Yanaka and Tokyo Retro Town in March 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Yanaka is a shitamachi (downtown) area in Tokyo, accessible from Shinjuku. In March, Tokyo's Yanaka experiences average temperatures between 7°C-11°C. As a famous cherry blossom destination, Yanaka's sakura begins blooming in March, reaching peak bloom in late March.
Yanaka Ginza is a retro downtown area preserving its historical townscape. The area features numerous small temples and the renowned Nezu Shrine. The "Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street" is famous as a retro shopping destination, hosting charming small restaurants and boutiques.
Various events are held around Yanaka Ginza in March 2025. This article introduces the major "Tsutsuji (Azalea) Festival" starting in late March, antique markets, and scenic cherry blossom spots unique to March.
We've compiled basic event information and access details. For those planning to visit Tokyo or already here, we also introduce tours exploring Yanaka and popular nearby attractions.
Don't Miss the Bunkyo Tsutsuji Festival in Nezu When Visiting Yanaka in March!
Source:Official website
The Nezu Shrine's "Bunkyo Tsutsuji Festival" is Yanaka's major March event. In 2025, it runs from March 30 to April 30.
During the Tsutsuji Festival, various events occur throughout Nezu Shrine and Yanaka:
The Tsutsuji Garden, famous for its flowers, opens on March 30. With 350 years of history, it features over 100 varieties and 3,000 azalea plants.
Other highlights include the "mikoshi-togyo" featuring decorative Festival cars, antique and plant markets, and exhibitions of rare traditional art owned by the shrine. Here are the key event details:
Tsutsuji Garden Opening (March 30)
Source:Nedu Shrine
The Tsutsuji Garden within Nezu Shrine opens on March 30. As the festival's main attraction, visitors can explore the beautiful azalea garden for a 500-yen entrance fee.
The garden features early, mid, and late-blooming azaleas. Early-blooming varieties peak in early April, surrounded by vibrant green leaves.
Mid-April sees most azaleas in full bloom, creating a spectacular display of red and pink blossoms.
During my late April visit, I thoroughly enjoyed the late-blooming azaleas at their peak. Being surrounded by the abundant flowers created a truly festive atmosphere.
Nezu Shrine features many traditional Japanese elements, including the "Senbon Torii" (thousand shrine gates). Experience Japanese spring azaleas in this historic setting.
[Event Information: Bunkyo Tsutsuji Festival]
Venue: Nezu Shrine
Address: 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: March 30 - April 30, 2025
Hours: 9:00-17:30
Admission: Garden entrance ¥500
Tsutsuji Festival Events (Late March - Early April)
Source:Nedu Shrine
Various events will be held throughout January at shrines and in Yanaka town during the Bunkyo Tsutsuji Festival.
Events Schedule:
- April 7 (Sun) 12:00: Mikoshi Procession by Nezu Festival Association
- April 14 (Sun) [Rain date: April 21 (Sun)]: Children's Procession
- April 19 (Fri) 10:00-12:00: Food Safety Consultation by Bunkyo Health Center
- April 21 (Sun) 10:00-12:00: Green Feather Fundraising by Bunkyo Boy Scouts Group 3
- April 27 (Sat) 13:00: Naginata Dedication Practice by Bunkyo Naginata Federation
- April 28 (Sun) 13:00: Urayasu Dance by Local Children
- April 29 (Mon/Holiday): Banner Parade by Rissho Kosei-kai Bunkyo Church
Weekends in April 10:00-16:00: Traditional Crafts Exhibition
April 13, 20, 28 (12:00 & 14:00): Nezu Gongentaiko Drums
Daily Events:
- Plant Market
- Antique Market & Street Stalls (until May 6)
- Thirty-six Poets Paintings & Guardian Statues Viewing (12:00 & 14:00)
The festival's highlight is the Mikoshi Procession on April 7, where locals carry decorated festival cars through town. Another popular event is the Children's Procession, featuring kids in traditional costumes.
Special March Experiences around Yanaka Ginza
Source:Yahoo! News
Yanaka Antique Market
Location: Enmei-in Temple (400+ years old), 1-minute walk from Yanaka Ginza
Features:
- Vintage kimonos
- Japanese tableware
- Unique cat-themed vintage items
- International antiques from France and England
Event Details:
13th Edition: March 7-8, 2025
Time: 10:00-16:00
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from Nippori Station West Exit (Yanaka direction)
- 1 minute walk from Yanaka Ginza
- 10 minutes walk from Sendagi Station Exit 2
Location: Nichiren-shu Hojuzan Enmei-in Temple Parking lot
Admission: Free
Links:
Website: https://www.yanaka-antique-market.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanaka.antique/
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
March is cherry blossom season in Tokyo. When spring arrives and cherry blossoms bloom in Japan, people go "hanami" to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
During hanami, people enjoy flowers by having outdoor parties at scenic cherry blossom spots or taking leisurely walks under the cherry trees. Recently, taking beautiful cherry blossom photos for social media has also become popular.
Yanaka is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, with several famous hanami spots. Here are 4 cherry blossom spots that can be uniquely enjoyed in historic Yanaka, with its traditional cemeteries and temples.
Yanaka Cemetery
Yanaka Cemetery is a collective burial ground in Yanaka. It's known for housing graves of famous Japanese literary figures and artists, and is also a very famous cherry blossom spot.
The most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot is "Sakura Street" in the center of Yanaka Cemetery. Cherry trees are planted on both sides of the road, creating a cherry tree avenue that continues for about 250m. Walking through this pink tunnel made of cherry blossoms is a magical experience unique to March in Japan.
Additionally, while being a famous cherry blossom spot, Yanaka Cemetery maintains a very quiet environment. Traditional hanami parties under the cherry trees are prohibited here. As a result, it's very quiet and peaceful, with moderate foot traffic, allowing for relaxed cherry blossom appreciation.
The best viewing time for cherry blossoms at Yanaka Cemetery starts from mid-March. The grounds are very spacious, and being surrounded by cherry trees means you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms everywhere, not just on "Sakura Street." Please take your time to explore.
Information:
- Dates: (Cherry Blossom Bloom) Mid-March to Early April 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nippori Station South Exit
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/reien/park/index073.html
Chomyo-ji Temple
Source:Google Maps
Chomyo-ji is a temple in Yanaka that has been cherished by locals for many years.
The temple grounds preserve "Hatsune Forest," which has been in Yanaka since ancient times, and is known as a nature-rich spot. Walking slowly through the grounds, you can feel traces of Yanaka's verdant past from hundreds of years ago.
Furthermore, Chomyo-ji features an elegant and beautiful weeping cherry tree. When I looked up at this massive weeping cherry tree, cherry petals were falling like a shower. Located in front of the main hall, it's about 50 years old. Due to its impressive size, it's a famous cherry tree in Yanaka.
Chomyo-ji is located one street behind Yanaka's main street. During cherry blossom season, it's popular among international tourists. Don't miss seeing this large weeping cherry tree, rated as Yanaka's finest.
Information:
- Dates: (Cherry Blossom Bloom) Mid-March to Early April 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nippori Station North Gate West Exit or 5-minute walk from Sendagi Station Exit 2
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://366jumokuso.jp/jiin/chomyoji/
Hongyo-ji Temple
Source:Google Maps
Located near Chomei-ji Temple, Hongyo-ji was historically known as "Moon-viewing Temple" due to its hilltop location perfect for viewing the moon. Though now surrounded by high-rises, it represents Yanaka's transformation from natural landscape to vibrant retro downtown.
Three large weeping cherry trees grace the temple grounds, siblings to those at Chomei-ji. Magnolias and yellow Cornus officinalis flowers bloom beneath, creating a soul-soothing spring landscape. The temple has deep connections to Japanese culture, with historic sites linked to the famous haiku poet Kobayashi Issa.
<Information>
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid-March to Early April 2025
Access: 2-minute walk from Nippori Station North Exit (West Side)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.arakawa.tokyo.jp/a022/shisetsuannai/jinja/nippori002.html
Zensho-ji Temple
Source:Google Maps
This tranquil temple, surrounded by office buildings and high-rise apartments, has strong historical ties to the Tokugawa shogunate from when Tokyo was called Edo, about 350 years ago. It houses the "Fuji Daikokuten Statue," a Buddhist stone statue over 500 years old.
Two stunning weeping cherry trees create a striking contrast against modern Tokyo skyscrapers and traditional temple gates. The peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to fully appreciate the swaying branches of the cherry blossoms without crowds.
The famous "Habue-dango" shop in front of the temple offers refined sweet dumplings, perfect after viewing the cherry blossoms.
<Information>
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid-March to Early April 2025
Access: 4-minute walk from Nippori Station Ogu-bashi Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.zensyouji.website/
Experience Yanaka to the Fullest with a Local Guide Tour!
We've introduced the highlights of March events and spots in the charming downtown Yanaka. However, Yanaka's appeal runs deep, and first-time visitors can't fully experience it just by attending events. We recommend joining a walking tour to explore the town leisurely with a guide.
The Yanaka Historical Walking Tour includes a visit to Nezu Shrine, known for its beautiful azalea garden. Afterward, you'll explore Yanaka's preserved historic district. The tour features stops at traditional house cafes and concludes at the famous Yanaka Ginza shopping street for local delicacies.
A highlight of this March 2025 tour is painting your own lucky cat statue at a traditional house café. Yanaka, historically home to cats living around small temples, is known as the "Town of Cats." Paint your own patterns and colors on a fortune-bringing cat statue – a wonderful memento of your Yanaka visit.
Yanaka Ginza shopping street is a treasure trove of downtown cuisine. I recommend trying the beloved street food "croquettes" (korokke). Yanaka's exceptional croquettes attract visitors from far and wide.
The area combines shrines, temples, historic streets, charming shops, cafes, and fantastic food. Join the tour to deeply experience these various attractions.
Meeting Point: Outside Exit 1, Tokyo Metro Nezu Station
Address: 1-1 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Tour Area: Yanaka
Start Time: 13:30
Two Recommended Tours to Enjoy the Retro Streets Around Yanaka with Local Guides
The historic downtown area extends beyond Yanaka. Particularly popular nearby areas include Asakusa, home to the famous Sensoji Temple, and Ueno with its vibrant nightlife district.
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
When visiting Yanaka, extend your journey to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations. In March 2025, this guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Asakusa's culture and traditions.
The tour begins at Sensoji Temple, Asakusa's iconic landmark, where you can enjoy early spring cherry blossoms in March. Following this, experience traditional matcha preparation at a historic teahouse. The tour concludes with lunch featuring "Monjayaki," a beloved dish of downtown Tokyo.
The highlight is the tea ceremony experience in Asakusa's elegant tea house. Stepping from the bustling streets into the tearoom reveals a serene sanctuary. Here, you'll prepare and enjoy premium grade matcha. It's a uniquely Japanese moment of tranquility, perfectly complementing the vibrant Yanaka Event festivities happening in March 2025.
While both Asakusa and Yanaka share downtown roots, each offers distinct charms. Consider experiencing Asakusa's energetic atmosphere as a contrast to Yanaka's peaceful ambiance.
Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, 1-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tour area: Asakusa
Start time: 11:00
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
This evening tour offers a nightlife experience in Ueno, conveniently located near Yanaka.
Visit two locally-beloved bars, starting with a popular street-side establishment. Enjoy four dishes including yakitori and kushikatsu - downtown Tokyo favorites - with unlimited alcoholic beverages.
The tour showcases Ueno's charm as a local nightlife destination. Your guide leads you through vibrant food stalls and carefully selected establishments. March brings extra excitement with cherry blossom viewing season, particularly energetic after the Yanaka Event March 2025 festivities.
Learn izakaya (Japanese pub) etiquette from your guide. These welcoming establishments offer opportunities to interact with locals. Join this tour for an authentic night out experience.
Meeting point: Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit, in front of Ueno Object, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tour area: Ueno
Start time: 18:00
