2025 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Season Solo Trip: Day 3 Itinerary Revealed (Part 1)

This year marks my first trip to Japan during the cherry blossom season. I've always wanted to travel during this time, but the airfare was often prohibitively expensive. Luckily, I found a last-minute deal with Scoot Airlines for round-trip tickets from Taipei to Tokyo for just 8,900 TWD. If you find cherry blossom season tickets under 10,000 TWD, don't hesitate—grab them! Within a month, I managed to book my tickets, secure accommodations, confirm insurance, and finalize my itinerary. I feel so efficient! 👍🏻

This is also my first solo trip. I wanted to savor the beauty of each destination, leave behind daily worries, and engage in self-reflection throughout the journey. Traveling alone allowed me to slow down, relieve stress, and enjoy the freedom of setting my own pace. If I felt tired, I could simply return to the hotel to rest. While traveling with friends offers group fun, solo travel provides a unique sense of healing.

🌟 Travel Goals: Cherry blossom viewing and nighttime cherry blossoms 🌸
🌟 Departure Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
🌟 Return Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

🗓️ Itinerary:
(Cherry blossom-related activities are marked with a 🌸 symbol!)

2025.03.27 Day 3:
1. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Nihonbashi.
🌟 Location Info: Nihonbashi Shopping District 🌸
📍 Address: Nihonbashi 1-3-11, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
💰 Average Cost: Free.
💞 Recommended Reasons: Nihonbashi offers a unique blend of urban and historical charm for cherry blossom viewing. Unlike parks with a natural ambiance, this area provides a refined urban cherry blossom stroll, along with opportunities for shopping and enjoying local delicacies. I was drawn here by online photos of the pink, romantic cherry blossom avenue in front of a Lawson convenience store.
🌸 (1) Edo Sakura Street (江戸桜通／Nihonbashi Edo Sakura Street)
Located next to Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, this cherry blossom avenue is surrounded by skyscrapers. During the day, the blossoms complement the historical buildings like Mitsui Main Building and the Bank of Japan headquarters. At night, the illuminated blossoms create a dreamy atmosphere.
Cherry blossom season typically runs from mid to late March through early April. Lighting events are held on select dates during this period.
Convenient access: • Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hanzomon Line to "Mitsukoshimae Station" (walking distance). • JR Line "Shin-Nihonbashi Station" is also within walking distance.
🌸 (2) Yaesu Sakura Street (八重洲さくら通り)
Extending from Tokyo Station towards Nihonbashi, this street is nicknamed the "Dreamy Cherry Blossom Tunnel." The street is lined with cherry trees, blending urban beauty with the blossoms.
The cherry blossom season here aligns with the Nihonbashi area, from mid-March to early April. Nighttime lighting events may occur occasionally.
Accessible from Tokyo Station or Nihonbashi Station, Yaesu is conveniently located for a short walk after transit.
🌸 (3) SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI (Nihonbashi Cherry Blossom Festival)
A spring festival held in Nihonbashi, featuring street lighting, cherry blossom-themed food, limited-edition desserts, and pop-up stalls. The entire Nihonbashi shopping district is immersed in a cherry blossom atmosphere.
2025 event dates: March 19–April 6 (subject to annual adjustments).
Transportation options are similar to the previous locations: Ginza Line/Hanzomon Line "Mitsukoshimae Station," Nihonbashi Station, and JR Shin-Nihonbashi Station. The festival area is walkable.
💡 Tips:
• Bloom Variations: Cherry blossoms may bloom earlier or later depending on the weather each year. Check the "Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast" or news before your trip.
• Nighttime Lighting: Edo Sakura Street and other locations feature nighttime lighting, ideal for photography (soft lighting and romantic ambiance). However, evenings may be crowded, so plan your visit and transportation accordingly.
• Combined Planning: Pair cherry blossom viewing in Nihonbashi with shopping and dining, such as Mitsukoshi Department Store, COREDO Muromachi, traditional shops, and Japanese-style boutiques. It's perfect for a flower-viewing and cultural/shopping itinerary.

2. 11:20 AM Nihonbashi Koami Shrine.
🌟 Location Info: Nihonbashi Koami Shrine.
📍 Address: 16-23 Nihonbashikoamicho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0016, Japan
💰 Average Cost: Each charm costs around 1,500 JPY.
🏮 Basic Introduction:
• Location: Nihonbashikoamicho, Chuo City, Tokyo, near Ningyocho and Nihonbashi.
• Scale: A small yet renowned shrine in Tokyo, known as the "Shrine of Strong Luck and Protection Against Misfortune."
• Main Deities: Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto (God of Harvest), Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto (Benzaiten), and Fukurokuju (God of Happiness and Longevity).

✨ Highlights:
1. Shrine of Strong Luck and Protection Against Misfortune
• During WWII, the shrine and surrounding area were almost completely destroyed by bombings, but the main hall miraculously remained intact, symbolizing "strong luck and protection against misfortune."
• Many visitors come here to pray for safety and peace, especially office workers and students.
2. Wealth and Prosperity
• Koami Shrine is also known as one of Tokyo's "Money Luck Shrines."
• Famous for its "Copper Rope Net Charms" and "Zeniarai Benzaiten" (Money Washing Tradition):
• Wash coins in the shrine's "Sacred Water," then carry or spend them to attract wealth.
3. Part of the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
• Koami Shrine enshrines Fukurokuju, making it one of the stops in the "Nihonbashi Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage."
• During New Year, many people visit seven shrines/temples to collect stamps and blessings from the Seven Lucky Gods.
4. Goshuin and Charms
• Koami Shrine's Goshuin (shrine stamps) are beautifully designed and popular among collectors.
• Special "Strong Luck Protection Charms" and "Money Luck Charms" are particularly sought after, sometimes requiring a wait.
5. Small and Serene Atmosphere
• The shrine is tucked away in the high-rise-filled Nihonbashi neighborhood, offering a quiet and solemn ambiance.
• It contrasts sharply with the bustling Nihonbashi cherry blossom avenue, making it a perfect stop during a stroll.

🚉 Transportation:
• Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/Toei Asakusa Line Ningyocho Station (5-minute walk).
• Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Suitengumae Station or Tozai Line/Hibiya Line Kayabacho Station (7–10-minute walk).

👉 Summary: Though small, Koami Shrine stands out for its "strong luck and wealth-attracting" features, making it a hidden gem in the Nihonbashi area.

🌸 This article introduces the third day's itinerary for my cherry blossom season solo trip. Stay tuned for the next part of the itinerary!