Events This Week in Japan

Gundam Next Future Final Exhibition in Osaka

Gundam Next Future Final celebrates the legacy of Gundam and bring fans together to rediscover everything they love about the iconic franchise.

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 2025

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

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

See children's kabuki performances atop floats.

Hiroshima Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing

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

Hanabi Illusion 2025

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

Nagano Marathon 2025

Pound the asphalt or cheer from the sidelines at the Nagano Marathon.

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025

The Atami Marine Fireworks have been lighting up the east coast of the Izu Peninsula since 1952.

Kyo Odori

A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.

Miyako Odori Geiko Performance

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by Kyoto's geisha.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.

Osaka Nemophila Festival

Two blues meet when a million nemophila flowers bloom in front of Osaka Bay.

Ninnaji Flower Festival

See the cherry blossom festivals at Ninnaji Flower Festival.

Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations

Kyoto's Kōdai-ji Temple features one of the city's most stunning springtime illuminations, complete with projection mapping and Zen vibes.

Osaka Castle Spring Festival

Make the most of sakura season at the Osaka Castle Spring Festival.

Kyotographie International Photography Festival

This international photography festival around Kyoto is a great way to discover compelling photography from Japan and around the world.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate sakura at Hokkaidō's top cherry blossom viewing spot.

Kyotophonie Borderless Spring Festival

Kyotophonie brings a diverse lineup of music and art performances to Kyoto this spring.

Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival

See the natural beauty of fields of wisterias at this mesmerizing display.

teamLab Nemophila Illumination

An outdoor night museum, with nemophila in the spotlight. This seasonal installation by international art collective teamLab is worth checking out.

Fukui Pokémon Fossil Museum

Science and imagination meet in the form of glowing fossils and Pokémon prehistory.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

See the colorful and vibrant flower fields at the base of Mt. Fuji