Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More

Events Held at Popular Theme Parks & Tourist Spots

Donald Duck’s Quacky Duck City at Tokyo Disney Resort (Maihama)

©Disney

“Disney Palooza” is a special event series designed around the joy of having a blast with friends, filled with laughter and play. Kicking off with Minnie Mouse, the series passed the baton to Donald Duck for its second installment.

The highlight of the event is the “Quacky Celebration: Donald The Legend!” entertainment program. Set in Donald’s dream city, Duck City, it features a festival-like celebration where Disney characters gather to honor superstar Donald Duck. The performance, a vibrant spectacle of about 35 minutes, occurs once or twice daily along the parade route and in front of the castle (Castle Forecourt).

Transforming for the occasion, the entrance’s flowerbed transitions from Mickey to Donald themes, and a Donald Duck monument takes center stage in the World Bazaar, immersing the park in Duck City decorations. Inspired by the world of Duck City, special merchandise and themed menus are available for purchase.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disneyland
・Event Schedule: April 9 – June 30, 2024
・Event Hours: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the period.
・Price: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the period.
・Closed: Open daily during the event period.

Tokyo Skytree Town® Spring Event 2024 (Oshiage)

©TOKYO-SKYTREETOWN

Tokyo Skytree Town® is hosting various spring events until April 7th, featuring cherry blossom decorations throughout to create a springtime feel. At the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck Floor 350, visitors can find a photo spot designed to simulate the experience of viewing cherry blossoms from above. After sunset, the Tokyo Skytree® lights up with a special lighting display named Mai, turning it into the world’s tallest cherry blossom through shades of pink and sparkling whites to capture the beauty of swirling cherry petals.

Furthermore, artificial cherry blossoms set up at Solamachi Square on the first floor enhance the cherry blossom viewing atmosphere. The event also includes cherry blossom-themed limited menus and sweets, Solamachi Bread Marche 2024 featuring around 30 popular bakeries, and YORIMICHI CAFE STREET, where about 25 popular stores from the surrounding Oshiage area gather.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town®
・Event Schedule: March 1 – April 7, 2024
・Event Hours: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the event.
・Price: Refer to the official website as prices vary depending on the event.
・Closed: Open daily during the event period.

NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM (Shinagawa)

The Maxell Aquapark Shinagawa is hosting a spring limited event, “NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM”, created by the creative production known as NAKED, pioneers in projection mapping.

The concept invites visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a sea world alongside marine life, starting right from the entrance adorned in cherry blossoms.

Featuring digital art inspired by a spring Japanese garden, “Sakura News” allows visitors to interact with cherry blossom-colored walls where flowers bloom at the touch of a hand.

The event includes immersive experiences like “Dancing Sakura Garden” where fish swim among blossoms and “Spilling Sakura”, an aquarium exhibit area themed around Japanese landscapes with cherry blossoms, offering engaging content that captivates all who visit.

Also, a must-see is the “Dolphin Performance Night ver. Sakura Story”, where dolphins perform dynamic jumps against a backdrop of a “Sea of Cherry Blossoms”.

Event Details
・Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
・Event Schedule: March 2 – April 19, 2024
・Event Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM (Last admission at 7 PM)
・Price: Adults (High school students and above): 2,500 yen, Children (Elementary and middle school students): 1,300 yen, Toddlers (4 years and above): 800 yen
・Closed: Open daily during the event period.

PuroSpringParty (Tama Center)

© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN / 著作 株式会社サンリオ

Sanrio Puroland is launching its first special event themed “Fresh,” titled “PuroSpringParty.” A highlight to look forward to is the “Ultra FRESH SAKURA PARTY!” where popular characters like Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Hello Kitty, and My Melody don vibrant new costumes in fresh pink and green, inviting guests to actively sing, dance, and enjoy in an interactive show.

Additionally, there will be a limited-time photo spot where pressing a button plays the characters’ voices, and the “PuroSpringParty Special Greeting,” allowing guests to take photos with characters in their new costumes (this is a paid experience requiring prior reservation). The event will also feature a spring-themed menu, including cherry blossoms made of fish paste and vibrant orange slices.

Event Details
・Venue: Sanrio Puroland
・Event Schedule: April 12 – June 4, 2024
・Event Hours: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the event.
・Price: Refer to the official website as they vary depending on the date and time.
・Closed: Open daily during the event period.

Super Sakura! 2024 at ART AQUARIUM (Ginza)

The Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza presents a spring exhibition that showcases beautiful swimming goldfish with the enhancement of sound, light, and scent. The aquarium area is adorned with cherry blossom-colored lights, scents that evoke cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom flowers for a complete thematic experience.

A standout feature is the “Lanternium,” inspired by traditional Japanese festival lanterns, designed to mimic cherry blossoms falling from above. Special attention is given to spheres that act as magnifying lenses, making the goldfish appear larger.

Other exhibits include artworks representing cherry tree-lined paths and “Weeping Cherry × Waterfall,” capturing the essence of Japanese spring. The “New Goldfish Evaluation” showcases goldfish with “Sakura” in their names. Additionally, extending business hours until 8 PM on Wednesdays (with some exceptions) makes it a recommended post-dinner destination.

Event Details
・Venue: Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
・Event Schedule: March 1, 2024 (Friday) – April 24, 2024 (Wednesday)
・Event Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Subject to change); On March 6, 13, 27 and April 3, 10, 17, until 8 PM (Last entry at 7 PM)
・Price: Web ticket: 2,300 yen (https://ticket.artaquarium.jp/), Same-day ticket: 2,500 yen (Available on the 9th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi’s new building)
・Closed: Follows the closing days of Ginza Mitsukoshi.

Traditional Festivals

The 66th Kamakura Festival (Kamakura)

Photo courtesy of Kamakura City Tourism Association

Since 1959, events have been held around Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and various locations throughout the city. The opening event is the “Processional Parade” scheduled for April 14, 2024, starting at 10 AM. Participants, including the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Band, four portable shrines from the city, and groups performing traditional Japanese festival music, will march approximately 1 kilometer from Shimomaruko to the precincts of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This year, voice actors from the anime “The Elusive Samurai,” airing in July 2024, will also participate.

A must-see is the “Dance of Tranquility” performed at the shrine’s dance hall (April 14, from 3 PM). It’s a dance dating back to the Kamakura period, performed by Shizuka Gozen, a court dancer, in memory of her beloved Minamoto no Yoshitsune, as ordered by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The dance is accompanied by a Japanese explanation. Additionally, on April 21, from 10 AM to 3 PM, outdoor tea ceremony seats, “Nodate seats,” will be set up at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kamakura’s Great Buddha Hall, Kotoku-in, where visitors can enjoy matcha on chairs prepared for them.

Event Details
・Venue: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and various locations in the city
・Event Schedule: April 14 and April 21, 2024
・Event Hours: Refer to the official website as it varies by event
・Closed: Open daily during the event
・Inquiries: Kamakura Tourist Association, 0467-23-3050 (Operating hours: 9 AM – 5 PM)

Asakusa Yabusame (Asakusa)

Originally held as a New Year event at Asakusa Shrine during the Edo period, Taito Ward revived it in 1980 as a tourist attraction. Archers on galloping horses aim and shoot arrows at three sequential targets. The tense atmosphere, with the audience watching as the archers shoot targets from horseback, is truly spectacular. The Kamakura-era hunting attire worn by the archers is also worth seeing.

Viewing the event requires a paid reservation in advance. Before the Yabusame (horseback archery) event begins, a “Kusajishi” (grass deer) archery, where archers shoot at deer-shaped targets made of grass bundles from about 20 meters away and approximately 110 meters high, is also held (free to view). The “Shiroku-no-gi” ceremony rewards archers who hit all three targets, evoking a trip back to the Edo period. The attire of the Kusajishi archers, featuring traditional eboshi (a type of headgear) and hitatare (a type of clothing), is also a highlight.

Event Details
・Venue:
– Kusajishi: Sumida Park, Yamanohori Plaza, Taito Ward
– Asakusa Yabusame: Special Horse Riding Ground, Sumida Park – between Sumida River Walk and Genmaku Bridge, Taito Ward
・Event Schedule: April 20, 2024
・Event Hours:
– Kusajishi: 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
– Asakusa Yabusame: 1 PM – 2:30 PM
・Admission:
– Kusajishi: Free
– Asakusa Yabusame: 3,000 yen per seat with advance reservation, includes commemorative items (Asakusa Yabusame Origin Board, Non-woven Bag with Asakusa Yabusame logo, etc.)
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Kawasaki Kanamara Phallus Festival 2024

The Kanamara Phallus Festival, a celebration of fertility, is one of Japan’s most iconic festivals and has been popular in the Kawasaki area for centuries. The main parade is held on April 7 in and around Kanayama Shrine, and the event has gained significant attention in the past decade. During the festivities, a mikoshi (portable shrine) is hoisted, which is a surreal sight to behold. It’s no wonder that the festival draws around 30,000 international visitors each year, who join the local crowd in the festivities and are probably surprised by all the attention!

Event Details
・Venue: Kanayama Shrine (near Kawasaki Daishi Station)
・Event Schedule: April 6 – 7 and April 13 – 14, 2024
– April 6: 2 PM – 3:30 PM – Daikon radish shaving ceremony; 5 – 6 PM: Yoimiya Festival.
– April 7 (main event): 10 AM – 10:15 AM: Sacred fire event; 10:15 – 10:45 AM: Main ceremony; 10:45 – 11 AM: Mikoshi enclosing ceremony; 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Mikoshi parade
– April 13-14: 10 AM – 5 PM: Kanamara Market and mikoshi displays

Seasonal Flower Events

The 53rd Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Nezu)

Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward hosts a flower event in its Azalea Garden, which is only open during this season. The garden features early, mid, and late-blooming azaleas, which bloom in succession.

No matter when you visit in April—early, mid, or late—you’ll find unique charms. Early April showcases the striking contrast between the budding flowers and fresh greenery, with no flowers yet fallen. Mid-April offers the peak viewing period with the most varieties in bloom. By late April, while some flowers have faded, late bloomers can still be enjoyed.

On weekends, food trucks and stalls are available. While the garden can be toured in about 20 to 30 minutes, be prepared for potential waits of up to an hour just to purchase entrance tickets, especially during weekends in mid-April. Please plan your visit with time to spare.

Event Details
・Venue: Nezu Shrine
・Event Schedule: March 30 – April 30, 2024
・Event Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
・Admission: 500 yen
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Sakura Tulip Festa 2024 (Chiba, Sakura)

Located on the southern shores of Lake Inba, the Sakura Furusato Square, known for its Dutch windmill symbol, hosts an event where approximately 800,000 tulips bloom, transforming the area into a vast field of tulips. About 700,000 tulips of roughly 100 varieties in colors like red, pink, and orange are planted, including early and late bloomers, ensuring visitors experience different charms whenever they visit.

The event features unique and rare tulip varieties, including fragrant, color-changing, and variegated types, some of which are making their debut in Japan. During the event, visitors can enjoy tulip bulb digging for sale (13 for 600 yen on weekdays during the event period, otherwise 10 for 600 yen), and on weekends, performances by a small street organ that plays automatically when the handle is turned. Food trucks are available daily, and the shop sells tulip-themed souvenirs along with Sakura local souvenirs.

Event Details
・Venue: Sakura Furusato Hiroba
・Event Schedule: March 27 – April 21, 2024
・Event Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
・Admission: Please refer to the official website for event-specific pricing
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Kameido Tenjin Shrine Fuji (Wisteria) Festival 2024

Wisteria flowers typically begin to bloom in late April. These violet flowers are a source of fascination for many Japanese people due to their abundance when in bloom. The wisteria is also a prominent theme in Ukiyoe, a traditional Japanese style of art. The contrast of colors is very striking, as the Wisteria flowers reflect on the water of the pond below. We also recommend experiencing the illuminations at night for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Event Details
・Venue: Kameido Tenjin Shrine
・Event Schedule: April 6 – 30, 2024
・Illumination from sunset until 9 PM
・Admission: Free

Food & Gourmet Festivals

CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2024 at ROPPONGI HILLS (Roppongi)

The CRAFT SAKE WEEK at Roppongi Hills Arena is Japan’s largest sake event, featuring 120 carefully selected breweries from over 1,400 nationwide. This selection process involves meticulous tasting by experts, including former professional soccer player Hidetoshi Nakata, sake specialists, and top chefs, allowing visitors to sample exquisite Japanese sake from across the country without the need to travel.

In addition, 15 popular restaurants, some of which have earned Michelin stars and are usually difficult to book, will offer specially developed original menus at reasonable prices exclusively for this event.

The venue, designed by one of Japan’s leading architects, will be enhanced with music selected by popular DJs, creating an exciting atmosphere. Not just the sake and food, but the event also celebrates Japanese culture with uniquely Japanese sake vessels and dishes used for serving, offering an immersive experience into Japanese traditions.

Event Details
・Venue: Roppongi Hills Arena
・Event Schedule: April 18 – April 29, 2024
・Event Hours: Noon – 9 PM (Last Order: 8:30 PM)
・Admission: Starter Set 3,600 yen (Includes original sake cup and 11 food/drink coins) (*For subsequent visits, entry is possible by purchasing additional coins with the starter kit glass.)
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Craft Gyoza Fest TOKYO 2024 (Komazawa)

At the Gyoza Festival, craft gyoza are on full display, showcasing dumplings meticulously crafted at every stage from the dough and filling to the dipping sauce, with each element carefully selected to create a distinctly Japanese twist on the traditional dish.

This year, out of 28 diverse gyoza menu items, 18 are new. The lineup includes not just pan-fried gyoza but also boiled, fried, steamed varieties, and even soup dumplings, bringing together a wide array of gyoza variations. From innovative offerings like “Cheese-topped Burst Juice Round Gyoza” and “Coriander Walnut Gyoza” that challenge traditional gyoza concepts to local ingredient-utilizing varieties like “Little Edo Black Pork Winged Gyoza” and “Tokachi Rich Miso Butter Beef Cutlet Gyoza”, each vendor brings their unique twist and dedication to their creations (all priced at 700 yen per plate).

The festival also features festival-exclusive fruit beers such as “Niagara Honey” and “Fuji Sakura Highland Beer Pilsner” among the craft beer selections.

Event Details
・Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza
・Event Schedule: April 26 – May 6, 2024
・Event Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM (Weekdays: 11 AM – 8 PM)
・Admission: Free entry (*Food and drink purchases available (food tickets, electronic money accepted))
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Hunt for Cultural Goods at Japan’s Largest Antique Market and More!

Oedo Antique Market

Held once or twice a month at Yurakucho’s Tokyo International Forum, this is Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. The event began in September 2003 to commemorate 400 years since the establishment of the Edo shogunate and currently takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month. About 250 stores participate, offering a wide range of items from fine art and antiques to everyday vintage goods.

The selection includes Japanese antiques dating back approximately 300 years as well as recent American vintage items, providing a rich assortment that offers a glimpse into Japanese history and culture. Its location is also a draw, being just a crosswalk away from Yurakucho Station and a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

Event Details
・Venue: Yurakucho / Tokyo International Forum
・Event Schedule: March 24, April 7, April 28, 2024
・Event Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the event

The array of events in April this year spans from historic festivals held annually to the latest food festivals and open-air antique markets. Under the gentle spring skies, these events offer plenty of opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation. Be sure to check them out!

(*Note: The information in this article is as of March 2024. Please check official websites or sources for the latest updates.)

Written by:

Kaori Kimura

Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan’s French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.