Best Events Japan April 2025

Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s series, where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month, we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in April 2025.

Tokyo

At the heart of spring, Tokyo comes alive with exciting events filled with food, drinks, and lively celebrations, offering countless ways to enjoy the season’s vibrant energy.

Mia Mia 5th Anniversary (April 5 and 6)

Mia Mia, hands down one of Tokyo’s best and most-loved coffee shops, is celebrating its 5th anniversary on April 5 and April 6. A proper community hub run by super-charismatic Australian Vaughan Allison and his wonderful architect wife Rie, the anniversary involves a series of concerts with the highlights being YeYe and Tenniscoats. A cozy and beautiful space with a huge and open heart, the anniversary celebrations promise to be extra special.  

When	April 5 and 6
Where	4-10-1 Nagasaki, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	Tickets are available via Mia Mia’s Instagram account and website.
Official Website	IG: @miamia_tokyo

Craft Sake Week 2025 (April 18 to 29)

JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY, led by renowned former soccer star and leading entrepreneur Hidetoshi Nakata, will host Craft Sake Week 2025 at Roppongi Hills Arena from April 18 to 29. This 12-day festival will showcase over 120 types of sake from renowned Japanese breweries, with 10 breweries featured each day. Attendees can also enjoy gourmet food from top restaurants, creating a rich cultural experience. The event, which has already attracted over one million visitors, highlights Japan’s sake craftsmanship and has expanded internationally. Nakata started the event in 2016 to promote Japan’s sake culture and its potential worldwide.

When	April 18 to 29
Where	Roppongi Hills Arena, 6-9-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	Initial set: 4,200 yen (original sake glass + 12 coins for drink and food)
Official Website	https://craftsake.jp/information/6870

THE TOKYO (New Opening)

THE TOKYO is a luxury bar lounge in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, designed as the ultimate nightlife destination. It features a state-of-the-art DJ bar with custom acoustics by CAEL WORKS, and a hidden sushi counter, 2nd edition TERUZUSHI Nishiazabu, led by renowned chef Takayoshi Watanabe. The venue combines sophisticated design, including a light-up counter by AIDE, and cutting-edge sound systems. The space offers a multicultural dining experience with a curated food and beverage selection, exceptional service from ECN hospitality professionals, and private rooms for up to 12 guests. It’s an immersive, refined playground for adults seeking the best of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.

When	From March 27
Where	B1F, 4-1-1 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Official Website	https://thetokyo-club.com/

World Beer Museum at Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store (Newly Renovated)

Located in the Tokyo Solamachi shopping center, right next to Tokyo Skytree, the World Beer Museum is a superb spot for beer lovers and for visitors looking for a touch of home. With a huge spectrum of top-quality beers and hearty food including German sausages and sauerkraut, World Beer Museum is an absolute must visit when in the Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa areas. 

When	Recently reopened
Where	7F Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/en/restaurant/307/

Hyatt Regency Tokyo Jade Garden Special Chef Collaboration Event – 3rd Edition (until May 31)

Experience the blend of tradition and modern creativity in a stunning menu from Grand Hyatt Beijing’s Executive Chef Kent Jin Qiang available at Grand Hyatt Regency Tokyo’s Jade Garden until May 31. The seasonal menu which is available in lunch and dinner courses includes some real culinary standouts, including Whole Roasted Chicken Wrapped in Lotus Leaf, Spinach with Special Sesame Paste, and Spicy Stir-Fried Shell-On Prawns. This is a great opportunity to sample and engage with some truly outstanding and authentic Chinese cuisine. 

When	Until May 31
Where	2-72, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	Lunch Course: 10,120 yen Dinner Courses: 16,445 yen / 22,770 yen Reservations can be made here.

Le Pristine Weekend Brunch Menu (Ongoing)

Le Pristine Tokyo, located inside Hotel Toranomon Hills, is now offering a luxurious weekend and holiday brunch crafted by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman. The four-course menu reimagines Italian dishes with a touch of Herman’s roots.

It begins with a seafood-focused appetizer platter, including mussel escabeche and botan shrimp with avocado and caviar. A hearty fish soup, a family recipe passed down from Herman’s father, follows, featuring saffron, squid, and fennel aioli. For the main course, guests can choose from seafood orecchiette pasta, monkfish saltimbocca, or Japanese Akaushi beef rossini. Brunch options also include free-flow champagne or non-alcoholic drinks. Desserts showcase seasonal Japanese ingredients, such as Amaou strawberry cheesecake and matcha-yuzu macarons. The four-course brunch is priced at 9,570 yen, with options to add champagne or free-flow drinks, making for a refined and indulgent dining experience.

When	Ongoing
Where	2-6-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	9,570 yen Reservations are required
Official Website	Menu Weekend Brunch

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Collaboration with Hebru Brantley (April 13 to 23)

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is hosting a special collaboration with acclaimed Los Angeles-based artist Hebru Brantley titled Away We Go from April 13 to 23. Guests can reserve a limited-time themed room featuring Brantley’s Afrofuturistic artwork, including custom-designed furnishings, exclusive art pieces, and personalized items. Each guest will receive a capsule collection with a satin-lined robe, premium tote, illustrated candle, and more. The room celebrates Brantley’s new characters, Sailor Boy and his dog, symbolizing adventure and self-discovery. The collaboration will also take place at Andaz West Hollywood and Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht.

When	April 13 to 23
Where	Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 51st Floor, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	You can book your room here.
Official Website	https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/explore/andaz-artist-collaboration

Grand Hyatt Tokyo Sakurao Gin Cocktails at The Oak Door (Until May 31)

The Oak Door Bar at Grand Hyatt Tokyo is offering a special Sakurao Cocktails collection until May 31, celebrating the cherry blossom season. The menu features three floral-inspired cocktails highlighting Sakurao Distillery’s gin selection. The Hanami blends Sakurao Rose Gin with raspberry, elderflower, Chambord, and lemon. The Bouquet combines Sakurao White Herbs Gin with white Curacao, St. Germain, tonic, and fresh fruits. The Japanese Dirty Martini uses Sakurao Original Gin with Japanese olives, dry vermouth, and shiso oil. The Oak Door offers a sophisticated setting with premium wines and seasonal cuisine.

When	Until May 31
Where	6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission Fee	The Hanami: 2,300 yen The Bouquet: 2,400 yen The Japanese Dirty Martini: 2,500 yen
Official Website	https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/en/restaurants/recommended/oak-door-spring-cocktails/

Akita

Let’s travel to northern Japan, where Akita welcomes the arrival of cherry blossoms, transforming the region into a breathtaking spring landscape.

Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 (mid-April to early May)

Kakunodate, a former castle town in Akita’s Senboku City, is renowned for its cherry blossoms, attracting numerous visitors each spring. The optimal viewing period typically spans from mid to late April, with peak bloom often occurring in late April. Notable attractions include the Samurai Residence Street, where Edo-period samurai houses are complemented by weeping cherry trees, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Additionally, the Hinokinai River features a 2-kilometer stretch lined with approximately 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, forming a picturesque cherry blossom tunnel. During the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, these areas are illuminated at night, providing enchanting evening views. Access to Kakunodate is convenient via the Akita Shinkansen, with Kakunodate Station located nearby.

When	Mid-April to early May
Where	Kakunodate, Senboku, Akita Prefecture
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10018.html

Fukushima

Heading further south, we arrive in Fukushima, a prefecture blessed with stunning natural landscapes. Here, the cherry blossoms paint the scenery in soft pink hues, creating picture-perfect views at every turn.

Tsuruga Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Early April to Early May)

​​Tsuruga Castle Park in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima, is a renowned cherry blossom spot with around 1,000 Somei Yoshino trees. The blossoms typically bloom from early April to early May, with full bloom expected by mid-April 2025. The contrast between the pink blossoms and the white castle walls creates a stunning view, attracting many tourists and photographers. The park hosts night illuminations and the Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring local food stalls, folk performances, and a spring market. Visitors can enjoy hanami by day or admire the illuminated blossoms and their reflection in the moat at night.

When	Early April to early May
Where	Tsuruga Castle -1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.tsurugajo.com/tsurugajo/

Kyoto

We know that Kyoto is Japan’s iconic cherry blossom city, but beyond its breathtaking sakura-lined temples and gardens, the city offers a wealth of cultural experiences.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival (Until April 13)

The Nijo Castle Sakura illumination in Kyoto is a spring event where the historic UNESCO World Heritage site is adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms and illuminated at night. Held from late March to mid-April, the event showcases around 300 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping varieties. The nighttime illuminations highlight the castle’s beauty, with projection mapping adding a modern touch. Visitors can stroll through the Ninomaru Garden, creating a magical hanami experience. Advance ticket reservations are recommended due to its popularity. The event offers a unique blend of history, culture, and seasonal beauty.

When	Until April 13
Where	Nijo-jo Castle – 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo, Kyoto
Admission Fee	2,000 yen – 2,500 yen
Official Website	https://event.naked.works/nijojo/spring/en/

Yasurai Matsuri – Mysterious Festival in Kyoto (April 13)

The Yasurai Matsuri at Imamiya Shrine in Kyoto is a traditional festival held annually on the second Sunday of April to ward off plagues and illnesses. The event features a parade of dancers and musicians dressed as red and black demons, accompanied by vibrant umbrellas adorned with cherry blossoms and camellias. The festival’s highlight is the Yasurai-bana ritual, where participants pass under the floral umbrellas, believed to grant protection from illness. With its colorful costumes, lively music, and deep-rooted spiritual significance, the festival offers a captivating glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

When	April 13
Where	Imamiya Shrine – 21 Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kita, Kyoto
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/april/yasurai-matsuri-imamiya-shrine/

Osaka

This April, Osaka takes center stage as it hosts the highly anticipated Expo 2025, kicking off a global celebration of innovation, culture, and sustainability.

Gundam Next Future Exhibition – Grand Front Osaka (April 1 to 14)

The GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE – FINAL – event, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the GUNDAM series, will be held in Tokyo at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square from February 21–24 and in Osaka at Grand Front Osaka from April 1 to 14. The event will feature exhibits from the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION at Expo and the world premiere of the new anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. Fans are invited to explore the future of GUNDAM through exclusive displays and immersive experiences. Don’t miss this special celebration of the iconic franchise.

When	April 1 to 14
Where	Grand Front Osaka – 4-20 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/en/gundam-next-future-pavilion/withfans/index.php

Expo 2025 Fireworks (April 26)

The Japan Fireworks Expo at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will showcase Japan’s world-class pyrotechnics and highlight the deep cultural significance of fireworks. Many regional displays have over 100 years of history, often originating as memorials for famine and epidemic victims or symbols of reconstruction and peace after wars and disasters. The Expo will feature competitions where pyrotechnicians demonstrate their skill and artistry, with some displays launched near sacred Shinto shrines for a solemn atmosphere. The event aims to share Japan’s rich fireworks culture with the world, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

When	April 26
Where	Yumeshima south side seawall – Konohana-ku, Osaka
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/news/news-20240909-03/

Make sure to visit one of these lesser-known festivals, events, restaurants, hotels, and fireworks during your trip to Japan in April to make your trip in 2025 a very special experience.