Matsumae & Hakodate: Hokkaido's Cherry Blossom Gateway — Japan's Last Castle, 250 Sakura Varieties & a Gourmet Port City (Late April–May 2026)
While mainland Japan's cherry blossoms fade, southern Hokkaido's sakura season is just beginning. Explore Matsumae Castle's 10,000 cherry trees spanning 250 varieties, Hakodate's star-shaped Goryokaku fort in full bloom, and one of Japan's greatest seafood cities.
March 28, 2026
Katori Jingu's Once-in-12-Years Grand Procession & the Canal Town of Sawara: A Day Trip East of Tokyo (April 2026)
In April 2026, Katori Jingu — one of Japan's most sacred shrines — holds a grand festival that occurs only once every 12 years. Combine it with a stroll through Sawara's Edo-era canal district and a side trip to the Narita Taiko Festival for an unforgettable day east of Tokyo.
March 27, 2026
Kanazawa in Spring: The 21st Century Museum, Kenrokuen Garden & a Golden-Age Art City Reawakened (April–May 2026)
A springtime guide to Kanazawa's art, gardens, and samurai heritage — from the iconic 21st Century Museum's latest exhibitions to Kenrokuen's cherry blossoms and the geisha districts.
March 26, 2026
Japan's Late April Fireworks Weekend: Omagari, Mt. Fuji, Sakurajima & Atami Light Up the Spring Sky (April 25–26, 2026)
On one extraordinary spring weekend, four of Japan's most spectacular fireworks events explode across the country — from Akita's legendary Omagari competition to a luxury Mt. Fuji backdrop show, Sakurajima's volcanic hanabi, and Atami's seaside classic.
March 26, 2026
Anime Takes Over Tokyo: Detective Conan at Sunshine City & BLUE LOCK at Skytree (Spring 2026)
A guide to spring 2026's biggest anime collaboration events at two of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks — solve mysteries at Sunshine City with Detective Conan and experience BLUE LOCK's world at Tokyo Skytree.
March 25, 2026
Azalea Season in Tokyo: Shiofune Kannon-ji, Nezu Shrine & the Best Tsutsuji Spots (April–May 2026)
While cherry blossoms steal the headlines, Japan’s next great flower show is already underway. Discover where to find stunning azalea hillsides, ancient temple gardens, and vibrant shrine walkways across the Tokyo area this April and May.
March 25, 2026
Fuji Shibazakura Festival 2026: A Carpet of Pink Beneath Japan's Iconic Peak (April 12 – May 25)
Everything you need to know about the Fuji Shibazakura Festival near Lake Motosu — peak bloom times, access from Tokyo, food stalls, and the best photo spots for Mt. Fuji framed by 500,000 moss phlox flowers.
March 24, 2026
Atami: Japan's Original Seaside Resort — Spring Fireworks, MOA Museum & Onsen by the Bay (April 2026)
Discover Atami, the historic hot spring resort just 45 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train. Catch the legendary maritime fireworks over Sagami Bay, explore the hilltop MOA Museum of Art, worship at the ancient Kinomiya Shrine, and soak in ocean-view onsen.
March 24, 2026
Takayama Spring Festival (Sannō Matsuri): Gilded Floats, Karakuri Puppets & an Edo-Era Old Town in the Japan Alps (April 14–15, 2026)
Everything you need to know about Takayama's Spring Festival — one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals — with ornate yatai floats, mechanical puppet performances, evening lantern processions, and the best of Hida-Takayama's old town.
March 23, 2026
Kanagi & Ashino Park: A Literary Cherry Blossom Pilgrimage on the Tsugaru Railway (Late April 2026)
Ride the charming Tsugaru Railway through a tunnel of cherry blossoms to Ashino Park — the childhood playground of literary icon Osamu Dazai. A deep-dive guide to Goshogawara's Kanagi district, combining sakura, literature and rural Aomori charm.
March 23, 2026
Aso Lantern Festival & Kumamoto's Volcanic Spring: Caldera Hikes, Onsen & 10,000 Paper Lanterns (April–May 2026)
Experience the 4th Aso Lantern Festival amid Kumamoto's spectacular volcanic caldera landscape. A complete guide to lantern-lit nights, caldera hikes, hot springs, and rural Kyushu spring adventures.
March 22, 2026
Nemophila: Japan's Dreamy Blue Flower Fields — Osaka's Maishima Seaside Park & Beyond (April–May 2026)
A guide to Japan's stunning nemophila (baby blue eyes) flower fields in spring 2026, from Osaka's Maishima Seaside Park to Hitachi Seaside Park and hidden gems across the country.
March 22, 2026