As spring approaches, Japan becomes spotted with the alluring pink of sakura (cherry blossom), an icon of Japanese spring. Elevate this year’s spring season with an artful viewing of sakura alongside the most exquisite collection of modern art in Tokyo.

The festival runs from March 13 to April 12 at the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (MOMAT). Get tickets on the MOMAT Spring festival official website.

Highlights from the MOMAT Collection

The annual MOMAT Spring Festival celebrates the coming of spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms with its finely curated collection of artworks showcasing sakura in its traditional glory. Some main features of the collection include Kawai Gyokudo’s “Parting Spring” and Kikuchi Hobun’s “Fine Rain on Mt. Yoshino.” Gyokudo’s “Parting Spring” offers a stunning illustration of cherry blossom petals falling gracefully upon three waterwheel boats on a river. The painting depicts the Nagatoro Gorge, which Gyokudo Kawai visited between 1915 and 1916. Gyokudo’s greatest challenge was capturing the rapid motion of the waterwheel. He conveys this through smooth gradations of color that echo the flowing patterns of the river.

Though similar in essence to Gyokudo’s “Parting Spring,” Hobun provides a more delicate and simplistic scene with the iconic sakura. The muted colors used to illustrate the somber rainy mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the lyrically drawn bright white pink of the spring flower. Both works reflect traditional ideas of Japanese spring. Gyokudo’s masterpiece is a must-see in particular as it is only on display once a year during the springtime. These works, along with pieces by Yasue Kodama, Rieko Hidaka and dyeing artist Keisuke Serizawa, are part of the wider MOMAT collection. Enjoy a special hanami (flower viewing) experience with the captivating flowers depicted in the pieces within this stunning collection.

More Works to Explore

Of course, various other works within the greater MOMAT collection can also be viewed alongside the Spring Festival special pieces. With nearly two hundred pieces within the museum’s permanent holdings, the MOMAT collection offers an expansive view of modern art. For those seeking the full MOMAT experience, don’t miss the other special exhibitions occurring at the same time as the Spring Festival. The serene, nature-centerd images from “Shimomura Kanzan: Life, Art and Society” are a must-see for a deep dive into Shimomura Kanzan’s research on old Japanese art and Chinese paintings.

Explore With Us: Guided Sessions

If you would like assistance in delving deep into the world of modern art, consider joining one of the “Explore With Us” sessions on offer during the MOMAT spring festival period. This 30-minute English in-gallery program will allow visitors at the museum to explore pieces of work with professional guidance. The “Explore With Us” program is free of charge with museum admission; anyone is able to participate, no pressure. If a particular piece catches your attention and you would like to spend longer admiring it, guests are free to join or leave at any point in the session. Pre-registration is not required for any of the sessions; just show up with a learning mindset to be educated on the beauty of Japanese spring, conceptualized in art. 

“Explore With Us”
Dates: March 19, 25, 26, April 1, 2, and 9
Time: 10:30am / 12pm

After exploring the museum, step outside for fresh air and take in the cherry blossom rest area. Open for a limited time during the MOMAT Spring Festival, it offers a scenic view of sakura in bloom.

Within the grounds, L’Art et Mikuni operates a food truck serving seasonal, limited-edition food and drinks for takeout. For a classic hanami experience, pick up a bento filled with colorful spring ingredients.

From the rest area, visitors can also enjoy views of the Imperial Palace gardens, where fresh greens and soft pink blossoms mark the height of the season.

Event Details

National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (MOMAT)
March 13 to April 12
3-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku
momat.go.jp/extra/en/2026/springfest

This article was originally published in March 2024 but has been updated in March 2026.