Shinjuku in April 2026: Cherry Blossoms, Traditional Festivals & Things to Do
Since moving to a neighborhood adjacent to Shinjuku in 2024, I've been visiting Shinjuku and Shin-okubo almost daily to explore its appeal and discover spots I can recommend to tourists. I updated this article in January 2026 to incorporate my findings from this research, along with the latest information for 2026.
Another reason for updating the article is the growing interest in tours that allow visitors to safely and deeply experience Shinjuku's nightlife. As these tours gain popularity, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.
If you want to enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife, I recommend the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku," which ranked #1 on Tripadvisor. Our guides who know Shinjuku inside and out will take you bar hopping while avoiding dangerous areas, allowing you to fully enjoy Shinjuku at night.
I also recommend the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku," where you can enjoy premium wagyu beef barbecue and exceptional sushi. You'll learn from food-savvy tour guides about the best ways to grill your meat and proper sushi etiquette while enjoying exquisite Japanese cuisine.
I hope you can safely and thoroughly enjoy Shinjuku's nightlife with Magical Trip's tours!
Introduction
April is the season when cherry blossoms reach their peak bloom. Throughout Tokyo, including Shinjuku, cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere, with people enjoying hanami (flower viewing). The daytime temperatures are warm, while cool breezes blow at night. It's comfortable enough to wear light clothing, and you can enjoy sightseeing in pleasant weather throughout the day.
Shinjuku stands out as one of Tokyo's most metropolitan areas. While lined with buildings and shopping facilities, it also features scattered green parks and historic shrines, making it a beloved urban oasis.
Today, we'll introduce events happening in Shinjuku in April 2026, including highlights, schedules, and access information to venues. You'll discover Shinjuku's appeal beyond just shopping.
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Shinjuku↓
・Shinjuku: List of Events & Festivals for 2026
sena kanda
Notable Events in Shinjuku for April 2026
Hanami Tonya 2026
Source:Official website
The Illuminated Cherry Blossoms held at the plaza in front of Sumitomo Building is one of the signature spring events in Shinjuku. The event features LED lanterns that glow in cherry blossom pink as they float into the sky, creating a fantastical scene of pink lanterns illuminating the night sky.
An admission ticket is required to enter the venue, and upon entry, you'll receive a lantern that you can release into the sky. In addition to the lanterns, the event is enhanced by stage performances by artists and numerous food trucks serving delicious cuisine.
As an optional upgrade, you can pay an additional 1,000 yen on top of the admission fee for all-you-can-drink beer. If you want to witness the beautiful sight of lanterns flying among Shinjuku's high-rise buildings, this is an event you should definitely consider attending.
<Information>
Dates: April 1-7, 2026
Access: Immediately from Tocho-mae Station on the Toei Oedo Line, 4 minutes walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, 8 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Admission Fee: From 7,200 yen
Website: https://snc-ht.jp/
Traditional Events Held in Shinjuku Ward in April 2026
Souhakuji Hana Matsuri
Source:Official website
Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) is held on April 8th, Buddha's birthday, at Souhakuji Temple in Kagurazaka. A Buddha statue is enshrined within the temple grounds, and during the festival, prayers are offered so that Buddha will continue to exercise spiritual power and protect us.
The main event of this festival is a child procession that parades through the streets. Children dressed in gorgeous costumes pull a white elephant accompanied by live Gagaku music. A Buddha statue sits atop the white elephant, watching over the children's safety.
Afterwards, sutra chanting is performed within the temple grounds, and the festival concludes with prayers for the healthy development of the children. If you want to witness a traditional Japanese festival with your own eyes, be sure to visit.
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Date: April 8, 2026
Access: 5 minutes walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, 8 minutes walk from Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
Admission Fee: Free
Website: https://souhakuji.com/
Kyoouji Hana Matsuri
Source:Ameba
On April 8th, Buddha's birthday, Hana Matsuri is held at Kyoouji Temple in Ushigome District. At Kyoouji's Hanamido (Flower Hall), a Buddha statue surrounded by flowers is enshrined, and during the festival, sweet tea is poured over it while prayers are offered for children's health.
On the festival day, prayers for healthy development are conducted, and children under 13 years old can receive these blessings. If you pay 3,000 yen on the day to receive the blessing, you'll receive an amulet and commemorative gifts, so it's recommended for families with children to participate.
My own child received this blessing here before, and thanks to it, they continue to stay healthy to this day. If you want to pray for your child's growth and health, please visit Hana Matsuri.
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Date: April 8, 2026
Access: 1 minute walk from Ushigome-Yanagimachi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
Admission Fee: Free (3,000 yen for developmental prayer)
Website: https://www.kyoouji.gr.jp/
Inari Kiou Shrine Flower Calming Festival
Source:X
The Flower Calming Festival held at Inari Kiou Shrine in Kabukicho takes place annually in mid-April when the cherry blossoms are falling. In ancient Japan, it was believed that when cherry blossoms scatter, epidemics would spread, and this festival aims to dispel such epidemics and protect safety and health.
During this festival, colorful primrose flowers are offered within the shrine grounds to pray for the dispelling of epidemics. The primroses are carefully cultivated at Inari Kiou Shrine, and the festival is enjoyable just for viewing the beautiful flowers.
The shrine is believed to provide blessings for recovery from various ailments including swellings and rashes, which is why I visit the festival to pray for my own safety and health.
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Dates: Mid-April 2026
Access: 5 minutes walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Admission Fee: Free
Website: None
Natural Highlights in Shinjuku for March
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hanami (Cherry blossom viewing), where people enjoy meals and drinks under cherry blossom trees, is one of Japan's most cherished cultural traditions. Tokyo features numerous spacious parks scattered throughout the urban landscape, planted with many cherry trees. In spring, these areas are prepared as hanami venues, where many people gather to enjoy meals under the cherry trees.
Experience this cherry blossom viewing culture while embracing the spring atmosphere. You'll find the time spent under the blooming cherry blossoms to be truly luxurious.
Shinjuku Gyoen Special Spring Opening
Source:Official website
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden serves as a beloved urban oasis. Within its vast 58.3-hectare grounds, you'll find historical buildings and well-maintained gardens, along with approximately 900 cherry trees of about 70 different varieties. The scenery of lush greenery combined with cherry blossoms of varying shades is breathtakingly beautiful and soul-cleansing.
From March 25 to April 24, 2026, the garden will be open daily for a special spring viewing period. Different cherry blossom varieties bloom at different times, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms for about a month.
My recommendation is the double-flowered cherry blossoms that reach peak bloom in April. Their petals resemble cheerleading pompoms with their round shape, creating an adorably charming appearance. Please take time to escape the urban bustle and fully appreciate the cherry blossoms and nature.
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Dates: March 25 - April 24, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) or Exit E5 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
Admission: 500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger)
Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/place/event
Meiji Jingu Gaien
Source:WEATHER NEWS
Around 380 cherry trees line the outer perimeter of Meiji Jingu Gaien. The area is dotted with tourist attractions such as the National Stadium and Meiji Kinenkan, making it an ideal spot for walking or jogging while viewing cherry blossoms.
I recommend viewing the cherry blossoms with the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery as a backdrop. The combination of the solemn building and vibrant cherry blossoms creates a beautiful photo opportunity.
While viewing the full bloom is wonderful, watching cherry blossom petals carpet the road is equally enchanting. Try to discover your favorite photo spots while enjoying the different atmospheres during day and night.
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Dates: Late March to early April 2026
Access: 10-minute walk from Gaienmae or Aoyama-itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), 12-minute walk from Shinanomachi or Sendagaya Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line)
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/
Yoyogi Park
Source:Google Maps
Yoyogi Park is a large park featuring an athletic field, soccer field, basketball court, and outdoor stage. The park has over 600 cherry trees, primarily concentrated around the "Cherry Garden," "Central Field" with its spacious lawn, and "Flower Round" where different seasonal flowers bloom.
Many people gather at Yoyogi Park during the cherry blossom season. You'll see people spreading sheets under cherry trees to enjoy their meals. Watching others enjoying hanami will surely lift your spirits.
Please bring your favorite food and enjoy lunch or café time under the cherry blossoms.
Note: Blue sheets for sitting can be easily purchased at Japanese 100-yen shops, so it's recommended to buy one in advance.
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Dates: Late March to early April 2026
Access: 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR) or Yoyogi-koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/index.html
In April, Shinjuku is embraced by spring weather, allowing you to experience Japan's beautiful seasons just by walking through the streets. During this pleasant time, you should join a photo tour to capture stunning pictures of the glittering neon district.
Beyond Shinjuku, you can also choose a course that takes you to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where crowds of people create perfect Instagram-worthy shots.
Additionally, make sure to check out the details of photo tours in Asakusa, where you can wear traditional kimonos and take pictures among the preserved historic Japanese streetscapes.
・Tokyo by Night Photography Tour
・Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour
Toyama Park
Source:Google Maps
Toyama Park in Waseda District is one of Tokyo's representative cherry blossom spots, bustling with crowds of flower viewers every year. The park features Ana Hachimangu Shrine and Hakone Mountain, which stands 44.6 meters high, making it a popular spot for enjoying nature while in Tokyo.
The cherry blossoms at Toyama Park are famous for their beauty around Hakone Mountain. Approximately 330 cherry trees are planted here, and in early April when the cherry blossom season arrives, the mountain is dyed a vibrant pink color.
During cherry blossom season, many people gather to spread vinyl sheets on the ground and view the blossoms. Although there are no events such as illuminations, it's recommended for those who want to leisurely enjoy cherry blossoms while feeling the spring atmosphere.
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Dates: Late March to mid-April 2026
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station, 10 minutes walk from JR Takadanobaba Station, 6 minutes walk from Nishi-Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Admission Fee: Free
Website: None
Kanda Josui Park
Source:Google Maps
Kanda Josui Park, developed along the Kanda River promenade, is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom along the river. This location is known as a walking spot for local residents and is famous as a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many spectators during cherry blossom season.
Additionally, the park holds illumination events during the peak cherry blossom period. The cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface of Kanda River are beautiful and show a different beauty from daytime.
Besides Kanda Josui Park, many cherry blossoms bloom around the Kanda River area, so you'll never get bored of viewing them. I also make sure to visit Kanda River during cherry blossom season to enjoy a moment of spring while viewing the beautiful blossoms.
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Dates: Late March to early April 2026
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Higashi-Nakano Station
Admission Fee: Free
Website: None
Peony Viewing at Yakuoin
At Yakuoin Temple in Shimoochiai, approximately 1,000 peony plants bloom every year from mid to late April. During this period, peonies of various colors fill the temple grounds, creating a scene that doesn't seem like it's in the heart of the city.
In addition to peonies, weeping cherry blossoms and camellia flowers also reach their peak viewing season in spring. Yakuoin Temple has historically valuable tablets called Itabi that commemorate people who died during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, so after viewing the peonies, be sure to see those as well.
Additionally, next to Yakuoin is Wild Bird Forest Park, where you can observe many wild birds in spring.
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Dates: Mid-April to late April 2026
Access: 5 minutes walk from Shimoochiai Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, 10 minutes walk from JR Takadanobaba Station
Admission Fee: Free
Website: http://www.yakuouin.or.jp/
Few Events in Shinjuku this April! 2 Recommended Events Around Shinjuku
While there aren't many Shinjuku events in April 2026, I'll introduce two events happening in March and May. Tokyo begins to warm up around mid-March when cherry blossoms start blooming. Let's enjoy outdoor events in this comfortable weather.
Tokyo Marathon (March)
Source:ASICS
The Tokyo Marathon, where approximately 35,000 runners participate, is held every March. Runners start from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and head towards Tokyo Station, passing through Nihombashi, Asakusa, and Ginza.
The Tokyo Marathon, which runs through the heart of the city, is an extremely popular event with many runners applying through a lottery system each year.
The runners who win the highly competitive lottery spots all seem to have joyful expressions, appearing to truly enjoy running. The streets are filled with cheering spectators, transforming the entire city into a vibrant atmosphere.
Since the course passes through major tourist attractions, you might be able to watch the marathon while sightseeing. If you happen to be near the course, please join in cheering for the runners.
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Date: March 1, 2026
Access:
- Start point: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - 1-minute walk from Tocho-mae Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- Finish point: 2-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.marathon.tokyo/
Hanazono Shrine Annual Festival (May)
Source:Shinjuku Keizai Shimbun
Hanazono Shrine is located near Shinjuku Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai. Surrounded by buildings, its red torii gate and shrine building serve as the guardian deity of Shinjuku, beloved by locals.
The Annual Festival is held at Hanazono Shrine from May 24th to 26th. This festival is celebrated to show gratitude to the shrine's guardian deity. People wearing "happi coat" (traditional festival jackets) carry golden portable shrines through Yasukuni-dori, Shinjuku-dori, and Meiji-dori streets. You'll be overwhelmed by the powerful chanting and energetic atmosphere. Join in the festival chants and help enhance the festive spirit!
Additionally, over 100 food stalls will be set up during the festival. Enjoy the Japanese festival atmosphere while savoring street food delicacies.
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Date: May 23-25, 2026
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access:
- Direct access from Exit E2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Fukutoshin Line, Toei Shinjuku Line)
- 7-minute walk from East Exit of Shinjuku Station (JR, Odakyu Line, Keio Line)
Admission: Free
Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/
For Those Visiting Shinjuku in April: Recommended Traditional Festivals in Tokyo
While not limited to Shinjuku, various traditional Japanese festivals are held throughout Tokyo. Witnessing these traditional events amidst the beautiful atmosphere of falling cherry blossoms is truly captivating.
As these are seasonal events that can only be experienced during this time, we highly recommend including them in your tourist itinerary.
Kanda Myojin Spring Festival [Shinjuku Event April 2026]
Source:Official website
Kanda Myojin is a shrine established in 730 in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. With approximately 1,300 years of history, it has long been cherished by locals as the guardian deity of Kanda. The shrine grounds enshrine deities for matchmaking, business prosperity, and warding off evil. Upon entering, you'll be enveloped in a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
The Spring Festival, held from March 29th to April 3rd, includes prayers for abundant harvests of rice and wheat, as well as children's health and academic success. Visitors can observe Shinto priests performing rituals and shrine maidens (female assistants at the shrine) dancing to traditional music.
Enjoy this traditional Japanese event while taking in the beautiful scenery of fully bloomed cherry blossoms against the red-painted main shrine building.
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Dates: April 1-5, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line) Hijibashi Exit, or 5-minute walk from Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/
Asakusa Yabusame
Source:Go Tokyo
"Kusajishi" and "Yabusame" are archery competitions where archers dressed in traditional kimono shoot arrows at targets.
In Kusajishi, archers aim at a deer-shaped target approximately 1m tall from a distance of about 20m. Yabusame is horseback archery where warriors (archers) shoot arrows at targets while riding horses at full gallop.
Yabusame was originally performed at Asakusa Shrine as a New Year's event from 1603 to 1868 and was revived by Taito Ward as a tourist attraction in 1983. You'll be amazed by the archer's precise control while shooting arrows on horseback and the dynamic spectacle of galloping horses.
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Date: April 18, 2026
Venue: Kusajishi: Yamayahori Plaza, Taito City Sumida Park / Yabusame: Special horse riding ground in Taito City Sumida Park (between Sumida River Walk and Kototoi Bridge)
Access: 11-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
Admission: 3,000 yen per seat (Kusajishi viewing is free)
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/en/
