Tonami Tulip Fair

A spring festival celebrating plum blossoms heralding the season's arrival. Held from February to March at plum gardens nationwide, featuring ancient trees over 200 years old such as at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto and Osaka Castle Park. Umeboshi (pickled plums) and liqueurs are sold, making it a signature early spring seasonal event across Japan.

The annual spring festival of Hie Shrine held every April in Takayama, Gifu. Like its autumn counterpart, it features magnificent festival floats in elaborate processions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere against Takayama's spring scenery. As an important spring ritual in this Edo-period town, it attracts substantial tourism annually.

Spring festivals held at plum gardens nationwide from February through March. Blooming earlier than cherry blossoms, plum flowers have been revered in Japanese culture since antiquity. Characterized by fragrant aroma and delicate pink and white petals, famous plum festivals such as at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto exemplify seasonal horticultural tourism across Japan.

A traditional folk performance festival held annually September 1-3 in Yatsuo, Toyama Prefecture. Dancers in vibrant traditional attire elegantly move to the sounds of shamisen and drums. With approximately 150 years of history, the entire town becomes immersed in a magical autumn atmosphere as the wind season arrives. This festival exemplifies the spiritual connection to seasonal changes and has gained international recognition as a potential UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A traditional folk performing arts festival held for three days in early September in Yatsuo, Toyama. The graceful and melancholic Etchu Owara dance spreads throughout the town, illuminated by lanterns creating a mystical atmosphere. With over 400 years of history, it beautifully expresses the essence of autumn.

Night illumination events of cherry blossoms at multiple castle ruins across Aomori Prefecture, including Hirosaki Castle Park. Approximately 2,600 cherry trees are illuminated with artistic lighting, revealing a bewitching daytime-distinct beauty. Held from late April to early May, the nocturnal lighting displays represent a signature spring tourism experience unique to Aomori.