By MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
Tokyo is a top destination for cherry blossom viewing on many travelers’ annual checklists, and according to the Japan Meteorological Association, the capital’s cherry trees are expected to start blooming from March 25, 2019. Planning a visit to Tokyo for the blossoms? There’s still time to book your trip now. Below, we introduce three exclusive, insider cherry blossom-themed experiences handpicked by accommodation platform Airbnb. Just follow Airbnb’s local hosts to enjoy one-of-a-kind springtime activities. Take quick notes and get planning now!
According to the “Japan Meteorological Association” cherry blossom forecast, the beloved Tokyo area can expect to see the blooms arrive around March 25. (Photo / Airbnb, the same below)
Travel Idea (1): Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise
Paddle along a historic 16th-century Edo-era waterway.
Ever imagined canoeing through Tokyo’s bustling streets? Tokyo is home to a 16th-century Edo-era canal. Led by Rudi, a local expert with over 10 years of experience in water activities, travelers can explore the city’s scenery from a unique vantage point on the water. During cherry blossom season, you’ll even glide past a picturesque canal lined with beautiful blooms. The nearly 3-hour urban canoe adventure ends at the Tokyo Skytree, where you can cap off the trip with a breathtaking night view from Japan’s tallest tower.
Learn how to incorporate stunning cherry blossoms into delicate Japanese sweets with a cherry blossom cuisine class.
Travel Idea (2): Cherry Blossom Cooking Class
Don’t assume cherry blossom outings are only about photos and social media check-ins. To dive deeper into Japan’s cherry blossom season, consider joining the limited-time “Sakura Wagashi” (cherry blossom sweet) cooking class hosted by Tokyo local Mai during the bloom period. Mai is a professional kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) instructor. This hands-on cherry blossom wagashi-making experience takes you through everything from preparing the dough to artfully incorporating cherry blossoms into exquisitely crafted Japanese confections — plus learning about the rich cultural significance behind them. The session ends with a taste of authentic matcha.
Design your own sakura-patterned sushi bento box.
Also on offer is an adorable cherry blossom sushi workshop. Hime, a Taiwanese resident in Japan for nearly 30 years, will guide you through the traditional process of making authentic Japanese sushi, starting with the vinegar rice. During the cherry blossom festival, you can choose to decorate your sushi with sakura elements or design your very own sakura-patterned bento box — crafting a personalized, creative sushi meal. Thanks to Hime’s inventive approach to sushi-making and the fun interactions with family or friends during the activity, this experience becomes all the more memorable.
Stroll through Yanaka and soak in the nostalgic Showa-era vibe of the area.
- 1
- 2