Spring is Japan’s most celebrated season — plum blossoms open as early as January in Okinawa, cherry blossoms bloom from late March through May across the country, and a series of ancient festivals marks the agricultural new year. This guide covers the key spring festivals and events.
Plum Blossom Season (January–March)
- Kairaku-en Plum Festival (Mito, Ibaraki, February–March) — Japan’s largest plum garden with over 3,000 trees; one of Japan’s top three gardens. Peak bloom mid-February to mid-March.
- Yushima Tenmangu Plum Festival (Tokyo, February) — The scholar deity Tenjin is associated with plum blossom; shrines dedicated to him host plum festivals nationally in February.
- Osaka Castle Plum Garden (February–March) — Over 1,000 plum trees within castle grounds; much less crowded than cherry blossom season.
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March–May)
- Hanami (flower viewing) — The national tradition of gathering under cherry trees for picnics, drinks, and socialising. See the hanami guide for etiquette and best spots.
- Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori, late April–early May) — 2,600 trees around Hirosaki Castle moat; pink petal-covered water considered Japan’s most beautiful hanami scene.
- Yoshino Mountain (Nara, early April) — 30,000 cherry trees covering an entire mountain slope; one of Japan’s most ancient and revered blossom sites.
Spring Shrine and Temple Festivals
- Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa, Tokyo, May) — One of Tokyo’s three great festivals; over 100 portable shrines (mikoshi) carried through Asakusa over three days. Huge, energetic crowds.
- Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto, May 15) — One of Kyoto’s three major festivals; a procession of 500 participants in Heian-period court dress travelling from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines.
- Nikko Toshogu Spring Festival (May 17–18) — Yabusame horseback archery and a 1,000-person procession in samurai armour at Nikko Toshogu.
- Hakata Dontaku (Fukuoka, May 3–4) — Japan’s largest festival by attendance; parades, music, and street performances across Fukuoka city during Golden Week.
Golden Week (Late April–Early May)
Japan’s longest public holiday cluster (April 29–May 5) sees mass domestic travel. Shinkansen and accommodation books out weeks in advance. See the Golden Week guide for planning tips.
For more seasonal content, see Japan spring travel guide, cherry blossom guide, and cherry blossom planning guide.