Happo-en has been around for 400 years and was once part of a warlord’s estate, but today it’s a peaceful Japanese garden used for events, such as this festival to celebrate the coming of spring. From March 17 to April 9, you can see the garden’s 80 or so cherry blossom trees illuminated with baby pink lights between sundown and 9pm.
Drop by on March 17 for a free koto (Japanese zither) performance in the evening. The weekends from March 24 to April 1 and April 7 to 9 are also great times to visit, when you can see the cherry blossom while enjoying sakura-themed foods and cocktails.
On April 2, there’s a one-night-only event with local jazz DJ Shuya Okino from 6.30pm to 9pm. Advanced tickets start from ¥1,500 (¥2,000 on the day) with one drink, or ¥4,500 (¥5,000 on the day) with all-you-can-drink Moët & Chandon champagne.