Japan is a country that is full of culture and natural beauty.
There are so many amazing places to visit in Japan, but the best time to go is in the springtime.
The cherry blossoms are in bloom, and the weather is just perfect.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip, here are some of the best places to visit in Japan during spring.
Table of Contents
15 Best Places to Visit in Japan in Spring
1. Sanja Matsuri
One of the most popular and well-known festivals in Japan is the Sanja Matsuri.
This festival is held every year on the third weekend of May at the Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo.
The festival is a celebration of the three founders of the shrine, and it is said to be one of the most lively and festive events in the city.
Over the course of the three-day festival, there are many different activities and events that take place, including traditional dances, music, and processions.
The festival is also a great opportunity to try some of the delicious street food that Tokyo has to offer.
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to experience Japanese culture, the Sanja Matsuri is definitely worth checking out.
2. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom
Hirosaki Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom spots.
Every year, from late April to early May, the castle grounds are covered in a sea of pink and white blossoms.
Visitors can enjoy the blossoms while strolling along the castle moat or by taking a boat ride.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held every year in early May, is one of the most popular cherry blossom festivals in Japan.
During the festival, the castle grounds are illuminated at night, and there are food stalls and stage performances.
Hirosaki Park is another popular cherry blossom spot in Hirosaki. The park has over 2,600 cherry trees, making it one of the largest cherry blossom parks in Japan.
3. Kawazuzakura
The Kawazuzakura (Kawazu cherry blossom) is a variant of the cherry blossom which blooms in Izu Prefecture’s Kawazu region.
The Kawazuzakura is a small tree which flowers early in the year, typically blooming in February. The blossoms are about 2-3 cm in diameter and have a deep pink color.
The tree is believed to have been introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century, and has been cultivated in the Kawazu region since the Edo period.
The Kawazuzakura is the official flower of Izu City.
Every year, the city of Izu holds a cherry blossom festival called the “Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival” to celebrate the blooming of the Kawazuzakura.
The festival takes place in February and features a variety of events and activities, including a cherry blossom viewing party, a parade, and live music.
4. Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi is a beautiful cherry blossom-lined moat located in central Tokyo.
The moat surrounds the Imperial Palace, and during cherry blossom season, the trees along the water are illuminated at night, making for a stunning sight.
Every year, thousands of people come to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi is generally from late March to early April. However, the exact dates vary depending on the weather.
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms, be sure to check the forecast in advance and plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re looking for a place to eat or drink while enjoying the cherry blossoms, there are plenty of options nearby.
The Chidorigafuchi Riverside Park is home to several food and drinks vendors, as well as a number of food trucks.
There are also several restaurants and cafes located within walking distance of the park.
5. Poppy Festival
The Poppy Festival is held annually from mid-May to late May in Saitama Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo.
It is one of the largest and most popular flower festivals in Japan, with over two million people visiting each year.
The festival features a wide variety of events and attractions, including a large flea market, food stalls, and live music.
6. Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort
Fuji Motosuko Resort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yamanashi Prefecture.
The resort is located at the base of Mount Fuji, and offers stunning views of the mountain.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy at the resort, including:
- hiking
- skiing
- and hot springs
The resort also has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, ryokans, and camping sites.
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7. Kawachi Wisteria Garden
This beautiful garden is located in the city of Kitakyushu, and it is famous for its stunning wisteria flowers.
The garden has over 150 wisteria trees, and it is a popular spot for tourists to visit in the springtime. The best time to see the flowers is from late April to early May.
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The 100m-long Wisteria tunnel whisks you to a strange world where you may take fantastic photographs of the gorgeous flowers.
In the Fall – When the garden is also a wonderful location to view the changing colors, it attracts a large number of tourists.
8. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a popular event held every year in the Fuji Five Lake region.
This festival attracts visitors from all over Japan and even overseas, drawn by the beauty of the hundreds of thousands of shibazakura (lawn cherry blossom) that blanket the fields around Mt. Fuji.
The festival usually takes place in early May, when the shibazakura is in full bloom.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- traditional music and dance performances
- tea ceremony demonstrations, and more.
There are also many food stalls selling local specialties, so you can savor the flavors of the Fuji Five Lake region while enjoying the stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the shibazakura fields.
9. Beaches in Okinawa
The beaches in Okinawa are some of the most beautiful in all of Japan.
With crystal clear water and soft white sand, they are perfect for a day of relaxation or fun in the sun.
There are many different beaches to choose from, so you can find one that suits your needs and interests.
Whether you want to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, or just exploring the coastline, there is a beach in Okinawa that is perfect for you.
10. Shimanami Kaido
Shimanami Kaido is one of the most popular cycling routes in Japan.
It stretches for 60 kilometers over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The route is named after the Shimanami Kaido, a highway that connects the islands.
The route is popular with both locals and tourists, and it is a great way to see the Seto Inland Sea.
There are several rental shops on the islands, so it is easy to get around.
The route is relatively flat, making it suitable for all levels of cyclists. There are plenty of places to rest and take in the scenery along the way.
11. The magic city of Matsuyama
Matsuyama is the largest city on Shikoku island and the capital of Ehime Prefecture.
The city is most famous for Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s 12 original castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other notable attractions in Matsuyama include Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs, and Mount Ishizuchi, the tallest mountain on Shikoku island.
Matsuyama is a great city to visit if you’re interested in Japanese history and culture.
The city has a number of temples and shrines, as well as Matsuyama Castle, which is a great example of traditional Japanese architecture.
Matsuyama is also home to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs.
The city is located on Shikoku island, which is a great place to explore if you’re interested in the rural side of Japan.
12. Mt. Yoshino
Mt. Yoshino is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
Every year, millions of people come to admire the thousands of cherry trees that bloom on its slopes.
The mountain is located in Nara Prefecture, about an hour’s train ride from Osaka. It can be reached by bus or car from Tokyo in about four hours.
There are many hiking trails on Mt. Yoshino, and the view from the top is stunning.
The mountain is also home to several shrines and temples, including the famous Kinpusen-ji Temple.
13. Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Park is a beautiful place to visit all year round, but it is especially stunning in the springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
The park is home to over 2,600 cherry trees, making it one of the best places in Japan to see these pretty flowers.
In addition to the blossoms, Hirosaki Park is also a great spot for picnicking, strolling around, and people-watching.
14. Hitachi Seaside Park
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some time outdoors, then you should definitely check out Hitachi Seaside Park!
This massive park is home to a variety of different gardens, each with its own unique charm.
From the picturesque Blue Garden to the vibrant Flower Field, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful park.
And because it’s located just a short train ride from Tokyo, it makes for the perfect day trip from the city.
15. Ashikaga Flower Park
The Ashikaga Flower Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tochigi Prefecture.
The park is home to over 350 varieties of wisteria, making it a must-see for anyone interested in flowers.
In addition to the wisteria, the park also features a wide variety of other flowers, including roses, tulips, and daisies.
Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll through the park’s many gardens and admire the views of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
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Conclusion
Springtime in Japan is a beautiful time of year.
The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the weather is mild, and there are many fun things to do.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the spring, be sure to check out some of these great places to visit.
From bustling cities to peaceful mountain towns, there’s something for everyone.
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