Events in Japan

Okinawa International Culture Festival

The Okinawa International Cultural Festival is bringing together locals, tourists, artists, and even a mascot for a two-day celebration of film.

Expo ’70 Sakura Expo

Expo '70 Commemorative Park is known for being one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.

Shingen-kō Festival and Samurai Parade

According to organizers, this is the largest samurai parade in the world.

Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2026

There's a little Netherlands in Nagasaki and in spring it transforms itself into a tulip paradise.

Beppu Onsen Festival

Show your gratitude for some of Japan's most sought-after thermal waters at the Beppu Onsen Festival

Inuyama Festival

Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Inuyama Festival

Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka

Hirakata Park’s illuminations return. Explore seven themed light areas, including a 13-meter Flower and Fairy Tree, 500 glowing lanterns, and 20 illuminated rides.

Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations

For just a short window in late March and early April, the sakura in Gion's Shirakawa area are illuminated.

Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination

The light-up event of the weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park in Kyoto is a must-see annual tradition.

Miharu Takizakura Cherry Blossom Light up

Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima is known as the "waterfall cherry tree" and is one of Japan's major cherry blossoms spots.

Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing

See late blooming cherry blossoms in Osaka this spring.

Yodogawa Park Cherry Blossom Festival

A 1.4 km stretch of cherry trees in full bloom, food stalls serving seasonal bites, and a riverside path perfect for a slow stroll under the petals.

Imamiya Shrine Yasurai Festival

Step under the flowers and shake off bad luck at Kyoto’s Yasurai Festival, one of the city’s three most unusual traditional celebrations.

Kyoto Toji Temple Cherry Blossom Illuminations

Kyoto is no stranger to spectacular sakura views, but Toji Temple's nighttime atmosphere is something else entirely.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026

Tokyo-based art collective Naked once again has a hand in these stunning, seasonal illuminations.

Okazaki Canal Boat Rides

See the beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom from the water.

Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination

With extended evening hours, food stalls, and a rare chance to see Osaka’s iconic castle framed by illuminated cherry blossoms, this is nighttime sakura viewing at its most enchanting.

Takayama Spring Festival

The Takayama Spring Festival is one of Japan's most famous festivals.

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

This annual festival features an opportunity to see geiko (the geisha of Kyoto).

Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2026

This nighttime event lights up the thousands of cherry blossoms at Hikone Castle near Lake Biwa.

Hiroshima Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing

The Hiroshima branch of the Japan Mint has a garden of late blossoming cherry trees.

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

See children's kabuki performances atop floats.

Arakurayama Sengen Park (Mount Fuji) Cherry Blossom Festival

The highlight of this Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival is the classic image of Japan you may see in guidebooks or blogs.

Hanabi Illusion 2026

Japan's earliest 'summer fireworks festival' takes place in Okinawa in April!