Spring is a special time of year to visit Japan. Not only are there several unique festivals held throughout the country in the spring, it’s also a great time to enjoy the country’s spectacular scenery, as cherry blossoms and other incredible flowers and trees bloom. Depending on the prefecture you choose to visit, spring is a truly magical time of year.
Spring arrives in mid-March in Japan, and the weather steadily gets warmer throughout April and May. Expect cooler mornings, with comfortable temperatures that persist until the sun goes down. No matter where you’re traveling in Japan during the spring months, there’s no shortage of memorable things to see and do, and you’re certain to enjoy the weather while you travel.
Between the great weather and general awakening that envelops Japan during the springtime, your list of must-visit attractions will quickly grow. Here are the top 12 things to do in Japan during the season of rebirth and revival.
1. View the cherry blossoms
If you’re visiting Japan in spring, it’s hard not to come across beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom. From mid-March to mid-April, areas across the country hold hanami, flower viewing parties where revelers enjoy drinks and snacks while sitting together on mats below the blooming cherry blossom trees (see also ‘10 Reasons To Get Excited About Hanami‘). Across the entire country, there’s a generally festive mood, as the Japanese are always excited and enthusiastic about these beautiful blooms.
If you’re looking for truly breathtaking blooms, you’ll find them in several different areas. For those who prefer to stick near the city, Kyoto and Tokyo are home to some awe-inspiring scenes. If you’re traveling beyond urban centers, adventure to Fuji Five Lakes or Matsumae Park in Hokkaido for once-in-a-lifetime serenity.
2. Attend Aoi Matsuri
Every year in May, Kyoto holds the world’s oldest festival, Aoi Matsuri. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in May, this event is not to be missed. You’ll enjoy a variety of celebrations over a two-week period—but be sure to attend the festival’s main parade featuring more than 500 participants dressed in unique Heian Period Imperial court fashions. It’s a cultural experience like no other, and one of the oldest homages in the world.
3. Enjoy Takayama Spring Festival
If you find yourself in Takayama in mid-April, you can’t miss the Takayama Spring Festival. Held April 14 and 15, this traditional festival features a parade of tall antique floats adorned with performing mechanical puppets. This town in the Japanese Alps truly comes alive this time of year, as the festival gives the region’s master carpenters a chance to show off their craft in the uniquely decorated floats (if you’re exploring the Japanese Alps, make time to check out Shirahone Onsen for a truly relaxing time).
If you’re staying in Tokyo, Takayama is a great day trip destination—it’s just a four-hour train ride via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. From Nagoya, the trip is just over two-and-a-half hours via the Hida line.
4. Travel the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
In the mood to take in the gorgeous scenery of Japan? Springtime is a great time of year to travel the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: a series of buses, cable cars, trains, and ropeways that take you through the mounts of Nagano and Toyama prefectures. If you come in early spring, you’ll be able to see a very unique sight: the snow corridor, featuring impressive walls of snow up to 65 feet high.
This is an activity that’s most-enjoyed by individuals who are able to dedicate a good amount of time to travel, and who are in-shape enough to traverse the path. Keep in mind that coming too late in the spring season can diminish the splendor of the snow corridor. Late March, early April is best.
5. View Kamogawa Odori
This annual spring dance performance, held from May 1 to May 24 in Kyoto, features traditional Geisha and Maiko of the Pontocho district. This event began in 1872 as a way to revive Kyoto’s economy, after the government moved the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo. Ever since, visitors and locals alike flock to the region to view traditional dances and enjoy delicious food and drink. Each performance is deeply illustrative of Japanese history and culture, and a breathtaking sight to experience.
6. See the hanging wisteria of Ashikaga Flower Park
The cherry blossoms aren’t the only magnificent plants in bloom during the spring. Throughout May, the very large hanging wisteria vines in Ashikaga Flower Park are in full bloom. The garden is considered one of the country’s best, especially in the spring. There’s even a nighttime illumination event, showcasing the beautiful wisteria in a whole new light.
This park is located on the outskirts of Tokyo, which means it’s easily accessible by rail. While you’re there, you can also plan to visit the nearby area of Tatebayashi, which is also well-known for stunning springtime blooms.
7. Celebrate Children’s Day
A national holiday held every May 5, Children’s Day is a fun event held country-wide. In the weeks leading up to Children’s Day, homes and riverside areas across the country decorate with Koinobori, colorful carp streamers. Celebrations vary from city to city, and Tokyo even holds a Kids’ Olympics, a competition among thousands of kids. It’s a great event to experience if you’re traveling with little ones of your own.
Even if you don’t have children of your own, Children’s Day is considered a major event in Japan. It’s the last celebration of Golden Week, and caps a series of festivities that touch the lives of every Japanese citizen, no matter their age. Truly, it’s a celebration of happiness.
8. Attend Sumo Summer Basho
If you’re visiting Tokyo in May, check out the Sumo Summer Basho. One of six special sumo tournaments held in Japan throughout the year, this great event is a Japanese tradition that goes back centuries. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see a sumo match, and Tokyo is a great place to do it. The tournament is wildly popular, so plan accordingly if you want to catch a match!
9. See Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo’s most vibrant festival, Sanja Matsuri, is sponsored by the shrine at Sensoji, the most visited temple in the city. Over two million people travel to the region for the Sanja Matsuri, held on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in May.
Elaborate parades revolve around portable shrines, and there’s tons of music, dancing and traditional food to be had. If you do decide to attend this iconic celebration, be warned: the crowds can become massive! An estimated two million people show out for the festival each year, which can leave streets packed.
10. Pick strawberries
This simple activity is one of the most rewarding, as Japan’s strawberries feature a delicious sweetness you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You’ll find strawberry picking opportunities throughout the country, and if you can’t get to the countryside to take part, you can enjoy delicious strawberry dessert buffets held at many hotels throughout the country from January to April.
11. Visit a green tea plantation
If you love matcha, the green tea farms are not to be missed on your journey to Japan. The best time to visit is in spring, before picking season begins in May. Check out a plantation near Mt. Fuji and take in the fantastic scenery of the region—these are some of the best photo spots in the entire country!
In your pursuit of visiting a green tea plantation, you can also opt to participate in tastings that are held throughout the region during this time of year. There are many different types of green tea depending on how the leaves are processed or how the tea is prepared. Not only will you experience delicious new tea variations, you’ll get to appreciate them at the time of year when they’re freshest.
12. Celebrate Golden Week
Golden Week is the busiest time of year in Japan when it comes to tourism. Held from the end of April through the first week of May, many locals take the time off to go on holiday for a week or more. Many national holidays are celebrated during Golden Week, including Greenery Day and Showa Day. You’ll find festivities and celebrations throughout the country, each with their unique style.
Springtime is the perfect time to visit Japan!
Spring is considered one of the best seasons to visit Japan, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are there tons of special events happening all throughout the country, the scenery and landscaping is really at its best as the weather warms up and flowers and trees begin to bloom. There’s something to do or see in virtually every prefecture, and you’ll never be far from some cultural event or exciting natural wonder during spring in Japan.
No matter where your travels take you to Japan in the spring, there’s bound to be something interesting to see or do. Try to experience some of the things listed above—you’re certain to love the experience and appreciate Japan for its many springtime opportunities.
