Cherry Blossom Delights at OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka: Flowers, Wagashi, and Music

Experience Hanami with Decor Inspired by Full-Bloom Somei Yoshino Cherry Trees and Local Collaborative Wagashi

At the vibrant urban hotel “OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka (Omo) by Hoshino Resort,” an immersive hanami experience awaits you. From March 1st to April 30th, 2024, the “Otsuka Cherry Blossoms at OMO Base” event will be held, blending the beauty of flowers, the taste of wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and the sound of music.

The OMO Base is adorned to evoke the splendor of fully bloomed Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Here, you can savor OMO’s original wagashi created in collaboration with local artisans, listen to springtime melodies selected by our staff, and enjoy Japanese sake and cherry blossom cocktails.

During this period, you can indulge in the hanami spirit anytime, regardless of the weather or the season.

Otsuka, located in Toshima Ward, is said to be the birthplace of the Somei Yoshino cherry tree. It’s believed that these trees originated from the efforts of Edo Castle’s gardening artisans who resided near Somei, a place now in modern-day Komagome, Toshima Ward.

“OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka” has thus curated this event, adorning the OMO Base with decorations inspired by the Somei Yoshino’s magnificent bloom. It’s an invitation to experience hanami in the heart of the city, a celebration deeply connected to Otsuka’s heritage.

Feature 1 of “Otsuka Cherry Blossoms at OMO Base”: Decor Centered Around a Symbolic Tree Reminiscent of Full-Bloom Somei Yoshino

In the public space “OMO Base,” a symbolic tree resembling the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, significant to Otsuka, has been installed. This tree, designed to fit the distinctive architecture of OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka, which is characterized by 3-inch square cypress beams, blends seamlessly with the straight lines of solid wood used in the decor.

During this period, the OMO Base will feature special hanami seating, allowing guests to enjoy the full bloom of cherry blossoms regardless of the weather or season. The walls and tables will also be adorned with cherry blossoms, creating an uplifting atmosphere just by being there.

Creator of the Symbolic Tree: Mr. Tsutomu Mochizuki (Woodworker & Furniture Designer)

Born in Tokyo in 1975. In the spring of 2004, he opened his studio, “NINOMIYA Glashaus,” in Shonan Ninomiya, focusing on woodwork and design furniture creation. He is also a lecturer at Ochanomizu Art College.

Feature 2 of “Otsuka Cherry Blossoms at OMO Base”: Two Types of OMO Original Wagashi in Collaboration with Local Artisans

Enjoy OMO original wagashi while viewing the cherry blossoms. There are two types of wagashi, both featuring ingredients from the well-established local wagashi shop “Senari Monaka Honpo,” exclusive to OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka. One is a dumpling topped with “Senari Monaka Honpo’s” red bean and white bean paste.

Inspired by traditional hanami dumplings, these are combined with strawberries, oiri (a mildly sweet snack made from mochi rice, similar to arare), and sweetened red beans, creating a delightful spring treat. The other is “Senari Monaka Honpo’s” “Crispy Monaka,” topped with cherry bean paste, strawberries, and sweet sake ice cream, offering a seasonal taste with the flavor of cherry paste.

• Available Hours: 12:00 – 22:00
• Prices: Two-Color Hanami Dumplings – 600 yen (tax included) / Sweet Sake Ice Cream with Crispy Monaka – 700 yen (tax included)

Feature 3 of “Otsuka Cherry Blossoms at OMO Base”: Spring Music and Cocktails Blending Japanese Sake with Cherry Blossoms to Enhance the Hanami Mood

As night falls, staff will play music on vinyl records to boost the hanami mood. The selection includes classic songs about spring and tracks by artists with “Sakura” in their name. To accompany the music, guests can enjoy cocktails that combine Japanese sake with cherry blossoms.

The cocktail, reminiscent of the light pink hue of Somei Yoshino, has a subtly sweet aroma and a gently effervescent texture, perfect for evoking the essence of spring.

• Event Hours: 20:30 – 22:00

Japanese Sake and Cherry Blossom Cocktail

• Available Hours: 17:30 – 22:00
• Price: 700 yen (tax included)

Overview of “Otsuka Cherry Blossoms at OMO Base”

• Duration: March 1st to April 30th, 2024
• Location: 4th Floor OMO Base
• Admission: Free
• Reservation: Not required
• Eligibility: Both overnight and day guests are welcome

Overview of OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resort

Nestled in “Otsuka,” a nostalgic neighborhood where the Yamanote Line and Toden streetcars intersect, this innovative hotel, fueled by the passion of staff who deeply love the area, offers stays that embrace the charming local experiences of downtown Tokyo.

• Location: 2-26-1 Kita-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0004, Japan
• Phone: 050-3134-8095 (OMO Reservation Center)
• Number of Rooms: 125 rooms; Check-in at 15:00 / Check-out at 11:00
• Price: From 22,000 yen per night (per room, tax included, meals excluded) *Tokyo accommodation tax may apply
• Access: About 1 minute walk from JR Otsuka Station and Toden Arakawa Line Otsuka-Ekimae Stop