Events in Japan

“Light of Versailles” Winter Illumination

A winter illumination event involving fountains, water, and lots of lights.

Kyoto Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Tōji Temple Flea Market

Visit Tōji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kobo-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Jonan-gu Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival

This is what Kyoto in early spring is all about. Witness weeping plum and camellia blossoms at the city's Jonan-gu Shrine.

Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market

Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month.

Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a brisk spring night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

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.

Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato Winter Illuminations

Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato's winter illuminations return. This time, there's fireworks, too.

Punkspring Osaka

Relive the glory days of punk and emo at Punkspring Osaka.

Light Cycles Kyoto

The Kyoto Botanical Gardens get a night-time glow-up.

Misato Plum Festival

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

Glover Garden Night Illumination

Get your dose of local history while also enjoying pretty nighttime illuminations.

Grand Sumo Minoh Expo Tournament

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

Kitano Odori Geisha Performance

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

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.

Illuminations 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.

Laguna Ten Bosch Illuminations

These illuminations are award-winning.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

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

Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2026

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

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.

Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival

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