Travel ideas and tips for each season in Japan.
Published: February 3, 2026 While most of Japan awaits the arrival of cherry blossoms in late March, the town of Kawazu in the Izu Peninsula offers a delightful preview of spring nearly a month earlier. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival…
Escape the crowds and discover one of Japan’s most breathtaking spring scenes. The Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival in Kanagawa offers a rare combination: the nation’s earliest blooming Kawazu cherry trees set against the iconic backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Fuji.…
While most of Japan awaits the arrival of spring, the charming seaside town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is already celebrating. The Atami Sakura, known as Japan’s earliest blooming cherry blossom, transforms the city’s Itokawa Promenade into a vibrant pink…
Planning a trip to Japan for its world-famous cherry blossom season? You’re in the right place. The first official forecast for 2026 is out, and it’s essential for planning your visit. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the 2026…
2026/01/12(Mon) For travelers planning a trip to Japan in early 2026, there’s exciting news: the famous Kawazu Sakura (cherry blossoms) in Shizuoka Prefecture are predicted to bloom earlier than ever, offering a rare chance to see Japan’s iconic flower well…
Welcome to Japan’s cherry blossom season! Hanami (flower viewing) is a beloved tradition, but it comes with unwritten rules rooted in a culture of sharing public spaces. While many parks are quite relaxed, knowing the core etiquette ensures you can…
Japan’s cherry blossom season is a world-renowned spectacle, but the early-blooming Kawazu Sakura in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a unique, month-long preview starting in early February. Unlike the more common Somei Yoshino, these blossoms are a vibrant pink and last longer,…
For travelers planning a spring trip to Japan, the wait is over. The first official 2026 cherry blossom forecast has been released by WeatherNews, providing the earliest glimpse of when to expect Japan’s iconic sakura to arrive. This guide is…
Current date: 2026-01-06 (JST) What Happened The dates for the 36th annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival have been officially announced. The event will take place from Saturday, February 7 to Sunday, March 8, 2026. This festival celebrates the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura,…
Current date: 2026-01-05 (JST) What This Guide Covers This is a guide to understanding the Japanese cherry blossom season. It explains the cultural background, different types of blossoms, and the general timing of the season across Japan. The goal is…
