Written by Alexandra Ziminski
March marks the official start of spring, and the quietest corners of Japan are waking from winter hibernation for cherry blossom festivals and fiery celebrations. Wherever you are in the country, there will be something exciting to see, but check out our top sakura spots for Kyoto and Osaka if you’re heading that way.
For events in Tokyo and the surrounding area, visit our event listings on Tokyo Cheapo.
Kansai events
These are events in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Mie, and the surrounding areas.
Omizutori Festival
NaraAn annual affair, the Omizutori Festival is one of the oldest Buddhist events and dates back 1250 years. Large numbers of torches are lit and hung from the balcony of Tōdaiji Temple, and people gather below to be cleansed of sins.
Osaka Asian Film Festival
OsakaThe rallying cry of this annual film festival is “From Osaka to All of Asia!” Expect screenings of films from 19 countries and regions, including Macao, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Greece, the USA, and of course, Japan. There will be more than 50 films, including several international premieres.
Grand Sumo Tournament
OsakaThe sumo roadshow docks in Osaka for its annual March tournament and offers the Kansai locals a chance to see the wrestlers in action. The first few days, weekends, and final two days are the most crowded.
Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival
ShigaIn preparation for this fiery festival, the 13 neighborhoods that once surrounded the castle of the famed 16th-century warlord Oda Nobunaga construct complex floats. Once a winner has been crowned, they are all burned together, and men dance beside the flames.
Kitano Odori
KyotoA chance to see one of the traditional geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto) performances in Kyoto, the annual Kitano Odori features geiko from the Kamishichen area.
| Advance sales: ¥6,000 | ||
Ninnaji Flower Festival
KyotoKyoto’s Ninnaji Temple is famous for its cherry blossoms. Especially its very own variety, known as Omoro-zakura, which typically blooms a week or so later than the standard-bearer Somei-yoshino variety.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations
KyotoTo celebrate the changing of seasons, Kiyomizu-dera opens up in the evening three times a year (autumn, spring, and summer) and holds an illumination event to brighten up the foliage. The pagoda, temple, and Jojuin Garden will be lit up.
| At the door: ¥400 | ||
Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination
KyotoMaruyama Park is both Kyoto’s most popular hanami spot and a local favorite, so it’s more lively than peaceful. The weeping cherry tree grown from the seed of its 200-year-old predecessor will be illuminated in the evening over the cherry-blossom season.
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
KyotoKyoto’s Nijo Castle is already one of the city’s top cherry blossom (sakura) viewing spots, with roughly 500 trees. But the evening illuminations, which occur nightly, are truly something else.
Okazaki Canal Boat Rides
KyotoThere are countless ways to make the most of cherry blossom season in Kyoto — hanami (blossom viewing) picnics, strolls along the Kamogawa River, and boat rides down the Okazaki Canal.
| Advance sales: ¥2,000 | At the door: ¥2,000 | |
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,000 | |
Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
ShigaHikone Castle is famous for its more than 1,000 sakura trees, and each spring those situated by the moats of the castle are lit up when the sun goes down.
Kantō events
These are events in Ibaraki, Tochigi, and other areas surrounding Tokyo.
Misato Plum Festival
TakasakiGunma’s largest plum-blossom festival, the Misato Plum Festival, transforms Takasaki’s Misato Plum Grove into a sea of white and pink blossoms every year from late February to late March.
Chūbu events
These are events in Nagano, Aichi, Fukui, and surrounding areas.
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
AichiThe Souriike pond is next to a park filled with over 5000 plum trees. There are 25 varieties, and you’ll find the blossoms a long walk or short bus ride from Teramoto Station.
Nagoya Women’s Marathon
NagoyaNagoya Women’s Marathon is sponsored by Tiffany & Co. which makes the race sparkle for all the right reasons. It has claimed the title of the biggest women’s marathon in the world. The race starts and finishes at Vantelin Dome Nagoya, but it also hits the main sights of Nagoya, such as Nagoya Castle.
Tagata Shrine Hōnensai “Penis Festival”
AichiJust like the famous Kanamara “Penis Festival” that takes place near Tokyo every year, this annual celebration at Tagata Shrine in Aichi also promotes a certain phallic object. It is known as the Hōnensai, or Harvest Festival, in Japanese.
Shikoku events
Koinobori at Ōboke Gorge
TokushimaThe view of koinobori (koi carp streamers) hanging above Yoshino River at Ōboke Gorge is worth the visit for Children’s Day.
Kyūshū & Okinawa events
Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival
NagasakiThere’s a little Netherlands in Nagasaki, and in spring it transforms itself into a tulip paradise. There will be several sections in the theme park Huis Ten Bosch that celebrate the flower. Jump on the swing for two at Flower Road, grab some ice cream in Flower Square, feel like royalty at the palace, and enjoy the illuminated tulips at night.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2018. Last updated on February 17, 2025, by Alex Ziminski.
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