What’s On in Japan in Spring
Cherry blossoms, mild weather and a calendar packed with hanami and spring festivals across Japan.
257 listings
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Over 2,600 cherry trees surround a feudal castle in one of Japan's most celebrated hanami settings.
Kumano Kodō Pilgrimage Trail
Trek ancient sacred forest trails to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano on Japan's only UNESCO dual-listed pilgrimage route.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Snow Wall (Yuki no Otani)
Walk through towering snow walls up to 20 metres high along the dramatic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Shimanami Kaidō Cycling Route
Cycle 70 kilometres across six Seto Inland Sea islands on one of the world's great cycling routes.
Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-Michi), Kyoto
Stroll a canal-side path canopied in cherry blossom between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto's most beloved spring walks.
Nikkō Tōshō-gū Grand Spring Festival (Hyakumonozoroe Sennin Gyoretsu)
A thousand-strong procession in full Edo-era warrior armour re-enacts the legendary transfer of Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains to Nikkō.
Yoshino Mountain Cherry Blossoms (Yoshinoyama)
Over 30,000 wild mountain cherry trees cloak Yoshino's sacred slopes in successive waves of pink bloom across four distinct elevation zones.
Kanda Matsuri
One of Edo's three great festivals, featuring a grand procession of mikoshi and period-costumed marchers through central Tokyo.
Hiroshima Flower Festival
A joyful three-day Golden Week celebration along Hiroshima's Peace Boulevard with parades, world music stages, and over one million visitors.
Mount Aso Caldera Walk & Active Volcano Experience
Stand on the rim of one of the world's largest active calderas and peer into the turquoise, smoking crater lake of Nakadake volcano.
Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival (Kakunodate Sakura Matsuri)
Weeping shidarezakura cherries line a preserved samurai district in one of Tohoku's most scenic spring settings.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Fuji Motosuko Resort)
Vast carpets of pink moss phlox (shibazakura) bloom beneath Mount Fuji in one of Japan's most photographed spring scenes.
Tsurugajo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Tsurugajo Sakura Matsuri)
Over 1,000 cherry trees envelop Tsurugajo Castle — Japan's only castle with red-tiled roof — in a spectacular pink cloud each spring.
Suwa Grand Shrine Onbashira Festival (Onbashira-sai)
Japan's oldest and most dangerous festival sees men ride giant sacred logs down a steep mountain slope every six years at Suwa.
Takayama Spring Festival (Sanno Matsuri)
Ornate Edo-period floats parade through a beautifully preserved mountain town in one of Japan's three greatest festivals.
Oze National Park Mizubasho Wetland Walk
Japan's largest highland wetland erupts with thousands of white Asian skunk cabbage blooms across pristine alpine boardwalk trails.
Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro)
Follow the 1,200-year-old footsteps of Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi across 1,200 km of mountain trails, coastal roads, and ancient temple steps.
Tōno Furusato Village (Tōno Furusato-mura)
Step into Japan's folklore heartland in a reconstructed thatched-roof village where kappa legends and magariya farmhouses come alive.
Edo Wonderland Nikkō Edomura
A full-scale Edo-period theme park where ninja shows, samurai training, and period costumes recreate 17th-century Japan.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage silver mine that once produced one-third of the world's silver, hidden in a lush forested valley in rural Shimane.
Ritsurin Kōen Garden, Takamatsu
Considered Japan's finest strolling garden, this 300-year-old feudal masterpiece frames sculpted pines against the backdrop of Mount Shuin.
Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes Area
The classic reflected-Fuji vista across Lake Kawaguchi is Japan's most iconic photograph — surrounded by wisteria, cherry blossoms, and maple forests.
Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival (Goryokaku Hanami)
Over 1,600 cherry trees ring the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort in a spectacular Hokkaido spring hanami spectacle.
Sapporo Lilac Festival (Sapporo Rairakku Matsuri)
Sapporo's city symbol, the lilac, blooms in Odori Park in a fragrant, colourful festival marking the true arrival of Hokkaido spring.
Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa Shrine Festival)
Tokyo's wildest mikoshi festival draws 1.5 million visitors to Asakusa's ancient streets over three electrifying days.
Hitachi Furyumono (Hitachi Sakura-Machi Festival)
Giant mechanical puppet floats—some six metres tall—perform elaborate theatrical dramas on six decorated stages during Golden Week.
Ashikaga Flower Park Wisteria Festival
Cascading curtains of ancient wisteria — some over 150 years old — create otherworldly violet tunnels at Japan's most celebrated flower park.
Mito Kairakuen Plum Blossom Festival
Over 3,000 plum trees in 100 varieties perfume Japan's most celebrated plum garden, signaling the first flush of spring in Kanto.
Odawara Hōjō Godai Matsuri
A 3,000-person samurai army in full Sengoku-era armor parades through Odawara, re-enacting the glory days of the Hōjō clan warlords.
Furukawa Matsuri (Okoshi Daiko Drum Festival)
A wild nighttime drum procession where a massive barrel drum is carried through the streets of historic Hida-Furukawa.
Shizuoka Sincha Tea Harvest Festival (Shin-cha Matsuri)
Celebrate Japan's first spring tea harvest among vivid green terraced fields on the Makinohara plateau above Suruga Bay.
Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival
Seven magnificent wheeled floats carrying mechanical karakuri dolls parade through Takaoka's 400-year-old bronze-crafting streets.
Zenkō-ji Gokaicho (Honzon Kaichō)
Once every seven years, Zenkō-ji Temple opens its innermost sanctuary to reveal a hidden sacred image seen by no one for centuries.
Inuyama Festival (Inuyama Matsuri)
Thirteen glittering three-storey floats parade beside Japan's oldest original castle as karakuri puppets perform above cherry blossoms.
Hamamatsu Matsuri (Giant Kite Festival)
Hundreds of enormous kites battle for sky supremacy over the beaches of Hamamatsu as ornate festival floats parade through the night.
Aoi Matsuri
One of Kyoto's three great festivals, featuring a majestic Heian-era imperial procession of 500 courtiers in ancient costume.
Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri
Spectacular lakeside festival where elaborately carved festival floats serve as tiny kabuki stages performed by local children in full costume.
Fukuyama Rose Festival
Japan's 'City of Roses' bursts into colour as 100,000 rose bushes bloom around Fukuyama Castle for a fragrant May celebration.
Tsuyama Kakuzan Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Kakuzan Park's 3,000 cherry trees — surrounding castle ruins — rank among Japan's top 100 cherry blossom sites in spectacular spring form.
Tosa Reihei Matsuri (Tosa Grand Festival)
An ancient two-day Shinto procession at Tosa Shrine where samurai-costumed retinues escort the deity's portable shrine through cedar forest paths.
Matsuyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Matsuyama's hilltop castle — one of Japan's original 12 surviving castles — glows above a sea of 200 cherry trees in peak spring bloom.
Oboke Gorge White-Water Rafting
Raft Class III–IV rapids through the dramatic marble-walled Oboke Gorge on the Yoshino River, Shikoku's premier white-water run.
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival
One of Japan's largest festivals draws over 2 million visitors with colourful street parades through central Fukuoka.
Fukuoka Ohori Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Ohori Park's lakeside promenade transforms into a pink tunnel of some 340 cherry trees beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Yanagawa Sagemon Matsuri & River Boat Cruise
Yanagawa's canal city celebrates Girls' Day with cascading sagemon ornament mobiles and tranquil punted boat tours through willow-lined waterways.
Okazaki Sakura Fireworks Festival (Okazaki Sakura Matsuri Hanabi)
Spring fireworks burst over Okazaki Castle's cherry-blossom-lined moat in one of Japan's most romantic hanabi-and-sakura combinations.
Maruyama Park Hanami (円山公園花見)
Sapporo's most beloved hanami spot, where over 100 Ezo Yamazakura trees ring a historic park beside Hokkaido Jingu shrine.
Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival (松前さくらまつり)
Japan's northernmost castle town celebrates spring with 10,000 cherry trees spanning 250 varieties around a beautifully preserved feudal castle.
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossoms (五稜郭公園の桜)
Hakodate's star-shaped Goryokaku fort transforms into a stunning floral spectacle viewed from the Goryokaku Tower observation deck.
Nijo Market Spring Sakura Stroll (二条市場さくら散策)
Combine cherry blossom walks along the Sosei River with fresh seafood tastings at Sapporo's lively 130-year-old Nijo Market.
Asahiyama Memorial Park Cherry Blossoms (旭山記念公園の桜)
A hillside park above Sapporo where blooming cherry trees frame sweeping panoramic views over the city and distant mountain ranges.
Hokkaido Jingu Spring Cherry Blossom (北海道神宮の桜)
Sapporo's grand Shinto shrine is surrounded by 1,400 cherry trees, blending sacred architecture with one of Hokkaido's most atmospheric hanami settings.
Onuma Quasi-National Park Cherry Blossoms (大沼国定公園の桜)
Volcanic Mount Komagatake looms over mirror-calm lakes fringed with cherry blossoms at this stunning quasi-national park near Hakodate.
Lake Shikotsu Cherry Blossom Hanami (支笏湖の桜)
Japan's northernmost caldera lake offers an intimate hanami experience with cherry trees blooming beside crystalline cobalt-blue waters.
Obihiro Sakuragaoka Park Hanami (帯広桜ヶ丘公園花見)
Obihiro's beloved hilltop park offers a sea of cherry blossoms overlooking the vast Tokachi Plains, a quintessential Hokkaido spring panorama.
Nishiki Park Cherry Blossom Hanami, Kitami (北見錦公園の桜)
One of eastern Hokkaido's finest hanami locations, where Nishiki Park's hillside cherry trees bloom late and long above the city of Kitami.
Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park Sakura (滝野すずらん公園の桜)
Japan's only national government park in Hokkaido surprises spring visitors with waterfalls, forest trails, and cherry blossoms across 400 hectares.
Hakodate Bay Cherry Blossom Cruise (函館湾さくらクルーズ)
Enjoy cherry blossom season from the water on a scenic Hakodate Bay cruise, pairing spring blooms with the city's celebrated harbour panorama.
Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival (Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Matsuri)
A 2km riverside promenade of 10,000 cherry trees along the Kitakami River, ranked among Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots.
Funaoka Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival (Funaoka Joshi Sakura Matsuri)
Over 1,200 cherry trees drape a hilltop castle ruin in Miyagi, offering sweeping views of the Shiroishi River valley below.
Hirosaki Castle Moat Rowboat Hanami
Paddle a rowboat through Hirosaki Castle's petal-carpeted moat beneath arching cherry blossom canopies for an iconic hanami experience.
Shiroishi River Cherry Blossom Viewing (Shiroishi-gawa Hitome Senbonzakura)
Walk or cycle beneath 1,200 cherry trees along an 8km riverside embankment said to reveal 1,000 trees in a single glance.
Kakunodate Samurai District Weeping Cherry Viewing
Stroll Kakunodate's preserved samurai quarter as cascading 300-year-old weeping cherry trees frame black-walled samurai residences.
Miharu Takizakura Weeping Cherry Tree
One of Japan's Three Great Cherry Trees — a 1,000-year-old weeping cherry with a 22-metre canopy spread in Fukushima's countryside.
Yonomori Cherry Blossom Avenue (Yonomori Sakura)
A hauntingly beautiful 2.2km tunnel of 320 cherry trees in Tomioka, reopen to visitors and symbolising Fukushima's resilience and renewal.
Morioka Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom (Iwate Koen Hanami)
Morioka's central castle-ruin park comes alive with 200 cherry trees and lively hanami picnics beside impressive granite walls.
Kakuda Kamisugi Cherry Blossom Festival (Kakuda Sakura Matsuri)
A community-beloved spring festival beneath 1,000 cherry trees in Kakuda, featuring folk performances, food stalls, and yozakura illuminations.
Kajo Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Kajo Koen Hanami Matsuri)
Yamagata City's historic castle-ruin park hosts a beloved spring festival with 1,500 cherry trees encircling a picturesque pond and moat.
Tsurugajo Castle Night Cherry Blossom Viewing (Tsurugajo Yozakura)
After-dark illuminations transform Tsurugajo Castle and its 1,000 cherry trees into a luminous pink spectacle reflected in the castle moat.
Tohoku Hanami Bento Crafting Workshop
Craft a seasonal hanami bento with a local Sendai cooking instructor, then enjoy it beneath cherry blossoms in Nishi Park.
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Ueno Onshi Koen Sakura Matsuri)
Tokyo's most iconic hanami ground lines Shinobazu Pond with over 1,200 cherry trees and vibrant food stalls.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Cherry Blossom Season
A curated national garden with over 65 cherry varieties offering Japan's longest single-site blossom season.
Chidorigafuchi Moat Cherry Blossom Boat Ride
Paddle a rowboat beneath a tunnel of weeping cherry trees along the Imperial Palace moat for an unforgettable hanami.
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade (Nakameguro Sakura Festival)
Roughly 800 cherry trees canopy a 4 km riverside walk through Nakameguro's trendy café and boutique district.
Yanaka Cemetery Cherry Blossom Walk
Stroll a centuries-old cemetery-turned-blossom promenade in Tokyo's most atmospheric old-shitamachi neighbourhood.
Koganei Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Koganei Koen Sakura Matsuri)
One of western Tokyo's grandest hanami parks, with 1,900 cherry trees and the open-air Edo-Tokyo Architectural Museum.
Sumida Park Sakura Festival (Sumida Koen Hanami)
Historic riverside hanami stretching from Asakusa to Mukojima with Tokyo Skytree as a dramatic blossom backdrop.
Inokashira Park Cherry Blossom Season
A beloved west-Tokyo park where 260 cherry trees reflect in Inokashira Pond and swan boats glide beneath blossom boughs.
Showa Kinen Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Showa Kinen Koen Hanami)
A vast national commemorative park with 1,500 cherry trees, cycling paths, and a landmark weeping-cherry garden.
Komatsugawa Senbonzakura Cherry Blossom Festival
A beloved east-Tokyo riverside festival showcasing 1,000 cherry trees lining the Kyuedo-gawa river channel.
Omiya Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Omiya Koen Sakura Matsuri)
Saitama's premier hanami destination with over 1,000 cherry trees surrounding Japan's oldest zoo and Hikawa Shrine.
Negishi Shinrin Park Cherry Blossom Season
A serene forest park on a former Meiji-era racetrack site, ringed by 700 cherry trees in a woodland setting.
Takato Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossoms (Takato Jōshi Kōen)
Over 1,500 deep-pink Takato Kohigan cherry trees blanket this hilltop castle ruin, ranked among Japan's top three hanami sites.
Ueda Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Ueda Jō Sakura Matsuri)
Hundreds of Somei Yoshino trees frame the stone walls of Ueda Castle in a lively spring festival featuring samurai processions and food stalls.
Asahi Park Cherry Blossom Viewing, Matsumoto
Matsumoto's beloved riverside Asahi Park offers classic hanami under rows of Somei Yoshino cherries with the snow-capped Northern Alps as backdrop.
Tsuruma Park Cherry Blossom Hanami, Nagoya
Nagoya's oldest Western-style public park hosts over 900 cherry trees and a renowned hanami season beloved by locals since the Meiji era.
Okazaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Okazaki Sakura Matsuri)
Some 800 cherry trees surround Okazaki Castle birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu in a vibrant spring festival with boat rides on the Oto River.
Shibata Kajo Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Shibata Oshiro Matsuri)
Niigata's Shibata Kajo Park dazzles with 4,000 cherry trees around the moats of a former castle, ranked among Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots.
Takayama Higashiyama Sakura Walking Trail
A 3.5 km temple-and-shrine trail on Takayama's eastern hills bursts into bloom with cherry and plum trees framing ancient wooden architecture.
Omachi Keisetsu Cherry Blossom Promenade, Nagano
A lesser-known avenue of cherry trees lines the Keisetsu promenade in mountain town Omachi, with the Hakuba range reflected in the Nakatsuna reservoir.
Yamazaki River Cherry Blossom Tunnel, Nagoya
Nearly 600 cherry trees arch over the Yamazaki River forming a celebrated 2 km blossom tunnel through the residential heart of Nagoya.
Shimizu Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Shizuoka
Over 700 cherry trees surround the ancient Sengen Shrine in Shimizu with Mt Fuji often visible on clear days above the blossom canopy.
Gifu Castle & Kinkazan Cherry Blossom Viewing
Gifu Castle crowns Mt Kinka above a sea of 1,600 cherry trees in Kōen-dōri park, illuminated nightly for one of Japan's most dramatic castle hanami.
Matsukawa River Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise, Toyama
Drift beneath 460 cherry trees on a 30-minute wooden boat cruise along Toyama's Matsukawa River with the Tateyama mountain range as backdrop.
Maruyama Park Hanami (円山公園花見)
Kyoto's most beloved hanami park, centred on a magnificent weeping cherry tree illuminated after dark.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park Hanami (毛馬桜之宮公園花見)
A 4-kilometre riverside promenade lined with 4,700 cherry trees along the Okawa River in central Osaka.
Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Walkthrough (造幣局 桜の通り抜け)
A famous one-week public opening of the Mint Bureau's 560-metre path lined with 350 rare double-petal cherry varieties.
Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing (姫路城観桜会)
Over 1,000 cherry trees frame Japan's most celebrated white castle, creating an unrivalled blossom-and-castle panorama.
Ninna-ji Omuro Cherry Blossoms (仁和寺御室桜)
Ninna-ji's low-growing Omuro cherries bloom two weeks after Kyoto's main season, framed by the UNESCO temple's five-storey pagoda.
Daigo-ji Hanami Festival (醍醐寺豊太閤花見行列)
A costumed procession re-enacting Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 1598 grand hanami party through Daigo-ji's 700-tree blossom grounds.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park Hanami (万博記念公園花見)
Osaka's largest cherry blossom park, with 5,500 trees surrounding the iconic Tower of the Sun sculpture from Expo 1970.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Cherry Blossom Ropeway Experience
Ride Kobe's Shin-Kobe Ropeway over blooming mountain cherry trees for a panoramic sakura-and-city view unlike any other.
Isuien Garden & Nara Park Hanami (依水園・奈良公園花見)
Nara Park's 1,700 cherry trees bloom alongside freely roaming deer, with Tōdai-ji's Great Buddha Hall as a majestic backdrop.
Osaka Castle Moat Hanami Boat Cruise
Glide through Osaka Castle's historic stone-walled moat by passenger boat beneath a canopy of overhanging cherry blossoms.
Arashiyama Nakanoshima Park Hanami (嵐山中之島公園花見)
A sandy river island in Arashiyama carpeted with cherry trees, where blossoms reflect in the Ōi River with Togetsukyo Bridge in view.
Osaka Hanami Bento Crafting & Park Picnic Experience
Learn to assemble a seasonal sakura-themed bento with a local chef, then carry it to a nearby park for an authentic hanami picnic.
Kintai Bridge Cherry Blossom Festival (Kintaikyo Hanami)
Over 3,000 cherry trees frame Iwakuni's iconic five-arched wooden bridge in one of western Japan's most photogenic spring scenes.
Tsurumi Park Hanami, Kurashiki
Kurashiki's beloved Tsurumi Park bursts with hundreds of cherry trees, making it the city's favourite spot for casual hanami picnics.
Makiba Park Cherry Blossom Viewing, Niimi
Niimi's Makiba Park offers a tranquil rural hanami experience surrounded by mountain scenery and thousands of blooming cherry trees.
Johoku Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Tottori
Tottori's Johoku Park erupts in pink each spring with over 700 cherry trees and lively food stalls along the old castle-moat promenade.
Yuki Cherry Blossom Tunnel, Akiota
A magical 2 km tunnel of cherry trees lines the road through the mountain village of Yuki, creating one of Hiroshima Prefecture's most enchanting hanami corridors.
Kakuzan Park (Shiroyama) Cherry Blossom Night Illumination, Tsuyama
Tsuyama's hilltop castle park hosts one of Japan's top-ranked nighttime hanami experiences, with 4,000 cherry trees blazing under dramatic floodlights.
Matsue Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
One of Japan's few remaining original castle keeps rises above 200 cherry trees in full bloom, making Matsue Castle a quintessential springtime samurai scene.
Tsuwano Cherry Blossom Promenade
The 'Little Kyoto of the San'in' dresses itself in pink as cherry trees line Tsuwano's historic samurai-quarter canals and castle-hill approach.
Hagi Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival
The moated ruins of Hagi Castle turn rose-pink each spring as cherry trees bloom between ancient stone ramparts and the blue waters of the Sea of Japan beyond.
Mirasaka Cherry Blossom Road, Miyoshi
A 10 km rural road through Mirasaka in northern Hiroshima is flanked by thousands of cherry trees, earning its nickname 'the most beautiful road in Japan.'
Tottori Sand Dunes & Cherry Blossom Combo Tour
Guided day tours combine Tottori's iconic sand dunes and Sea of Japan coast with peak cherry blossom viewing at Tottori Prefectural Flower Park and Johoku Park.
Jofuku-ji Temple Cherry Blossom Viewing, Yamaguchi
The mossy stone garden of Jofuku-ji Temple in Yamaguchi City frames ancient weeping cherry trees in a scene of profound Buddhist tranquility.
Kochi Castle Cherry Blossom Hanami
One of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom spots, Kochi Castle glows pink against its Edo-era stone walls.
Takamatsu Chuo Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Takamatsu's central park erupts in cherry blossoms, drawing families and revellers for classic hanami picnics.
Shiroyama Park Cherry Blossom Viewing, Matsuyama
Matsuyama Castle's hilltop park offers spectacular sakura scenery accessible by ropeway above the city.
Zentsuji Temple Cherry Blossom Hanami
Japan's largest wooden temple complex, birthplace of Kobo Daishi, blooms gloriously with hundreds of cherry trees each spring.
Uwajima Castle Cherry Blossom Hanami
Uwajima's rare original castle keep rises above a hillside carpeted in cherry blossoms each April.
Tokushima Shinmachi Riverwalk Cherry Blossom Promenade
Stroll along the Shinmachi River as cherry petals drift over the water in central Tokushima city.
Imabari Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Imabari Castle's water moat mirrors blooming cherry trees in a rare seaside castle hanami spectacle.
Shimanto River Cherry Blossom Sightseeing Cruise
Drift along Japan's last free-flowing river as cherry blossoms frame its legendary chinkabashi submersible bridges.
Chikurinji Temple Cherry Blossom, Mount Godaisan
Temple 31 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage on Mount Godaisan pairs a moss-carpeted garden with vivid spring cherry blossoms.
Mount Tsurugi Alpine Cherry Blossom Trekking
Hike Shikoku's second-highest peak as late-blooming mountain cherry trees dust the alpine trails in pink.
Besshi Dosan Festival Cherry Blossom Parade, Niihama
Niihama's Besshi Dosan Festival celebrates the historic copper mine heritage with a spring parade under flowering cherry trees.
Marugame Castle Cherry Blossom Hanami
Japan's tallest natural stone castle walls are crowned with cherry blossoms in a dramatic Kagawa spring scene.
Maizuru Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Fukuoka
Around 1,000 cherry trees frame the ruins of Fukuoka Castle for one of the city's most beloved hanami gatherings.
Kumamoto Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Kumamoto-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Over 800 cherry trees encircle the iconic black tenshu of Kumamoto Castle in a spectacular springtime display.
Sengan-en (Iso Teien) Cherry Blossom Hanami, Kagoshima
Hanami amid a UNESCO-listed feudal garden with Sakurajima volcano as a breathtaking backdrop across Kinko Bay.
Nishi Park (Nishi-koen) Cherry Blossom Viewing, Fukuoka
Fukuoka's oldest public park hosts 1,300 cherry trees on a hillside with panoramic views over Hakata Bay.
Glover Garden Cherry Blossom Season, Nagasaki
Meiji-era Western-style mansions on Minamiyamate Hill are framed by cherry blossoms with sweeping harbour views.
Shiroyama Park Cherry Blossom Viewing, Kagoshima
Cherry trees atop Shiroyama ridge offer sweeping views of Sakurajima with blossoms in the foreground — Kagoshima's iconic spring vista.
Usa City Riverside Cherry Blossom Walk, Oita
A peaceful riverside corridor of cherry trees lines the Yorimo River near ancient Usa Jingu shrine in northern Oita.
Miyazaki Peace Park (Heiwa-dai Koen) Cherry Blossom Festival
Hundreds of cherry trees bloom around the Tower of Peace in Miyazaki's spacious park, drawing families for classic hanami picnics.
Saga Castle Historic Museum Cherry Blossom Viewing
The moats and grounds of reconstructed Saga Castle are lined with cherry trees for a serene, crowd-light hanami experience.
Suwa Shrine Cherry Blossom Viewing, Nagasaki
Cherry blossoms adorn the long stone staircase and forested grounds of Nagasaki's most important Shinto shrine.
Katsuyama Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Kokura
Some 1,000 cherry trees bloom in and around Kokura Castle's park, making it Kitakyushu's premier hanami destination.
Hirado Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing, Nagasaki
Cherry blossoms frame the white hilltop keep of Hirado Castle above the sea in one of Kyushu's most photogenic spring scenes.
Kamakura Matsuri (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Spring Festival)
A two-week cultural festival at Kamakura's most sacred shrine, featuring Yabusame horseback archery and classical Japanese performing arts.
Takayama Matsuri (Spring: Sanno Festival)
Eleven ornate yatai floats parade through Takayama's Edo-era streets in one of Japan's most celebrated spring festivals.
Onbashira Matsuri (Suwa Grand Shrine)
Men ride massive felled fir logs down steep mountain slopes to renew Japan's oldest shrine in this breathtaking sexennial ritual.
Mifune Matsuri (三船祭)
Heian court nobles glide along the Oi River in ornate dragon-prowed boats as Arashiyama transforms into a scene from classical Japanese poetry.
Shōryōe (聖霊会) at Shitennō-ji
Japan's oldest surviving Bugaku court dance performance is held annually at Shitennō-ji, one of the country's earliest Buddhist temples.
Heian Shrine Takigi Noh (平安神宮薪能)
Ancient Noh theatre comes alive by torchlight in the vermilion courtyard of Heian Shrine on atmospheric early-summer evenings.
Sagicho Matsuri, Omihachiman (左義長まつり)
Elaborately sculpted sagicho floats of dried persimmons, squid, and seasonal goods are paraded and then ritually burned in this unique Shiga fire festival.
Izumo Taisha Spring Grand Festival (Reitaisai)
The grand spring festival at Japan's oldest and most sacred shrine, featuring solemn Shinto rituals and classical court music.
Iwakuni Kintaikyo Shiro Matsuri (Castle Festival)
Samurai processions, falconry, and classical arts celebrate Iwakuni's feudal heritage beneath the iconic five-arch Kintai Bridge.
Tokushima Awa Ningyō Joruri Festival (Awaodori Kaikan Stage)
A dedicated outdoor celebration of Tokushima's 400-year-old ningyo joruri puppet tradition with open-air stage performances and craft demonstrations.
Tosa Kuroshio Matsuri (Kochi Sea & Bonito Festival)
A lively seaside celebration honouring Kochi's katsuo (skipjack tuna) fishing heritage with straw-fire tataki cooking, boat races, and Kuroshio Current lore.
Zentsuji Taisai Grand Temple Festival
The grand annual festival of Zentsuji Temple—birthplace of Kobo Daishi—with torchlit processions, esoteric Buddhist ceremonies, and massive camphor tree rituals.
Besshi Dōzan Festival (Copper Mine Heritage Parade)
Niihama's spring festival commemorating the legendary Besshi Copper Mine with period-costume processions, miners' folk songs, and industrial heritage exhibitions.
Beppu Onsen Festival (Beppu Hatto Onsen Matsuri)
A spring celebration of gratitude for Beppu's legendary hot springs, featuring a grand parade, mikoshi processions, and free public bathing events.
Hakata松囃子 (Matsubayashi) Procession — Hakata Dontaku Origin Parade
The ancient Matsubayashi procession, the 800-year-old ceremonial heart of Fukuoka's Golden Week celebrations, winds through Hakata in full historical costume.
Kirishima Azalea Festival (Kirishima Miyama Kirishima Matsuri)
Japan's most celebrated wild azalea spectacle carpets the volcanic slopes of Kirishima in vivid crimson, celebrated with a highland spring festival.
Yanagawa Hinamatsuri (Yanagawa Hina Nagashi)
Ornate hina dolls float down Yanagawa's historic canals in a graceful spring purification ritual set amid one of Kyushu's most scenic waterway towns.
Naha Haaryuu (Dragon Boat Race Festival)
Ancient Ryukyuan dragon boat races thunder across Naha Port during Golden Week in a 600-year-old maritime tradition.
Ie Island Lily Festival (Ie-jima Yuri Matsuri)
Ie Island's hillsides blaze white as thousands of Easter lilies bloom, celebrated with island folk performances and farm-fresh food.
Okinawa Haisai Festival (Naha Shintoshin Haisai Matsuri)
Okinawa's spring welcome festival fills Naha's Shintoshin district with sanshin concerts, Eisa, and a mass open-air sanshin session.
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossoms (五稜郭公園の桜)
Over 1,600 cherry trees bloom inside Japan's iconic star-shaped Western-style fort, best viewed from the Goryokaku Tower.
Maruyama Park Hanami (円山公園花見)
Sapporo's beloved urban park fills with cherry-blossom picnic parties each spring, just minutes from the city centre and Maruyama Zoo.
Shiroishi River Cherry Blossom Avenue (白石こころーど桜並木)
A 4.5 km cycling and walking path along the Shiroishi River is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, forming a breathtaking pink tunnel in Sapporo.
Hakodate Park Cherry Blossom Hanami (函館公園の桜)
Hakodate's oldest public park, opened in 1879, offers a charming old-fashioned hanami atmosphere beneath mature cherry trees in the historic port city.
Nakajima Park Cherry Blossom Hanami (中島公園の桜)
Sapporo's elegant Nakajima Park bursts with cherry blossoms around its scenic pond, offering refined hanami steps from Susukino entertainment district.
Nopporo Forest Park Cherry Blossoms (野幌森林公園の桜)
Japan's largest urban forest park offers serene woodland cherry blossom walks through 2,053 hectares of protected nature east of Sapporo.
Asahikawa Tokiwa Park Cherry Blossoms (旭川常磐公園の桜)
Asahikawa's central civic park becomes a beloved hanami hub when hundreds of cherry trees bloom beside the Ishikari River in central Hokkaido.
Esashi Cherry Blossom Festival (江差さくらまつり)
The historic herring-trading town of Esashi celebrates spring with cherry blossoms at Yasaka Shrine, folk performances, and Edo-period townscape strolls.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura Cherry Blossom Hanami (登別伊達時代村の桜)
Watch ninja shows and samurai performances beneath blooming cherry trees at Noboribetsu's immersive Edo-period theme village.
Kushiro City Chuo Park Cherry Blossoms (釧路市中央公園の桜)
Eastern Hokkaido's largest city welcomes spring late but brilliantly, with Chuo Park's cherry trees blooming in a cool, misty Pacific coast atmosphere.
Abashiri Tentozan Cherry Blossom Hanami (網走天都山の桜)
Climb Tento-zan hill in Abashiri for panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk framed by cherry blossoms and snow-capped Shiretoko peaks beyond.
Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Hirosaki-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Over 2,600 cherry trees surround a feudal castle in one of Japan's most celebrated sakura festivals.
Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Promenade (Tenshochi Sakura Namiki)
A 2-kilometre riverside promenade lined with 10,000 Somei Yoshino trees creates an unforgettable pink tunnel in Kitakami.
Funaoka Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom (Funaoka Joshi Koen Hanami)
Historic hilltop castle ruins offer sweeping valley views beneath clouds of cherry blossoms in Miyagi Prefecture.
Senshu Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Senshu Koen Hanami Matsuri)
Akita City's beloved castle-park hosts over 800 cherry trees and lively hanami festivities beside historic moats.
Hanamiyama Park Cherry Blossom (Hanamiyama Koen Hanami)
A privately cultivated hillside garden of mixed flowering trees creates a breathtaking mosaic of pink, white, and red blossoms.
Miharu Takizakura Dawn Hanami Experience
Witness the thousand-year-old cascading weeping cherry awaken at dawn before the crowds arrive, guided by a local expert.
Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura River Boat Ride
Drift beneath arching Somei Yoshino canopies on a traditional wooden boat along the cherry-blossom-lined Kitakami River.
Hirosaki Sakura Photography Workshop
A professional photographer leads small groups through Hirosaki's most photogenic blossom spots at golden hour and dusk.
Aizu Tsurugajo Cherry Blossom Festival (Aizu Tsurugajo Hanami Matsuri)
Around 1,000 cherry trees encircle the iconic red-roofed Tsurugajo Castle for one of Fukushima's grandest spring festivals.
Shizukuishi Onsen Cherry Blossom Retreat
Soak in an open-air hot spring with cherry blossom petals drifting overhead at a traditional Iwate mountain onsen ryokan.
Kajo Park Nishiki-no-Sato Cherry Blossom Walk (Yamagata Nishiki Hanami)
A broad promenade of weeping and Somei Yoshino cherry trees lines the outer moats of historic Yamagata Castle ruins.
Sendai Sakura Kaiseki Cooking Class
Learn to craft a spring kaiseki menu using sakura leaves, blossoms, and Miyagi seafood under a local chef's guidance in Sendai.
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Ueno Koen Sakura Matsuri)
Tokyo's most iconic hanami destination erupts with 1,200 cherry trees lining the central promenade.
Shinjuku Central Park Cherry Blossom Season
A tranquil urban oasis in the heart of Shinjuku where cherry trees bloom against a dramatic skyscraper backdrop.
Yoyogi Park Hanami Season
Tokyo's beloved urban park transforms into a festive open-air hanami party ground with hundreds of blossoming cherry trees.
Kitanomaru Park Cherry Blossom Season
A refined Imperial Palace-adjacent park where cherry blossoms reflect in the moat alongside Budokan arena and Science Museum.
Asukayama Park Cherry Blossom Festival (Asukayama Hanami)
One of Tokyo's oldest hanami sites, established by Shogun Yoshimune in the 18th century, still buzzing with festive blossom parties.
Shakujii Park Cherry Blossom Season
A serene west-Tokyo park where cherry trees ring two tranquil ponds, creating mirror-perfect blossom reflections.
Rinshi-no-Mori Park Cherry Blossom Season
A hidden gem in Meguro where a forested park once used for forestry research blooms beautifully with diverse cherry varieties.
Kiyosumi Teien Garden Cherry Blossom Season
Stroll a meticulously designed Meiji-era strolling garden where cherry blossoms drape over a central ornamental pond.
National Showa Memorial Park Sakura Canal Walk
Walk through a glorious tunnel of 1,500 cherry trees lining the Waterside Terrace canal in this vast national park.
Kairakuen Garden Spring Cherry Blossom Season
Japan's third-greatest garden dazzles in spring as cherry blossoms follow the famous plum season in a historic samurai landscape.
Odawara Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Odawara-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Over 300 cherry trees ring a magnificently reconstructed feudal castle in one of Kanagawa's most photogenic spring festivals.
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine Cherry Blossom Walk
Stroll a 2km zelkova-and-cherry-lined sacred approach to one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines during breathtaking spring bloom.
Matsumoto Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Matsumoto-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Japan's finest black castle ringed by blooming cherry trees, reflected in the moat beneath the Japanese Alps.
Takada Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Takada Jōshi Kōen Yozakura)
One of Japan's top three night cherry blossom sites, where 4,000 trees glow over a moonlit moat.
Kenroku-en Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing
Stroll among over 200 cherry trees in one of Japan's three great classical gardens, free-entry during peak bloom.
Inuyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Inuyama-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Japan's oldest surviving castle towers over the Kiso River, crowned with cherry blossoms each spring.
Gero Onsen Cherry Blossom & Hot Spring Hanami
Soak in one of Japan's three great hot springs while cherry blossoms drift across riverside ryokan gardens.
Tsurumai Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Nagoya
Nagoya's beloved Meiji-era park erupts in cherry blossom colour, drawing huge hanami picnic crowds each spring.
Hida Furukawa Shiroyama Park Cherry Blossom Viewing
Cherry blossoms crown the hillside ruins above Furukawa's white-walled canal town, offering a serene alternative to Takayama.
Nihondaira Cherry Blossom Viewing, Shizuoka
Cherry blossoms frame iconic views of snow-capped Mount Fuji from Shizuoka's most celebrated plateau.
Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival (Fuji Kawaguchiko Sakura Matsuri)
The world's most photographed cherry blossom scene: blossoms on Lake Kawaguchi's shore with Mount Fuji as backdrop.
Komatsu Rojosan Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Thousands of cherry trees cascade down the hillsides of Rojosan Park in Komatsu, Ishikawa's beloved spring destination.
Nagoya Castle Hanami Guided Picnic Experience
Join a guided hanami picnic inside Nagoya Castle's historic grounds, with local bento, sake, and cultural storytelling.
Toyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Toyama-jo Sakura Matsuri)
Over 200 cherry trees surround Toyama Castle's white keep and moat, hosting one of Toyama Prefecture's most festive hanami events.
Yoshino Mountain Cherry Blossoms (吉野山花見)
Over 30,000 cherry trees blanket a sacred mountain in one of Japan's most legendary hanami landscapes.
Hirano Shrine Cherry Blossom Festival (平野神社桜花祭)
Kyoto's Hirano Shrine hosts a beloved hanami festival around its grove of 60 rare cherry tree varieties.
Shukugawa Park Cherry Blossom Viewing (夙川公園花見)
Nearly 1,500 cherry trees line the tranquil Shukugawa riverbanks in one of Hyogo's top hanami destinations.
Nara Park Cherry Blossom Viewing (奈良公園花見)
Stroll among Nara's free-roaming deer under hundreds of cherry trees in one of Japan's most enchanting spring scenes.
Keage Incline Cherry Blossom Walk (蹴上インクライン花見)
Walk the historic railway incline in Kyoto's Higashiyama district under a breathtaking pink tunnel of weeping cherry trees.
Philosopher's Path Cherry Blossom Stroll (哲学の道花見)
Follow the canal-side path beloved by philosopher Nishida Kitaro, canopied with hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom.
Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Viewing (大阪城公園花見)
Over 3,000 cherry trees surround the golden turrets of Osaka Castle in one of Japan's grandest urban hanami settings.
Kyoto Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing (京都府立植物園花見)
Japan's oldest public botanical garden showcases over 200 cherry varieties in a serene, curated springtime spectacle.
Kōko-en Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing (好古園花見)
Nine Edo-period style gardens beside Himeji Castle burst into bloom, offering a refined samurai-era hanami atmosphere.
Takeda Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Viewing (竹田城跡花見)
Hike to Japan's 'Castle in the Sky' to find ancient stone ramparts draped in cherry blossoms above a sea of morning clouds.
Ōmizo Castle Ruins Hanami (大溝城跡花見)
Cherry trees crown the photogenic moated ruins of Ōmizo Castle on the western shore of Lake Biwa for a serene hidden-gem hanami.
Kyoto Hanami Tea Ceremony & Bento Garden Experience
Enjoy a guided outdoor matcha tea ceremony and seasonal sakura bento in a private Kyoto garden during peak cherry bloom.
Hiroshima Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing
Over 200 cherry trees frame Hiroshima Castle's moat and stone walls in a stunning springtime reflection.
Kōrakuen Garden Cherry Blossom Hanami
One of Japan's top three gardens hosts a refined hanami season with over 100 cherry trees amid teahouses and streams.
Mitaki-dera Temple Cherry Blossom Viewing
A secluded mountain temple in Hiroshima's western hills where cherry blossoms cascade alongside ancient stone pagodas.
Mt. Daisen Cherry Blossom Viewing
Late-blooming cherry trees ring the base of Chugoku's highest peak, with snow-capped Daisen as a breathtaking backdrop.
Tsuwano Cherry Blossom & SL Yamaguchi Steam Train Experience
Board the vintage SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive and arrive in Tsuwano as cherry blossoms line the castle ruins and historic streets.
Onomichi Senkō-ji Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Onomichi's hillside temple park bursts with 1,000 cherry trees, offering sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Izumo Taisha Shrine Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage Walk
Walk the grand pine-and-cherry approach to Japan's most ancient shrine as spring blossoms soften the sacred forest.
Fukuyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Fukuyama Castle's hilltop grounds and surrounding rose gardens glow pink as hundreds of cherry trees herald spring.
Hagi Shizuki Park Cherry Blossom Hanami
Shizuki Park's 600 cherry trees bloom around Hagi's historic castle ruins and the restored samurai district below.
Yonago Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Viewing
Climb Iinoyama Hill to Yonago Castle's stone ruins for panoramic views of Mt. Daisen framed by blooming cherry trees.
Jōei-ji Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing, Yamaguchi
Sesshu's 15th-century zen garden in Yamaguchi gains ethereal beauty when cherry blossoms crown its sculpted pines and moss.
Taishakukyō Gorge Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise
Drift through Taishakukyō's dramatic limestone gorge on a flat-bottomed boat beneath a late-blooming cherry blossom canopy.
Godaisan Kōen Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hilltop park beside Chikurin-ji temple offering sweeping cherry blossom views over Kochi city and Tosa Bay.
Ritsurin Kōen Spring Hanami
Stroll beneath 200 cherry trees reflected in the tranquil ponds of one of Japan's finest Edo-era stroll gardens.
Matsuyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (松山城桜まつり)
Over 200 cherry trees transform the hilltop grounds of Japan's last remaining original castle into a sea of pink blossoms.
Senkō-ji Temple Cherry Blossom Hanami, Tokushima
A serene temple hillside on the Bizan cable-car route blanketed in cherry blossoms with sweeping views of Tokushima city.
Ōzu Castle Cherry Blossom Hanami
Picnic beneath cherry blossoms at Ōzu's reconstructed hilltop castle, dubbed the 'Kyoto of Iyo' for its preserved Edo townscape.
Kotohira-gū Shrine Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage Walk
Climb 785 stone steps to Kotohira-gū shrine through a corridor of flowering cherry trees on one of Shikoku's most iconic pilgrim stairways.
Harimaya-bashi Cherry Blossom Canal Walk, Kochi
Stroll along the cherry-blossom-draped canal walkways beside Kochi's beloved Harimaya-bashi bridge, one of Japan's top three disappointing sights turned spring gem.
Hirayama Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Imabari
A spirited community hanami festival in Imabari's largest park with food stalls, live music, and views stretching to the Seto Inland Sea islands.
Yoshino River Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise
Drift along the Yoshino River, Shikoku's longest waterway, beneath tunnels of cherry blossoms lining its famous embankments.
Makino Botanical Garden Spring Cherry Blossom Exhibition
Explore over 50 cherry varieties including rare wild species in the garden dedicated to Japan's 'father of botany', Dr Tomitaro Makino.
Warei Shrine Cherry Blossom Hanami, Uwajima
Cherry blossoms frame the striking sea-facing torii gate of Warei Shrine, Uwajima's most beloved sacred site on the southern Ehime coast.
Zentsuji Temple Pilgrimage Cherry Blossom Walk
Walk the lantern-lined approach to Zentsuji, birthplace of Kūkai and headquarters of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, beneath a canopy of spring cherry blossoms.
Ohori Park Cherry Blossom Hanami, Fukuoka
Stroll beneath hundreds of blooming sakura trees ringing the vast central lake of Fukuoka's beloved Ohori Park.
Kitsuki Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing, Oita
Japan's smallest castle sits atop a hill draped in cherry blossoms, overlooking the serene samurai-town streets of Kitsuki.
Nishiyama Park Cherry Blossom Festival, Saga
Over 2,000 cherry trees cascade down wooded hillsides at Imari's Nishiyama Park during one of Saga Prefecture's finest hanami festivals.
Miyazaki Prefectural Nature Park Hanami (Miyakonojo Maruyama Park)
Maruyama Park in Miyakonojo draws hanami crowds under a thick canopy of Yoshino cherry trees beside a serene riverside setting.
Yanagawa River Cherry Blossom Boat Cruise, Fukuoka
Drift through Yanagawa's historic canal network on a flat-bottomed donko boat as cherry petals fall softly onto the water around you.
Chiran Samurai District Cherry Blossom Walk, Kagoshima
Walk the remarkably preserved stone-walled samurai lanes of Chiran beneath arching cherry trees for a uniquely cinematic spring hanami.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins Night Hanami Illumination
The stone ramparts of Fukuoka Castle glow beneath 1,300 illuminated cherry trees during the city's beloved after-dark hanami event.
Huis Ten Bosch Cherry Blossom Festival, Nagasaki
Thousands of cherry trees bloom across the Dutch-themed canal town of Huis Ten Bosch, blending European architecture with Japan's most iconic spring spectacle.
Kotsuki River Cherry Blossom Promenade, Kagoshima
A 3-kilometre riverside walkway lined with cherry trees offers one of Kagoshima's most scenic and accessible urban hanami promenades.
Tateyama Park Cherry Blossom Viewing, Nagasaki
Perched above central Nagasaki, Tateyama Park offers sweeping harbour views framed by cherry blossoms from one of the city's top hilltop hanami spots.
Kitakyushu Cherry Blossom Hanami at Katsuyama Park
The moat and stone walls of Kokura Castle's Katsuyama Park burst with cherry blossoms each spring, hosting Kitakyushu's liveliest hanami festival.
Curated Hanami Bento Picnic Experience, Fukuoka
A premium guided hanami picnic service delivering artisan bento boxes, sake, and picnic setup beneath Fukuoka's finest cherry blossom trees.