Typically occurring in early spring, cherry blossom season in Japan is a cherished time of year. The trees’ pastel petals have long captured the eyes of onlookers and today, still prompt everyone, from locals to tourists, to pause and admire their fleeting beauty.
From March 15 to April 7, 2024, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) will host an artsy springtime celebration called the “Spring Festival in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.” During this event, the museum will showcase seasonal artworks from its own collection, hold sessions where you can deeply engage with specific art pieces, set up a rest area with views of cherry blossoms, and sell seasonal food and goods.
Location-wise, MOMAT is situated near the Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi Moat—one of Tokyo’s most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots—making it an excellent place to pair with your springtime exploration of the city.
Art on display
MOMAT will display exclusive, spring-specific artworks from its MOMAT Collection in the Collection Gallery on the fourth to second floors.
Some notable pieces include Kawai Gyokudo’s Parting Spring, which is a National Important Cultural Property that the museum only showcases once a year, and Kikuchi Hobun’s Fine Rain on Mt. Yoshino, viewable from February 27 to April 7. These artworks expertly capture both traditional Japanese aesthetics and the soft allure of cherry blossoms.
MOMAT will also show some contemporary art pieces, offering an intriguing balance between past and present interpretations of the season.
In addition to the MOMAT Collection, the museum will also have a special exhibition with 400 works from renowned Japanese photographer Nakahira Takuma (exhibition period: Feb 6 - Apr 7) and a special display of The Ant, a sculpture by French artist Germaine Richier (exhibition period: Jan 23 - Apr 7).
Let’s Talk Art! – Spring Festival in MOMAT
On March 15, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, and April 5, MOMAT will host a program called "Let's Talk Art!" During the program, starting at 11:00 and 12:00, an English-speaking docent will provide you an opportunity to view and talk about a spring-themed artwork together. The experience only takes about 20 minutes and is free with museum admission. You also do not need pre-reservation. The "Let's Talk Art!" program is a great chance to deepen your understanding and perhaps gain new perspectives on the selected artwork.
Outdoor museum rest area
To further connect visitors with spring and create a relaxing environment, MOMAT will also set up a rest area in its grassy front yard. Here, visitors can unwind on simple seating, admire real cherry blossoms, and enjoy food, such as spring-themed bento boxes, and drinks provided by the onsite restaurant L’Art et Mikuni.
During the event, MOMAT will sell original seasonal goods, including ticket folders and magnets featuring spring-related art. After mindfully perusing the museum’s mesmerizing artworks, the outdoor rest area is a perfect place to relax amidst cherry blossoms.
MOMAT is ready for spring!
During cherry blossom season, Tokyo transforms into a celebratory hub of pastel delights. With its spring-themed artworks, insightful tours, outdoor seating area, festive food and goods, and convenient location, MOMAT’s spring festival is a memorable and unique way to enrich your cherry blossom experience in Tokyo.
Event Information
- Event name: Spring Festival in the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
- Venue: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
- Dates: March 15 - April 7, 2024
- Opening hours: 10am–5pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays); Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
- Closed: Mondays (except March 25)
