Events in Japan

Misato Plum Festival

Plum blossoms, ume snacks, and sweeping views. Misato’s plum season is unmissable.

Monet & Friends Alive Exhibition in Kobe

Calling all art lovers—dive into Monet & Friends Alive, a multisensory experience that brings the magic of Impressionist masterpieces to life.

Kyoto Antique Fair

The Kyoto Antique Fair, western Japan’s largest, gathers over 350 dealers offering kimono, ceramics, relics, and more.

Kyoto Hanezu Dance and Plum Festival

An enchanting festival with a dark backstory. Witness beautiful plum blossoms and a solemn dance at the Hanezu Odori Dance Festival in Kyoto.

Grand Sumo Minoh Expo Tournament

Sumo Minoh Expo is one of the most highly-anticipated sumo events of the year.

Kitano Odori

The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (April)

Watch a dynamic procession featuring a massive dragon puppet at the Seiryu-e Dragon Festival in Kyoto.

Umekoji Handicrafts Market

Discover handmade treasures and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Kyoto’s Umekoji Handicrafts Market, a monthly gathering of artisans and creators.

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.

Beppu Onsen Festival

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

Shingen-kō Festival and Samurai Parade

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

Expo ’70 Sakura Expo

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

F1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix

Japan's premier motor racing event takes place at the Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture each year.

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.

Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2025

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

Shizuoka Matsuri

The Shizuoka Festival is Shizuoka City's biggest spring festival.

Inuyama Festival

Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Inuyama Festival

Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

Nagoya's biggest spring festival will be taking place on the grounds of the famous Nagoya Castle.

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.

Hiroshima Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing

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

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2025

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