The third installment of the Demon Slayer collaboration event is coming to Nijigen no Mori, the anime-themed park in Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park, running from March 15 to December 14, 2025.

During the daytime, visitors can enjoy the "Puzzle Walk: The Phantom Demon and the Flowering Village." Participants will take on the challenge of solving riddles about demons hidden throughout the park, aiming to escape from an illusory world. Guests will receive a limited-edition collaboration can badge as a participation bonus.

At night, the "Night Walk: Path to Infinity Castle" invites visitors to explore a 1.2 km forest trail illuminated with lights and sound effects, reliving the battles of the Demon Slayer Corps from Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc to Hashira Training Arc. The journey culminates in a final mission to gather intel for the fight against Muzan Kibutsuji, with a special novelty item awarded at the goal.

Since both activities involve walking, comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended!

This special Sumikko Gurashi-themed event invites fans to step into the adorable world of Sumikko Gurashi and join the characters on a journey to find a giant rainbow. Guests can enjoy interactive and participatory attractions, such as the "Puzzle Garden," where you search for hidden Tapioka characters, and the "Dress-Up Photo Studio," where you can take photos in special costumes.

Other fun attractions include:
・"Tamaire Ferris Wheel" – Toss balls into baskets while riding a Ferris wheel (500 yen)
・"Sumikko Gurashi Fuwafuwa Land" – A bouncy play area featuring Sumikko Gurashi inflatables (300 yen)
・"Sumikko Gurashi Nijiiro Train" – Ride through a rainbow sky with Sumikko characters (300 yen)

Exclusive event merchandise like mini towels will also be available. Plus, all event ticket holders will receive a randomly distributed "passport-style sticker" (5 designs available) as a participation bonus.

USJ is bringing the world of Detective Conan to life with Detective Conan: The World, an interactive mystery event where guests can solve puzzles and experience thrilling adventures alongside Conan and his friends. The event features three unique attractions:

"Detective Conan: The Escape – Prologue to the Flashback" – A walk-through escape game, where participants search for clues and solve puzzles to break out of a locked room.

"Detective Conan x Story Ride: Thrill Track Attack" – A high-speed roller coaster adventure, where riders must work with Conan and Heiji to escape from a bomb threat mid-ride.

"Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant" – An interactive dining experience at Lombard’s Landing, where guests enjoy a themed meal while solving a live mystery.

Shima Spain Village will host the Spring Fiesta from February 8 to April 6, 2025.

A highlight of this season's event is the new attraction, "Alice in Darkland", an indoor walk-through adventure inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Armed with a heart-shaped magic wand, guests will explore a mysterious and slightly dark Wonderland where Alice has lost her way. Designed for all ages, this immersive experience also features exclusive Alice-themed merchandise and sweets.

Other exciting experiences include:
・"Don Quixote’s Grand Gala de Opera – The Return of Teatro La Mancha" – A vibrant musical inspired by Spanish opera.
・"Candela" – A flamenco show offering an authentic Spanish cultural experience.

Food lovers can indulge in Ise-Madai (Ise sea bream) and Hiohgi shellfish paella, a spring-themed mimosa flower pizza, and strawberry festival desserts—a must-try for seasonal flavors!

Held at Sanjusangendo Temple, this festival is linked to the number three (san) in its name and takes place on March 3, aligning with Hinamatsuri (Peach Festival). The event includes a special Buddhist ceremony praying for good health and protection from illness.

On this day, Ikebana Ikenobo, a prominent flower arrangement school with deep ties to Myohoin Temple, offers a peach blossom floral dedication. Visitors can also view the 1,000 Kannon statues from a specially constructed elevated platform, Tofu-dan. Additionally, a celebratory event takes place, and a limited-edition "Peach Charm" (800 yen, for women only) is available exclusively on the day.

Located at the source of the Kamo River, Kifune Shrine has long been revered as a sacred site controlling Kyoto’s water supply. The shrine enshrines Takaokami-no-Kami, the deity of rainfall and water provision.

The Rain-Praying Festival (Amagoi-sai) originates from ancient rituals once performed at Amagoi-no-Taki (Rain-Praying Waterfall) deep in the mountains of Kifune. The ceremony prays for moderate rainfall and a bountiful harvest for the coming year. After offering sacred water and food, shrine priests sprinkle the water toward the heavens and earth using sakaki (sacred tree) leaves. A horse offering ritual, believed to be the origin of ema (wooden prayer plaques), is also performed. Following the main shrine ritual, a ceremonial burning of ema plaques is held, which visitors are welcome to observe.

Held annually on March 25, the Natanegoku Taisai at Dōmyōji Tenmangū honors the anniversary of Sugawara no Michizane's passing, originally observed on the 25th day of the second lunar month. The festival, also known as Kawachi no Harugoto, is a cherished spring tradition, marking the arrival of the season with fields of blooming rapeseed flowers (nanohana).

According to legend, when Michizane stopped at Dōmyōji Tenmangū on his way to exile in Dazaifu, the surrounding fields were filled with yellow nanohana blossoms. After his departure, Nun Kakujuni prayed for his safety and offered daily meals in his honor. The food was later ground into yellow dumplings, which were believed to have healing properties and became a popular offering among worshippers.

On the day of the event, a Chigo Procession (Children’s Parade) takes place from 1 PM to 2 PM, where children dressed in kimono walk in a ceremonial march and present nanohana offerings. Additionally, from March 24 to 26, visitors can purchase special yellow dumplings (5 per pack, 500 yen) dyed with gardenia fruit, available from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Osaka Castle, one of Kansai’s most iconic landmarks, is home to many scenic spots, but the Plum Grove inside Osaka Castle Park is a must-see from January to March. Known as one of Kansai’s top plum-viewing locations, it offers a stunning seasonal display of blooming plum trees.

The grove features 105 varieties and approximately 1,245 plum trees, creating a vibrant and fragrant landscape. The 1.7-hectare area showcases breathtaking varieties like the pure white "Shirataki Shidare" and the deep crimson "Kagoshima Red."

Visitors can also admire rare single-tree varieties, such as "Yang Guifei," which boasts large, elegant blossoms, and "Hatsukari," a uniquely beautiful plum tree that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Take in the sight of plum blossoms in full bloom against the backdrop of Osaka Castle’s main keep. Blooming updates are available on the official website.

The Expo Park Plum Festival is held at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, featuring plum groves in two locations: Shizen Bunka-en (Natural and Cultural Gardens) and the Japanese Garden. During peak bloom, the Natural and Cultural Gardens showcase about 600 trees from 120 varieties, while the Japanese Garden displays around 80 trees from 40 varieties—making it one of the most diverse plum collections in the Keihanshin area. Visitors can admire unique varieties like "Kasugano," which produces both red and white flowers on a single branch, and "Kureha Shidare," a spectacular weeping plum that cascades like falling petals.

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy plum-related events such as plum wine tastings, ume sweets, pickled plum (umeboshi) samplings, and a bonsai plum exhibition. Traditional tea ceremonies are also offered, allowing guests to sip tea while admiring the blossoms. Quirky events like the "Umeboshi Seed Spitting Championship" and the "Sour Face Umeboshi Challenge" add a fun twist to the celebration.

Additionally, the Tsubaki Festival is held simultaneously at Tsubaki no Mori (Camellia Forest) in the Natural and Cultural Gardens, featuring around 260 camellia trees from 100 varieties, including rare blooms like "Izumo Anju" and "Momoware." Don’t miss this chance to admire both plum blossoms and camellias in one visit!

The Grand Sumo Tournament, organized by the Japan Sumo Association, is held six times a year to determine the rankings of professional sumo wrestlers. The 2025 season kicks off with the January Tournament in Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, followed by the March Tournament in Osaka, taking place from March 9 to 23 at Edion Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium).

Sumo tickets are available in two types: advance tickets (sold out) and same-day tickets (availability TBD as of February 2025). There are no general admission seats—all seats are reserved. Both advance and same-day tickets sell out quickly, so early planning and purchase are highly recommended.

March in Kansai is packed with events featuring popular Japanese anime and characters, including Demon Slayer, Sumikko Gurashi, and Detective Conan. Additionally, the season brings traditional festivals that mark the arrival of spring, along with the Grand Sumo Tournament, a must-see cultural event.

(The information in this article is current as of February 2025. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)