Shukkeien, one of Hiroshima’s most iconic gardens and home to the city’s official cherry blossom indicator tree, will host its annual Nighttime Sakura Illumination from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, April 6, 2025.
With recent temperature rises bringing a full sense of spring to Hiroshima, all eyes are on Shukkeien’s Somei Yoshino cherry tree, eagerly awaiting the official bloom announcement.
Each year, Shukkeien extends its evening hours during the cherry blossom season, offering visitors a chance to admire the dreamlike beauty of illuminated sakura in a magical nighttime setting.
This year, the event introduces “Niwa Café”, a charming pop-up designed to evoke the atmosphere of an Edo-period teahouse, where guests will be warmly welcomed by kimono-clad staff.
Additionally, during the daytime on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, the Oniwa Festival will take place on the lawn in front of the garden’s art museum, featuring gourmet food trucks for a delightful culinary experience.
Visitors can enjoy a day of cherry blossom viewing paired with gourmet delights, then unwind in the evening under the illuminated sakura, savoring the ambiance of a traditional Japanese café—a seasonal experience available only during this special time of year.
