The UNESCO World Heritage site Nijō Castle will host NAKED meets Nijō Castle 2025 Sakura from March 14 to April 13, 2025. This nighttime-only immersive art event, produced by the creative company NAKED, transforms the historic grounds with digital art inspired by cherry blossoms. Around 300 trees of 50 varieties—from wild to cultivated—bloom across the site, blending seamlessly with NAKED’s luminous installations.

At the Important Cultural Property Karamon Gate, a grand projection mapping show called Spring’s Awakening brings Nijō Castle’s mythical guardian dragon, Sakura Mori, to life, signaling the arrival of spring. Throughout the castle grounds, seven zones—each known for cherry blossoms—are illuminated with creative sakura-themed art.

Food stalls near the South Gate and Ninomaru Palace courtyard serve cherry blossom-inspired sweets, drinks (including alcohol), classic hanami snacks, and vegan options.

New for 2025 is a picnic area in the “Cherry Blossom Garden,” available exclusively to those who purchase a same-day “Picnic Set” at the South Gate. The set includes sakura petal-shaped picnic mats, drinks, and treats.

There’s also a special projection show celebrating the release of Disney’s live-action Snow White (premiering March 20). Iconic visuals like Snow White, the magic mirror, woodland creatures, and the poisoned apple will be projected onto the Honmaru Palace.

Travel back to the Edo period at Toei Kyoto Studio Park during Uzumasa Edo Night: Springtime Flurry, a special evening celebration marking the park’s upcoming 50th anniversary in November 2025. Set against the backdrop of Edo-style streets, this adults-only event features Kyoto sake, gourmet food from local favorites, and live traditional performances.

Enjoy hands-on experiences with immersive period dramas, art demos by Toei actors and Kyoto artisans, and a spectacular finale each night as cherry blossom petals shower the night sky around 8:45 PM.

For the full experience, the nearby Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto offers a stay package with event admission, unlimited sake, and a souvenir sake cup—from 68,800 yen for two, including breakfast and all taxes.

Step into the world of Demon Slayer at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, where the third installment of this fan-favorite collaboration runs from March 15 to December 14, 2025. During the day, take part in “Mystery Walk: Village of Falling Blossoms & Phantom Demons,” a hands-on adventure where you'll explore a dreamlike world and solve riddles to escape from lurking demons. Complete the challenge and receive an exclusive event badge.

At night, “Night Walk: Path to the Infinity Castle” invites you on a 1.2-kilometer journey through a glowing forest. Relive major battles from the anime—from Tanjiro’s early days to the Hashira Training arc—while gathering clues and completing missions. Finish the quest and you’ll be rewarded with a limited-edition souvenir.

Since both events involve a lot of walking, be sure to wear comfy shoes!

Meanwhile, the park’s hit attraction “Godzilla Interception Operation” is hosting the limited-time Awaji GODZILLA Festival 2025 in Spring. Exclusive to Premium and VIP pass holders, this event features archery challenges inspired by the Godzilla story and fun traditional Japanese games like tōsenkyō, kendama, otedama, and menko.

Rack up 300 points or more and receive an original Japanese-patterned notebook; otherwise, you’ll still get a stylish postcard. Everyone with a Premium or VIP ticket will also take home a quirky “Godzilla Backpack” designed to look like the monster is riding on your back.

Universal Studios Japan is bringing the world of Detective Conan to life with three immersive attractions that let you step into the action and solve mysteries alongside Conan and friends.

First, in Detective Conan: The Escape – Phantom Prologue, navigate a walk-through escape game where you’ll search for clues and solve puzzles to break out of a locked-room mystery. Next, hop on Detective Conan × Story Ride: Thrill Track Attack, a high-speed coaster ride with a bomb on board—join forces with Conan and Heiji to stop the threat in this pulse-pounding adventure. Finally, enjoy a meal at Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant, where the case unfolds as you dine at Tiny Blossom.

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From April 7 to May 7, 2025, Shima Spain Village will celebrate the season with its cheerful Happy Easter event. Enjoy festive spring-themed foods like colorful crepes, a burger stacked with bologna sausage and omelet, and a playful carbonara inspired by an egg hunt, where a soft-boiled egg hides beneath crispy bacon.

Starting April 19, the popular photo spot Santa Cruz Street will also host the Santa Cruz Flower Patio Festival, featuring vibrant floral displays and decorative flower carts through May 25. It’s the perfect time to snap photos surrounded by blooms and Spanish-style charm.

During Golden Week, from April 26 to May 5, the park extends its hours until 8 PM. Don’t miss the nighttime parade España Carnival “Buen Viaje” and the dazzling fireworks finale Moonlight Finale lighting up the evening sky.

Join the lovable Sumikkogurashi characters on a rainbow-filled adventure at Sumikkogurashi Waku Waku Park, a hands-on themed event at Hirakata Park. Follow clues in the “Puzzle Garden” to find hidden Tapioka characters, or pose for photos in themed costumes at the “Dress-Up Photo Studio”—all designed to immerse you in the cozy, quirky world of Sumikkogurashi.

You’ll also find fun attractions like the “Ball Toss Ferris Wheel” (500 yen), “Sumikkogurashi Bouncy Land” (300 yen), and the “Rainbow Train Ride” (300 yen), where you’ll float above the clouds with your favorite characters.

Exclusive event merchandise like mini towels will be available, and all ticket holders will receive a limited-edition “Passport-Style Sticker” (1 of 5 types, randomly given).

With a history of over 1,200 years, Hirano Shrine has long been cherished as one of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spots. In spring, more than 400 cherry trees of around 60 varieties bloom across the grounds, creating a breathtaking display.

From the early-blooming Sakigakezakura to rare varieties like Kochō, Ichiyō, Nezame, Gyoikō, and the shrine’s own Kinugasa, the wide range of blossoms ensures visitors can enjoy the flowers over an extended season.

Held annually on April 10, the Cherry Blossom Festival (Oukasai) at Hirano Shrine traces its origins back to the Heian period. It's said Emperor Kazan visited the shrine to pray for the prosperity of his descendants, initiating an imperial offering ceremony that continues to this day.

The day begins with the main ceremony at 10 AM, followed by a visit to Emperor Kazan’s mausoleum at 11 AM. At noon, the sacred procession (shinkōretsu) sets off with around 200 participants, including children in traditional attire, a weaving princess group holding thread spools, and decorative floats. The procession tours the local parish area and returns to the shrine around 3 PM for a final ritual marking the safe return of the portable shrine.

From mid-March to mid-April, special evening visits are also held to enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms.

Located along the picturesque Otani River, Kinosaki Onsen is a historic hot spring town lined with ryokan, shops, and eateries. Each year on April 23 and 24, the Onsen Festival is held in honor of Dōchi Shōnin, the founder of Kinosaki Onsen. The event expresses gratitude to both the monk and the healing waters while praying for the town’s continued prosperity.

Visitors can enjoy traditional rituals like the hot spring blessing and a procession of children in costume, along with festive food stalls lining the riverbanks. In recent years, the festival has also included stage performances, treasure hunts, mochi tosses with prizes, and even free entry to select public baths. Details for 2025 will be updated on the official website.

As part of the Awaji Flower & Greenery Fair 2025, a creative, hands-on exhibition from teamLab will take place at the Akashi Kaikyō National Government Park. Centered around the theme of “co-creation,” this interactive event features three engaging attractions perfect for all ages.

In Sketch Animals, your drawings come to life on a giant digital meadow. With Sketch Animals Papercraft, your artwork transforms into a one-of-a-kind 3D model. And in Hopscotch for Geniuses, leap across floating symbols in water, landing precisely on one foot. Surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery, this event offers a fun, immersive way to connect with nature through art and play.

In the Kansai area this April, you’ll find everything from cherry blossom-themed festivals and indoor attractions to centuries-old traditional events—many of them exclusive to this region. It’s one of the best times of year to head out and explore, but don’t forget a jacket if you plan on enjoying the evening cherry blossoms, as mornings and nights can still get chilly.

(Note: This article is based on information as of March 2025. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)