet, unlike Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, or Meguro River, these locations are still relatively undiscovered by international tourists. If you prefer a more peaceful, authentic hanami experience over large, crowded events, we highly recommend visiting this area. You’ll also get a chance to see traditional Japanese hanami parties hosted by local residents—a cultural experience you won’t find in guidebooks.
For those unsure about navigating the area or language barriers, we offer guided cherry blossom tours tailored to international travelers. Please feel free to join us—we’d love to share the beauty and traditions of Tokyo’s spring season with you.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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