Japan is often touted as the land of four distinct seasons, and for good reason. Each season brings with it not only a clear change in weather and nature, but a cultural shift as well. Seasonal foods, events and activities are a huge part of the Japanese culture. Each season is celebrated in its own way, from the sweltering summer to freezing winter. However, Spring remains the common favourite among Japanese people, foreign residents and tourists alike. There are a number of reasons for this; Spring represents a new start, the weather is beautiful, finally everyone can shed the many layers of winter coats, but there is so much more to Spring in Japan.

Once in a Lifetime Skiing & Onsen

While skiing is usually associated with winter, ski slopes and winter resorts remain open well into spring in northern Japan, especially Hokkaido. Experiencing winter sports in spring allows you to skip the crowds and high prices of winter, while still getting to enjoy the snow. Most ski areas are close to onsen (hot spring baths) and it is a common Japanese pastime to go skiing during the day and relax in an onsen during the evening. The tradition of onsen with the fun of skiing makes it a great experience.

Brilliant Festivals

Japan has festivals all year round, but Spring is when they really get started. The festivals are few and far between throughout Autumn and Winter so the sudden increase in Spring has everyone in the mood to celebrate. There are festivals in almost all prefectures and cities, but a few significant ones include: Aoi Matsuri, a two-week festival in Kyoto which has been running since the 6th Century, Miyako Odori, a festival celebrating Spring dance, and Hina Matsuri, Girls day or Dolls day, a time to hope for health and happiness of daughters. Most houses will decorate with dolls to represent their children and cities will have various different celebrations. Attending a festival is one of the best ways to spend a day in Japan.

Delicious Strawberries

While strawberries may seem a very ordinary, everyday item, they are quite an event in Japan. Strawberry is one of the flavours that is associated with Spring and many food companies will start releasing limited edition Spring flavours including strawberry. Just this year, Coca-Cola released Strawberry Coke. A strawberry is not just a strawberry in Japan either, with many different varieties being engineered in different areas. There are both white and red strawberries, with increasingly whimsical names such as “Red Cheeks”, “Sweet King”, “Beautiful Princess” and “The Scent of First Love”. Each has a different taste and it is a fun activity to try the different varieties until you find your favourite. Not only this, but strawberry picking is a common Spring activity. Many people will visit strawberry farms and within a certain time limit, pick as many strawberries as they wish. This is popular among couples, friends and families.

Fragrant Flower Fields

Spring is the time of new flowers in most countries, however, Japan takes it to a new level. There are huge flower fields and flower parks to be seen for any type of flower you choose. Plum blossoms are commonly underrated, but are able to be seen in most Japanese gardens around the start of Spring. In Ibaraki, the bright blue of nemophila flowers cover entire fields. There are number of gardens throughout the country with lines of tulips, giving a very Dutch feel, while in the middle of Japan. One of the most popular flowers are the wisteria trees. There are many places to view wisteria in Japan, but one of the most famous is the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi. There are long tunnels of bright purple wisteria and it creates an amazing atmosphere.

The Most Beautiful Sakura Blossoms

Finally, the biggest draw to Japan in Spring and one of the largest events of the year, the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom is one of the key symbols of Japan and one thing that every Japanese person will recommend for tourists to see while in Japan. They flower all throughout Japan, starting earlier in south Japan and later in the north. There are two main types of cherry blossom, the more well-known pale pink flowers, and slightly less popular white blossoms. As one of the main symbols of Spring, there are many cherry blossom-flavoured or themed foods released in Spring. One of the most popular is “Sakura Mochi”, a cherry blossom flavoured sweet made from rice. There are also many “hanami” (flower viewing) parties during the cherry blossom blooming. People will visit a park or garden and have a picnic or barbeque under the cherry blossoms. This time of year coincides with the new school year so many students are celebrating graduating high school, or university and looking forward to the new year. As one of the biggest events on the Japanese calendar, cherry blossoms are a must-see.

All seasons are beautiful and interesting in Japan, with constantly changing seasonal foods and celebrations. However, Spring is unique in its uplifting feeling of hope and beauty. There are many activities to participate in and sights to see throughout Spring, the cherry blossom season.

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