The breathtakingly beautiful and widely popular island country of Japan is one of those destinations you simply have to see for yourself. You can visit any time of year since Japan offers many exciting attractions in every season. However, some attractions are more enjoyable, or even only available, during springtime.
That’s why Expat Explore has compiled this list of the top attractions to experience in Japan during spring. If you’re planning a springtime journey to Japan, these activities and destinations should be on your itinerary!
Explore the top spring attractions in Japan:
Setsubun Celebrations
The first springtime event to add to your Japan itinerary is the Setsubun Festival which marks the start of spring. Celebrated the day before spring begins, Setsubun is meant to start the new season afresh by leaving negativity and evil spirits behind.
The Setsubun Festival repels demons and welcomes fortune into the new year through rituals, including a bean-throwing event and a special type of sushi called Ehomaki, a long sushi roll eaten for the luck it represents.
Related: Discover the top 6 Japanese festivals that you simply have to experience!
Sakura Season
One of the attractions that Japan is best known for is the annual blooming of Sakura (cherry blossom trees). These beautiful white and pink blossoms can only be seen once a year for about two weeks in spring. Consider planning your trip to Japan around the cherry blossom blooms at the end of March.
This time frame might be limiting, but cherry blossoms can be seen almost anywhere in Japan during spring. Some standout spots to view cherry blossoms in bloom include Osaka Castle, the Imperial Palace and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Related: Explore the top 24 things to do in Japan!
Whimsical Wisteria
While cherry blossoms are arguably the most synonymous with Japan, the vibrant and nature-rich country is also home to other beauties in bloom. Take the Wisteria Tunnel at the Kawachi Fuji Garden, for example. These lilac blooms form the most magical fairytale tunnel accessible by boat to create a scene straight out of a dream or fantasy!
If you ever find yourself in Northern Kyushu around springtime, do yourself a favour and pay the Kawachi Fuji Garden a visit. Just keep in mind that this is a popular time to see the gardens at their best, so be prepared for some crowds.
Related: Not sure when to visit? Discover the best times to see Japan’s top attractions!
Sakura snacks
Since cherry blossom trees are a Japanese symbol and spring is sakura season, it should come as no surprise that these blossoms are used in a variety of ways every year, one of which is transforming them into tasty treats. If you’re planning on visiting Japan in springtime, be sure to sink your teeth into these delicious sakura snacks.
Try top favourites such as sakura mochi, sakura yokan, sakura sake, and pickled sakura! What better way to get to know Japan than one bite at a time?
Related: Take a look at Japan’s top famous foods to try on your trip!
Green Tea Games
Another spring attraction that represents a symbol of Japanese culture is the annual tea farm harvest or Ichibancha. Green tea farmers start their annual harvest in May, so visitors to Japan in spring can look forward to learning about Japanese green tea firsthand!
Be sure to visit tea plantations in Shizuoka in spring for an unforgettable experience, including chakabuki – a traditional Japanese game where you identify different types of tea. Top tip, our Highlights of Japan tour includes a visit to a green tea farm in Shizuoka!
Related: Get the lowdown on Japan straight from our founders!
Savour Strawberries
Springtime in Japan also means time to savour fresh fruit, especially the big and juicy strawberries grown there. If you’d like to taste some of the world’s best strawberries, try your hand at strawberry picking on one of the many farms around Tokyo!
Since strawberry picking season runs from December to May, travellers who visit in spring are sure to have an incredible experience on the farms.
Related: Have any questions? Here’s everything you need to know about Japan before visiting!
Mount Fuji
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll know that Mount Fuji is a sight to behold no matter when you see it. From skiing in winter to summer summit hikes, Mount Fuji always has something to offer. However, spring offers magical moments with Mount Fuji – the clear air means increased visibility, while the peaks are stunningly snowy thanks to the recent winter.
What’s more, if you time your spring visit correctly, you can attend one of Japan’s best springtime events right here at Mount Fuji. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a flower festival like something out of a dream! Enjoy stunning views of the iconic cherry blossoms, as well as the shibazakura, a pink moss you simply must see.
Related: Explore more of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges!
Picnic In Paradise
Another must-see Japanese attraction in spring is the iconic Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Apart from the 144 acres of plant life, Shinjuku Gyoen is also the perfect destination for a Hanami Picnic.
Hanami is the spring tradition of viewing cherry blossoms and admiring their fleeting nature. Take to Shinjuku Gyoen in springtime with your own blanket and local picnic treats for the ultimate taste of Japan!
Related: Try some of the best Japanese recipes for your picnic basket.
With so many incredible Japanese sights to see this spring, it’s never too soon to start ticking Japan’s top attractions off your bucket list!
Lucky for you, Expat Explore offers affordable guided tours to Japan with a jam-packed itinerary to ensure you see it all! So, if you’re ready to explore Japan’s top springtime sights, all that’s left to do is book a trip.