Spring in Japan is pure magic. The air is crisp, cherry blossoms explode in shades of pink, and the country collectively wakes up from winter with festivals, food, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re visiting or living here, spring offers some of the best experiences Japan has to offer. Here’s a list of 10 must-try spring activities to make the most of the season.
1. Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) – 花見
If Japan had an official sport in spring, it’d be hanami—the art of appreciating cherry blossoms while snacking and sipping drinks under the trees. Parks like Ueno Park (Tokyo), Maruyama Park (Kyoto), and Osaka Castle Park transform into picnic heaven. Grab a bento, some sake, and a blue tarp, and enjoy this fleeting beauty with friends.
🔹 Best Time: Late March to early April (varies by region)
🔹 Pro Tip: Go early to claim a good spot—popular parks fill up fast!
2. Sakura-Themed Food and Drinks
Spring is the season of limited-edition everything in Japan. You’ll find cherry blossom-flavored mochi, lattes, KitKats, and even beer. Starbucks Japan launches a new sakura drink every year, while convenience stores flood their shelves with pink-colored sweets.
🔹 Must-Try: Sakura mochi (a pink rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf)
🔹 Where to Find: Convenience stores, cafes, and department stores
3. Explore Kyoto’s Spring Temples
Kyoto in spring is a dream. Kiyomizudera, Ninna-ji, and To-ji are breathtaking when framed by cherry blossoms. If you want something less crowded, visit Haradani-en Garden, a hidden sakura paradise.
🔹 Best Time: Early to mid-April
🔹 Pro Tip: Go for an early morning visit to avoid tourist crowds.
4. Ride the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Snow Walls!)
Spring in Japan isn’t just about flowers—it’s also about walls of snow taller than buses. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in April, letting visitors walk through the famous Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Corridor), where walls of snow reach up to 20 meters (65 feet) high.
🔹 Best Time: Mid-April to June
🔹 Location: Between Toyama and Nagano Prefectures
5. Join a Spring Festival (Matsuri – 祭り)
Spring means matsuri (festivals), and Japan knows how to throw a party. Some of the best include:
- Takayama Spring Festival (April 14–15) – Features beautifully decorated floats.
- Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo) (Mid-May, held in odd-numbered years) – One of Japan’s biggest festivals.
- Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Late April–Early May) – Over 2,500 cherry trees in bloom.
🔹 Best Part: Food stalls selling yakitori, taiyaki, and takoyaki.
6. Go on a Strawberry Picking Adventure (いちご狩り – Ichigo-gari)
Spring = strawberry season in Japan, and ichigo-gari (strawberry picking) is a popular activity. Many farms offer all-you-can-eat strawberry picking for a fixed time (usually 30–60 minutes).
🔹 Best Spots: Chiba, Tochigi, and Shizuoka Prefectures
🔹 Season: January to May
7. Walk Through Wisteria Tunnels at Ashikaga Flower Park
Move over, cherry blossoms—wisteria (fuji – 藤) is another springtime superstar. The Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is home to tunnels of cascading purple wisteria, making it one of Japan’s most mesmerizing floral displays.
🔹 Best Time: Late April to early May
🔹 Location: Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi
8. Take a Bike Ride Around the Countryside
With the mild weather and blooming landscapes, spring is perfect for cycling. The Shimanami Kaido is a breathtaking 70km cycling route connecting Japan’s main island to Shikoku via scenic bridges over the Seto Inland Sea.
🔹 Other Great Cycling Spots:
- Kibiji Cycling Route (Okayama) – Historic shrines & fields
- Biwaichi (Lake Biwa, Shiga) – Japan’s largest lake
9. Enjoy a Relaxing Onsen in a Cherry Blossom Setting
There’s nothing better than soaking in an outdoor onsen while surrounded by cherry blossoms. Some of the best sakura onsen spots include:
- Hakone Yuryo (Kanagawa) – Easy day-trip from Tokyo
- Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – A charming hot spring town
- Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara (Hakone) – Luxury with a view
🔹 Best Time: Late March–early April
10. Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Spring
Spring is a perfect time to experience sadō (茶道, the way of tea). Many tea houses serve seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) inspired by spring flowers.
🔹 Where to Try:
- Happo-en (Tokyo) – Beautiful garden setting
- Camellia Tea House (Kyoto) – Near Kiyomizudera
- Fukujuen Uji Tea House (Kyoto) – In the heart of Uji, Japan’s green tea capital
Final Thoughts
Spring in Japan is a season of beauty, adventure, and delicious food. Whether you’re picnicking under cherry blossoms, cycling through the countryside, or soaking in a hot spring, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do.
Which of these activities are you most excited to try? 🌸🚴♂️🍵
link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.typekit.net/cxt8und.css"
