Spring in Japan is a bit like a daydream: cherry blossom trees, fresh air that smells of renewal, and of course... festivals!

If you come to Japan at this time of year, get ready to discover some incredible events that combine age-old traditions with a festive atmosphere. Here are our favourite spring festivals, the ones that always thrill us!

🌸 1. Hanami and Sakura Matsuri (March-April)

It's impossible to talk about spring in Japan without mentioning the famous Sakura Matsuri! All over the country, parks are transformed into veritable havens of poetry, with cherry blossoms creating a magical atmosphere.

Here are a few not-to-be-missed spots:

• Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Tokyo): Imagine over 1,000 cherry blossoms, lanterns lit up at night and a festive atmosphere... This is one of the best spots for hanami!
• Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori): Here, Hirosaki Castle is surrounded by a sea of pink petals. It's just breathtaking!
• Maruyama Park Hanami (Kyoto): A hanami under a huge weeping cherry tree, with sublime illuminations... Romantic and bewitching!

Pack your bento, find a nice spot under the sakura trees and enjoy the moment!

🎎 2. Takayama Spring Matsuri (14-15 April, Takayama, Gifu prefecture)

Takayama is a charming little town, and its spring festival is one of the most beautiful in Japan! For two days, huge, richly decorated floats (yatai) parade through the streets. Some are even animated by impressive mechanical puppets! In the evening, lanterns light up the city, adding a magical atmosphere to the festival.

If you want to feel the soul of traditional Japan, this is THE festival not to be missed!

🌸 3. Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri (mid-April to end of May, Yamanashi)

Imagine a carpet of 800,000 pink and purple flowers at the foot of Mount Fuji... Yes, it does exist! This festival features the shibazakura (mossy phlox), a small flower that literally colors the landscape.

It's one of spring's most photogenic spots! And as a bonus, you can sample local specialities while admiring the view.

 

👘 4. Aoi Matsuri (15 May, Kyoto)

Back to Kyoto, but this time for a trip back in time! The Aoi Matsuri is a hyper-elegant festival where participants wear sumptuous costumes from the Heian era (we're talking 8ᵉ to 12ᵉ century!).
A long procession crosses the city to the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines. It's a bit like seeing a scene from a historical film, but in real life!

🎭 5. 5. Hakata Dontaku (3-4 May, Fukuoka)

If you're looking for a fun, lively festival, head for Fukuoka! With over 2 million visitors, it's one of Japan's busiest festivals.
Everyone dances, sings, and parades through the streets in colorful costumes and traditional fans. The atmosphere is electric, and even if you don't know the dance steps, you can join in the fun!

⛩ 6. Kanda Matsuri (mid-May, Tokyo - odd-numbered years)

Tokyo also knows how to party! The Kanda Matsuri is a spectacular festival where huge portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the famous Akihabara district in an impressive parade.

It's a perfect blend of spirituality and festivity, with a truly unique energy. If you're in Tokyo on an odd-numbered year in May, you absolutely can't miss it!

Spring festivals are the perfect blend of tradition, nature and celebration! Whether you're a fan of flowery landscapes, ancestral culture or ultra-dynamic events, there's bound to be a festival to please you during this great time of year!

So, which one appeals to you most? Have you already experienced one? 😊✨