Strolling through Rome’s historic alleys and suddenly stumbling upon a corner of pure Japan is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. From April 4 to 6, 2026, the capital will host an extraordinary event that combines nature with the millennia-old culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
The highly anticipatedHanami event—the traditional celebration of cherry blossoms—is returning to the Botanical Garden Museum in Rome. Organized in collaboration with the Festival of Green and Landscape, this long weekend offers you the chance to enjoy a unique sensory experience without having to fly to Tokyo.
If you’re looking for something exciting to do this spring in the capital, this is the perfect chance to escape the city’s chaos and immerse yourself in a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Spring Events in Rome: The Magic of Sakura at the Botanical Garden
The blooming of Japanese cherry blossoms, known as Sakura, is a spectacular yet fleeting phenomenon. It lasts only a few days and transforms the landscape depending on the sunlight, offering different hues from morning to evening.
The centerpiece of the event is the splendid Japanese Garden, located within the Botanical Garden. Here you can stroll freely at your own pace, but also participate in a wide range of activities. Hanami in Rome is not limited to simply observing the blossoming branches, but offers a total immersion in Eastern traditions through hands-on workshops and engaging encounters.
Check out the flowers and all the events of the Hanami experience from April 4 to 6
Among the free events, the literary walks inspired by the essay “Book of Shadows” by the famous writer Jun’ichirō Tanizaki stand out. It is an ideal itinerary if you love literature and wish to understand the Japanese aesthetic concept linked to the contrast between light and shadow.
Another interesting detail involves the hunt for Daruma dolls. These famous votive figurines, lacking arms and legs, symbolize perseverance and optimism: finding them hidden in the garden will bring you closer to an ancient and fascinating tradition.
There will be plenty of opportunities for contemplation and ikebana classes, the art of arranging cut flowers according to precise philosophical principles.
The manga workshops are also completely free and open to everyone; the only paid option in the entire program is for personalized portraits, should you wish to have a custom drawing created by a professional artist at the event.
What to do in Rome this weekend: gyoza and pink petals in the heart of Trastevere
In addition to admiring the blossoming branches and nourishing your mind with workshops and readings, the event also delights your palate. Over the three days, there will be several stalls serving traditional street food, ready to let you sample the most iconic dishes of Asian cuisine.
You can enjoy hot miso soup, freshly pan-fried gyoza, dishes cooked with teriyaki sauce, and the famous sweet bao—soft, steamed white buns. To round out the culinary experience, there will be plenty of excellent traditional sake to sip outdoors.
You can simply choose to sit on the lawn, relax, and watch the shower of pink petals carried by the wind. It’s a totally different way to experience nature within the city, combining the conviviality of street food with the absolute peace of a protected botanical garden.
How to get to the Botanical Garden in Rome and useful information about tickets
The event will take place from Saturday, April 4, to Monday, April 6, 2026, with continuous hours from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
The Botanical Garden Museum in Rome is centrally located, just a stone’s throw from Trastevere. You can access the museum through two main entrances:
- at Largo Cristina di Svezia 23A,
- right from the Gianicolo promenade.
This second option is very convenient because it is located outside the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) and offers several public parking lots nearby.
As for costs, admission to the event requires the standard Botanical Garden entrance ticket, priced at 12 euros for adults, while admission is free for all children up to and including 11 years of age.
Once you step through the gates, however, all the indoor activities mentioned (workshops, courses, and readings) are completely free and included in the price.
Just remember that, according to the Botanical Garden’s regulations, dogs are not allowed. To avoid long waits, we recommend purchasing your tickets online.
