On March 25th, a cherry blossom viewing party was held at "SOIL (SHIBUYA OPEN INNOVATION Labo)" (Shibuya 3-chome), an open innovation hub operated by Tokyu Corporation, where participants gathered around potted cherry trees grown using compost produced locally. The project began with a "How to Make Compost" workshop in November of last year and has been held over four sessions. This cherry blossom viewing party was the culmination of the series of events, following the third session, "An Event to Fertilize Cherry Trees with Compost," held on the 2nd of this month, and the cherry trees, which the participants themselves had replanted, were in full bloom.

The event was originally planned to be held in an outdoor plaza, but due to unfortunate rain, the venue was moved indoors. Nevertheless, residents and workers who had participated in the fertilization event on March 2nd gathered again, surrounding 10 pots of cherry trees that were in full bloom with deep pink flowers. The saplings, which had been replanted about three weeks ago in soil blended with compost made from food waste brought in by each person from their homes and workplaces, bloomed earlier than usual this year, partly due to the warmer weather.

雨のため、急遽、SOIL室内で実施された観桜会の様子

A man working in Shibuya who has been participating in the program since last year recalls, "I was approached about joining while working on urban development projects in Shibuya 3-chome. I found the initiative of creating the soil ourselves and growing cherry trees in that soil very interesting."

3月2日に開催された「コンポストを桜へ施肥するイベント」の様子。生ごみから生まれた堆肥を使い、桜の植え替え作業を行った

Although it was her first time composting, she said, "Using my own kitchen waste, I found it much easier and more enjoyable than I imagined." On the other hand, she pointed out that "it's difficult to use up all the soil produced at home, and finding ways to utilize it and a collection system are challenges for the future." Nevertheless, she emphasized the significance of the initiative, saying, "While typical workshops often end with soil preparation, this time we were able to see it through until the cherry blossoms bloomed. It wasn't just an experience; I felt a real connection with the town and its people."

堆肥に含まれる養分を吸収し、約3週間で10鉢の桜は満開を迎えた

Regarding his relationship with the Shibuya area, he said, "While Center Gai has a strong image as a place for 'consumption,' 3-chome also has a calm, everyday atmosphere. I felt that this initiative was well-suited to the characteristics of the area." He added, "People from diverse backgrounds, such as local residents and businesses, interacted naturally. I hope that continuing this will also lead to an improvement in the attractiveness of the town."

After the event, the man said he would take the cherry blossom pot home by train, and with a smile, he added, "I would be happy if I could have a small cherry blossom viewing with my family. I want to take care of it so that it will bloom again next year."

A community born through the medium of "cherry blossoms"

Ai Yasue of Tokyu, who organized the event, reflected on the four-part initiative that began in November of last year, saying, "Initially, we were feeling our way through it, not knowing if the cherry blossoms would actually bloom or how many people would participate." On the other hand, she said, "When we reached out to people in the community, far more people participated than we had imagined, and some even came to all the sessions. We realized that there is a real need for this kind of initiative."

イベントを主催した東急の安江愛さん

Regarding the participants, he said, "A truly diverse group of people gathered, from young people to the elderly, including company employees and local residents. It was wonderful that a scene of people naturally gathering together was created through 'cherry blossoms,' a symbol that is uniquely Japanese."

Regarding Shibuya 3-chome, he explained, "This area has a strong image associated with cherry blossoms. From the Yoko cherry trees on Meiji Street to the Konno cherry trees at Konno Hachimangu Shrine, cherry blossoms are a key feature of the area." He added that cherry trees were planted at the entrance when SOIL opened, and expressed his hope that "this will be an opportunity for people to pay attention to those cherry trees once again."

確かにSOIL入口両脇にも、陽光桜が植えられている。ただ、堆肥を十分に得ている鉢植えの桜に比べて、やや花のボリュームに欠ける。来年はこちらにもぜひ堆肥を……

Regarding the future, he said, "We want to continue our efforts to utilize this plaza. Ultimately, we want it to become a place that local residents can use freely," and he outlined his vision, saying, "There are surprisingly few places in Shibuya where people can easily gather. We hope to create a place like a 'hangout spot' where people can connect with each other."

幅広い年齢層の参加者が桜を囲み、くつろぎの時間を過ごした

An "early spring" is spreading in Shibuya 3-chome.

Cherry blossoms are also in full bloom around SOIL. Along Meiji Street, there is a row of Yoko cherry trees, the same variety as the potted plants featured here, which are in full bloom a little earlier than Somei Yoshino cherry trees. The deep pink blossoms adorn the streets, and many people can be seen stopping to take pictures.

明治通り沿いの陽光桜の並木は見ごろを迎えている（撮影：2026年3月25日）

隣接する金王八幡宮では、江戸三大名桜の一つに数えられる名木「金王桜」も見ごろを迎えている。一枝に一重と八重が混ざって咲く珍しい品種で、鎌倉時代、源頼朝が忠臣・渋谷金王丸を偲んで鎌倉から移植したとされ、区指定天然記念物にもなっている。そんな歴史を感じさせる名木が淡い花を咲かせ、お参りする人々を楽しませている。恒例の「金王桜まつり」は3月28日（土）・29日（日）に開催予定だが、天候が心配だ。お出かけの際は雨具の準備も。

金王八幡宮本殿の右手で咲き誇る「金王桜」。陽光桜の濃いピンクとは対照的な白に近い淡いピンクの花（撮影：2026年3月25日）

The Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Shibuya River, the Yoko cherry blossoms on Meiji Street, the potted cherry trees at SOIL, and the Konno cherry blossoms at Konno Hachimangu Shrine—being able to enjoy cherry blossoms at different times over several weeks is a unique feature of this area.

A "small-scale cycle" that originated in Shibuya 3-chome is spreading into the cityscape as the cherry blossoms bloom. This initiative, which began with composting, is gently connecting people, communities, and time, painting a new spring landscape.

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Interviews and writing

Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.