Tokyo's sakura opens new photo angles
Tokyo is in full sakura swing with ten major cherry blossom festivals active this spring, and the Imperial Palace main street has been opened to the public during the season—rare access for street photographers. The Craft Gyoza Festival at Komazawa Olympic Park is also running now, offering vivid urban‑food photo setups. (soranews24.com) (japantimes.co.jp) (metropolisjapan.com)
Inui-dōri (Inui Street) at the Imperial Palace is scheduled for public access March 21–29, 2026, with entry allowed 09:00–15:30 and visitors required to exit by 16:00. (kunaicho.go.jp) The one-way promenade measures roughly 750 metres and is planted with about 99 cherry trees spanning roughly 30 varieties, including Somei‑Yoshino and shidarezakura. (kunaicho.go.jp) The Imperial Household Agency says visitors must enter via Sakashita‑mon Gate, undergo bag inspections, cannot park near the palace, and should allow up to 30 minutes from nearby stations; media and officials reported about 500 people waiting on opening day. (kunaicho.go.jp) SoraNews’ spring roundup lists ten major Tokyo sakura events this year — examples include the Chidorigafuchi Imperial Palace Sakura Festival (March 5–April 22), Meguro River cruises (March 23–April 12) and Ueno Park Sakura Festa (March 14–April 5). (soranews24.com) The Craft Gyoza Festival will take place at Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza from April 29 to May 6, 2026, aligning with Japan’s Golden Week holiday period and running daily festival hours typically from 10:00. (iwafu.com) Organizers and listings say the gyoza event features more than 30 dumpling vendors with regional specialties such as Omi beef and Koedo black pork gyoza (and even lobster varieties), and the site is about a 15‑minute walk from Komazawa‑Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Den‑en‑toshi Line. (timeout.jp)
