Yokohama Oka River Cherry Blossoms: Festival, Best Spots, and Tips

Oka River Promenade Cherry Blossom Festival in Yokohama

The Oka River is popular for being one of Yokohama's top cherry blossom spots. Along its five-kilometer-long promenade, there are about 500 cherry trees in Minami Ward alone. If you include Naka Ward there are about 700 cherry trees in full bloom.

During the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are food stalls lining the promenade in the shopping district. Then in the evening, the bonbori paper lanterns are lit up, enveloping the area in a mystical atmosphere.

Yokohama Gumyoji Shopping Street sits along this recommended walking route. The street is lined with famous shops and is a lively spot bustling with many shoppers. As you enjoy the cherry blossoms (sakura) and food, how about going for a stroll here?

Cherry Blossom Viewing Along the Oka River Promenade

The Best Time To See the Oka River Cherry Blossoms
Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Cherry Blossom-Related Events
Information on Access and Crowds
Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Time To See the Oka River Cherry Blossoms

Photo by Pixta

The best time to see the Oka River cherry blossoms is typically from late March until early April.

At night, the blossoms are illuminated by the warm glow of the bonbori lanterns and are reflected on the shimmering surface of the river, creating a fantastical sight.

When the cherry blossoms start falling, countless petals drop on to the river's surface, coloring it pink. This creates something known as hana ikada, or "flower rafts." This refers to large numbers of cherry blossom petals that cluster together and float on the water, which is truly a magnificent sight to behold.

To find out the current status of the cherry blossoms we recommend looking at the city of Yokohama's official website (Japanese) for the latest information.

The Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Photo by Pixta

The Oka River Promenade is dotted with many scenic spots for enjoying the 700 cherry trees in full bloom. Each spot gives its own unique view of of the blossoms, from the reflection of the blossoms on the calm surface of the river to the panoramic views offered by the various nearby bridges.

Next, we present our top three recommended cherry blossom spots.

1. Sakura Bridge

Photo by Pixta

There are many bridges going across the Oka River, but the Sakura Bridge is the most suitable as the starting point for the sakura walking course. It's located near Gumyoji Station (Yokohama Municipal Subway, Keikyu Line) so it has really convenient access.

One highlight is the rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees lining the river. The view from the bridge is an excellent photo spot, offering a panorama of the sakura tunnel created by the cherry trees in full bloom lining both banks of the river.

Sakura Bridge is situated along the Gumyoji Shopping Street. So please note that during the cherry blossom season it tends to get crowded with shoppers and those enjoying o-hanami (cherry blossom parties).

2. Tsurumaki Bridge

Photo by AC

Tsurumaki Bridge is located on the way from Gumyoji Temple to Maita. This spot sits partway along the rows of cherry trees.

In the Tsurumaki Bridge area many food stalls have been set up. This is a bustling spot with many o-hanami visitors enjoying gourmet food under the sakura tunnel.

The right bank of the Oka River is lined with many food booths during the cherry blossom season. However, the left bank has relatively fewer stalls, so you can walk here in a leisurely manner.

3. Maita Park

Photo by Pixta

One spot worth visiting as you walk along the Oka River Promenade is Maita Park with its spacious lawn.

There are impressive cherry trees inside the park so visitors can sit on a bench and enjoy o-hanami. We also recommend spreading out a picnic blanket on the lawn and enjoying some cherry blossom viewing as you lay out your bento lunch.

There's also an assortment of large playground equipment making this is a popular spot for families with children. So as you feel the refreshing spring breeze how about taking a short break in Maita Park?

Cherry Blossom-Related Events

Photo by Pixta

Several events are held during the Oka River's cherry blossom season, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the local area. Every year, various companies and organizations organize cherry blossom cruises. These luxurious boat cruises, which allow passengers to view the sakura tunnel from the water, are highly popular.

Minami Sakura Festival (Maita Park Event)

The Minami Sakura Festival is held in Maita Park on March 22 and 23, 2025.

Booths and bazaar stalls are set up by local people on the event grounds and there's also a resident stage that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

At dusk, the bonbori lanterns and picture lanterns lining the Oka River are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere that's an event highlight. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom while listening to the gentle sounds of folk music.

Minami Sakura Festival
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 (14:00-19:00) and Sunday, March 23, 2025 (10:00-15:00).
Venue: Maita Park (Minami, Shukucho 1-1)

Cherry Blossom Light Up: Bonbori Illumination

The cherry trees along the Oka River Promenade will be lit up in a mystical fashion from March 21 until April 6, 2025.

The area from Kannon Bridge to Shimizu Bridge is decorated with bonbori lanterns, and the night scenery created by the reflection of the lights on the water and the cherry blossoms is spectacular. As you go for a leisurely stroll, please enjoy the illumination that's held from 18:00 until 21:00.

Cherry Blossom Light Up / Bonbori Illumination
Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 until Sunday, April 6, 2025. 18:00-21:00
Venue: Oka River Promenade (Kannon Bridge to Shimizu Bridge)

Information on Access and Crowds

If Sakura Bridge is your starting point, you can conveniently access the area by using the Yokohama Municipal Subway or the Keihin Kyuko Line.

When coming from Yokohama Municipal Subway's Gumyoji Station, first take Exit 2B to the ground level. There's a shopping street right near the exit and after a two-minute walk you'll see Sakura Bridge.

When coming from the Keihin Kyuko Line's Gumyoji Station, go down the Gumyoji slope and you'll reach Sakura Bridge in about eight minutes. The route from the station to the shopping street is easy to follow, so even first-timers should be able to reach Sakura Bridge without any worries.

You can expect the area to be very crowded during the blossom season. On weekdays from 11:00 to 16:00 there are many people, so we recommend visiting before 10:00 or after dusk. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays it tends to get busy from about 10:00 until 16:00.

During the night illumnations it gets busy from sundown until 21:00, so please allow yourself plenty of time when planning a visit.

Ooka River Promenade

3-62 Ohashi-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 232-0054

Ookagawa Promenade, where approximately 700 cherry trees are in full bloom along the promenade, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that represents Yokohama City. The walking path along the river is dotted with scenic spots such as Sakura Bridge, Tsurumaki Bridge, and Makita Park, and you can enjoy a different look of cherry blossoms at each location. During the cherry blossom festival, many stalls are lined up, and at night the area is lit up with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. The view of the illuminated cherry blossoms reflected on the river surface is exceptional, and you can feel the charm of each day and night. When the cherry blossoms begin to fall, the flower rafts made of countless flower petals floating on the river surface are a spectacular sight. Why not feel the arrival of spring while watching the cherry blossom petals shimmering on the surface of the calmly flowing river?

Hotels near Ooka River Promenade

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the Oka River cherry blossoms?

The Oka River cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom from late March until early April, but this forecast can change slightly depending on weather conditions. However, like other areas in Yokohama, this spot mostly has Somei Yoshino cherry trees, so the end of March is often the best time to visit. For more blossom details please refer to Yokohama City's official homepage (Japanese).

When are the Oka River cherry blossom illuminations being held?

Illuminations will be held from 18:00 until 21:00 during the period from March 21 to April 6, 2025. Along the Oka River Promenade between the Kannon Bridge and Shimizu Bridge, visitors can enjoy the mystical evening cherry blossoms and the soft glow of the bonbori lanterns.

What stations are closest to the Oka River Promenade?

There are several bridges located near the Oka River Promenade including the Hanami Bridge, Sakura Bridge, and Hirooka Bridge. But the one with the most convenient access is the Sakura Bridge area. The nearest stations are the Yokohama Municipal Subway's Gumyoji Station (about 2 minutes on foot from Exit 2B) and the Keihin Kyuko Line's Gumyoji Station (about 8 minutes on foot).

Where along the Oka River can you take your time and enjoy the blossoms?

We recommend Maita Park. It has a large, spacious lawn where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy o-hanami. There are many cherry trees inside the park and also benches for relaxing.

Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Yokohama

The Oka River has about 700 cherry trees in full bloom lining its promenade and is one of Yokohama's top cherry blossom spots. During the Sakura Festival, illuminations and events are held, so visitors can enjoy the blossoms both during the day and at night.

From the Sakura Bridge you get a commanding view of the sakura tunnel continuing along the river, and in the Tsurumaki Bridge area we recommend enjoying gourmet food from the nearby food stalls.

Partway along the walking route you'll find Maita Park with its spacious lawn. Here you can enjoy o-hanami in a relaxed manner as you spread out your bento lunch.

So as you feel the arrival of spring, please enjoy the cherry blossoms along the Oka River to the fullest!