From early-blooming cherry blossoms to vibrant tulip fields, Japan’s spring flower festivals are a testament to how much Japan values natural beauty. Each festival, unique in its own way, is not only a celebration of nature’s bounty but also a chance to explore the rich cultural traditions of Japan.
If you like exploring new places, especially if you're a veteran Japan traveller, heading to each of these festivals is a good thing to try.
The festivals are spread across various prefectures, each with unique flower views and flower gardens, including the early Kawazu cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji’s floral backdrop, and vibrant moss phlox carpets in Gunma.
This guide spotlights the top Japanese spring festivals, including the famous Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park, where cherry blossoms frame ancient traditions and local flavours awaken the senses.
What festivals are in spring in Japan?
Enjoy the spring festivities all across Japan! ©OHARA FESTIVAL
If you’re planning to catch the spring in full bloom, Japan has several spring festivals that are worth a visit.
1. Takayama Festival (Sanno Matsuri): Held in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, this festival showcases elaborately decorated floats parading through the streets of the historic old town. It's celebrated twice a year, in April and October, with the spring festival being particularly picturesque due to the cherry blossoms.
2. Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus): This unique festival takes place in Kawasaki, near Tokyo, usually in early April. It celebrates fertility and is known for its phallic-shaped decorations and parades. Despite its unusual theme, it's a lively and fun event that attracts both locals and tourists.
3. Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing: Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most iconic castles, offers stunning cherry blossom viewing opportunities in spring. The castle grounds are adorned with cherry trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for hanami picnics and strolls.
4. Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival: Kanazawa Hyakumangoku festival commemorates the city's rich cultural heritage and history. It features parades, traditional performances, tea ceremonies, and flower displays, including cherry blossoms in spring.
So, whether you’re a nature enthusiast looking to capture the perfect shot, a family seeking a memorable outing, or a traveller desiring an authentic cultural experience, these spring festivals can answer your question about what to do in Japan. Let’s explore them one by one.
10 Japanese spring flower festivals you definitely can't miss
1. Kawazuzakura Festival, Shizuoka
Catch the early sakura blooms in Kawazu
At the heart of Shizuoka, the Kawazuzakura Festival celebrates the flowering of the Kawazu cherry trees. What sets it apart is its timing; it’s one of the earliest blooming cherry blossoms on the outskirts of Tokyo. The festival draws almost two million visitors every year, standing as a testament to the allure of nature and culture.
During the annual festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, including hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics, food stalls selling local delicacies and snacks, traditional performances, and cultural exhibitions showcasing the rich heritage of the region. There are also illuminations of the cherry blossoms in the evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.
To fully experience the event, it’s suggested that you plan your visit around the peak bloom period and participate in the festival’s special activities. It’s not every day that you get to celebrate the discovery of a tree that has captivated hearts since 1974.
Location: Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Dates: Late February to early March (Check specific dates yearly)
Activities to Watch Out For: Cherry blossom viewing (Hanami), food stalls with local delicacies, cultural performances and exhibitions, nighttime illuminations
2. Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival, Tokyo
Don't these azaleas just give you a sense of peace?
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival, also known as the Tsutsuji Matsuri in Japanese, offers a delightful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while experiencing traditional Japanese culture in the heart of Tokyo.
The highlight of this Japanese festival, held annually, is the stunning azalea garden within the grounds of Nezu Shrine. The garden features over 3,000 azalea bushes of various colours, including vibrant shades of pink, red, purple, and white. Visitors can stroll along winding paths lined with blooming azaleas, creating a mesmerising floral landscape.
Location: Nezu Shrine (Nezu-jinja), Bunkyo ward, Tokyo
Dates: Around April, during peak bloom period
Activities to Watch Out For: traditional music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, and exhibitions showcasing local arts and crafts.
Tips:
Visit during the weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, especially on weekends when the festival tends to be busier.
Bring a camera to capture the vibrant colours of the azalea blooms and the picturesque scenery of the shrine's grounds.
Take some time to explore the surrounding area, including nearby attractions such as Ueno Park and Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street.
3. Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Yamanashi
Mt Fuji + Spring + Festival? Count me in.
Not far from Mt. Fuji is an area where you should go to in Japan for another spectacular cherry blossom festival, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. One of the most famous festivals, Fuji Shibazakura is known for its vibrant pink moss phlox flowers, which create a stunning visual display. And on clear days, visitors can enjoy the majestic sight of Mt. Fuji in the background. This festival is as beautiful as the famous Star Festival in Japan.
The journey to the festival, which takes approximately 5 hours during the peak season, is a scenic adventure in itself. Despite the distance, the festival is one of the largest festivals in Japan, drawing thousands of visitors every year. The parks are relaxed, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival at their own pace, and don’t forget to try some delicious Japanese street food available at the event.
Location: Near Lake Motosu at the base of Mount Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
Dates: The festival typically takes place from mid-April to late May, coinciding with the blooming period of the shibazakura (moss phlox) flowers.
Activities to Watch Out For: Local food stalls selling regional delicacies and souvenirs, cultural performances, and live music
Tips:
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the festival grounds can be extensive and uneven in some areas.
Don't forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views of Mount Fuji and the colourful shibazakura fields.
4. Great Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga
Walk through Ashikaga Flower Park's Wisteria tunnels
The Great Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park is a sight to behold. The festival is home to over 350 wisteria trees, including a grand wisteria tree that is 160 years old. Walking through a tunnel surrounded by purple and white wisteria flowers is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The park, located at 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, is a must-visit for those who appreciate UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage sites and events. This makes it a great first-timer activity in Japan. As you wander through the mesmerising display of wisteria flowers, you’ll understand why this festival is counted among the great festivals of Japan.
Location: Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga City, Tochigi
Dates: Mid-April to mid-May
Activities to Watch Out For:
Wisteria Tunnels: The park is famous for its stunning wisteria tunnels, where visitors can walk beneath cascades of wisteria flowers in various colours, including purple, white, and pink.
Light-Up Events: In the evenings, the wisteria tunnels are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. The park's other attractions, such as the floating wisteria and the giant wisteria trellis, are also illuminated.
Traditional Performances: During the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese performances, such as taiko drumming and dance shows, adding to the festive ambience.
5. Sakura Tulip Festival, Chiba
A kaleidoscope of tulips painting the landscape in vibrant colours.
As the name suggests, the Sakura Tulip Festival in Sakura City is all about tulips. With over 600,000 tulips of 100 different varieties on display, it’s a breathtaking sight to behold.
But what sets this festival apart from others? A few things.
The sunny yellow tulips here are a favourite among photographers, especially when visitors donned the traditional "Dutch Maid" Netherland costumes: complete with pointed lace caps, striped aprons, and wooden clogs.
Near the souvenir shop, there's a portable dressing room stocked with colourful aprons where you can don your own Dutch Maid costume and have a helpful staff member help you get in them.
There's also the Dutch windmill, a symbol of the shared heritage and friendship between Japan and the Netherlands.
Apart from these, the festival also offers activities such as tulip bulb digging and sightseeing boat rides for visitors. It’s an event filled with fun and excitement, reminiscent of the energy found in fire festivals in Japan.
Location: Sakura Furusato Square, Sakura City, Chiba
Dates: Late March to Late April
Activities to watch out for: Dutch maid costumes available for the public, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, snow cones, and tapioca drinks
6. Hitachi Seaside Park Flowering Festival, Ibaraki
Isn't this just a sight to see?
Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture is another spot on our list that you can’t miss during spring. Known for its Flowering Festival, the park boasts colourful flower fields, including the famous pastel blue nemophila flowers and vibrant narcissus blooms.
The park is located in Hitachinaka City, offering a blend of historical events and natural beauty. As you walk through the colourful flower fields, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a painting. It’s a visual delight that’s not to be missed.
Location: Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
Dates: From late April to early May, depending on the blooming schedule of the flowers
Activities to Watch Out For: walking and cycling paths to enjoy the view of the nemophilia flowers, tulips, and rapeseed flowers
Tips: Check the park's website or local information for the blooming schedule of the flowers to plan your visit accordingly.
7. Keisei Rose Garden Spring Festival, Chiba
Roses are red, violets are blue, when you're in Chiba, you shouldn't miss out on these two
For rose lovers, the Keisei Rose Garden Spring Festival in Chiba is a must-visit. The festival showcases over 10,000 roses of 1,600 varieties, making it a spectacular sight to behold. The blend of colours and the sweet scent of roses in the air make for a captivating experience.
But the festival’s charm doesn’t end with roses. It also features impressive art installations and offers a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to unwind. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking to spend a day amid beautiful blooms, the Keisei Rose Garden Spring Festival is a great choice.
Location: Keisei Rose Garden, Yachiyo, Chiba
Dates: April 23rd to June 13th
Activities to watch out for: Exclusive art installations and walking pathways across seven different gardens
8. Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival, Tokyo
Hundreds of people flock here every year just to see the sakura at Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, offers another fantastic flower festival. The park is home to approximately 1,500 beautiful Sakura trees, which bloom in late March. In early April, visitors can also enjoy tulips, Shirley poppies, and rapeseed flowers.
Ensure to participate in guided tours, open-air gigs, and children-friendly activities during your visit to the annual festival, also known as the Bon Festival. The moment the festival began, it catered to all ages, making it a perfect family outing. This festival truly embraces the spirit of spring, offering a myriad of colours, scents, and experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Location: Showa Kinen Park, Tachikawa, Tokyo
Dates: Late April to early May
Activities to Watch Out For: impressive tulip displays, with thousands of tulips in different colours creating a vibrant carpet of flowers; hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the cherry trees; concerts, performances, and food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies.
9. Misato Shibazakura Festival, Gunma
Pretty lantern lights giving the cherry blossom trees a pinker hue
The Misato Shibazakura Festival, held in Gunma Prefecture, is another spring spectacle. The festival celebrates the bloom of vibrant moss phlox flowers, making it a must-see event for any flower lover. This festival, although different in theme, is as captivating as the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan.
Offering a feast for the senses with its vibrant flowers and lively atmosphere, the festival is a grand celebration of spring. So, if you’re in Japan during spring, make sure to include the Misato Shibazakura Festival in your itinerary.
Location: Misatoshibazakura Park, Misato, Gunma
Dates: Mid-April
10. Freesia Festival on Hachijojima Island, Tokyo
Imagine a perfect view like this
Last but not least, there’s the Freesia Festival on Hachijojima Island. The annual matsuri takes place roughly 300 km south of mainland Tokyo and is known for its beautiful scenery. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this festival offers the perfect getaway.
The Freesia Festival presents a stunning manifestation of nature’s beauty. It’s a serene event that allows you to connect with nature and take in the tranquil beauty of the island. This festival is a reminder of the simple pleasures that nature offers, making it a must-visit event during the spring.
Location: Hachijomachi, Hachijo-jima, Tokyo
Dates: Around March to April
