Japan is known for its spectacular cherry blossom trees that are a sight to behold once they reach peak blooming stage. If you still have not decided when to visit Japan, you should definitely consider spring time, particularly the month of April, as this is usually when the sakura trees are in full bloom in various parts of the country. In addition to that, there are several other interesting and fun events and festivals that you can check out to make your trip more enjoyable. Below are some of them:
Kanamara Matsuri – 1st Sunday of April
Kanamara Matsuri, or the Festival of the Steel Phallus, is a Shinto festival that is observed every spring season at Kanayama Shrine in the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture. Held every 1st Sunday of April, it features a wide variety of penis-themed activities, including a procession of portable shrines with giant penises, food stalls selling penis-shaped snacks, and souvenir shops with penis-themed items.
First introduced in 1969, the festival is traditionally seen as an opportunity to pray for safety in childbirth, sexual health, fertility, and others. In fact, back in the 17th century, prostitutes went to pray at the shrine to ask for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Today, it has become one of the region’s most attended events by tourists in the past several years, and has been used as a tool to raise funds for AIDS and HIV research.
Kanayama Shrine is about one minute away on foot from Kawasaki Daishi Station.
Beppu Onsen Matsuri – 1st week of April
There are many good quality onsen resorts across Japan, but one of the most highly rated is Beppu, a city on Kyushu island that boasts of eight of the best hot springs in the country. It has an abundance of natural, relaxing thermal waters that can be enjoyed in several public baths, indoor baths, outdoor baths, and more.
During the festival, the city’s many hot springs are open to everyone, free of charge. Moreover, there are several traditional and cultural activities that feature parades, dancing, and music conducted throughout the city.
Most of the festivities are easily accessible on foot from Beppu Station. You can find more information (in Japanese) here.
Miyako Odori – April 1st to April 30th
Considered to be one of the must-see spring events in Kyoto, Miyako Odori is a geisha-related celebration that includes songs, dances, and theatre performances held in Kyoto’s five geisha districts.
Every day for the whole month of April, the Gion Kobu Kaburan-jo theatre holds four events daily, featuring shows with classical Japanese traditions, customs, and folklore themes, performed by Gion district’s maiko and geiko.
First observed in 1872, it is a must to book tickets in advance, as the shows are very popular among tourists. Tickets and other information are available on Miyako Odori’s official website.
Inuyama Festival – 1st weekend of April
An annual celebration dedicated to Haritsuna Shrine in the city of Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama Festival is a long-running tradition that has been observed since 1635.
For a weekend every April, 13 8-metre tall, three-tiered floats, with intricately crafted karakuri dolls, are paraded around town, accompanied by traditional flutes and drums. At night, another parade of the floats is held, but this time, each one is illuminated, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing atmosphere.
The festival is held at Haritsuna Shrine, close to the Inuyama Castle Old Town area in the city centre.
Kawanishi Genji Festival – early April
An event that venerates the 11th century Japanese classic The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, the Kawanishi Genji Festival is an annual celebration that involves a procession of people dressed in traditional Heian period clothing. The highlight of the parade is an individual who portrays the character of Genji riding a white horse.
The official website of the city of Kawanishi provides more information (in Japanese) on the festival.
Takayama Spring Festival – April 14th to April 15th
Regarded as one of the three most beautiful Japanese festivals, alongside Chichibu Yomatsuri and Gion Matsuri (Kyoto), Takayama Spring Festival is a popular tourist attraction in the city, in honour of Hie Shrine.
The event highlights include several elaborately decorated festival floats, karakuri doll performances, and mikoshi parades.
The Takayama Festival official website provides more information on the event.
Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival – mid April to late April
The Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival showcases different kinds of tall ships at the Nagasaki Port. Its highlights include a parade of the tall ships, races, fireworks shows, and cruises around the area. Visitors can also get the chance to enter the docked boats and explore their interiors.
(Nagasaki Port- Source: https://pixabay.com/en/nagasaki-the-port-city-of-nagasaki-2120818/)
At night, the ships and boats are illuminated, creating a splendid sight with the harbour in the background.
More information on the event is available on Nagasaki City’s official tourism website.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival – April 23rd to May 6th
Cherry blossoms in the city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture do not appear until late April, unlike in Tokyo or Kyoto, where peak sakura season is around late March to early April.
Home to more than 2,500 cherry trees, Hirosaki Castle is one of the most stunning sakura viewing spots in Japan. It boasts of a wide range of activities to best enjoy the incredible scenery, such as rowing on the petal-filled moats and picnicking under the pink canopies.
Visit the Hirosaki Park official website for opening hours, fees, access, and other information.
Matsumae Sakura Festival – late April to mid May
Situated in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, Matsumae is an Edo period castle town that is home to the only Japanese castle on the island, Matsumae Castle.
Every year, a sakura festival is held at the Matsumae Castle Park. It showcases the more than ten thousand sakura trees growing around the complex.
Consistently ranked as one of the best sakura festivals in the country, it features many food stalls and shops, live shows and performances, and evening illuminations.
