The cherry blossom season is back! In March 2025, FUN! JAPAN held an exclusive "Gathering Party in Tokyo" for members, where we set sail on a traditional "Yakata-bune" boat with fellow fans to enjoy delicious food while soaking in the beautiful cherry blossoms along Tokyo's Sumida River.

Don’t miss out on the highlights of this unforgettable experience - read the full article to find out more!

Cherry Blossom Viewing on a "Yakata-bune" Boat along Tokyo's Sumida River

The "Gathering Party," themed around "Cherry Blossom Viewing on a Yakata-bune," was announced in early March 2025, sparking an overwhelming response from eager fans. The event offered an unforgettable experience aboard a traditional Yakata-bune boat, where guests delighted in exquisite Japanese cuisine while taking in the breathtaking cherry blossoms along the Sumida River. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members and FUN! JAPAN staff, diving into the heart of Japan’s vibrant banquet culture.

What is a "Yakata-bune"?

The "Yakata-bune" is a traditional Japanese pleasure boat with a rich history that dates all the way back to the Heian period (794 - 1185). Originally, these boats were used by nobles to enjoy cherry blossom viewing and sightseeing along rivers and bays. By the Edo period, the tradition became popular among the general public, and today, it continues to be a beloved way to enjoy meals, host parties, and take in the amazing views.

Today’s Yakata-bune boats offer a mix of traditional tatami seating and modern table seating to suit all preferences. With amenities like air conditioning, heating, and restrooms, some even come with fun extras like karaoke, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable experience no matter the weather or season.

Gathering Party Event Report

The weather on the day of the event was perfect - clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for cherry blossom viewing. We gathered at the Asakusa Station exit on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The group included 11 members from Taiwan, with some living in Japan and others joining as part of their travels. As noon approached and it was nearly time to set off, 18 of us, including FUN! JAPAN staff from Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, made our way across Azumabashi Bridge to the boarding area. Though many participants were meeting for the first time, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed, sparking lively conversations and growing excitement.

When we arrived at the boarding spot near Asakusa and Azumabashi Bridge, we were greeted by a stunning pink Yakata-bune! While it wasn’t the traditional style, it was impossible not to be captivated by its vibrant color - sure to outshine the cherry blossoms themselves!

As soon as we arrived at the boarding area, FUN! JAPAN's President Yamauchi greeted everyone with a warm welcome, and we captured some unforgettable moments with photos! Once on board, the staff enthusiastically explained the boat’s features and rules, and Ishikawa-san delivered an energetic opening speech that got everyone buzzing with anticipation. With Chinese-speaking staff on hand to assist, there was no language barrier, so everyone could relax and enjoy the experience fully.

With the enthusiasm building, the Yakata-bune slowly began to set sail, and the unforgettable cherry blossom adventure was officially underway!

Enjoying Japanese culture and fun games aboard the Yakata-bune!

When it comes to Yakata-bune, the food is truly one of the highlights! As soon as we boarded, participants were greeted by a table filled with mouth-watering dishes that were impossible to resist. This time, we were served a traditional Japanese "kaiseki" meal. From fresh sashimi and vibrant appetizers to crispy tempura fried right on the boat, plus hearty udon and decadent desserts, each dish delivered an authentic taste of Japan. The best part? All-you-can-drink options, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages! Following the Japanese tradition, we kicked off the celebration with a cheerful "Kanpai!" and the feast was officially underway!

The cruise lasted about two and a half hours, giving us plenty of time to savor the meal while the Yakata-bune leisurely cruised along the Sumida River, passing by the beautiful Sumida Park area. Although the cherry blossoms hadn’t reached their full bloom, we were still treated to hints of spring, with delicate pink flowers dotting the riverbanks. Even with fewer blossoms, the experience of enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine, mingling with fellow FUN! JAPAN members, and soaking in the serene riverside views made it a truly special journey!

After the meal, the fun kicked off with a bingo game! The top 5 winners walked away with exclusive Doraemon-themed candy tins as their prize.

After a fun warm-up, it was time for the ultimate party starter - Yakata-bune karaoke! Two of FUN! JAPAN’s Japanese staff kicked things off with a thrilling performance of classic anime songs and J-POP anthems. The energy skyrocketed as everyone clapped, sang, and cheered in unison, turning the boat into an electrifying, all-out celebration! It was an absolute blast and a moment no one will ever forget!

Next, the Yakata-bune anchored near Sakurabashi, and everyone rushed up to the open deck on the second floor. With the incredible Tokyo Skytree as the backdrop, participants soaked in the picturesque sight of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, snapping unforgettable photos along the way. The soft spring sunlight warmed the scene, while a refreshing breeze made for the perfect, luxurious afternoon getaway.

After capturing some epic photos, it was time to kick off the much-anticipated "Quiz Contest"! FUN! JAPAN had lined up an incredible selection of prizes, all bursting with Japanese charm - think beautifully crafted Japanese ceramics, handmade cat-patterned bags, and delightful tea incense. These prizes were so tempting that even the staff were eyeing them! The quiz featured fun trivia about cherry blossoms and iconic Japanese landmarks, with participants racing to answer using their smartphones. The quickest and most accurate players got to choose their prizes first. However, even those who weren't fastest to answer didn't have to worry - FUN! JAPAN made sure everyone walked away with a special souvenir, so everyone was smiling and happy with their prizes!

As the game wrapped up, the Yakata-bune began its journey back. With a touch of reluctance, we disembarked at the Asakusa Azumabashi boarding point, and with big smiles, this amazing experience came to a close.

Collect FUN! JAPAN POINTS and join in the fun!

After reading this report, you’re probably thinking, “I’ve got to be a part of this!” Well, here’s the best part - as a FUN! JAPAN member, you can join these amazing events for FREE! All it takes is using just 5,000 FJ points to sign up for this incredible experience. And that's just the beginning! With more events on the horizon, the more FJ points you collect, the more unforgettable adventures await you! Don’t miss out!

As soon as you register as a new member, you'll instantly receive 5,000 FJ points - giving you immediate access to apply for events!

Plus, don’t worry if you run out of points! Earning more FJ points is super easy. For example, you can rack up 10 points by reading articles or leaving comments, and 20 points when you share on social media. And with the daily "omikuji" fortune, you can score up to 300 FJ points while having fun!

For a faster way to get those points, why not take part in the quick 5 - 10 minute surveys that pop up from time to time? You could earn over 1,000 FJ points with just a few clicks! That's not all - joining themed roundtable discussion sessions could earn you over 3,000 FJ points!

Ready to unlock even more perks? Your FJ points don’t just get you into exclusive events - they also give you a shot at amazing prizes through raffles or exchanges! These awesome benefits are only available to FUN! JAPAN members. Don’t wait - sign up now and start accumulating those points for unforgettable rewards!