Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

Nihonbashi Tourism Newsletter - Issue 2

Nihonbashi Cherry Blossom Festival March 16-April 9

- Experience the tradition of cherry blossom celebration in the historic heart of Tokyo

- Flowers, lights, events and special offers at restaurants and shops across town

Visit Nihonbashi for the most important seasonal event in Japan!

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival 2017 takes place from March 16 to April 9 in Nihonbashi,

the historic heart of Tokyo. Here you can experience the centuries-old Japanese tradition

of celebrating the cherry blossoms, or sakura in Japanese, as a symbol of the arrival of

spring. Nihonbashi was the center of Tokyo - and Japan - during the Edo period

(1603-1867) when mass culture flourished and the celebration of cherry blossoms

become more festive and popular than ever. Ever since, Nihonbashi has continued to let

people celebrate the cherry blossoms and experience the joy of life, even during the

turmoil of the World War II, when the cherry trees which had been destroyed by air raids

were replanted soon after.

Nihonbashi will be flooded with events, lights and special offers at restaurants and shops,

which will amplify the festive atmosphere of awaiting and welcoming the blossoms. Take

a stroll for a mesmerizing view of fresh and artificial sakura everywhere; visit restaurants,

food stands and shops for special, limited-time food, drinks and souvenirs; and picnic

among happy locals. In lieu of rickshaws, which originate in Nihonbashi, a free shuttle bus

service will allow you to explore the sakura-filled town at ease.

The actual cherry blossoms are expected to last for only about ten days during the

festival, however, the decorations, illuminations and events, as well as the happiness of

the people around you, will let you enjoy the tradition of cherry blossom celebration

throughout the festival period.

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival 2017

<Period>

March 16, 2017 to April 9, 2017

<Events>

Nihonbashi Sakura Gate (March 16-April 9)

Nihonbashi Treasure Hunt (March 16-April 9)

Sakura Illumination (March 16-April 9)

Nihonbashi Sakura Food Market(March 25, 26)

Nihonbashi Sakura Menu Walk (March 16-April 9)

<Organizer>

Nihonbashi Sakura Festival Executive Committee

For a comprehensive guide to the Nihonbashi Sakura Festival 2017, visit:

http://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/en/special/sakura2017/ (English)

http://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/special/sakura2017/ (Japanese)

About Nihonbashi

Nihonbashi emerged at the outset of the 17th century from the chonin-machi residential

and commercial neighborhoods that collected around Edo Castle. The iconic Nihonbashi

Bridge was first built in the Edo period in 1603, the same year that the shogunate was

established. Nihonbashi's intricate road network - including the canal roads,

chonin-machi neighborhoods, and the Go-kaido, or Five Routes of Japan which all led to

Nihonbashi Bridge - brought about a period of wealth and economic growth during the

Edo period. Hundreds of shops and restaurants in business today originated in this era,

when Nihonbashi was the unparalleled center of commerce and culture in Japan. By the

mid-18th century, Nihonbashi had a population of more than one million. Nihonbashi was

a hub for not only people and goods but also culture and ideas. Many now-iconic cultural

arts grew and flourished in Nihonbashi, such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and kabuki

performing arts. Their popularity attracted even more culture and commerce to

Nihonbashi, and solidified its place as the country’s capital for trade, development, and

arts. It was also a forerunner in cuisine thanks to the Uogashi, the central fish market

which was located by Nihonbashi Bridge. http://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/en/

Contact

For Visitors:

Nihonbashi Information Center

COREDO Muromachi 1 (B1)

2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

(Direct access from Mitsukoshimae on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line)

Open 10:00am - 9:00pm Monday through Sunday

+81-(0)3-3242-2334 (English 10:00am - 7:00pm)

+81-(0)3-3242-0010 (Japanese 10:00am - 9:00pm)

For Media:

Yumiko Nishitani

Sakura Public Relations LLC

sakurapublicrelations@gmail.com

PRAP Japan Inc.

nihonbashi-pr@ml.prap.co.jp