List of Spring Festival Activities in Japan, Complete with Activity Explanations and Schedule

Kapanlagi.com - Spring in Japan is a time of beauty and excitement. The blooming sakura flowers are the main symbol of this season, but spring celebrations in Japan involve more than just seeing flowers. Festivals are also moments of ancient tradition and modern joy during this season.

They offer various captivating activities for both locals and tourists. From lively parades to stunning art performances, spring in Japan presents a variety of events that should not be missed. And there are plenty of activities in spring festivals in Japan that you can do.

Here is a list of spring festival activities in Japan that will make KLovers fall in love with the charm of this season. Let's check it out KLovers.

1. Definition of Spring Festival in Japan

Illustration (credit: pixabay.com)

Spring Festival in Japan, or often called "Hanami", literally means "viewing flowers". Hanami is a tradition of enjoying the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms. This tradition has been going on for centuries and is an important part of Japanese culture.

In addition to hanami, there are several other festivals celebrated during the spring season. The spring festival in Japan itself marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring with the blooming of cherry blossoms as its main symbol.

Festivals in Japan, whether during the spring season or other seasons, reflect the diversity of Japanese culture and showcase various aspects of life, traditions, and the natural beauty celebrated by the Japanese people during the spring season.

2. Activities at the Spring Festival in Japan

Illustration (credit: pixabay.com)

Spring in Japan is not only synonymous with Hanami, but also with various types of festivals that mark the beauty and happiness of this season. So, in celebrating the spring festival in Japan, you can do the following activities:

1. Hanami

Description: Hanami is a tradition of enjoying the beauty of blooming cherry blossoms. People gather under the sakura trees for picnics, eating, and drinking.

Location: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Maruyama Park, and other popular places throughout Japan.

Time: March to April, depending on the location and blooming time of the cherry blossoms.

2. Hinamatsuri

Description: Also known as the Doll Festival or Girls' Day, Hinamatsuri is a celebration to pray for the health and happiness of girls.

Activity: Families display hina dolls in their homes, representing the emperor, empress, and their attendants in Heian period palace attire.

Time: March 3rd.

3. Takayama Matsuri

Description: One of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan, Takayama Matsuri is held in the city of Takayama, Gifu.

Activity: Mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, yatai (decorated floats), and mechanical doll performances.

Time: April 14-15 and October 9-10.

4. Aoi Matsuri

Description: This festival is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, also known as Kamo Matsuri.

Activity: Grand parade starting from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and moving towards Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. Participants wear noble clothing from the Heian period.

Date: May 15th.

5.Kanda Matsuri

Description: One of the three major festivals in Tokyo, Kanda Matsuri celebrates luck, prosperity, and wealth.

Activities: Mikoshi parade, music and dance performances, and various other events.

Date: Mid-May (held every odd year).

6.Sanja Matsuri

Description: One of the most exciting festivals in Tokyo, held at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.

Activities: Large mikoshi parade, music, dance, and various lively activities.

Date: Third weekend of May.

7.Hakata Dontaku

Description: A major festival in Fukuoka that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Activities: Parade, dance, music performances, and plenty of food stalls.

Date: May 3rd-4th.

8.Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri

Description: A famous cherry blossom festival held in Hirosaki Park, Aomori.

Activities: Viewing cherry blossoms, music performances, art exhibitions, and various family activities.

Date: Late April to early May.

9.Sumida Park Sakura Matsuri

Description: A cherry blossom festival held in Sumida Park, Tokyo.

Activities: Hanami, boat parade on the Sumida River, and various cultural performances.

Date: Late March to early April.

10.Miyako Odori

Description: A traditional dance performance held by maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) in Kyoto.

Activities: Stunning dance performances with traditional costumes and music.

Date: April.

Those are some activities you can do during the spring festivals in Japan. With a variety of colorful festivals, spring in Japan offers an unforgettable experience that enriches culture and soul.

(kpl/dhm)