TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Experiencing spring in Japan has long been a dream of many people. Instantly, one image comes to mind: delicate cherry blossoms painting the landscape in soft shades of pink.
Yet while the blooming sakura effortlessly steals the spotlight, the charm of spring in Japan extends far beyond its petals. Rich cultural traditions and an abundance of seasonal activities make any journey between March and May especially rewarding.
Here’s your seasonal guide to spring in Japan, according to Klook and Japan Airlines.
When Is Spring in Japan?
Spring in Japan typically spans from March to May and is defined by pleasantly cool weather, averaging around 12 degrees Celsius, offering the ideal setting for outdoor exploration. Although it is known as the busiest travel season, the crowds often feel like a small price to pay.
After all, at nearly every turn, visitors are greeted by cherry trees in full bloom, transforming cities and countryside alike into living postcards.
According to the cherry blossom forecast, peak bloom usually begins in mid-March. However, the exact timing varies by region.
Cultural Traditions During Spring in Japan
More than just a change in season, spring in Japan carries deep cultural significance. As snow melts and temperatures grow gentler, the season symbolizes renewal and new beginnings. It is during this time that cherished traditions come to life.
1. Aoi Matsuri
As noted by the Japanese National Tourism Organization, Aoi Matsuri is the nation’s oldest and most celebrated parade. Held annually in Kyoto on May 15, the festival presents glimpses of the city’s past, having around 500 people march in Heian-period attire from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines.
2. Kanda Matsuri
When Kyoto celebrates Aoi Matsuri, Tokyo ushers in the seasonal festivities with Kanda Matsuri. As one of the city’s three major Shinto festivals, the event centers on prayers for prosperity and good fortune.
The celebration comes to life through vibrant parades featuring more than 200 mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional music, and grand processions winding through neighborhoods such as Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi, and Akihabara.
3. Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair
When spring in Japan, Jindaiji Temple hosts one of the country’s most famed Daruma doll festivals. Representing perseverance and good luck, these unique Japanese dolls are known for their round shape, vivid red color, and hollow interior.
The Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair ushers in the belief of new beginnings with prayers, rituals, and long-held customs. Here, visitors can purchase a Daruma doll and have their wish written on the back by the seller. Traditionally, the left eye of the doll is marked to indicate that the wish has been made.
4. Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival
Taking a dip in an onsen is one of the most authentic ways to experience local culture, especially when Beppu is your destination. Named the hot springs capital of Japan, spring further elevates the experience with the Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival, during which admission to more than 100 hot springs is free.
Set against a delightful seasonal weather, visitors can embrace the festivities through traditional dance performances, lively parades, and taiko drum concerts.
Top Things to Do During Spring in Japan
Alongside these atmospheric festivals, visitors are warmly welcomed to discover some of the top things to do during spring in Japan. Whether you’re drawn to tranquil flower viewing or prefer more active interests, here are must-do experiences for every type of traveler.
1. Fruit Picking
Spring signals the start of Japan’s fruit-picking season, and strawberries are at the heart of it. Across the country, many farms open their doors to visitors, offering fresh produce and all-you-can-eat picking experiences amid the backdrop of peaceful countryside.
Tochigi, Nagano, and Yamanashi are among the most popular regions for this seasonal delight.
2. Hanami
It’s no spring in Japan without the quintessential tradition of hanami, or flower viewing. This iconic custom brings together friends and family for picnics beneath blooming cherry trees, where petals drift overhead and time seems to slow.
Some of the most beloved spots for hanami include Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and Yamanashi’s Fuji Five Lakes.
3. Nature Walks
With comfortable temperatures and landscapes coming back to life, spring is an ideal time for nature walks. Of all the many scenic routes, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route shines the brightest for taking visitors through breathtaking mountain scenery.
One of its highlights is the famed Tateyama Snow Corridor, which is best experienced in spring, when towering walls of snow create a truly surreal landscape.
With its fleeting blossoms, mild weather, and seasonal traditions, spring offers one of the most rewarding times to experience Japan. The season invites visitors to slow down and take part in moments that only come once a year through a series of traditions and seasonal delights.
Read: Shunning Japan, Chinese Tourists Turn to South Korea During Lunar New Year
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