76th Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
The 76th Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival offers a multitude of attractions, promising a delightful experience for all attendees. Held in the scenic Ueno Onshi Park, the festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Japanese culture, combined with the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Many enjoyable events such as the popular usual events like the Open-Air Antique Market, Nikko Saru Gundan Monkey Performance, Charity Portrait Drawing, and the festive music and Shishimai (lion dance) that allow you to enjoy the Edo atmosphere. This year, you can also enjoy the flower and plant market.
The festival boasts a variety of events, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Returning favorites include the Open-Air Antique Market, where one can discover unique treasures, and the Nikko Saru Gundan Monkey Performance, a captivating display of simian skill. Visitors can also have their likeness captured by talented artists at the Charity Portrait Drawing, or partake in refreshments at the Charity Stall BAR.
For those seeking a taste of traditional Edo-era ambiance, the festival features performances of festive music and Shishimai (lion dance). The Shishimai, a vibrant and energetic performance, is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
In addition to these recurring attractions, this year’s festival features a flower and plant market, providing an opportunity to purchase seasonal blooms and greenery.
Event Details
The festival features a diverse range of events, each with its own schedule and location within Ueno Park. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Antique Market: Located at Shinobazu Pond Bank, open daily from March 15th to April 6th, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This market is held even in the event of rain.
- Nikko Saru Gundan Monkey Performance: Also at Shinobazu Pond Bank, from March 15th to April 6th, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Ueno Park Charity Portrait Drawing: Situated at Shinobazu Pond Bank, operating from March 15th to April 6th, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Charity Stall BAR: Found at Shinobazu Pond Bank on March 20th, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This stall will be open if there is light rain.
- Festival Music and Shishimai: Performed at Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple Grounds on March 23rd, with performances at Noon and 1:00 PM.
- "Let’s Increase Greenery" Flower and Plant Market: Located in front of Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, open daily from March 15th to April 6th, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Most events are cancelled in case of rain, with the exception of the Antique Market (held even in rain) and the Charity Stall BAR (held if light rain). All events are cancelled in case of severe weather.
Basic Information
- Venue & Nearest Station: Ueno Onshi Park (Ueno Park), accessible via Ueno Station or Keisei-Ueno Station.
- Location: Ueno Park, Ikenohata 3-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007. MAP
- Event Period: March 15th (Saturday) to April 6th (Sunday), 2025. Note that specific event dates and times vary.
- Fee: Admission to the festival is free.
- Light-up: The festival features an enchanting illumination display.
- Paper lanterns along the cherry blossom-lined path and tall hanging lanterns in Hakamagoshi Square will be lit from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, from March 15th to April 6th.
- Paper lanterns behind Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple will be lit from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Cherry blossoms along Shinobazu Pond will be illuminated from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, between March 14th and April 13th.
- Inquiries: For further information, please contact the Ueno Tourism Federation at 03-3833-0030.
Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the latest information, it is recommended to check the official website of the venue or organizer.
What is Ueno Park?
Ueno Park is a public park located in the Taito district of Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1873 on lands formerly belonging to the Kan’ei-ji Temple, it was one of Japan’s first public parks, marking the country’s early adoption of Western-style public spaces during the Meiji era.
The park is known for its cherry blossoms, attracting many visitors each spring. During this season, hanami (flower viewing) parties are common. Ueno Park also hosts several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo.
Beyond its cultural institutions, Ueno Park offers historical monuments, ponds, and walking paths, providing a quiet escape from the city. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and recreational options makes it a notable part of Tokyo, particularly during the cherry blossom festival when the park is lit up at night.
