The Oedo Fukagawa Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) will be held again this year in the Fukagawa area of Tokyo, near Monzen-nakacho Station.
One unique feature available at this festival is the boat rides!
You can enjoy gazing at the twin rows of cherry blossoms lining the banks of Oyokogawa River while being rocked along in either a traditional Japanese boat, or a powerboat.
The wooden traditional boats in particular paint a pretty picture, as they are rowed by hand. Since these first-come, first serve boat rides are extremely popular and the line-up can be up to an hour long, we recommend coming in the morning for the best chance for a smooth experience.
You can also visit the area at night, when the cherry trees are lit up, to experience a different facet of the festivities.
Both the flowers overhead, decked with LED lights, and their reflections on the surface of the river are brilliant sights to behold.
The Monzen-nakacho area is also great for exploring.
Many food stalls will be set up on the weekends, and nearby hot spots, like Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, will be hosting a variety of events.
There’s plenty to see in addition to the cherry blossoms, so we hope you’ll come to Fukagawa and enjoy Japan’s spring to its fullest extent!
Dates
Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 – Sunday, April 7th, 2019
Place
Kurofune-bashi Josen-jo Pier, 1-1 Monzen-nakacho, Koto City, Tokyo
Access
3 minute walk from Monzen-nakacho Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line T-12, Toei Oedo Line E-15)
Traditional Japanese Boat Rides
Available weekends during the festival, and on Wednesday, April 3rd. (**Subject to cancellation if there is bad weather.)
Registration hours are between 9:30 – 14:30, and the ride lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Cost
500 yen
Powerboat Rides
Available every day during the festival between 9:30 – 20:05.
One boat will leave approximately every hour.
Registration is available until 20 minutes prior to departure.
Cost
2500 yen (daytime), 3500 yen (nighttime)
Further information
Fukagawa Tourism Association home page (for information on tourism in the area):
