10 Spring Festivals must visit on your trip to Japan

Festival period: Late April to early May
Hirosaki Park is a famous spot where about 2,600 cherry trees are in full bloom, said to be the best in Japan. The cherry blossom tunnel and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are particularly beautiful, and the scenery of cherry blossom petals covering the ground is overwhelming. There are also plenty of local food stalls, so you can enjoy delicious meals under the cherry blossoms.

Festival period: May 3rd and 4th
This is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting over 2 million people every year. Highlights include parades, traditional performing arts, and the Matsubayashi dance, in which people dance with rice scoops. In particular, the “So-Odori” portion, where spectators can also join in the dancing, is a great opportunity to enjoy the colorful atmosphere of the festival.

Festival period: April 14th and 15th
This festival has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, featuring magnificent floats and Karakuri dolls. At night, the lanterns are lit and you can enjoy a magical atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime. It is a beautiful festival that blends well with the ancient townscape.

Festival period: Mid-May
This is one of the three biggest festivals in Japan, with a tradition that dates back to the Edo period. The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi (a portable mini shrine that houses a god) procession and the gorgeous parades, which turn the center of Tokyo into a colorful festival. You can experience the fascinating intersection of history and modernity blend in this festival atmosphere.

Festival period: First Saturday and Sunday of April
This festival, which has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is notable for its beautiful floats with Karakuri dolls on them. At night, the floats are decorated with lanterns and parade around the town, creating a different beauty than during the day.

Festival period: May 3rd to 5th
The highlight of the festival is the large-scale kite flying battle and the lantern-lit floats procession at night. In particular, the kite flying battle is extremely magnificent, attracting the participation of many tourists. You can enjoy the traditional and vibrant atmosphere of the locality.

Festival period: March 1st to 14th
This is an ancient ritual held at Nigatsudo, Todaiji Temple, of which the “Otaimatsu” ritual at night is particularly impressive. The sight of monks holding flaming torches running around the corridors of Nigatsudo is spectacular and extremely popular with tourists.

Festival period: Late March to early April
Ueno Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, with about 1,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The cherry blossom tunnel and the night view with illuminated flowers are beautiful and very popular with foreign tourists. The park’s zoo and museum are also worth a visit.

Festival period: May 15th
Aoi Festival is one of the three major festivals of Kyoto, with a long history dating back to the Heian period. A procession dressed in splendid Heian period costumes passes through the streets of Kyoto. You can enjoy the beautiful procession while feeling the historical atmosphere.

Festival period: May 3rd to 5th
Highlights of the festival include traditional boat races decorated with dragons, along with Eisa dance performances, live music, and fireworks displays. This festival attracts tourists because it allows them to experience Okinawa’s unique culture.