Tainai Sakura Festival
2023-04-08 16:00 - 2023-04-09 14:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
Japan is famous for its sakura spots, but some lesser-known gems are waiting to be discovered. Tainai City, located in Niigata Prefecture, falls into this category, but the Tainai Sakura Festival aims to bring attention to this hidden gem of a cherry blossom destination. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy numerous cherry trees in full bloom, stage performances, food vendors, and even a haunted house – a unique addition to the typical sakura festival experience. Note that the festival hours vary between the two days: on Saturday, it runs from 4 pm to 9 pm, and on Sunday it runs from 9 am to 2 pm.

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.

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.

Tainai City Tulip Festival
2023-04-22 08:30 - 2023-05-04 15:00
Niigata Prefecture is well-known for its snowy winters, but the region also offers breathtaking beauty during the spring season. One of the most notable flowers that thrive in Niigata is the tulip, and Tainai City is the top producer of tulip bulbs in Japan. At the annual Tainai City Tulip Festival, visitors can enjoy approximately 800,000 tulips of 60 different varieties on display. The festival also features vibrant yellow nanohana flowers and an evening tulip illumination (from Friday, April 28th until Wednesday, May 3rd, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm).
As an added bonus, visitors who attend the festival on its final day can experience the tulip harvesting process firsthand. this festival is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the beauty of springtime flowers.

Spring Snow Festival at Yuzawa Kogen
2023-04-29 10:00 - 2023-05-07 15:00
Niigata Prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall during winter, which can still be seen in some areas even in late spring. The Yuzawa Kogen Spring Snow Festival takes advantage of this remaining snow by offering sledding and fun games. Food trucks will also be available from May 3rd through 5th during the event.
The festival’s unique appeal lies in the opportunity to experience the last remnants of winter while enjoying the fresh greens of spring. The venue offers spectacular views, adding to the overall charm of the event. Ropeway tickets are required to access the festival, priced at ¥ 2600 for adults and ¥ 1300 for children (round trip). Visitors are advised to bring yen for any additional food or drink purchases.

NAKED Flower Aquarium
2023-04-29 10:00 - 2023-06-18 19:30
NAKED, a digital art collective, has been organizing seasonal collaborative events at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa since 2015. The latest event, the NAKED Flower Aquarium, will be held from late spring to early summer under the theme of “Bring Your Happiness”. The event will feature immersive spaces filled with lush greenery, resembling a summer forest. Visitors can also enjoy an area with projection mapping of swaying sea anemones that emulate the appearance of flowers under the sea. Admission to the event costs ¥2500 for adults (high school students and above), ¥1300 for elementary and junior high school students, and ¥800 for infants aged four and above.

Naked Flower Tower
2023-04-29 19:00 - 2023-06-30 21:00
a digital art collective has been behind several seasonal projection mapping events at popular urban destinations in Japan, such as Tokyo Tower, Abeno Harukas in Osaka, and Sapporo TV Tower. The collective has now collaborated with the Mirai Tower in Nagoya to create a summer floral-themed event called NAKED Flower Tower. The event features a 360° projection mapping show of blooming flowers on the tower’s window surfaces, and artificial flowers are used to decorate the tower’s Sky Deck observatory area.
If you are visiting Nagoya until the end of June, you can experience the NAKED Flower Tower event. Admission is ¥1500 for adults (high school students and above), ¥600 for children (elementary and junior high school students), and free for children below preschool age. Don’t miss the chance to witness the impressive projection mapping show and enjoy the colorful floral decorations at the Mirai Tower in Nagoya.

Kanahebisui Shrine Flower Festival
2023-05-03 08:30 - 2023-05-15 20:30
Kanahebisui Shrine in Miyagi is a popular destination for those seeking good fortune in business and finances, but it’s also a haven for flower enthusiasts. During the spring season, visitors can enjoy the stunning blooms of a dedicated peony garden and a 300-year-old wisteria tree. A yearly festival is held when the flowers are at their most magnificent.
The shrine’s peony garden features around 1000 peonies in 100 different varieties, and visitors can enjoy the vibrant colors both day and night. The festival admission fee differs based on the time of day you plan to visit. Daytime entry from 8:30am to 4:30pm costs ¥300, while evening entry from 5:30pm to 8:30pm costs ¥600.

Golden Week Event at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
2023-05-03 10:00 - 2023-05-07 15:00
Located in Hokkaido’s capital of Sapporo, the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular tourist destination that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. This spring, the venue is hosting a Golden Week event that features a range of fun and family-friendly activities. Visitors can watch sheep-shearing demonstrations (held at 11:00 and 13:30 each day), fly kites, or participate in craft workshops (with a fee of ¥500). The festival also features music and juggling performances to keep everyone entertained.
While there is usually an admission fee to enter the observation hill (¥600 for adults, ¥300 for elementary and junior high school students), the fee for elementary-aged children will be waived during the festival period.

Kioi Rose Week
2023-05-10 - 2023-05-31 | 1-2 Kioicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0094, 1-2 Kioicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0094, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 102-0094, Japan
Kioi Rose Garden, located in the heart of Tokyo, is a beautiful oasis featuring around 600 rose bushes in 90 different varieties. During the spring season, the garden hosts Kioi Rose Week, a multi-week event celebrating the gorgeous blooms. In addition to the variety of flowers to admire, the event also includes a rose-themed artwork component, offering visitors the chance to enjoy nature and culture together. If you can’t visit during the spring, don’t worry – there’s another event at the garden when the autumn roses are at their best.

Yono Park Rose Festival
2023-05-20 09:00 - 2023-05-21 17:00
Yono Park, located in Saitama, Japan, has been open to the public since 1878. The park is a popular destination for visitors during spring when the roses are in bloom. The park boasts around 200 varieties of roses, making it a delightful spot for rose enthusiasts. Every year, during the peak blooming period, the park holds an annual festival, which includes stage performances, the sale of rose saplings, and various food and drink options.
For those who are unable to visit the park during the rose blooming season (which typically occurs in May), the park is also a popular location to view cherry blossoms earlier in the year.
Overall, Yono Park is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but especially during the spring when the park’s colorful flowers are in full bloom. The park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and visitors can enjoy strolling through its picturesque grounds while taking in the sights and fragrances of its many flowers.

Toyosu Plant Festival
2023-05-20 11:00 - 2023-05-21 16:00
The Toyosu Plant Festival is a great event to attend if you have an interest in gardening or would like to develop one. This two-day festival offers a variety of enjoyable activities such as plant-themed workshops, hands-on craft activities including dried flower wreath making, and nature-inspired games.
One of the highlights of the festival is the release of the book “Maki no Maki Letter,” which tells the story of Tomitaro Makino, a renowned Japanese botanist often referred to as the Father of Japanese Botany. Makino was responsible for the classification of over 50,000 plant specimens from all over Japan. The book sheds light on Makino’s life and contributions to the field of botany in Japan.
Attending the Toyosu Plant Festival can be a fun and educational experience for all ages. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this event.

Firefly Viewing at Okawa Onsen Takegasawa Park
2023-05-25 19:30 - 2023-06-04 21:00
Okawa Onsen Takegasawa Park in Shizuoka Prefecture is a great place to appreciate the bioluminescent glow of fireflies during early summer. The annual firefly viewing event takes place from late May to early June, and visitors can also enjoy food booths, local produce sales, and toy sales during the event. The park is usually free to enter, but during the firefly period, there is an entry fee of ¥300, which goes towards preserving the firefly’s habitat. It’s a great opportunity to support a worthy cause while experiencing the beauty of these magical insects.

Nagaoka Flower Fair
2023-05-27 10:00 - 2023-05-28 16:00
The Nagaoka Flower Fair has been running for more than 30 years, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to admire the colorful blooms of spring. Visitors can see around 20,000 flowers, including pansies, snapdragons, and delphiniums, all grown from seeds by local citizens. In addition to enjoying the gorgeous flowers, the fair offers the chance to purchase flower seedlings, gardening goods, and food and drinks from food trucks on-site. Admission to the event is free, but bring cash if you plan on buying anything.

Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week
2023-06-01 09:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00
Hydrangeas, or ajisai in Japanese, are beloved flowers that bloom profusely during the rainy season, typically in June. These flowers exhibit vibrant hues of blue, pink, and purple, creating picturesque landscapes that are admired by many. To celebrate the beauty of hydrangeas, various festivals are organized when they are at their peak. One such festival is the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week, which actually spans an entire month, dedicated to celebrating the colorful blooms.
During this festival, visitors can witness approximately 5,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom on the temple grounds. The sight is truly breathtaking, and it offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. Additionally, special seasonal hydrangea goshuin (shrine stamps) and hanachozu (water-filled basins used for purification before entering a shrine or temple) filled with hydrangeas will be available.
For those who do not possess a shrine stamp book, there will be hydrangea-themed ones available for purchase. These books serve as a collection of stamps obtained from different shrines and temples, making them a popular item among visitors who enjoy exploring religious and cultural sites.
To attend the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week, an admission fee of ¥700 is required. This fee grants access to the festival and allows visitors to partake in the festivities, enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the hydrangeas.
Overall, the Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week is a month-long celebration that showcases the magnificence of hydrangeas in their prime. It offers an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of these flowers, acquire unique shrine stamps, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

Animals, Birds, and Insects of Insho's World
2023-06-17 09:30 - 2023-11-23 17:00
Insho Domoto (1891-1975) was a highly regarded Japanese painter renowned for his traditional-style Nihonga artworks. His paintings often focused on nature, landscapes, historical subjects, and animals. The Insho Domoto Museum of Art in Kyoto is hosting a special exhibition that will explore a variety of Domoto’s artworks showcasing creatures of various shapes and sizes.
The exhibition at the Insho Domoto Museum of Art will feature a range of paintings by Domoto that depict animals. Among them are cows inspired by his fascination with India and rabbits painted for Koyata Iwasaki, a patron born in the year 1879, which is associated with the zodiac sign of the rabbit.
Domoto’s interest in India is evident in certain works that portray the country’s influence on his artistic style. These paintings provide a glimpse into his exploration of Indian themes and aesthetics.
To attend this special exhibition, admission fees are as follows: ¥510 for adults, ¥400 for high school and university students, and ¥200 for elementary and junior high school students. This provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts of all ages to appreciate the masterful works of Insho Domoto and gain insights into his artistic vision.
In summary, Insho Domoto was a renowned Japanese painter known for his traditional Nihonga artworks. The Insho Domoto Museum of Art in Kyoto is hosting an exhibition that highlights his depictions of various creatures, including cows inspired by India and rabbits created for a specific patron. By exploring this exhibition, visitors can immerse themselves in Domoto’s artistic world and witness the beauty of his animal-themed artworks.

Iimoriyama Flower Week
2023-06-20 00:00 - 2023-07-10 00:00
Mount Iimori, also known as Iimoriyama, is a majestic mountain located in Nagano Prefecture, standing at an elevation of 1,643 meters. It offers a trekking route that is suitable for beginners, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the mountain at their own pace. From the summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views that encompass the Yatsugatake mountain range, Mount Fuji, and the Southern Alps.
To enhance the already picturesque scenery, the Iimoriyama Flower Week event takes place, showcasing a stunning display of colorful day lilies in full bloom. While the name suggests a one-week duration, the event actually spans three weeks, providing ample time for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of these vibrant flowers.
During the Iimoriyama Flower Week, visitors can witness the blooming day lilies, which add a captivating element to the mountain’s natural splendor. The vivid colors of the flowers create a picturesque landscape, making it an ideal setting for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Whether you embark on a trek to the summit of Mount Iimori or simply enjoy the beauty of the day lilies during the event, this experience promises to be a feast for the eyes. It offers an opportunity to appreciate the stunning scenery, immerse oneself in nature, and capture memorable moments.
In summary, Mount Iimori, located in Nagano Prefecture, offers a trekking route suitable for beginners, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The Iimoriyama Flower Week event enhances the mountain’s beauty by showcasing colorful day lilies in bloom. Although the event runs for a three-week period rather than just a week, it still offers a fantastic opportunity to admire the vibrant flowers and revel in the picturesque atmosphere of Mount Iimori.

Sapporo Flower Carpet
2023-06-23 - 2023-06-25
The Sapporo Flower Carpet is an annual event that began in 2014 to celebrate the opening of Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza. Local volunteers collaborate to create breathtaking displays using flower petals and other natural materials, with the theme for the nature-inspired artwork changing every year. For 2023, the main display will depict Hokkaido’s bird and animal life, following the theme of “Towards the future.” Whether you’re a flower enthusiast or simply appreciate the dedication and teamwork that goes into creating volunteer-led artistic displays, the Sapporo Flower Carpet is definitely worth a visit.

Sumidagawa - Urban Landscapes of the Edo Period
2023-07-07 10:30 - 2023-08-06 19:00
During the Edo Period, Tokyo’s Sumida River played a significant role as a vital transportation route, and its beauty has inspired artists and writers for centuries. To celebrate this rich artistic legacy, a special exhibition will be held at the Hibiya Library and Museum. The exhibition will showcase a diverse collection of artworks centered around the Sumida River, featuring renowned artists like Sadahide Hashimoto and Utagawa Kunisada, among others.
Admission to this captivating event is free of charge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic expressions inspired by the Sumida River. However, it’s important to note that the museum will be closed on July 17th for the Marine Day public holiday.
Explore the fascinating world of Sumida River-related artworks at the Hibiya Library and Museum, where you can appreciate the talent and creativity of renowned artists who were captivated by the river’s allure. If you have any further inquiries or need more information, please feel free to ask.
