From March to May, Japan begins to thaw from its winter chill as the days gradually grow warmer and the sun shines brighter. Spring in Japan is widely considered the most comfortable and pleasant time of year, and as nature reawakens, so does the country’s social and cultural energy.

For Japanese people, spring marks not just a change in temperature, but a major seasonal milestone. It’s the beginning of new lives—ceremonies for school and work entrance are held, and people across the country step into fresh chapters filled with both excitement and a hint of anxiety. It’s a season that buzzes with anticipation and optimism.

However, this time also brings an annual struggle for many: the peak of cedar and cypress pollen. For those with hay fever, spring can be bittersweet. Still, its beauty is undeniable, with the crown jewel being the cherry blossoms, or sakura, and the shared joy of hanami, or flower-viewing.

This article offers a full guide to how Japanese people embrace spring, from beloved seasonal foods to traditional events. By following along, you too can savor the uniquely Japanese experience of spring in its full bloom.

How Japanese People Enjoy Cherry Blossoms

When asked to name something that represents spring, most Japanese people immediately think of cherry blossoms. Elegant and fleeting, sakura are in full bloom for just about two weeks. The short window of beauty makes them all the more cherished—a poetic symbol of life’s ephemerality.

More than just a pretty sight, cherry blossoms have been enjoyed through various customs passed down over centuries. Let’s explore how the Japanese truly appreciate these springtime treasures.

Hanami: Partying Beneath the Blossoms

Hanami is an ancient Japanese custom of celebrating the arrival of spring by viewing cherry blossoms. People gather under blooming trees, laying out picnic mats and enjoying food, drinks, and games in groups. It's a lively spring tradition that brings together families, friends, and colleagues in joyful celebration.

The custom traces back to the Nara period (710–794) when people first admired ume (plum blossoms). By the Heian period (794–1185), cherry blossoms had become the flower of choice, and the event known as kaen no sechi hosted by Emperor Saga is considered the origin of hanami. Initially exclusive to the imperial court, the practice eventually spread through all social classes, evolving into the festive, public gatherings we know today.

Nighttime Sakura: The Allure of Yozakura

Cherry blossoms are just as captivating by night. Yozakura refers to cherry trees viewed in the dark, often illuminated by lanterns or spotlights. These nighttime scenes offer a dreamlike ambiance. The petals appear vivid against the black sky, creating a romantic, almost magical effect. Some spots even reflect the blossoms on ponds and rivers, enhancing the surreal beauty. A stroll along a sakura-lined path in the gentle spring breeze is a truly memorable experience.

Sakura Festivals: Spring in Full Swing

During peak bloom, many regions host sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festivals). These events feature illuminated trees, food stalls, music, and various entertainment designed to complement the floral displays. In some cases, normally restricted areas are opened to the public during the festival.

Popular examples include:

• Hirosaki Sakura Festival (Aomori)
• Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing (Niigata)
• Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (Tokyo)

These events transform their locations into cultural celebrations of spring, where people can enjoy local delicacies under canopies of pink petals.

‍

Ume: The Plum Blossoms of Early Spring

Before the sakura bloom, plum blossoms (ume) mark the first floral signs of spring. Loved by Japanese people for centuries, ume have a fragrance more intense than cherry blossoms and are admired for their elegance and grace rather than ephemerality.

The origin of Japan’s current era name, Reiwa, comes from a poem written during a plum blossom-viewing party. Ume trees bloom earlier than sakura—typically from February to March (or even April to May in northern areas)—and last longer.

Three Famous Plum Blossom Spots in Japan

Kairakuen (Ibaraki Pref.)

Built by Tokugawa Nariaki, this historic garden is one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens.” It boasts 3,000 plum trees across 100 varieties and hosts the “Mito Ume Festival” each February to March.

Osaka Castle Park (Osaka Pref.)

Though better known for its sakura, the park’s plum grove is home to 1,270 trees from 104 varieties. Red and white blossoms contrast beautifully against the castle’s backdrop.

Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka Pref.)

Known for the earliest blooming plums in Japan, this garden features over 60 types of plum trees. The blooming season stretches from late November through early March, with a festival held in January and February.

‍

Fields of Color: Japan’s Other Spring Blooms

Beyond cherry and plum blossoms, Japan bursts into bloom with flowers like nemophila, wisteria, tulips, and poppies. These floral displays draw crowds seeking the vibrant beauty of nature.

Must-Visit Spring Flower Destinations

Hitsujiyama Park (Saitama Pref.)

Known for its moss phlox (shibazakura) fields, the park transforms into a pink and purple carpet from mid-April to early May.

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi Pref.)

Famous for wisteria tunnels, this park’s “Great Wisteria Festival” runs from mid-April to mid-May, when the 150-year-old vines are in full bloom.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (Fukuoka Pref.)

A sprawling park between two seas, it offers cherry blossoms and fields of blue nemophila. Cycling through cherry blossom tunnels is a popular activity.

Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet (Toyama Pref.)

A stunning scene of snowy mountains, cherry trees, tulips, and yellow rapeseed blossoms along the Funakawa River. This brief “miracle week” is unforgettable.

Moka Railway (Tochigi Pref.)

A unique spring sight where a steam locomotive travels past fields of cherry and rapeseed blossoms—a delight for photographers and railway fans alike.

Strawberry Picking: A Spring Leisure Favorite

From January to May, Japanese strawberry farms open for ichigo-gari (strawberry picking). Visitors can pick ripe strawberries and eat them on the spot—often all-you-can-eat style with multiple varieties.

It’s a beloved family activity, and if you're visiting Japan in spring, this sweet experience is worth adding to your itinerary.

Traditional Spring Festivals in Japan

Though summer festivals are better known, spring boasts many time-honored events. These festivals celebrate nature, history, and local life.

Three Major Spring Festivals

Takayama Festival – Sanno Matsuri (Gifu Pref.)

Held April 14–15, this is one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Its massive, ornate floats are designated important cultural assets.

Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto)

Held on May 15, this festival has 1,500 years of history and features a grand Heian-style procession from Kyoto’s Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines.

Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)

Celebrated in May in central Tokyo, it features parades of mikoshi (portable shrines) through iconic neighborhoods like Akihabara and Nihonbashi.

Seasonal Traditions at Home

Some spring customs are celebrated quietly at home, especially with family. Here are two culturally important ones:

Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) – March 3

Celebrated to pray for the happiness and health of young girls. Families display ornamental dolls and eat chirashi-zushi and sakura mochi.

Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day) – May 5

Originally for boys, now for all children, this holiday involves flying carp streamers (koinobori), displaying samurai armor, and eating kashiwa mochi and chimaki.

‍

White Day: Japan’s Spring Romance Tradition

Unique to Japan, White Day falls on March 14 and is when men give gifts in return for Valentine’s Day chocolates received from women. Originally started by confectionery companies, it has become a cultural norm rooted in Japan’s strong sense of reciprocity.

If you're visiting Japan in mid-March with a loved one, White Day is a perfect excuse to exchange thoughtful gifts and enjoy seasonal sweets.

Seasonal Foods to Savor in Spring

Japanese spring cuisine is deeply tied to seasonal ingredients and celebration. Here are three must-try delicacies:

Sakura Mochi

Pink-colored rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry leaf. A visual and aromatic treat.

Chirashi Sushi

A festive dish of vinegared rice topped with colorful ingredients like egg, shrimp, and vegetables. Often eaten for Hinamatsuri.

Takenoko (Bamboo Shoots)

In season from March to May, bamboo shoots are used in rice dishes, soups, and tempura. Their crunch and earthy flavor define spring.

Discover the True Spirit of Japanese Spring

Spring in Japan isn’t just a season—it’s a symphony of beauty, tradition, and joy. Whether you’re admiring cherry blossoms at a lively hanami party, picking strawberries on a countryside farm, or savoring the flavor of bamboo shoots, each moment offers a unique window into Japanese culture. Plan your visit during spring, and you’ll not only witness breathtaking scenery but also experience the cultural heartbeat of Japan.