FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS IN TOKYO AND YOKOHAMA IN MARCH 2018
SPRING TOKYO COFFEE FESTIVAL
• April 14-15 | Tokyo | Food Coffee lovers will enjoy samples of different brews, blends and high-quality beans from around the world. Workshops and talk sessions help connect the consumers with people behind the production of coffee. Regulars look forward to the mini porcelain cup to take home as a souvenir from this aromatic fest. Open 10am-5pm; free entry.
• tokyocoffeefestival.co
JAPAN INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2018
• March 8-11 | Yokohama | Entertainment
The Japan International Boat Show is your one-stop event for a glimpse into the Japanese marine industry. It is held at two venues: PACIFICO Yokohama and Yokohama Bayside Marina. Apart from a showcase of motorboats, sailboats and marine accessories, there will be workshop-styled seminars and lectures on marine-based activities, fishing presentations and boat test rides. Show timings: 10am-5pm; at PACIFICO Yokohama: March 8, 11:30am until March 9, 8pm; JP¥1,200/`705 per person.
• marine-jbia.or.jp
RIKUGIEN CHERRY BLOSSOM LIGHT-UP
• March 21-April 5 | Tokyo | Nature
Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens. It lights up twice a year, once during the blooming of cherry blossoms in spring and the second when the leaves turn red in autumn. “Light-up— illuminations” are strategically placed around the park during these seasons, making it more attractive to the large crowds that line up to view them. The main attraction is Shidare Zakura or the weeping cherry tree whose reflection in the clear waters of the pond creates a breathtaking image. The lights come on from sunset to 9pm; JP¥300/`175 per person.
• japanistry.com/rikugien
SANKEIEN GARDEN CHERRY BLOSSOM NIGHT VIEWING 2018
• March 31-April 8
| Yokohama | Nature
It is common practice in Japan to take time out to appreciate the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms when they’re in full bloom. Sankeien, the traditional Japanese garden is a popular spot during this time. It covers an area of 1,74,000 sqm, which includes cherry blossom trees, ponds and bridges — all laid out in beautiful synchronisation with other other. During the night viewing, the cherry blossom trees look even more beautifully when lit up with traditional Japanese lanterns. The highlight though is the three-storey Tomyoji temple in the park, atop a hill top, that stands as an illuminated backdrop to the blooming trees. 9am8:30pm; JP¥700/`400 per person.
• sankeien.or.jp
SANJA MATSURI
• May 18-20 | Tokyo | Parade
It is a common sight to spot nearly hundreds of mikoshi shrines (portable shrines for the Shinto gods) parading the streets during this weekend. The event kick starts with the Daigyoretsu Parade on Friday afternoon where priests, geishas and city officials dress in Edo Period costumes. On the second day, individuals get their shrines out to bless the neighbourhood after conducting a ceremony at mainly Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. On the last day, locals compete to lift one of Asakusa Shrine’s three large main mikoshi to parade in the vicinity.
• japan.travel/en/spot/1705/