Traditional Festivals Archives

Cherry blossoms, spring festivals, and the promise of summer make April a beautiful time to be in Japan. No matter where you are in the country, you're bound to get your fix of flowers and traditional events. It's also one of the best times of the year to see geisha in Kyoto. For events in Tokyo and surrounds, have a look at our event listings on Tokyo Cheapo. Kansai events These are events in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Mie, and the surrounding areas. Heian Jingu Reisai Festival April 15–16 Heian Jingū Shrine, Kyoto Traditional ceremonies and blooming flowers An annual opportunity to see local geiko and maiko (Kyoto's geisha and geisha-in-training). The two-day event features musical performances, a tea ceremony, and dances, as well as traditional ceremonies. Miyako Odori April 1–30 Gion Kōbu Kaburenjō Theater, Kyoto Geiko and maiko performances in a traditional theater This is the annual performance of geiko and maiko from different districts and is known as the dance of the capital. Enjoy the performance in the renovated Kaburenjō Theater, which has hosted the show since 1873. Hikiyama Festival April 9–17 Nagahama Station, Shiga Kids doing kabuki theater performances This festival is celebrated for its children's kabuki theater, called kodomo kabuki. The floats wheeled through town have stages built into them, and the young children perform as they move through the streets. Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing April 5–11 Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka Illuminated hanami Only open to the public for a few days each year (reservations required), the Osaka Mint buildings have an amazing variety of trees, which are illuminated in the evening. They have a lot of yaezakura (late-blooming flowers with more petals), so it's great if you are a tad late for the regular blooming period. Kawanishi Genji Festival April 6 Kawanishi, Hyōgo Traditional parade Honoring the historical text Tale of Genji, the Kawanishi Genji Festival features a parade of traditional dress from the Heian period, which was considered to be the height of Japanese culture. One person appears as Genji and rides a white horse; this is the highlight of the procession. Kemari Festival April 29 Tanzan Shrine, Nara Shinto rituals and ball games Celebrating the traditional ball game (kemari), this festival sees local priests enter the shrine and perform a beautiful procession and rituals. Visitors can explore the shrine gardens and play kemari themselves at the event. Kanto events These are events just outside of Tokyo, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, and the surrounding areas. Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival April 12–May 18 Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi Blooming wisteria flowers Ashikaga Flower Park's annual Great Wisteria Festival is the place to see pretty purple wisteria -- fuji no hana in Japanese -- in all its glory. And also to see less common varieties in pink, white, and yellow. Basically it's a really big park with LOTS of wisteria! Hokkaidō events Here's what's happening in Hokkaidō this spring. Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival April 19–May 11 Matsumae Castle, Ōshima Blooming cherry blossoms Ōshima's Matsumae Castle is the prefecture's top cherry blossom viewing spot. It's also Hokkaidō's only castle and Japan's northernmost one. There are over 10,000 cherry trees here, representing some 250 varieties that bloom in succession over the course of a month -- from the Somei-yoshino type in late April, to the many-petaled Kikuzakura in late May. Tōhoku events These are events in Aomori, Miyagi, and the surrounding areas. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival April 18–May 5 Hirosaki Castle, Aomori Blooming cherry blossoms and food stalls Hirosaki's 2,600 trees are late bloomers, offering a second chance to see the famous cherry blossom petals. There will be food stalls and a festival feel, as well as rowboats to explore the castle moat. A loop bus gets you there from the station, so it's an easy day out in Aomori. Hiroshima events These are events in Hiroshima and the surrounding areas. Hiroshima Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing April 11–17 Japan Mint Hiroshima, Hiroshima Illuminated late-blooming sakura Like Osaka, the normally off-limits Hiroshima Mint buildings have an amazing variety of trees, which are illuminated in the evening. They have a lot of yaezakura (late-blooming flowers with more petals), so it's perfect if you are late for the regular sakura blooming period. Kintai Bridge Festival April 29 Kintai Bridge, Yamaguchi Battle reenactments Making the most of the fantastic bridge, this annual festival celebrates the return of daimyo to the city after time spent in the capital. In traditional Edo-era costume, locals and representatives from the nearby US military base reenact the march and are met by armour-wearing samurai challengers, before a battle ensues. Chūbu events These are events in Nagano, Aichi, Fukui, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and surrounding areas. Shizuoka Matsuri April 4–6 Shizuoka Station, Shizuoka Performances, food stalls, and cherry blossoms As the region's biggest spring festival, this three-day event is a sight to behold and is filled with entertainment and performances. There is a yatai-mura (a food stall village), nebuta floats, cherry blossoms, parades, performances, and cosplay, so you'll be well entertained. Inuyama Festival April 5–6 Haritsuna Shrine, Aichi An Intangible Cultural Property-worthy festival This spring festival features impressive processions of 13 three-leveled dashi -- traditional wheeled floats covered in lanterns. Dating back to 1635, the festival was recognized as an "Intangible Cultural Property" in 2006 by the Japanese government. During the festival, there is a performance by karakuri (traditional mechanized puppets), and they cover the floats with lanterns during the evening. Fuji Shibazakura April 13–May 26 Fuji Motosuko Resort, Yamanashi Blooming flowers with Fuji views This is a great time to see Mount Fuji and enjoy the local delicacies. The Shibazakura festival offers carpets of stunningly bright flowers leading up to the mountain slopes. The moss phlox flowers are known as lawn cherries. Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival April 1–13 Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, Yamanashi Sakura, Mt. Fuji, and market stalls Cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji are a match made in flower heaven, so take this chance to visit Lake Kawaguchiko in spring. Along with lakeside walks accompanied by dozens of cherry trees, there will be a craft market and illuminations at the main site from sunset. Takayama Spring Festival April 14–15 Hie Shrine, Gifu One of Japan's most famous traditional festivals One of the area's two biggest festivals (the other is in autumn), this event takes place against the stunning backdrop of Hida Takayama. It features processions of large floats, mikoshi, marionette performances, and plenty of impressive costumes and displays. This is one of the best opportunities to see a large-scale festival this early in the year. Kyūshū & Okinawa events What to look out for in Okinawa this season. Hanabi Illusion Fireworks April 19 Naha, Okinawa Elaborate pre-summer fireworks festival One of the earliest firework festivals of the year, this event is sponsored by Japan Airlines and is held in Ginowan Seaside Park and Tropical Beach. There are live performances, music, and plenty of food and drink to choose from. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2018. Last updated in March 2025 by Alex Ziminski.

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