Festivals, or matsuri, are Japan's way of keeping their culture, traditions, and spirituality alive. They're incredibly diverse and unique, depending on the region, season, or holiday. Known for their vibrant events and colourful displays, Japan festivals always ought to be a heck of a ripper!
Especially during spring, when the season marks the start of the cherry blossoms in bloom, these beautiful flowers serve as the focal point for many spring festivals, including hanami (cherry blossom viewing) gatherings in parks and gardens. You might also be able to catch some more seasonal flowers like plum blossoms.
These festivals are opportunities to admire Japan in full bloom, have fun bonding experiences with your friends and family, and immerse yourself in traditional cultural experiences, making spring matsuri a top destination for locals and tourists alike.
When is spring in Japan?
Cherry blossoms or sakura are distinct indicators of the beginning of spring, which spans from March to May. The warmer weather that follows winter calls for several outdoor spring festivals, like cherry blossom viewing.
Make sure to plan your visits according to when the sakura blooms in each city. You can check out our cherry blossom forecast here to guide you.
What happens during the other five seasonal festivals in Japan?
Japan turns into a land of pink during spring! Credits to @bady on Unsplash
The first season festival of the year is Jinjitsu no Sekku (Human Day), also known as Nanakusa no Sekku (the feast of seven herbs) taking place on January 7 where the custom of eating seven-herb rice porridge is being practiced for good health throughout the entire year.
Right before spring, Japan celebrates Joshi no Sekku (Doll's Festival) on March 3, also known as Hinamatsuri for the happiness and health of young girls. Traditions include displaying hina dolls, which are ornamental dolls that are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the girls.
Don't think boys miss out on these Japan celebrations too! On May 5, the Tango no Sekku (Boy's Festival) takes place to pray for prosperity for male children. Koinobori (carp-shaped windsock) are typically displayed outside homes to promote courage and determination. To inspire these boys to grow up strong and virtuous, the festival also uses a lot of samurai helmets, armour, and traditional kabuto helmets
Shichiseki no Sekku (Star Festival), also known as, Tanabata falls on July 7 where people practice writing their wishes on tanzaku (colourful pieces of paper) and hang them on bamboo stems hoping their wishes come true.
The last seasonal festival of the year is Choyo no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival), also known as Kiku no Sekku. Chrysanthemum flowers and decorations fill the entire place while people drink chrysanthemum sake to celebrate.
Here's a list of seven spring festivals across Japan that will give you a bonza time and learning experience all in one:
- Takayama Spring Festival
- Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossom Festival
- Sakura Illumination Festival at Hirano Shrine
- Naha Hari Festival
- Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
- Beppu Hattou Onsen Matsuri
- Nakizumo Festival
1. Takayama Spring Festival
See the traditional Japanese decorations line the streets for the festival!
Arguably the most beautiful Japanese spring festival, the Takayama Spring Festival features large ornate floats that fill the streets, representing a good harvest to come. Depart from Nagoya and take a shuttle bus to begin this exciting festival!
Try out the local delicacies from the many food stalls and vendors in the area.
When the afternoon rolls around, you can go on the Shirakawa-go tour to see the traditional houses the area is known for. Take a relaxing stroll around the laidback village, and take some photos of the picturesque views.
Klook Tip: During an April festival, Japan is at its peak season. Klook your spot in advance to avoid long wait times.
Duration: April 14-15
Location: Takayama
2. Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossom Festival
Every corner is picture-perfect with all the cherry trees around!
The Kawazuzakura Cherry Blossom Festival name is derived from the pink colour of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, Kawazu Sakura, a cross between Oshima Sakura and Kanhi Sakura.
To head to Kawazu Town, you may depart from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku station. Trust us, you'll surely want to take your time gazing at the stunning view of beautiful flowers from the hundreds of cherry trees extending across the town.
Head to the Shuzenji Temple after, a two-Michelin-starred tourist destination where you can take a nice bath at the Izu Shuzenji Takitei Hot Spring Hotel, which is over a thousand years old!
Don't forget to check out the Lovers Bridge and the Bamboo Forest Trail for some ridgy-didge romantic vibes.
Once you've booked your tickets, here are some good-to-knows before the festival takes place:
- An email with the necessary travel information will be sent at 20:00 - 21:00 the night before.
- Since the tour operates on a carpool itinerary, everyone must arrive on time.
- Each person is entitled to one free luggage.
- The car model to be used will depend on the number of travellers.
Duration: Early February to mid-March
Location: Kawazu Town
3. Sakura Illumination Festival at Hirano Shrine
Watch the city light up at night with stunning hues of pink!
Cherry blossoms glow naturally during the day, but you can also see them light up beautifully at night.
Before heading to the Sakura Illumination Festival at Hirano Shrine, the first stop of this tour is Japan Mint in Kansai. Its gardens have some of the most diverse blooms throughout Japan with over 300 cherry trees containing 100 varieties.
Make sure to stop by, as it's only open one week a year to the public and is also coined as one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Kansai. Cross the famous bridge to get to Arashiyama where you'll be surrounded by cherry blossoms in all directions, where the sakura trees hover over you and place their reflection in the water.
The Sakura Illumination Festival has been celebrated at the Hirano Shrine in Kyoto ever since Emperor Kazan's reign in 985. Upon arrival, enjoy the view of the glowing pink blossoms with Japanese desserts and drinks on hand as the sky dims and the cherry blossoms shine brighter.
Duration: Late March to mid-April
Location:
- Japan Mint in Kansai
- Hirano Shrine in Kyoto
4. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Hirosaki Castle looks even more stunning with cherry blossoms surrounding it! Credits to @kyle_hunter on Instagram
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is located in Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori, one of the areas with the heaviest snowfall. With this, the flower-viewing experience becomes more meaningful to the locals, signifying overcoming the harsh winter and enjoying the warm spring.
It's one of the largest sakura festivals in Japan, with approximately 2 million visitors per year. Being such a popular tourist destination also means traditional experiences are offered, like Matcha green tea drinks, Wafune (a traditional boat tour), local dishes and sake.
Duration: Late April to early May
Location: Hirosaki Castle Park
For more spots with off-season cherry blossoms in Japan, here's an extensive list of places.
5. Naha Hari Festival
Spirits are at an all-time high during the festival's exciting races! Credits to @jjt_tokyo on Instagram
Okinawa is one of the most popular vacation spots in Japan, especially to escape the cold.
During the Golden Week holidays, the Naha Hari Festival takes place, with the Hon-Bari being the biggest event. Blokes from Naha, Kume, and Tomari are dressed in traditional Okinawan get-ups for an exciting boat race on the sea. The sportsmanship and energy levels go wild as the spectators cheer the racers on.
Duration:
- April 29
- May 3-6
Location: Okinawa
Check out ten more places to visit during Japan Golden Week!
6. Beppu Hattou Onsen Matsuri
It's impossible not to get wet at the Beppy Hattou Onsen Matsuri! Credits to @daibutsuoo on Instagram
Get ready for a wet and wild ride at the Beppu Hattou Onsen Matsuri!
Beppu is famous for having the biggest amount of hot spring water in the world, which inspired this festival. Hot springs are open to the public for free, and you will see portable shrines being brought around the shopping districts of the city. At night, there are all kinds of illuminations from the lit-up hot springs and the flames from the Ogiyama Fire Festival burning the surface of the mountain.
They say to save the best for last, and this festival means it. In Beppu Ekimae Odori, the Hot Water Bukkake Festival takes place, where the Mikoshi (portable shrine) of the hot spring shrine and the Mikoshi of the surrounding areas are gathered. 60 tonnes of water will be thrown into the shrines. Plus, tubs and bowls are also available on the roadside to allow the audience to participate in drenching the Mikoshi.
Beppu Hattou Onsen Matsuri is worth a visit for a break from the typical spring flower festivals!
Duration: April 1-3
Location: Beppu
7. Nakizumo Festival
Have a good laugh watching sumo wrestlers competing to make babies cry the fastest! Credits to @viapublicacol on Instagram
Perhaps the most interesting festival on this list is the 400-year-old Naki Sumo festival held at the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa every year.
Sumo wrestlers gather, each holding a baby that they must make cry. Don't worry, they are only allowed to use gentle, non-physical methods such as making scary faces and chanting. The winner depends on who can make their baby cry first. Just like how some cultures believe in loud noises to drive away evil spirits, the Japanese believe that the babies' cries can help keep bad luck away.
Duration: April 26
Location: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
Discover more unique Japanese festivals here!
Spring in Japan brings out the natural beauty of the cherry blossom season upon us, creating a beautiful atmosphere to celebrate various spring festivals.
Take a trip to Japan with your friends and family to culturally immerse yourselves in fun, scenic, and unique matsuri!
Written by: Celestine Chua
