Cherry blossom season lasts about two weeks. Miss the timing by a few days and it’s gone for the year. Getting hanami right means knowing where to go, when to show up, and what to bring. This guide covers everything you need to make it memorable. When Is Cherry Blossom Season? Cherry blossom timing varies by year and location. The Japan Meteorological Corporation releases an annual sakura forecast in January. ...
Summer in Japan means festivals — and they’re unlike anything you’ve experienced elsewhere. But showing up unprepared means missing the best parts. This guide tells you what to wear, what to eat, and how to actually enjoy matsuri season. Major Annual Festivals by Season Spring (March–May) Cherry Blossom (花見, Hanami) March–April, timing varies by region Not a festival per se, but Japan’s biggest annual social event Gather in parks under blooming cherry trees with food, drinks, and friends Best parks: Ueno Park (Tokyo), Maruyama Park (Kyoto), Osaka Castle Park Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) ...
Japanese summer is intense — 35°C heat, crushing humidity, and a calendar packed with festivals, traditions, and events that most foreigners know nothing about. Once you understand what’s happening and why, summer in Japan becomes genuinely magical. Here’s your guide. Obon (お盆): Japan’s Most Important Summer Holiday Obon is a Buddhist tradition honoring the spirits of ancestors. It’s observed in mid-August (typically August 13–16, though some regions use July). For foreigners, the most noticeable effects are: ...