Gaido Japan

Sanrio Fes
2023-04-23 10:00 - 2023-06-11 18:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
Sanrio, established in 1960, is a worldwide phenomenon known for its iconic characters such as Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, and My Melody. The brand has inspired various products such as toys, stationery, clothing, and accessories. The Tokyo Big Sight Complex is hosting a special event that celebrates everything Sanrio, which includes stage performances, character meet-and-greets, and limited edition merchandise for purchase.
To attend the one-day Sanrio Fes, you need a ticket that can only be obtained through a lottery system. Details on how to obtain a ticket can be found on the official event website. In case you don’t get a ticket, the event will be broadcasted online. More details about the online component will be added to the website closer to the event date.

Kadena AmericaFest
2023-04-22 14:00 - 2023-04-23 21:00
Kadena Air Base, situated in Okinawa, is a crucial United States Air Force installation for regional security and partnerships with Japan and its allies. To celebrate this partnership, Kadena AmericaFest opens the base to visitors for an event that features aircraft displays, musical performances, fireworks, American food, and vendors selling military-related merchandise. While the event is open to the public, valid identification is required for entry, and the entry requirements differ for Japanese and non-Japanese passport holders. Visitors are advised to check the infographic provided by the Kadena Force Support Squadron for the full details.

Lambassador Festival
2023-04-22 11:00 - 2023-04-29 16:00
Lamb meat is a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, and in Japan, it is commonly used in jingisukan (Genghis Khan), a delicious dish that originated in Hokkaido. The dish usually consists of thinly sliced lamb or mutton, along with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, grilled on a special convex-shaped skillet. If you are a lamb enthusiast, the Lambassador Festival is an event in Tokyo that you should not miss. The festival celebrates Australian lamb, and attendees can savor a variety of lamb-based dishes, including lamb and chickpea stews, lamb-filled nikuman, and even lamb-based hot dogs. While entry to the event is free, you will need yen if you plan to sample the dishes on offer.

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.

Setouchi Gourmet Festival
2023-04-21 10:00 - 2023-04-23 18:00
The Setouchi region in Japan is not only renowned for its stunning natural scenery but also its incredible cuisine. With an abundance of fresh seafood sourced from the Seto Inland Sea, the area is famous for its seafood delicacies, including oysters, sea bream, and squid, among others. But the culinary delights in this region don’t end there, and there’s much more to discover.
One such event that showcases the gourmet delights of Setouchi is the Setouchi Gourmet Festival, which takes place at Ueno Park. This festival is a celebration of the unique and delicious cuisine found in the region. From kawara soba, a dish from Yamaguchi, to Kobe bokkake, a delicacy from Hyogo, visitors can try a variety of regional dishes in the heart of Tokyo.
The entry to the event is free, but visitors should bring yen if they plan on sampling the food. It’s a great opportunity to discover the culinary treasures of Setouchi without leaving Tokyo.

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.

Iwakuni Airbase Friendship Day
2023-04-15 07:00 - 23:30
Iwakuni Air Base is a vital military installation for the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, renowned for its advanced facilities and strong partnership with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The Iwakuni Friendship Day is an annual event that allows the general public to enter the base and celebrate US-Japan relations while enjoying food and entertainment.
At the event, visitors can indulge in American favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, brisket sandwiches, and spare ribs. Additionally, there will be impressive aircraft displays, including the Japanese Self-Defense Force’s “Blue Impulse” aerobatic demonstration team. The event features dedicated play areas for kids and is suitable for families.
It is important to note that while the event is open to the public, ID checks will be conducted at the entrance. Visitors can find acceptable forms of identification on the official event website. Don’t miss the chance to attend the Iwakuni Friendship Day and celebrate the enduring alliance between the United States and Japan.

Theo Jansen Exhibition - Kochi
2023-04-15 00:09 - 2023-06-25 23:59
Theo Jansen is a renowned artist and inventor from the Netherlands who has gained international recognition for his Strandbeests, which are kinetic sculptures made from PVC pipes and powered by wind. These unique sculptures have been showcased in exhibitions all over the world, and have captivated audiences with their fusion of art and engineering.
A special exhibition featuring Jansen’s work is currently being held at the Museum of Art Kochi, marking his first solo event in Shikoku. Attendees can immerse themselves in the world of Strandbeests through videos, wooden molds and parts, sketches drawn by Jansen himself, and the tools used in their production. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to witness Jansen’s creative process up close, and to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms that bring his sculptures to life.
Adult admission to the event is priced at ¥1200, and no advance reservations are required. If you are a fan of art, engineering, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature-inspired creations, be sure to visit the Museum of Art Kochi and experience the wonder of Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests for yourself.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Audrey Hepburn Exhibition
2023-04-08 10:00 - 2023-06-18 17:00
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.

Nagushiyama Azalea Festival
2023-04-08 09:00 - 2023-04-28 17:00
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.

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.

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!

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.

Nyuzen Flower Road
2023-04-08 00:00 - 2023-04-30 00:00
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.

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.

Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition
2023-04-05 11:00 - 2023-05-26 19:00
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.

Asahi Funagawa Spring Quartet
2023-04-03 00:00 - 2023-04-16 00:00
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.

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.

Barbie Exhibition
2023-04-01 11:00 - 2023-07-02 20:00
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.

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!

Audrey in Cinema
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-05-14 19:30
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.

Fussa Sakura Festival
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-09 17:00
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.

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.

Odawara Oden Summit
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00
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!
