Enjoying Spring in Japan
Spring is finally here in Japan, bringing with it new beginnings and warmer (but unpredictable) weather. There is so much to do in Japan in the spring, whether you live here or are just visiting, so let's take a look at some popular spring activities and some tips on how to make the most of spring.
Popular Spring Activities in Japan
There are many ways to enjoy spring and the warmer weather in Japan. Here are some popular activities you can take part in.
Hanami
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is one of the most popular activities in Japan from late March to early April, depending on where in the country you are. Picnicking under cherry blossom trees with friends and family is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.
We have a separate article all about how to enjoy hanami, featuring recommendations for cherry blossom viewing spots all across Japan.
Strawberry Picking
Spring is the height of strawberry season in Japan, and farms across the country open their fields for strawberry picking. The Japanese variety of strawberry is known for its sweetness and large size, making it very popular. Farms often offer a time-limited all-you-can-eat strawberry experience, though this experience usually doesn't allow you to take strawberries you pick home with you. You'll have to buy those separately.
Here are some popular places to go strawberry picking.
・Strawberry House Hosoda (Saitama Prefecture)
This strawberry farm practices elevated cultivation methods with minimal pesticide use to ensure safety. It is both stroller and wheelchair accessible. There are signs and information in English to accommodate English speakers.
・Fuchu Strawberry Picking Garden (Tokyo)
Here, you can enjoy a 30-minute all-you-can-eat strawberry picking or a 90-minute strawberry picking plan. The garden is conveniently located near the station, making it easy to access.
・Strawberry Field Haru (Osaka Prefecture)
This strawberry field also offers cake, ice cream, and drinks, which you can take advantage of if you visit.
・Iruve Strawberry Garden (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Using water from the Sefuri mountain range and primarily organic fertilizers, this garden has strawberries with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Canoeing and Kayaking
As the weather warms up, canoeing and kayaking become much more popular in Japan. Destinations like Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture and rivers in Hokkaido offer serene waters ideal for these activities. They not only provide a peaceful escape but also a unique way to explore Japan's landscape. Let's check out some spots where you could go canoeing or kayaking this spring.
・Ocean Days (Hokkaido)
This is the only place where you can ride a transparent-bottomed kayak in Hokkaido on Lake Shikotsu, which has been awarded Japan's best water quality for 11 straight years.
・TOKYO GREAT KAYAKING TOUR (Tokyo)
Experience kayaking in Tokyo, with routes tailored to different skill levels. Tours where you can see cherry blossoms from the water are popular this time of year, and there are even tours where you can kayak with your dog.
・Shirahige Shrine Visitation Canoe (Shiga Prefecture)
Shirahige Shrine is a popular scenic spot on Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, featuring a distinctive red torii gate on the water. It has gained a lot of attention on social media and now attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
・Shimanto River Station Canoe House (Kochi Prefecture)
Besides canoeing, you can also enjoy rafting and SUP on the Shimanto River. There are half-day and full-day canoe tours available.
SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding)
SUP has gained popularity in Japan in recent years and is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the country's waterways. During spring, the calm and clear waters of Lake Kawaguchi, with the iconic Mount Fuji in the background, create a breathtaking setting for SUP. If you are looking for more of a full-body workout while taking in Japan's scenery, this is a great activity to take part in.
Here are some great spots to try SUP in Japan.
・KUUNEL SUP SCHOOL (Tochigi Prefecture)
Matsushima, one of Japan's three most scenic views, offers a perfect SUP environment thanks to its unique terrain that blocks the wind and keeps the waves calm. SUP reception here starts in May.
・OCEANS (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Zushi Bay, which is surrounded by mountains, has calm waters and, on clear days, great views of Enoshima and Mount Fuji. If you are around Tokyo, this is a great SUP option.
・Rakuoli (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Here, you can enjoy unique views of the Seto Inland Sea on Momoshima, a remote island near the port town of Onomichi.
Spring Festivals
Since Spring is such an important time of year in Japan, many spring festivals are held nationwide. These festivals often have unique celebrations, meaning you could go to more than one spring festival and have very different experiences. Here are some spring festivals you should check out.
・Hiraoka Plum Festival (Sapporo City)
While plum blossoms bloom around February in Honshu, in Hokkaido, where winters are longer, they bloom around late April to early May. Food stalls open and sell plum soft cream, other plum sweets, and gourmet foods during this festival.
・Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
Centered around Somei Yoshino cherry trees, this park also features weeping cherries and double-flowered cherries, with about 2,600 trees in 52 varieties blooming. The park's "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Seven Views" and "Hirosaki Seven Cherry Blossoms," a selection of seven notable double-flowered cherry species, and the "Hirosaki Seven-Wheel Cherry Blossom," which blooms seven flowers from one bud, are absolutely worth checking out.
・Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo)
During this festival, the Asakusa area becomes even more festive than usual. The main highlight is the united mikoshi (portable shrine) procession on the second day, where about 100 mikoshi from 44 Asakusa districts emerge from behind the main hall of Sensoji Temple. This year's festival will be held from May 16th to 18th.
・Nagoya Castle Spring Festival (Aichi Prefecture)
Held during the cherry blossom season at Nagoya Castle, one of the city's most famous landmarks. You can enjoy various events, tea ceremonies, and sweets while viewing the approximately 900 cherry trees blooming within the castle grounds.
・Hyogo Rakuraku Market (Hyogo Prefecture)
At this night market, booths organized by locals from various parts of Hyogo Prefecture offer delicious food and specialty products, alongside fun stage performances.
Tips to Enjoy Spring in Japan
Here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your time in Japan this spring.
・Weather is unpredictable
Weather in spring can vary greatly, with temperatures that may fluctuate significantly between morning and afternoon. To stay comfortable, dress in layers that can be easily taken on or off. You may need to wear a light jacket or cardigan in the cooler mornings or evenings, while daytime might feel warm enough for lighter clothing. It may rain suddenly, so having a small, portable umbrella in your bag is not a bad idea.
・Be prepared for allergies
Spring is the season of sakura, but also of pollen, which can be particularly severe in Japan due to the widespread presence of cedar and cypress trees. To combat hay fever symptoms, you could pick up some antihistamines (allergy medicine) at a local pharmacy. Wearing a mask can also help protect you.
・Keep Cultural Etiquette in Mind
Respecting local customs and etiquette is important when participating in spring activities, particularly during hanami. This includes throwing out trash properly or taking it home if there are no garbage cans in the area. It's also important to try to avoid making too much noise or otherwise inconveniencing others. Participating in local customs, like wearing yukata at festivals, can make your experience all the better.
