Gaido Japan

Maizuru Curry Festa
2023-03-26 10:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Iwate
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 | Iwate
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.

Sakura Festival at Gotenyama
2023-03-27 07:00 - 2023-04-02 19:00 | Iwate
Tokyo offers numerous stunning locations to enjoy the sakura season, and one of the top spots in Shinagawa is the Gotenyama Garden. During peak cherry blossom season, the garden hosts a festival with various activities such as shamisen performances, after-dark illuminations, and tea ceremonies (participation through a lottery system). Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms and the lively atmosphere of the festival at Gotenyama Garden!

Happy Easter at Sanrio Harmonyland
2023-03-27 10:00 - 2023-05-30 17:00 | Iwate
If you happen to be in the Kyushu area during the Easter season and are searching for a fun way to celebrate, Oita’s Harmonyland amusement park has got you covered with their Happy Easter event. This event promises to be an exciting experience, featuring charming Easter costumes for various characters, Easter-themed photo spots, and limited-time merchandise and food menus.
The food menu for this event is inspired by the beloved character Gudetama and offers a range of delicious items such as Gudetama’s demiglace hamburger & omelet rice priced at ¥1650, or Gudetama’s omelet curry for ¥1550.
To attend the event, visitors simply need to purchase a regular admission ticket to the park. You can find more details regarding pricing and ticket options by visiting the Harmonyland website. The Happy Easter event at Harmonyland is an excellent way to celebrate the Easter season with friends and family while indulging in some delicious Japanese cuisine and immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Sakura Night at Shinjuku Gyoen
2023-03-31 19:00 - 2023-04-23 21:00 | Iwate
If you’re searching for a stunning way to admire cherry blossoms at night, the collaboration between digital art collective NAKED and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a must-see event. Shinjuku Gyoen, a renowned garden in Tokyo, boasts 900 cherry trees spanning over 70 varieties, and this event will provide an opportunity for visitors to appreciate both real sakura blossoms and projection mapping versions of them. Don’t miss out on this unique and enchanting experience!

Tsuruga Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
2023-04-01 - 2023-05-07 | Iwate
Tsuruga Castle, also known as Aizuwakamatsu Castle, has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 14th century. However, the current building is actually a reconstruction that was completed in 1965. Despite this, the castle’s striking black-and-white appearance and its panoramic view of the surrounding area make it a popular tourist attraction in Fukushima. Spring is an especially good time to visit the castle, as the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom and an annual festival takes place during this period. The festival offers a variety of activities, including evening sakura illuminations, sake tasting, tea ceremonies, and more. It’s worth noting that some events, such as sake tasting and tea ceremonies, are not held every day during the festival, so it’s advisable to check the official event website if you have specific activities in mind.

Machida Sakura Festival
2023-04-01 00:00 - 2023-04-02 00:00 | Iwate
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.

Wonder Movie Cafe
2023-04-01 00:00 - 2023-06-25 00:00 | Iwate
The Walt Disney company, a global entertainment giant known for producing animated films, cartoons, and theme parks, was founded in 1923. This year, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, a special pop-up café called the Wonder Movie Café will be coming to Omotesando for a limited time.
The Wonder Movie Café will offer a variety of themed eats and drinks, including some monochromatic options such as a soy meat burger with a black bun designed to resemble Mickey Mouse’s ears. The first stage of the café is set to run from April 1st until June 25th, with two more phases to be announced on the official event website at a later date.
For those interested in visiting the café, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. The full menu offerings and merchandise available for purchase can also be viewed on the official website. This is an excellent opportunity for Disney fans and foodies alike to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary and indulge in some whimsical themed treats.

Odawara Oden Summit
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00 | Iwate
Oden is a popular Japanese dish that is traditionally served as a one-pot meal. It consists of a variety of ingredients, such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, fish cakes, and konjac, all simmered in a delicious dashi broth. This comforting and warming dish is usually enjoyed during the colder months and can be found at street stalls or convenience stores.
If you’re a fan of oden and want to try different varieties from around the country, the Odawara Oden Summit is a must-visit event this spring. During the two-day summit, you can purchase oden dishes from various regions and find your favorite. It’s important to note that the event ends at 5 pm on the first day and 4 pm on the second day. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this delicious and hearty dish!

Toneri Park Senbonzakura Festival
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00 | Iwate
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.

Fussa Sakura Festival
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-09 17:00 | Iwate
Fussa City is situated in the western part of Tokyo, and every year, it hosts a spectacular sakura festival that has been running for 40 years. The festival takes place along the Tama River, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of cherry blossom trees lining the banks for approximately two and a half kilometers.
During the festival, which typically takes place on weekends, there are a variety of additional entertainment options, including music and dance performances, along with numerous food vendors selling popular festival foods like yakitori, yakisoba, and another delicious Japanese cuisine. There is no admission fee to attend the event, but it’s recommended to bring yen if you plan on purchasing food and drinks from the vendors. The festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms while also immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of a traditional Japanese festival.

Audrey in Cinema
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-05-14 19:30 | Iwate
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Audrey Hepburn’s passing in 2023, Museum EKI Kyoto is hosting a themed photo exhibition titled “Audrey in Cinema”. The exhibition will feature around 120 photographs showcasing Hepburn’s appearances in various movies, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, among others. Admission to the exhibition is priced at ¥900, and no advance reservations are required. This is not the only exhibition dedicated to Audrey Hepburn in Japan this year – the Sano Museum of Art in Shizuoka is hosting its own exhibition from early April to mid-June.

Yokota Air Base Sakura Spring Festival
2023-04-01 11:00 - 2023-04-08 16:30 | Iwate
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!

Barbie Exhibition
2023-04-01 11:00 - 2023-07-02 20:00 | Iwate
Barbie has been a beloved toy for many years, first introduced in 1959, and has since taken on various professions and roles. In the beginning, she was a fashion model, flight attendant, and nurse. Over the years, Barbie has broken through gender biases by taking on new careers, including doctor, astronaut, veterinarian, and even president of the United States.
An exciting exhibition, titled “who do you want to be?”, is currently taking place at the Itochu SDG’s Studio in Tokyo, showcasing Barbie’s diverse range of occupations. The exhibition aims to inspire visitors to consider their own potential and aspirations while challenging gender stereotypes, just as Barbie has done throughout her existence.
Admission to the exhibition is free, making it accessible to all who wish to explore the world of Barbie and her impact on gender representation in the toy industry.

Atsugi Air Base Spring Festival
2023-04-02 11:00 - 2023-04-23 18:30 | Iwate
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.

Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet
2023-04-03 00:00 - 2023-04-16 00:00 | Iwate
Toyama Prefecture is home to a stunning display of natural beauty during the spring months. In the late 1950s, 280 Yoshino cherry trees were planted along the banks of the Funagawa River, spanning over a kilometer in length. Visitors can also enjoy other colorful blooms such as tulips and nanohana, set against the backdrop of the majestic Japanese Alps.
The Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet event is a celebration of the season and runs for two weeks in April. The highlight of the festival is the evening of April 8th, when bonfires are lit along the riverbank to illuminate the sakura trees. This creates a magical and romantic atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the cherry blossom viewing experience.
Admission to the event is completely free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese springtime, the Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet event is definitely worth checking out.

Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition
2023-04-05 11:00 - 2023-05-26 19:00 | Iwate
Wes Anderson is a film director known for his unique and recognizable style, as seen in movies like The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. His aesthetic features symmetrical shots, pastel colors, whimsical details, and retro elements. This style has inspired an Instagram account called @accidentallywesanderson, where followers submit their own Wes Anderson-esque findings in real life.
An exhibition at Shinagawa’s Warehouse Terrada will showcase around 300 submissions from the Instagram account. Visitors will be able to appreciate and immerse themselves in the world of Wes Anderson’s aesthetic. Admission to the event is priced at ¥2000 for adults, ¥1500 for university students, and ¥1000 for high school students and below. Children under preschool age receive free admission.

Mino Festival
2023-04-08 - 2023-04-09 | Iwate
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.

Nyuzen Flower Road
2023-04-08 00:00 - 2023-04-30 00:00 | Iwate
Toyama Prefecture in Japan is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, and during the spring months, the region truly comes alive with an explosion of colorful blooms. One must-visit festival in the area is the Nyuzen Flower Road event, which showcases an astounding 2.3 million tulips covering approximately 70 different varieties. The vibrant flowers stretch across an area of over 5 hectares, with the majestic Japanese Alps forming a stunning backdrop.
The best time to visit the Nyuzen Flower Road event is in the middle of April, when the tulips are likely to be at their peak bloom. This is an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of spring in Japan and immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant colors.
What’s more, admission to the event is completely free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for travelers. Although the event has a specified start date, the end date is listed as “late April”, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly if you want to catch this awe-inspiring display of nature’s beauty.

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 | Iwate
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 | Iwate
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.

Nagushiyama Azalea Festival
2023-04-08 09:00 - 2023-04-28 17:00 | Iwate
Nagushiyama is a mountain located in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, standing at 234 meters tall. This mountain is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers because of its stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, harbor, and surrounding mountains.
During the spring season, Nagushiyama becomes even more picturesque with the blooming of thousands of azalea bushes in shades of pink, red, and white. To celebrate the vibrant flowers, an annual festival is held, which has been running for over 40 years now.
If you plan on visiting during the azalea blooming period, there is a small admission fee of ¥500. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the beauty of Nagushiyama in full bloom.

Audrey Hepburn Exhibition
2023-04-08 10:00 - 2023-06-18 17:00 | Iwate
Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) is an icon of both film and fashion, best known for her roles in popular movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady. In addition to her achievements on screen, which included winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award, she also dedicated her later years to working with UNICEF to improve the lives of children worldwide. The Sano Museum of Art in Shizuoka will host a special exhibition featuring approximately 130 photographs that explore her life and legacy. Adult admission to the exhibition is priced at ¥1100, and no advance reservations are required.

Georges Rouault - Form, Color, Harmony
2023-04-08 10:00 - 2023-06-25 18:00 | 4th Floor, Panasonic Tokyo Shiodome Bldg, 1-5-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8301, 4th Floor, Panasonic Tokyo Shiodome Bldg, 1-5-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8301, Minato, Tokyo, 105-8301, Japan
Georges Rouault (1871 – 1958) was a renowned French painter and printmaker who is often associated with the Expressionism and Fauvism art movements. His works frequently focused on religious themes and social commentary, inspired by his Catholic faith. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Panasonic Shiodome Museum will be hosting a special exhibition featuring around 70 pieces of Rouault’s artwork, including works on loan from museums in France and Japan. Adult admission to the exhibition is priced at ¥1200, with advance reservations available for specific dates and times. Visitors who attend on May 18th, which is International Museum Day, can take advantage of discounted admission at ¥500.

Rune Naito Exhibition
2023-04-08 10:00 - 2023-06-25 18:00 | 2 Chome-9-1 Koyochonaka, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032, Japan, 2 Chome-9-1 Koyochonaka, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0032, Japan, Kobe, Hyogo, 658-0032, Japan
Rune Naito was a prominent Japanese artist, illustrator, and designer who is widely recognized for his contribution to Japan’s kawaii culture. He gained popularity for his designs, which were featured in numerous publications, advertisements, and even on the sides of buses in his hometown, Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture. The Kobe Fashion Museum is hosting a special exhibition dedicated to showcasing Naito’s extensive body of work, which will include original drawings, kawaii goods, and more.
If you’re interested in attending the exhibition, please note that admission is priced at ¥1000, and no advance reservations are required. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant and playful world of Naito’s art and design, and to learn more about the evolution of kawaii culture in Japan.

Tainai Sakura Festival
2023-04-08 16:00 - 2023-04-09 14:00 | Iwate
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 | Iwate
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.

Kasama Azalea Festival
2023-04-15 - 2023-05-07 | Iwate
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.

Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
2023-04-15 - 2023-05-05 | Iwate
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.
