Yasukuni Shrine in Kudan, Tokyo has long been known as one of the city's most beloved cherry blossom spots. The expansive grounds are home to around 500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and early-blooming Kawazu-zakura varieties. During the cherry blossom season, the inner precinct is blanketed in soft pink, and the cherry tree-lined path in front of the Yūshūkan Museum and the reflections of blossoms on the pond in the Shinchi Garden are particularly scenic. The shrine is also home to the specimen tree used by the Japan Meteorological Agency's Tokyo District Meteorological Observatory to officially announce the start of the cherry blossom season.
Night Cherry Blossom Viewing: "Yozakura Mōde"
From Thursday, March 26 to Tuesday, March 31, the shrine hosts "Yozakura Mōde," a special event offering a magical view of illuminated cherry blossoms at night. During the event, the main gate (Shinmon) — normally closed after dark — is opened each evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. While entry to the inner precinct is not permitted, visitors can gaze through the gate at the beautifully lit cherry trees and shrine buildings, creating an atmosphere of quiet solemnity quite distinct from daytime visits.
Dates: Thursday, March 26 – Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day
The schedule may be subject to change depending on the cherry blossom conditions. Please check the Yasukuni Shrine official website for updates.
Events During the Cherry Blossom Season
Food Trucks
In the outer garden rest area, food trucks operate on a limited schedule throughout the season, allowing visitors to enjoy light refreshments while leisurely viewing the blossoms.
Dates: Friday, March 13 – Wednesday, April 8, approx. 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day
Dedicated Traditional Performing Arts
On Sunday, March 29 at noon, traditional performing arts — including rakugo (comic storytelling) and Daikagura acrobatics — are presented at the Nōgakudō (Noh Theater) within the shrine grounds by the Japan Rakugo Art Association. Admission is free.
Date: Sunday, March 29, noon
Performers: Rakugo: Katsura Kobunchi; Daikagura: Okina-ya Kazusuke & Kohana
Dedicated Women's Pro Wrestling "Yamato Shinshū Onna Matsuri"
On a special ring set up at the shrine's sumo arena, this year's program includes a first-ever dedicated performance by a women's professional wrestling organization. Admission is charged.
Date: Sunday, March 29; doors open 11:15 AM, matches begin at noon
Organizer: Marigold Co., Ltd.
Inquiries: Chicago Factory — Tel: 028-688-5374
Dedicated Night Cherry Blossom Noh (Yozakura Nō)
The Noh theater at Yasukuni Shrine — said to be Tokyo's oldest — hosts the "Dedicated Night Cherry Blossom Noh," where leading Noh and Kyōgen performers present an evening of classical theater beneath the blossoms. This year's performances are scheduled for Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7, with doors opening at 6:10 PM and curtain at 6:45 PM. Tickets are required; see below for details.
Dates: Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7
Doors: 6:10 PM; Curtain: 6:45 PM
Organizers: Fuji Television, Yozakura Nō General Incorporated Association
Tickets: Sunrise Promotion Tokyo — Tel: 0570-00-3337
Dedicated Grand Sumo
The shrine's sumo arena hosts a dedicated sumo performance featuring wrestlers from the Japan Sumo Association, including yokozuna-ranked competitors. The event begins with the Dohyo-matsuri, a ritual ceremony offering prayers for safety, national stability, and a bountiful harvest. The ring entry (dohyo-iri) of makuuchi wrestlers will also take place. Admission is free, though entry may be limited if the venue reaches capacity.
Date: Monday, April 13
Performance times will be announced on the Yasukuni Shrine official website.
Organizer: Japan Sumo Association
Seasonal Limited Items
Yasukuni Shrine also offers a selection of seasonal items available only during the cherry blossom period.
The "Hana-mamori" amulet — available in limited quantities for the spring season — is offered from around March 20 at an initial fee of ¥1,500.
Spring-limited paper-cut and embroidered goshuin (ink stamps) are also available, featuring cherry blossom motifs alongside designs inspired by the dedicated sumo performance and a memorial sculpture dedicated to warhorses lost in battle.
