What's special about Japanese spring? Top 5 festivals not to be missed during cherry blossom season

Japanese Spring is considered by many tourists to be one of the most beautiful and romantic times of the year, when the whole country is covered in the pure pink color of cherry blossoms. This is the right time for you to enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere, admire the beautiful flower viewing spots and enjoy the typical cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun. Let's find out more about Japanese spring for your trip with T-Connect! 

Japan spring weather

Spring in Japan lasts from March to May, bringing mild, pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 5°C. Japanese spring weather at different times will have different characteristics:

• May: The temperature starts to warm up, ranging from 8-15 °C, the weather is chilly in the early morning and late evening. This is also the time when cherry blossoms begin to bloom in southern regions such as Kyushu and Shikoku.
• May: Temperature increased by about 12-20 °C, the time when cherry blossoms bloom throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. This is the most pleasant time of year, suitable for outdoor activities.
• May: Temperature ranges from 15-25 °C, mild sunshine, little rain. Cherry blossoms gradually fade, giving way to other brilliant flower carpets such as wisteria and Chinese cherry blossoms at the foot of Mount Fuji.

With fresh air and mild weather, spring in Japan will be a relaxing and ideal time for you to travel. However, visitors should still prepare a light jacket and comfortable shoes to easily adapt to the temperature changes during the day.

What is special about Japanese spring?

Spring in Japan brings mild, pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C, fresh air and clear blue skies. This is the ideal time to go out and enjoy nature after the cold winter days. In particular, spring is also the time when cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom, dyeing pink all over the streets, parks, temples and riverbanks, creating a romantic and poetic scene.

In spring in Japan, people and tourists often eagerly await festivals. hanami, a unique flower viewing tradition where people gather under the sakura trees, enjoy food, chat and enjoy the beautiful moments that nature has to offer. Cherry blossoms not only beautify the landscape but also carry a profound meaning about the fragility of life, reminding people to cherish every precious moment.

>> See more: Top 6 most beautiful places to see autumn in Japan that you cannot miss in 2025

Must-see places when traveling in Japan in spring

To fully enjoy the beauty of Japan in spring, here are some must-see tourist destinations:

Tokyo – Cherry Blossom Capital

Tokyo is not only the economic and cultural center of Japan but also one of the most ideal destinations to enjoy the Japanese spring. In the spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, the capital Tokyo puts on a bright pink coat, attracting millions of tourists to admire this beauty.

Some popular places to see cherry blossoms and enjoy the Hanami festival in Tokyo include:

• Ueno Park: is one of Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 1.000 sakura trees blooming along its long walkways. In spring, it attracts millions of people for the Hanami festival, where people sit together under the blossoms, eat and drink and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: is a large park with more than 1.500 cherry trees, including many varieties that bloom at different times. This helps the flowering season last longer than other places, giving visitors the opportunity to come to Tokyo at different times of spring to see the flowers.
• Chidorigafuchi: is one of the most romantic places to enjoy cherry blossoms. In particular, visitors can rent a boat to cruise around the cool green canal, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery with the petals falling gently on the water.
• Meguro River: Along the banks of the Meguro River are thousands of cherry trees forming a beautiful sakura tunnel. Especially in the evening, this place becomes more sparkling with lit lanterns, creating an extremely romantic scene.

Mount Fuji – The beautiful carpet of azaleas

When mentioning Japanese spring, in addition to cherry blossoms, we cannot ignore the splendid beauty of Shibazakura flowers blooming at the foot of Mount Fuji. The carpet of pink, purple, and white flowers creates a beautiful natural picture, attracting thousands of tourists every year. To enjoy the beauty of Shibazakura flowers with a complete view of Mount Fuji, you must definitely visit:

• Lake Motosu: This is where the Fuji Shibazakura Festival takes place, with vast flower fields and panoramic views of Mount Fuji. No matter which angle you stand from, you will get picturesque photos.
• Arakurayama Sengen Park: If you want to combine cherry blossom viewing with Mount Fuji, this is the ideal destination. Located in Fujiyoshida District, Yamanashi Prefecture, this park is famous for Chureito Pagoda - an ancient red pagoda located on a hillside, where visitors can admire Mount Fuji and hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom.
• Kawaguchiko Oishi Park: This park not only has cherry blossoms but also many other seasonal flowers. In particular, the view of Mount Fuji reflected on Lake Kawaguchi creates a poetic natural picture.

Fukuoka – Cherry Blossoms & Ancient Castles

Fukuoka – one of the largest cities in the Kyushu region, is not only famous for its unique street food but also a great destination in the spring of Japan. When the cherry blossoms bloom, ancient buildings like this one are covered in pink, creating an unforgettable romantic scene:

• Fukuoka Castle: This was once an important castle during the Edo period, and now only the foundations and some ancient stone walls remain. However, in spring, it becomes Fukuoka's top cherry blossom viewing spot, with over 1.000 sakura trees blooming all around.
• Nishi Park: Nishi Park is one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan”, with more than 1.300 sakura trees lining the gently sloping paths. In particular, from the top of the park, you can admire Hakata Bay sparkling in the spring sunshine.

Unique Japanese spring festivals

Spring is not only the time when cherry blossoms bloom but also the season of vibrant traditional festivals, imbued with Japanese cultural identity. If you come to Japan at this time, do not miss the following unique spring festivals:

Hanami Festival – Japanese cherry blossom viewing culture

• Address:: All over Japan
• EVENT DATE:: March – early April

Hanami is one of the most important spring traditions in Japan. During this festival, people and tourists gather under the cherry blossoms, have picnics, enjoy food, enjoy the beauty of nature and chat with friends and family.

Takayama Matsuri Festival

• Address:: Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
• EVENT DATE:: April 14 – 15

Takayama Matsuri is one of the oldest and most beautiful spring festivals in Japan. The special feature of Takayama Matsuri is the elaborately decorated floats and traditional puppet performances installed on the floats. The puppeteers skillfully manipulate the puppets on the floats, creating unique and attractive performances.

At the festival, visitors can wear traditional Japanese costumes such as kimono, hakama, and yukata, enjoy exciting performances, participate in folk games, and enjoy special festival foods such as sake, takoyaki, grilled meat, and hida beef (famous Hida beef).

Hina Matsuri Doll Festival

• Address:: All over Japan
• EVENT DATE:: March 3

The Hina Matsuri festival has a profound meaning, it is an occasion for families to pray for the health, safety, happiness and peaceful growth of girls. In addition, the festival also symbolizes the elegance and purity of girls, because in Japanese culture, dolls are often considered a symbol of protection and exorcism.

During this festival, families often display a set of Hina dolls on a special altar, including the Emperor (Omo), Empress (Ohi) and members of the imperial family. Many areas, especially large cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo, hold exhibitions of traditional Hina dolls and cultural programs, music and dance. People can also participate in these activities to learn more about the history and significance of the festival.

Kanda Matsuri Festival

• Address:: Tokyo (Kanda Myojin Shrine)
• EVENT DATE:: May (even year, 5, 2024…)

The Kanda Matsuri Festival honors Kanda Myojin, the guardian deity of Tokyo, and prays for prosperity, peace, and health for the community. The Kanda Matsuri Festival is notable for its grand parades, elaborately decorated floats, and large crowds of local residents.

What to eat in spring in Japann

Spring in Japan is also the season of many special, fresh and flavorful dishes, reflecting the changes in the harvest and culinary traditions of the country. Here are some typical spring dishes in Japan:

• Sakura mochi: Mochi filled with red bean paste, rolled in a salted cherry leaf. The aroma of the cherry leaf combined with the mild sweetness of the red beans creates a springtime dish of fresh soba noodles, especially when eaten with a refreshing broth or in dishes such as stir-fried soba or rolled soba.
• Chirashi Sushi: is a mixed sushi rice dish, often eaten during festivals and parties. This dish includes vinegared rice mixed with fresh seafood, rolled eggs and raw vegetables, creating a meal that is both beautiful and delicious.
• Dango Dango: This is a small sticky rice cake, with three balls of three different colors (pink, white and blue) on a stick. It is made from rice flour, has a slightly sweet taste and is often eaten during cherry blossom viewing (hanami).
• Takenoko – Bamboo Shoots: Newly sprouted bamboo shoots have a sweet taste and are often used to prepare dishes such as soup, stir-fry, grill or cook with rice.
• Soba – Buckwheat noodles: Spring is the season for fresh soba noodles, especially when eaten in a refreshing broth or in dishes like stir-fried soba or soba rolls.

Spring in Japan is one of the most beautiful times of the year, when nature is covered in the brilliant pink of cherry blossoms, creating a poetic and vibrant space. This is not only the season of renewal and new beginnings, but also the time for Japanese people to gather with family and friends, and enjoy traditional festivals. With a mild climate and charming scenery, spring in Japan has become a symbol of freshness and hope.

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