Information for the Soka Cherry Blossoms / The 35th annual Soka Cherry Blossom Festival.
In both 2020 and 2021 the Soka Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelled on account of the pandemic. In 2022, it was on for the first time in three years, but without festival stalls. This year, 2023, the festival stalls were due to come back, for one day – Sunday March 26th. However, as rain is forecast, there is a chance they may have to cancel the event again.
Soka Cherry Blossoms
But even if the ‘sakura matsuri’ cherry blossom festival is cancelled, you can still enjoy the sight of approximately 450 cherry blossom trees lining either side of the Kasai Irrigation Canal. It is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing due to the scenic view of cherry blossoms fringing the canal.
Soka Cherry Blossom Festival
The festival started on Sunday March 19th and runs until Sunday March 26th. However, they only have events on the last day – Sunday March 26th. It will be a real pity if the festival has to be canceled due to the weather. Particularly, as this is a lively festival with yosakoi dance, as well as other traditional performances. There are also dozens of festival stalls lined up under the sakura and festival lanterns.
Moreover, this is another location where you can usually enjoy a sakura boat ride. However, whether the festival goes ahead or not, supposedly the boat ride will not be on in 2023. (See also Kawagoe | Konosu | Kawajima Sakura boat rides).
Information
Event: The 35th Annual Soka Cherry Blossom Festival 第35回草加さくら祭り
Date: Sunday March 19th to Sunday March 26th with the main day (with events) on the 26th.
Time: not specified.
Cost: free to enter the festival area.
Venue: Kasai Irrigation Canal, Inari area, 5 Chome-35 Inari, Sōka, Saitama 340-0003. View on Google Maps.
Access
Please note there is no official parking for this festival and they ask that you come by public transport. A bus goes from the east exit of Soka Station. You can take a bus bound for Inari 5 chome and alight at the Inari 5 Chome bus stop. Or you can get a bus bound for Yashio Danchi. and alight at Igusa Tenmangu. Either way, the festival area is a five minute walk from the bus stop.