7 Spring Festivals to see in Japan

While there are no special festivals for the equinox, some cities organize events:

• In Kyoto several temples offer special ceremonies, such as Kiyomizu-dera and Chion-in, where you can observe Buddhist rituals.
• In Tokyo the Yanaka cemetery and Zojo-ji temple see families gather at the graves of their ancestors.
• In Nara, Todai-ji also offers religious ceremonies during this period.

Finally, as Shunbun no Hi coincides with the start of the cherry blossoms, it's a great opportunity to do Hanami.

The parade links the Otabisho shrine to Nikko Tosho-gu, a World Heritage-listed mausoleum, where court dances and music follow. The day before, the festival was marked by demonstrations of Yabusame, a martial tradition of archery on horseback.

Further information

Address: Nikkō Tōshō-gū - 2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan

(Starting point: Otabisho, near Shinkyo Bridge - Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401, Japan)

Dates: May 17th and 18th

Centered around the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine founded in the 11th century, this festival commemorates the time when Kamakura held the center of power. The festivities begin with parades of brass bands and mikoshi along Wakamiya Oji Avenue, followed by traditional dances. Throughout the festival, open-air tea ceremonies and demonstrations of traditional arts enliven the temples. The highlight of the festival remains the Yabusame, where horsemen in period costume shoot at targets at full gallop.

Further information

Address: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan

Dates: Second to third Sunday in April

4. Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)

The Takayama Matsuri, celebrated on April 14th and 15th in Takayama, is considered one of Japan's finest festivals. It features yatai, richly decorated traditional floats, which parade through the streets of the old town. One of the highlights of the festival is the presentation of karakuri, mechanical puppets capable of complex movements. A rare opportunity to discover the country's traditional craftsmanship.

Further information
Address: Hie-jinja Shrine—156 Shiroyama, Takayama, Gifu 506-0822, Japan
Dates: April 14th and 15th

Additional information:
Addresses:

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-0881, Japan
• Kamigamo-jinja Shrine - 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan
• Shimogamo-jinja Shrine - 59 Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-0807, Japan

Date: May 15th

6. Omizutori (Nara)

Celebrated in March in Nara, Omizutori is a Buddhist ritual marking the arrival of spring. Every evening, for two weeks, huge flaming torches are waved along the balcony of Todai-ji Temple, showering sparks into the darkness. This ceremony, over 1,200 years old, is supposed to purify the faithful and bring good luck for the rest of the year.

Further information

Address: Nigatsu-do (Todai-ji) - 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8211, Japan

Dates: March 1st-14th

7. Hakata Dontaku (Fukuoka)

In May, in Fukuoka, Hakata Dontaku brings together thousands of participants in colorful costumes to parade through the streets. Inherited from ancient traditions, the festival is accompanied by festive music, dancing and singing. We love its good-natured atmosphere.

Further information
Address: main areas - Tenjin (1 Chome Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka 810-0001, Japan) and Hakata (Hakata Ward, Fukuoka 812-0011, Japan)

Dates: May 3rd and 4th