Haneda's New Year Edo Festival
2023-01-01 - 2023-01-09 | Haneda Airport, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Haneda Airport, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Ota, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
To welcome the New Year, Haneda Airport is hosting a unique, unmissable event: the Haneda Edo festival, recreating the era of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. Between January 1st and 3rd, you can enjoy different events on the theme of the Edo period. One event is the twice-daily rice cake pounding: using old-fashioned mortar and pestle you can experience Mochitsuki (pounding boiled rice into mochi). There are also must-see Samurai and Geisha shows, with a Samurai parade, choreographed swordfights, ninjas, and beautiful geisha dances in modern arrangements. Other street performers will appear around the airport: you’ll meet balloon performers, traditional lion dancers, buskers, traditional bands, and acrobatic groups. Even children can enjoy the spirit of the Edo Era through traditional craft experiences, as several workshops will be held for both adults and children. You can make some items used by the warlords of Japan, paint your own Daruma Doll, make Ninja scrolls using Japanese calligraphy, take part in a stamp rally, and even enjoy a Find the Missing Person game. In a picture corner, you can take fun photos using a full range of face panels, kimonos, and umbrellas. Then if you post the pictures on your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram profile, you can win prizes.

Daffodil Festival
2023-01-01 - 2023-01-18
Gongendo Park is renowned for its picturesque cherry blossom and rapeseed landscapes. However, the park also boasts an array of seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year. During January and early February, you can witness over half a million daffodils in full bloom, standing amidst the bare Sakura trees.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the State of Emergency declared in 2021, the park’s annual daffodil festival had to be canceled. Despite this, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of daffodils. In a typical year, the festival would run from early January to mid-February, with additional events and food stalls being organized for the occasion. Additionally, there is a permanent cafe located within the park that serves refreshments, including ice cream and drinks.

Atami Plum Garden Festival in Shizuoka
2023-01-07 08:30 - 2023-03-05 16:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
The Atami Plum Garden in Shizuoka is famous for its early-blooming plum trees, and visitors can enjoy the sight of close to 500 trees in 59 different varieties during the annual plum festival. With early, mid, and late-blooming trees, there is always something in bloom during the festival period which runs from mid-February to mid-March. Admission to the garden during the festival is priced at 300 yen for adults, and free for junior high school students and younger children.

KYOTO STEAM
2023-01-27 - 2023-02-15
The KYOTO STEAM festival offers a one-of-a-kind blend of art and cultural events that delve into the interplay between art and science. Held annually in March in Okazaki, Kyoto, the festival showcases a diverse range of exhibitions suitable for all ages, guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories.

Nanrakuen Plum Festival
2023-01-28 09:00 - 2023-03-05 17:00
Nanrakuen Garden in Ehime hosts a plum festival annually from late January to early March. This event celebrates the beauty of around 160 plum trees in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy free plum tea, amazake, and zenzai during the festival, as well as purchase plants and flowers. For those who can’t make it during the plum season, there are other flower events held throughout the year such as sakura, azalea, and iris festivals. Admission to the park is 310 yen for adults and 150 yen for school-aged students and seniors aged 65 and above.

Odawara Flower Garden Plum Festival
2023-01-28 09:00 - 2023-03-05 17:00
The Odawara Flower Garden, established in 1995, is a must-visit destination for floral enthusiasts. With a variety of seasonal blooms, the garden is particularly popular during the plum tree blossoming season. An annual festival is held during this time, offering visitors the chance to admire hundreds of different plum tree varieties, including early, mid, and late-blooming types. Along with the beautiful blossoms, the festival features several other exciting activities. Guests can enjoy guided tours where garden staff explain the different varieties found on the grounds, a plant-dyeing craft event, a limited-time menu of plum-inspired food, and much more.
Among the special menu items at the garden is plum soba, available for ¥600. Admission to the garden is free, but those wishing to explore the tropical greenhouse must pay a fee of ¥200.

Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival
2023-02-11 10:00 - 2023-03-05 16:00
The first signs of spring in Tokyo are the blooming of plum blossoms, also known as ume. Hanegi Park in Setagaya hosts an annual plum blossom festival where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of 650 plum trees, including 230 red plum and 420 white plum varieties. The festival also offers traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, amazake tasting, and hands-on art and craft activities. Food booths are available on-site. Even outside of the plum blossom season, the park is adorned with cherry blossom trees and azalea bushes, making it a great destination for a springtime visit. It is worth noting that the festival dates may vary slightly from year to year, but generally take place from the first week of February to the first week of March.

Shimmering Nights at Cocoon City: A Joyful Festival of Lights
2023-02-12 17:00 - 2023-02-14 23:00
From November to Valentine’s Day, the Cocoon City mall in Saitama city transforms into a winter wonderland, shining bright with its iconic illumination event. Every evening, the lights switch on at 5 pm, except for the opening night where the festivities begin at 5:30 pm and continue until 11 pm.
Not only is Cocoon City a prime location for holiday shopping, but it also offers an array of festive activities throughout the illumination period. The highlight of the event is their mesmerizing Christmas tree that changes hues periodically, surrounded by moving stars created through projection mapping. Visitors can also marvel at the various displays and features across the three buildings of the mall.
Located near Saitama Shintoshin, Cocoon City is easily accessible and in close proximity to another night illumination event. So come and experience the magic of Cocoon City, where the nights are filled with joy and the mall shines brighter than ever before.

The Kakunodate Blaze and Snow Celebration
2023-02-14 18:00 - 20:00
Every February 14th, the chilly winter in the samurai district of Kakunodate transforms into a vibrant celebration of fire and snow. The Kakunodate Fire and Snow Festival (Hiburi Kamakura) lights up the town as locations become aglow with bonfires and participants swinging fireballs overhead. Although the festival has roots in a purification ritual, it has evolved into a community gathering where people catch up with neighbors and friends. Despite its off-the-beaten-path reputation, the festival attracts both domestic travelers and international visitors. If you’re brave enough to endure the town’s heavy snow, you’ll be rewarded with an intimate, uncrowded festival. The festival is locally driven, with groups of old friends, coworkers, or sports teams setting up bonfires throughout the town. During the festival, participants dip their rice straw balls into the fire, then swing them overhead by a rope, creating a mesmerizing display of fire and light. Participants and visitors alike are encouraged to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, building a sense of community and camaraderie. If you’re looking for more winter festivals in Akita, don’t miss the Kamakura Festival in nearby Yokote City.

Surprise Hina-doll Festival
2023-02-17 10:00 - 2023-03-04 21:00
The ‘Bikkuri Hinamatsuri’ or ‘Surprise Hina-doll Festival’ is a celebration of the traditions surrounding hina-dolls, also known as ‘Girl’s Day’, held on March 3rd. The festival originated from ceremonies held at shrines and at the Emperor’s court in ancient times, especially for newborn babies. Initially, the hina-dolls were simple paper objects shaped like humans and used to remove bad spirits believed to cause illnesses and bad luck to babies. However, over time, the dolls became more decorative and gorgeous and are now treated as lucky charms and displayed at home. A set of hina-dolls, consisting of an Emperor and Empress, female attendants, musicians, officials of the Inner Palace Guard, and footmen, is usually given to a newborn girl as part of her first Hina-doll celebration.
The Bikkuri Hinamatsuri festival is held annually in Konosu City, a historical doll-making area, and lasts for about three weeks. Visitors can take part in and see some of Japan’s highest pyramid-shaped exhibits at various displays throughout the city, including Elumi Konosu Shopping Mall. Each site holds a unique series of events, including markets, workshops, and a variety of performances. On weekends (except March 2nd), free shuttle buses are operated to and from these sites. More information about the festival can be found on the executive committee’s homepage (in Japanese).

Ushio Bairin Plum Festival
2023-02-26 10:00 - 2023-03-05 16:00
Discover the Beauty of Ushio Bairin Plum Festival in Saga Prefecture
If you’re looking for a way to welcome spring, then make sure to visit the Ushio Bairin Plum Festival in Saga Prefecture. This annual event takes place from mid-February to early March and is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of nature in Japan.
The plum garden at Ushio Bairin is considered to be the oldest spot for fruit cultivation in Saga Prefecture, and it’s easy to see why. With over 10,000 plum trees, the hillside is transformed into a stunning landscape of pink and white blossoms. It’s a feast for the eyes, and the sweet perfume of the flowers only adds to the experience.
The festival is free to enter, so there’s no excuse not to check it out. Take a stroll through the gardens and marvel at the different varieties of plum trees, each with their own unique beauty. You might even be lucky enough to spot some early cherry blossoms blooming nearby.
Besides enjoying the natural beauty of the plum garden, the festival also offers various food stalls and local crafts for sale. Indulge in some local specialties like umeboshi (pickled plums) or enjoy some freshly grilled seafood. You can even take home some souvenirs to remember your visit.
Overall, the Ushio Bairin Plum Festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves nature, food, or both. Don’t miss your chance to experience the beauty of spring in Saga Prefecture.

Bungotakada Nanohana Festa
2023-03-11 00:00 - 2023-04-09 00:00
Japan is famous for its beautiful spring blooms, but one flower that often gets overlooked is the nanohana, also known as rapeseed blossoms in English. These vibrant yellow flowers can be seen in many places throughout the country, and if you happen to be in Oita Prefecture, you can catch them at the Bungotakada Nanohana Festa.
At this festival, you’ll be able to see an incredible 22 million nanohana plants covering an area of 16.5 hectares, creating a stunning yellow carpet. In addition to the beautiful flowers, the festival also features food vendors and a photo competition for aspiring photographers.
If you’re looking for a unique and picturesque experience in Japan, the Bungotakada Nanohana Festa is definitely worth checking out.

Camp Zama Sakura Festival
2023-03-11 13:00 - 2023-03-25 18:30
Camp Zama is a United States army base situated about 40 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, in the cities of Zama and Sagamihara in Kanagawa Prefecture. The base boasts around 300 cherry blossom trees on its grounds, and during peak season, an annual festival is held to celebrate them. Don’t miss out on the chance to appreciate the beauty of the sakura trees and join in the festivities at Camp Zama!

Shimizu Park Sakura Festival
2023-03-18 00:00 - 2023-04-09 00:00
The Shimizu Park Sakura Festival is a wonderful celebration of spring, boasting around 2000 cherry trees with 50 different varieties to enjoy – including the highly sought-after somei yoshino type. In fact, the park is so famous for its sakura that it was named one of Japan’s Top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots way back in 1990.
Aside from the abundance of beautiful blooms to admire, the festival also features food trucks where visitors can grab a bite to eat. Additionally, there are evening illuminations that showcase the blossoms in all their glory after dark. Best of all, admission to the festival is completely free, so if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and take in the breathtaking sights.

Takezaki Castle Ruins Sakura Festival
2023-03-25 10:00 - 14:00
Tara, located in Saga Prefecture, is a picturesque destination surrounded by both the Ariake Sea and the Taradake mountain range, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also a perfect location to enjoy the sakura season, and for the ultimate experience of spring blooms, look no further than the Takezaki Castle Ruins Observatory Park.
This year marks the first ever Takezaki Castle Ruins Sakura Festival, where visitors can appreciate the stunning contrast between the cherry blossoms’ delicate pale pink and the Ariake Sea’s vivid blue. Along with the natural beauty, the festival also features an array of local foods, including delicious crab soup available for purchase.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and unique way to experience sakura season in Saga Prefecture, be sure to check out the Takezaki Castle Ruins Observatory Park and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Iwatsuki Castle Park Sakura Festival
2023-03-25 10:00 - 2023-03-26 21:00
Iwatsuki Castle Park, located in Saitama Prefecture, is widely considered one of the best spots for sakura viewing in the region. With approximately 600 trees scattered throughout the park, visitors can witness the picturesque scenery of pink blossoms that turns the area into a magical wonderland during springtime. To celebrate this natural beauty, the park hosts an annual festival, which has been running for almost 50 years.
During the two-day festival, visitors can enjoy various activities such as food and drink booths, sales of plants, flowers, and local produce, and taiko drumming performances (on Sunday only), among others. In addition to these daytime festivities, there will be lantern illuminations from 6 pm until 9 pm. This provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of the sakura blossoms in a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
Overall, the Iwatsuki Castle Park sakura festival is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Japan and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. So, make sure to mark your calendar and plan your visit to this wonderful event if you’re in the area during springtime.

Maizuru Curry Festa
2023-03-26 10:00 - 15:00
Maizuru is a port city situated in the northern region of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Although Japanese cuisine is not usually associated with curry, it has become a popular dish in Japan, and Maizuru has its own unique history with this flavorful dish. The city is home to a significant naval base for Japan, and curry became a staple food for the sailors stationed there.
The Maizuru Curry Festa is an annual celebration of the longstanding history of this dish in the region. The event features around 30 stores, each offering their own unique take on this beloved comfort food. Whether you prefer a spicy, mild, or sweet curry, there’s sure to be something to satisfy your taste buds.
If you’re a fan of Japanese curry or just looking for a unique culinary experience, the Maizuru Curry Festa is not to be missed. Come and discover the flavors and history of this beloved dish in the beautiful port city of Maizuru.

Mt. Konpira & Setogawa Cherry Blossom Festival
2023-03-27 - 2023-04-08
Around 1000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees adorn Mount Konpira and the banks of the Seto River with their beautiful blossoms every spring, creating a stunning cherry blossom tunnel that spans two kilometers. This tunnel is said to be the largest sakura tunnel in the Tokai region. The Mount Konpira and Setogawa sakura festival takes place in early April and offers a variety of attractions such as taiko drum performances, a stage show, and a range of delicious gourmet foods to savor. In addition, visitors can enjoy a free amazake (sweet sake) service while admiring the stunning cherry blossoms. If you want a different experience, the cherry trees are also illuminated after dark, creating a magical ambiance.

Machida Sakura Festival
2023-04-01 00:00 - 2023-04-02 00:00
Machida City, located in the southern part of Tokyo, can be reached in just over 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station. The area is known for its beautiful green spaces, which are showcased during the Machida Sakura Festival held in spring. The festival is held at multiple venues, including the banks of the Onda River, Ridge Green Road, and Serigaya Park, offering plenty of opportunities for attendees to admire the cherry blossoms.
The festival hours vary depending on the venue. The Onda River venue will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, Ridge Green Road from 10 am to 3:30 pm, and Serigaya Park from 10 am to 4 pm. Refreshment vendors will be available at each venue, and there will also be stage performances at Ridge Green Road and Serigaya Park.

Toneri Park Senbonzakura Festival
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00
Toneri Park is a stunning and vast park located in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward, and it’s especially popular during the spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. The park boasts around 1000 cherry trees, and an annual festival is held when the blossoms are at their peak. The festival not only provides visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful blossoms but also features over 100 booths selling food, drinks, local products, and more. Admission to the event is free, but it’s advisable to bring yen if you plan to purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs.

Yokota Air Base Sakura Spring Festival
2023-04-01 11:00 - 2023-04-08 16:30
Yokota Air Base is situated in the western suburbs of Tokyo and opens its gates to the public a few times a year for special events. One such event is the Sakura Spring Festival, which celebrates the picturesque promenade of cherry blossom trees that line the road toward the base’s east gate. The festival also highlights the strong relationship between the United States and Japan, as well as the friendship between the base and the local community.
In addition to the breathtaking cherry blossoms, the Sakura Spring Festival features local farmer’s market vendors, a range of Japanese and American foods available for purchase, and a variety of entertainment and activities. Both US dollars and yen are accepted as payment by vendors, and entrance to the event is free of charge. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate spring and the special bond between two great nations!

Atsugi Air Base Spring Festival
2023-04-02 11:00 - 2023-04-23 18:30
Atsugi Air Base is a joint United States Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Established in 1938, the base hosts an annual spring festival where the gates are opened to the public. Visitors can enjoy aircraft displays, live music performances, and a variety of other activities such as sales of American and Japanese foods, and tea ceremony demonstrations.
It’s important to note that while this is an open base event, valid photo identification (only for attendees aged 16 and above) is required for entry. Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, my number card, or residence card. However, entry to the festival is free of charge, making it a great opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of a military base and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends.

Mino Festival
2023-04-08 - 2023-04-09
The Mino Festival is an annual event on the second Saturday and Sunday of April. One of the festival’s main highlights is the flower mikoshi, which are portable shrines adorned with 250-300 sakura-inspired washi paper flowers. These mikoshi are paraded around the city, creating the illusion of cherry blossoms swaying in the breeze. On the first day of the event, the flower mikoshi is on display from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while another mikoshi is showcased on the second day. Mino is famous for its washi paper industry, with the Hon Minoshi type receiving UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2014. Notably, only three washi styles in Japan have been granted this honor.

Kurihama Flower Park Poppy & Nemophila Festival
2023-04-08 - 2023-05-28 | 1 Shinmeicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0832, Japan, 1 Shinmeicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0832, Japan, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0832, Japan
Kanagawa’s Kurihama Flower Park is a vast venue that boasts a diverse range of stunning flowers all year round, including poppies and nemophila (also known as baby blue eyes) during springtime. The park hosts an annual festival during this season to celebrate the blooming flowers, which visitors can enjoy free of charge. The poppy field is remarkable, with approximately one million poppies on display. On the last two days of the festival, visitors can also participate in a free flower-picking event to pick flowers from the poppy garden to take home.

Tokyo's Sanrio Puroland theme park
2023-04-08 00:00 - 2023-07-04 00:00
Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland theme park is ushering in the spring season with its first-ever Flower Puroland event. From early April until early July, the park will be transformed into a flower shop-inspired atmosphere. Beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Dear Daniel will don floral-themed costumes, and visitors can take pictures at various flower-filled photo spots throughout the park. Ethically sourced flowers will also be available for purchase, and special flower-inspired menus will be offered during the event. An example of the menu is the sunflower and blue sky curry, which is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the colorful and fragrant world of Flower Puroland!

Spring Flower Festival
2023-04-08 09:00 - 2023-04-09 16:00
The Adachi Ward Urban Agricultural Park in Tokyo is a great spot to enjoy the beauty of spring. With 250 cherry trees and 35,000 tulips, the park is a colorful sight to behold. During the Spring Flower Festival, visitors can take part in hands-on nature classes and purchase locally-grown produce. The festival runs until 4 pm on both days, but in case of rain, it will end at 3 pm. The entrance is free of charge, but it’s recommended to bring yen if you plan on buying anything.

Paella and Tapas Festival
2023-04-14 10:00 - 2023-04-16 18:00
Spanish cuisine is known for its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, often featuring seafood, olive oil, garlic, and spices. In Spanish culture, sharing meals and socializing over food is an important tradition, with tapas being a popular way to sample a variety of dishes. Tokyo’s Hibiya Park hosts the Paella and Tapas Festival, Japan’s largest Spanish food festival, where visitors can sample and vote for the best paella and tapas over the course of three days. Admission to the event is free, but it’s recommended to bring yen for food sampling.

Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
2023-04-15 - 2023-05-05
During the spring months, Japan is home to many picturesque spots to witness the blooming of wisteria. For those visiting Tokyo, the Kameido Tenjin Shrine is widely considered the best location. From mid-April to early May, delicate clusters of purple, pink, and white flowers adorn the shrine’s trellises, creating a beautiful and ethereal atmosphere.
In addition to the wisteria, visitors can also enjoy the stunning scenery of the shrine’s grounds, including the iconic view of the red bridge with the blooms, and Tokyo Skytree in the distance. Typically, the flowers are also illuminated in the evenings, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate their beauty after dark.
If you’re curious to see what the event has to offer, you can check out a YouTube video shared on the shrine’s website. Admission to the festival is free, so be sure to add this stunning location to your list of must-see spots when visiting Tokyo in the spring.

Kasama Azalea Festival
2023-04-15 - 2023-05-07
The Kasama Azalea Festival is an annual event that takes place in Ibaraki Prefecture, dating back to the late 1960s. The city’s residents came together with a goal to plant as many azalea bushes as there were people living in the area, resulting in approximately 8500 bushes spread across seven hectares for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors can expect to see different types of azaleas, such as Kirishima, Hinode, Kurume, and Yamatsutsuji variants. There is an admission fee to view the flowers, which varies depending on their condition. Before the peak, adult admission is ¥300, but during the height of the blooming season, the fee increases to ¥500. To keep visitors informed, updates about the flowering status are posted on the official event website.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the vibrant blooms of the Kasama Azalea Festival and enjoy the picturesque scenery in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Hana Haru Festa
2023-04-15 10:00 - 2023-04-16 17:00
The Hana Haru Festival is a two-day event held in Tokushima Prefecture in April. The festival features representative foods and products from the region, cultural demonstrations including Awa Odori dancing, and pleasant spring weather. Awa Odori is Tokushima’s best-known festival, usually held in August, making this event an excellent opportunity to enjoy aspects of the festival earlier in the year. Please note that the festival hours vary on each day, with the event running from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday.
