Japan’s floral season is a major draw for travelers from around the world. When it comes to planning a trip to Asian countries in spring, many of you must think about Japan as an ideal destination to savor the delightful spirit of spring. The country’s vibrant atmosphere and picturesque landscapes during the bloom of various flowers offer breathtaking sights and unique cultural experiences.
Here are some spring festivals held in many provinces, cities in Japan you should know to enrich your itinerary:
Sakura Illumination Festival
Time: late March to early April
Location: Hirano Shrine | 1, Hirano Miyamotocho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto.
Hirano Shrine, located in the western part of Kyoto, is renowned for its extensive cherry blossom trees and cherry blossom festival (Oka-sai Matsuri) typically takes place in late March to early April, depending on the blooming period.
The shrine gardens are adorned with pink cherry trees, and visitors can stroll along the paths, take part in the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and witness performances of traditional music and dance.
Naked Sakura Festival
Time: early March to early April
Location: Nijō Castle | 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301
Opening time: 6PM – 10PM
Website: https://event.naked.works/nijojo/spring/
Nijo Castle, located in Kyoto, Japan, is indeed a World Heritage Site known for its breath-taking scenery of cherry blossoms. Within the grounds of Nijo-jo Castle, visitors can find approximately 300 cherry trees belonging to around 50 different species.
In 2024, “NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle” was held from March 8 (Friday) to April 7 (Sunday).
Hamura Tulip Festival
Time: early to mid April
Location: Negaramimae Rice Paddy, Hamura City, Tokyo.
The Hamura Tulip Festival (はむら花と水のまつり) is an annual event held in Hamura, a city located in the western part of Tokyo, Japan. About 350,000 tulips from 5 species bloom in rustic landscape which creates a vibrant and enchanting view.
Takayama Festival
Time: Spring: April 15-16; and Autumn: October 9-10
Location: Sanno Festival at Hie Jinja Shrine | Hachiman Festival at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
The Takayama Festival (高山祭, Takayama Matsuri) is one of Japan’s most famous and charming festivals. This special festival is held twice a year in spring (Sanno Festival) and autumn (Hachiman Festival).
Highlight of this festival is the evening Yomatsuri procession (from 18:00 to 21:00) – a nighttime parade featuring hundreds of lanterns, creating a magical ambiance as they go along the streets of the old town.
Sakura Tulip Festa
Time: Late March – Late April
Location: Sakura Furusato Square | 2714 Usuida, Sakura, Chiba
Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM
Sakura Tulip Festa (佐倉チューリップフェスタ) is held annually by Sakura City Municipal Organization Enforcement. Visitors have a chance to enjoy and photograph a picturesque field of two iconic flowers: pink, yellow and blush coloured tulips with cherry blossoms.
In 2024, Sakura Tulip Festa was held from March 27 to April 21, 2024 with free entrance.
Spring Hill Lupine Festival
Time: Early April – Early May
Location: Kanuma City Flower and Tree Center | 2086-1 Moro, Kanuma, Tochigi
Opening hours: 9AM to 4:30PM
Admission fee: 500 yen/adult | Junior high school aged students and under receiving free admission
Spring Hill Lupine Festival (春の丘のルピナス祭り) is a festival held at Tochigi, Japan. A stunning field of around 30,000 lupine flowers in various hues including soft pink, purple, yellow bring a colorful theme to take photos and enjoy the vibrant vibes.
Great Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park
Time: Late April – Early May
Location: Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga
Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/fujinohana_special2024/en/index.html
Admission fee: 1000 – 2200 yen/adult | 500 – 1,100 yen/children
The Great Wisteria Festival is held in Ashikaga Flower Park – the best place to view wisteria flowers in Japan. More than 5,000 flowers in full bloom offer you a wonderful and magical view. From late April to early May, you can observe the huge 160-year-old Great Wisteria tree that creates an umbrella of purple wisteria flowers.
The Great Wisteria Festival 2024 is held from April 13 (Sat) to May 15 (Wed).
Bunkyo Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine
Time: Late April – Early May
Location: Nezu Shrine | 1 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
Admission fee: 500 yen
Website: https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/bunka/kanko/event/matsuri/tutuji.html#tutujikaika
Bunkyo Azalea Festival (文京つつじまつり) is an annual event that takes place in the Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan. Nezu Shrine is popular with its 300-year-old azalea garden, which spans approximately 6,600 square meters, and features around 3,000 azalea plants from 100 different species. Visitors can find diverse azalea bushes from delicate pinks and vibrant reds to vivid purples and pristine whites.
