Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Tokyo National Museum
博物館でお花見を
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Tokyo National Museum pairs sakura-themed masterpieces with ten varieties blooming in the garden.
Closed Mondays
The Tokyo National Museum will hold its annual spring program “Cherry Blossom Viewing at the Museum”. The seasonal event combines art appreciation with the enjoyment of cherry blossoms both inside the galleries and in the museum garden.
At the museum’s Main Building, which primarily houses Japanese art, visitors can view masterpieces featuring cherry blossom motifs displayed across various galleries. In addition, approximately ten varieties of cherry trees in the museum garden are expected to bloom in succession during the event period. Guests are encouraged to enjoy both the exhibitions and garden strolls, along with related programs.
Cherry Blossom Highlights in the Main Building
Artworks featuring cherry blossom themes are marked with a cherry blossom symbol on their captions, allowing visitors to identify and explore related works throughout the exhibition rooms.
Among the featured works (all from the Tokyo National Museum collection) are:
Spring Landscape of Arashiyama (Arashiyama Shunkei), painted by Shiokawa Bunrin in 1873 (Meiji 6), is on view from March 10 to April 19, in the Main Building’s Modern Art gallery. Bunrin, a prominent Kyoto painter active from the late Edo to early Meiji period, captures the famous cherry blossom site of Arashiyama shrouded in mist, which heightens the delicate beauty of the blossoms. The work was generously donated to the museum by the artist himself.
Openwork Bowl with Cherry Blossom Design in Overglaze Enamel, created by Ninnami Dōhachi in the 19th century during the Edo period, is on view from March 10 to May 31, in the Main Building’s Ceramics gallery. The bowl depicts full-bloom cherry blossoms using white, red, and blue pointillist decoration, while the rim features skillfully crafted openwork, showcasing the artist’s technical expertise and aesthetic refinement.
Sword Guard with Cherry Blossoms and Magpies, crafted by Tsukada Shūkyō in 1870 (Meiji 3), is on view from March 3 to May 24, in the Main Building’s Swords gallery. The design depicts magpies in flight among blooming cherry blossoms, showcasing refined metalworking techniques that later influenced modern decorative arts.
The Writing Box with Cherry Blossoms and Saigyō, dating to the 18th century (Edo period), is on view from March 17 to May 24, in the Main Building’s Lacquerware gallery. The box illustrates the poet-monk Saigyō admiring cherry blossoms, reflecting a celebrated motif in early modern Japanese art.
The Gourd-Shaped Sake Flask, made by Funada Ikkin in 1843 (Tenpō 14), is on view from March 10 to May 31, in the Main Building’s Metalwork gallery. Adorned with gold cherry blossoms and a silver moon, the flask embodies the traditional pairing of sake with cherry blossom viewing.
Related Events
Volunteer Guide Tours and Slide Talks: Special tours during the event will introduce cherry trees on the grounds and cherry blossom-themed artworks.
Colouring Activity (“Tōhaku Colouring”): Visitors can enjoy coloring sheets inspired by a cherry blossom-themed dish from the museum’s collection. Dates: March 10 – April 19; Venue: Main Building, Special Exhibition Room 4
Cherry Blossom Yoga at the Horyuji Treasures Gallery: An open yoga session will also be offered as part of the seasonal programming.
All related activities are free to participate in, though regular museum admission fees apply.
