Hello! This is Keko from the online team 😊
Every April, the city of Uji in Kyoto hosts a beautiful spring tradition:
The Ujigawa Sakura Festival.
In 2025, the event takes place over two days—Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th—at Uji Park (Nakanoshima) and around the Uji City Tourist Center.
This local festival offers not only gorgeous cherry blossoms along the Uji River, but also pottery, crafts, and delicious food stalls.
I visit this festival every year, and I'm planning to go again tomorrow!
Today, I’d love to introduce this special spring celebration and what I’m most looking forward to 🌸
🌸 What Is the Ujigawa Sakura Festival?
The Ujigawa Sakura Festival is a local event held every spring along the scenic Uji River.
Visitors can enjoy over a thousand cherry trees in bloom, local handmade pottery from Sumiyama kilns, and warm treats from food stalls.
It’s the perfect way to experience the calm and beauty of a traditional Japanese spring.
Here’s what you can enjoy at the festival:
Stunning sakura views along the river
Handcrafted pottery and local crafts
Classic Japanese festival food (like takoyaki and skewered dango)
🛍️ What I'm Looking Forward to This Year
As I head there tomorrow, here are a few things I’m especially excited about:
Stopping by one of my favorite Sumiyama pottery stands
Taking in the sound of the river and falling petals
Grabbing a warm sweet snack from a food stall
I’m also hoping for good weather so I can sit on a bench with a cup of matcha and enjoy the moment 🌸
Why not try one of our spring matcha sweets or latte sets?
They’re perfect for a peaceful moment on your balcony or by your favorite window.
To Our Friends Around the World
Spring in Uji is something truly special.
While we wish you could see it in person, we hope that through matcha,
you can feel just a little of Japan’s seasonal beauty.
And maybe someday, we’ll see you here under the cherry trees.
I hope this gives you a glimpse of spring in Kyoto.