During cherry blossom season, Asakusa becomes even more lively than usual.
Asakusa “Sakura Street”
In the popular tourist area Asakusa Rokku, a limited-time event called “SAKURA STREET” runs from March 27 to April 5. A row of cherry blossom trees appears along the street, allowing visitors to easily experience spring in Japan just by walking through it.
In Japan, there is a traditional custom called “hanami,” where people gather under cherry blossoms to enjoy food, drinks, and traditional performances. This event recreates the atmosphere of hanami from the Edo period in a way that is easy for visitors to understand and experience.
One of the highlights is the free street performances that anyone can watch. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy both traditional and modern Japanese entertainment up close.
Asakusa Ukonya with TTM
Asakusa Ukonya is a performance group led by Takafuji Ukon, a traditional Japanese dancer who also performs samurai sword dance.
On the main stage, Asakusa Ukonya collaborates with TOKYO TRICKING MOB. Their show blends the elegance of traditional Japanese dance with dynamic acrobatics. From samurai sword performances to fast-paced action, you can experience a wide range of Japanese-style entertainment in one place.
Oiran Parade
There are also performances by “oiran,” inspired by high-ranking courtesans from the Edo period.
They appear in elaborate costumes and perform a unique, slow, stylized walk known as the oiran procession.
The stage gets very lively, and at the end, international visitors are sometimes invited to join in and dance together.
It’s not just something to watch—you can be part of it.
IZANAGI Japanese Instrument Duo
You can also enjoy live music by IZANAGI, featuring koto and shakuhachi.
These traditional instruments are popular worldwide, making this a great chance to experience authentic Japanese sound.
Samurai Cleanup Performance
Another unique act is the “Samurai Cleanup” show. It combines sword-fighting performance (called “tate,” a choreographed sword action) with picking up trash.
It’s entertaining while also reflecting a distinctly Japanese sense of style and spirit.
The entire street feels like one big stage, with street performers appearing throughout. As you walk, you’ll constantly come across new performances.
There are also many food stalls and shops offering cherry blossom-themed food and drinks. They’re colorful, seasonal, and perfect for photos.
“Sakura Street” offers a casual way to experience Edo-period hanami culture through modern entertainment. Since it’s only available for a limited time, catching it during your visit is a lucky opportunity.
If you’re planning to visit Asakusa, it’s definitely worth stopping by.
Leave a Reply