Discover how cherry blossoms, tea culture, and temple traditions come together in this immersive cultural walk at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo. Join us for a firsthand look at spring in Japan—and find out how you can be part of our future cultural learning events!
Begin with Matcha and Mindfulness at Tera Cafe Shien
Tucked within the grounds of Zojoji Temple, Tera Cafe Shien is a quiet gem where community, calm, and culture intersect. We started our morning with an arrangement of matcha drinks, strawberry dessert, and other seasonal treats.
This peaceful tea experience invited participants to slow down, take in the temple surroundings, and learn about how tea is deeply tied to Japan’s seasonal customs.
Connect with Japanese History at Zojoji Temple
Next, we explored the historic grounds of Zojoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most important Buddhist temples and the ancestral temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. As we wandered beneath blooming sakura trees, we discussed temple traditions, seasonal vocabulary, and the role of hanami in Japanese society—from the Heian period to today.
Hanami and Language in Shiba Park
From Zojoji, we continued our cultural experience with a hanami stroll through Shiba Park—a public space beloved for its open views of Tokyo Tower framed by cherry blossoms. Along the way, participants practiced describing what they saw in Japanese, learned about the symbolism of sakura, and reflected on spring as a time of change, beginnings, and renewal.
Learn Japanese Through Cultural Experiences
Our Walk & Learn events combine language learning with real-world cultural immersion—so you’re not just studying Japanese, you’re living it.
If you’re passionate about Japanese culture and want to deepen your connection to the language and the country, join one of our group Japanese language courses. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, our community at Toranomon Language School is here to support you every step of the way. View the Japanese courses we offer here!
