Available March 18th-April 8th 2025, the true Hanami spirit during Cherry Blossom season in Tokyo is hidden in the back streets, old neighborhoods, and around temples and shrines (both big and small). Join us on this walking tour of part of the Yanaka area. Taste local treats and beverages, explore the artistic history of the district, and finish up with your own hanami stroll and foodie experience- under gorgeous blossom-lined streets. Sakura season is short, about one month from the first tiny buds to the finish of the season with the peak being about two weeks. It is impossible to predict exact dates each year but we will be offering this limited edition tour in the time period most famous for Hanami time. With our guide, learn about the history of the area, the meaning and reason behind the sakura season, and taste local specialties that are bound to be pleasing to the eye and to the palate. We will try local snacks. And enjoy a special Hanami seasonal bento. Homemade rice balls and other local specialties are on the menu! THE Yanaka neighborhood is a festive one that celebrates both its many visitors and the day-to-day lives of local citizens. It is also famous for more than 100 temples and shrines which give this place a special spirit.
During the tour, we will spend time along several small streets and end up in a gorgeous area famous for cherry trees and CATS?!
At the end of the tour, we will share the local style of a Hanami stroll, and a visit to a famous temple.
Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.
Tour Highlights:
Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.
Strict start time policy: We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.
5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.
Tour Schedule:
Tuesday-Sunday in Hanami Season | |
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Meeting Time Frame | 10:45 – 11:00 am |
Start Time | 11:00 am |
End Time | 1:30 pm |
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For Vegetarians:
Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.
If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.
Visiting as a tourist it is hard to find the true Hanami spirit. Thank you to Arigato for showing me the beauty of Sakura season! In Kyoto and Tokyo!
This address:
BY TRAIN:
The easiest way is to come on the JR Yamanote train to Nippori Station and exit from the North Gate to the West Exit.
Head outside and across the bridge up the hill about to the Coffee Shop. The Cafe is next to a 7/11
Our guide will be there holding an “Arigato Travel” sign.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.