Author’s profile
Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives within the Taito Ward, residence to a whole lot of Japanese tradition hotspots similar to Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been within the area of English training in Japan and obtained her Grasp’s diploma in March 2020. A lover of pictures, journey, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her through Fb.
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Among the many 4 seasons in Japan, April is the month when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and spring is in full swing. For overseas guests to Japan, that is really the second when the wonder and tradition of Japan shine brightest, as we enter a season of latest beginnings. Once you go to Japan throughout this time of the 12 months, the streets are crammed with the colours of spring and a wide range of fascinating occasions are held. The entire of Japan comes alive, historical past and traditions harmonize with the trendy world, and April in Japan gives a complete checklist of fascinating actions and occasions, all of which permit guests to totally benefit from the charms of spring in Japan, and all of that are steeped in distinctive Japanese tradition and customs, creating a beautiful and unforgettable expertise. The best way to entry all these wonders, you ask?
Learn alongside and uncover one of the best issues to do that 12 months in April!
1. Cherry Blossom Viewing
In the event you go to Japan in April, you completely can not miss the allure of cherry blossoms. For a very long time, cherry blossoms have held a particular place within the hearts of Japanese folks, and there are lots of stunning cherry blossom viewing spots scattered all through the nation. The blooming time of cherry blossoms varies from area to area and is influenced by the native local weather. So, in case you are planning to view cherry blossoms at a specific location, you may depend on the “Cherry Blossom Full Bloom Forecast Map”. By referring to this map, you may absolutely take pleasure in the fantastic thing about spring in Japan with out lacking the second when the cherry blossoms are at their most stunning.
Forecast web site: Cherry Blossom Forecast
2. Sakura Meals and Drinks
Together with the cherry blossoms that bloom in April, “restricted version cherry blossom sweets” and “cherry blossom tasting drinks” are loved all through Japan. Cherry blossom-flavored cookies, truffles, sweets, and many others., are all obtainable; the elegant aroma of cherry blossoms spreads in your mouth, reminding you of the arrival of spring. At cafes, like the favored Starbucks in addition to different cafes will provide limited-edition cherry blossom-flavored milk tea and café lattes. Particular meals and drinks related to cherry blossoms solely obtainable presently of the 12 months are an important a part of having fun with the magnificence of spring. Benefit from the delicacies of spring whereas being enveloped within the taste of cherry blossoms!
Need to have an opportunity to make (and eat!) your individual Japanese sweets? Try the Making Japanese sweets, Sakura Nerikiri (cherry blossoms) and consuming Matcha expertise Class in Yokohama!
3. Strawberry Choosing
The strawberry season, which is available in spring, is loved and beloved by many individuals all through Japan. Strawberry farms all through Japan maintain particular strawberry selecting occasions throughout this time of 12 months, the place guests can take pleasure in all of the candy and scrumptious Japanese strawberries they will eat. You may benefit from the scrumptious style of strawberries they’ve picked themselves whereas hand-picking contemporary, fruitful strawberries. Strawberry selecting is an opulent expertise the place you may benefit from the arrival of spring and scrumptious strawberries on the similar time.
For a handy strawberry selecting journey, you may take a bus tour to Mom Farm in Chiba prefecture from Tokyo!
4. Go to Flower Competition
On this magical season, Japan explodes with flower festivals throughout the nation. However amongst these, a quieter but deeply shifting celebration unfolds: Hanamatsuri, the Buddha’s Birthday. On April eighth, temples throughout Japan, together with Tokyo’s beloved Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, honor Bussho-e, the day of Buddha’s delivery. At Sensoji, an attractive depiction of his delivery graces the principle corridor, and solemn, peaceable ceremonies are held. Although Hanamatsuri is a serene affair, it holds a particular allure, not like the colourful, bustling festivals we regularly think about. You could find distinctive amulets and spiritual keepsakes, treasures solely obtainable on today, including a contact of the sacred to your go to. The aromatic blossoms, the mild rituals, and the heat of the spring sunshine mix to make a easy temple go to really feel really extraordinary.
When: April 8, yearly
5. Go Clam Digging
Prepared for a very off-the-beaten-path expertise? Strive your hand at clam digging! Clam digging, or shiohigari, is a pleasant custom that’s nonetheless alive and kicking. Candy and briny clams are a staple, typically gracing miso soups or steamed with sake. And whilst you may seize them on the retailer, why not expertise the fun of the hunt? Whereas this was an important exercise within the olden days, it grew to become a springtime leisure exercise for the Japanese within the Edo interval. You may even strive it close to Tokyo! Kisarazu Nakanoshima Park in Chiba is a seashell paradise overflowing with clams of many varieties and sizes. Image your self sifting by the sand, discovering these little gems, and should you’re fortunate sufficient to have a kitchen at your Airbnb or are staying in an house resort, think about the feast you’ll be capable of convey again and create! It’s a easy pleasure, a connection to the ocean, and a singular technique to expertise Japanese tradition.
Web site: Kisarazu Nakanoshima Park (price: Adults from Jr. Highschool college students and above, 2000 yen/2 kg., Kids 4 and up, 1100 yen/1 kg.)
6. Make Plans for Golden Week
Ah, Golden Week! Japan’s main vacation time is from late April to early Could. That is when the entire nation appears to pause, take a deep breath, and have a good time with nationwide holidays like Structure Day and Kids’s Day. Lengthy holidays are a uncommon deal with in Japan, so Golden Week is a treasured probability for everybody to discover. You’ll see busy prepare stations, households setting off on adventures, and the joyful buzz of a nation embracing its day without work. However right here’s a pleasant heads-up: in style spots replenish quick, and Shinkansen trains typically require reserved tickets solely through the holidays. So, should you dream of becoming a member of the journey, e book your lodging and prepare tickets early! That manner, with a bit of planning, you may dive headfirst into the Golden Week adventures.
When: April 29 – Could 5, 2025
7. Get pleasure from Easter Occasions
Maintain on a second. You may be questioning: Is Easter in Japan? Whereas it’s true that Japan isn’t a Christian nation, the nation nonetheless blossoms with Easter occasions! Although not a nationwide vacation, Japan embraces Easter with its personal aptitude. There are many probabilities to take pleasure in spring treats at Ikea’s Easter Truthful or sip afternoon tea at a whimsical Easter picnic on the Tokyo Prince Lodge. For a really immersive expertise, Common Studios Japan in Osaka goes full-on kawaii throughout its Easter celebration, that includes vigorous “Egg Dances” and charming character greetings. And Tokyo Disneyland transforms into an Easter wonderland for 2 months, beginning on April 1, full with egg hunts, dazzling parades, themed menus, and cute souvenirs. It’s a celebration of springtime cheer, the place the spirit of Easter intertwines with Japan’s love for all issues cute.
8. Watch Sports activities
When April arrives, the hearts of sports activities followers all through Japan are crammed with pleasure. It is because the baseball season is about to start, and groups start to place forth their greatest effort to win the season championship. With a variety of expertise, from rookies to veterans, baseball video games are stuffed with sensible moments. Soccer can be hitting full stride this time of 12 months, because the season begins in early spring. Please come to Japan to share within the pleasure and pleasure of the season openers and expertise the fascination of sports activities in Japan!
9. Go on a Picnic
If you end up in Japan throughout April, do your self a favor: pack up some tasty treats and head to a park or backyard for a pleasant picnic. You’ll take part on the cherished custom of hanami, the place everybody gathers to welcome spring’s heat and indulge in the fantastic thing about the cherry blossoms. However even after the final cherry blossom petal has fluttered to the bottom, the spring climate stays excellent for picnicking. The air continues to be crisp and contemporary, the solar is shining, and the parks are bursting with vibrant inexperienced leaves and colourful flowers. So, whether or not it’s beneath cherry blossoms or just having fun with the sunshine, seize your favourite picnic goodies and savor the straightforward pleasure of a spring day in Japan!
10. Ashikaga Flower Park Spring Competition
Ashikaga Flower Park is a theme park of lovely flowers in Tochigi Prefecture. About 30,000 brightly coloured tulips fill the park with flowers, enveloping guests in a nice spring air. From mid-April to mid-Could, the park is particularly at its greatest with the spectacular wisteria flowers. The attractive purple shade of the wisteria is mesmerizing to behold and leaves one moved past phrases. The scent of wisteria and the gorgeous purple flowers wafting by the park mix to offer guests a style of spring in all its splendor. Come to Ashikaga Flower Park to really feel the arrival of spring and revel in a second of peace and tranquility whereas experiencing the fantastic thing about nature.
Web site: Ashikaga Flower Park Spring Competition
11. Nemophila Viewing at Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a pure park situated in Ibaraki Prefecture, and is a well-liked spot for each native and worldwide guests. Particularly in mid-April, nemophila spreads all around the park, enveloping it in a carpet of blue flowers. The sight is nearly magical, and the park is a favourite photogenic spot. Hitachi Seaside Park is a spot the place the approaching of spring and delightful flowers are in concord, offering a beautiful and memorable expertise.
Web site: Hitachi Seaside Park
12. Hit Okinawa’s Seashores
April in Japan continues to be a bit chilly, with occasional days requiring a jacket. Nevertheless, in case you are in search of a hotter place, Okinawa is the right alternative; the temperature there in April is hotter than in Honshu, and is taken into account to be very comfy. The attractive waters of Okinawa provide the right atmosphere for diving, sunbathing on the seaside, or simply enjoyable and taking it simple. You’ll take pleasure in enjoyable within the spring climate in Okinawa, the place delicate temperatures and delightful nature coexist.
13. Takayama Competition
The Takayama Competition is held in Takayama Metropolis, Gifu Prefecture, twice a 12 months: the Sanno Competition within the spring and the Hachiman Competition within the fall. The spring Sanno Competition particularly is acclaimed as one of many three most stunning festivals in Japan. Held yearly from April 14 to fifteen, it’s a outstanding pageant that’s wealthy in native custom and tradition. A transportable shrine is about up on the heart of the pageant, and lion dances and conventional music are carried out in splendid style. The ability of the shishi dance (lion dance) and the rhythm of the cockfighting music add a singular liveliness and vitality to the pageant. The pageant is certain to convey pleasure and emotion to all who go to. On the evening of the 14th, particularly, the city is adorned with about 100 lanterns, that are paraded by the streets. The procession of those floats, lit by the twinkling lights of the lanterns, creates a dreamlike and delightful spectacle. The evening of the Takayama Competition is a combination of custom and creativity, inviting the viewer right into a world of fantasy.
When: April 14 – 15, yearly
14. Kamakura Competition
The Kamakura Competition is a standard sightseeing occasion that has been held since 1959, and is a colourful springtime occasion in Kamakura. Held yearly from the second Sunday to the third Sunday in April, the pageant is centered round Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine and options a wide range of occasions similar to Shizunomai (dancing in silence) and Nodate (outside tea ceremony). The primary occasion of the pageant is called “Yabusame (horse again Archery on horseback)”. An archery rider gallops towards the goal on horseback and hits the goal with arrows with nice accuracy, which is a really highly effective sight. This conventional horseback archery is without doubt one of the highlights of the Kamakura Competition and attracts many guests. Please really feel the arrival of spring on the Kamakura Competition, the place native historical past and tradition are alive and properly.
When: April 13 – 20, 2025
Web site: Kamakura Competition
15. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
A spot the place you may take pleasure in snow despite the fact that it’s spring season? That’s the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. When the Route turns into open to the general public for the primary time within the 12 months, it’s really a sight to behold. Snow partitions reaching 20 meters excessive, which could be described as grooves that appear to have been carved into the snow, are its attribute sight. These snow partitions tower over the roadway, and their energy is overwhelming! They’re undoubtedly properly value seeing. For any followers of Mario Kart, they might remind you of a sure course from the N64 sport. Benefit from the snowy surroundings and spend a second mesmerized by the fantastic thing about nature on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in spring.
Web site: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
April is a tremendous time to go to Japan, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and you’ll really feel the start of a brand new season. We hope you discovered one thing that excites you about having fun with Japan within the spring! We hope that every one guests to Japan will create fantastic recollections throughout this season when you may really feel the fusion of Japanese custom and modernity. You may take pleasure in all kinds of actions similar to cherry blossom viewing, conventional festivals, and concrete style occasions
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