To coincide with the Detective Conan movie coming this April, Fallen Angel of the Highway, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is hosting a Conan-themed event. This year, visitors can enter Conan’s world by taking part in an exclusive, high-stakes escape room game.

The game, titled “Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Highway” is joined by a special restaurant experience, where guests must solve a mystery while dining. The Detective Conan event is part of USJ Cool Japan 2026 line-up, which highlights popular Japanese franchises. This year includes special themed events from the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Monster Hunter.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling. / MINIONS TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. / (C) Nintendo / TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment / 書・紫舟 / 原作／青山剛昌｢名探偵コナン｣(小学館｢週刊少年サンデー｣連載中) / (C) 2026 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会 / (C) SCRAP All Rights Reserved. / Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Step into a fully reimagined Edo-period world at Uzumasa Kyoto Village, formerly Toei Kyoto Studio Park, as it unveils its first major renewal on March 28, 2026. Marking its 50th anniversary, the park is reborn as an immersive destination where visitors can experience a full day in historical Kyoto.

At the center is the park’s largest-ever production, a “360° Real-Time Drama” that unfolds across the entire village. As you explore, samurai, townspeople, and unfolding storylines bring the streets to life, building toward a dramatic live-action climax.

From evening, the atmosphere shifts with new adults-only (18+) experiences. These include interactive Edo-style gambling games and a theatrical “torture house,” offering a darker, story-driven look at the period’s justice system in a safe, immersive format.

Visitors can also take part in hands-on cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, ikebana, Noh, and traditional music, or step into character with full costume experiences ranging from samurai to oiran. Updated ninja shows, samurai training, and immersive art installations add even more to explore.

Food is another highlight, with 10 new dining spots featuring Kyoto flavors, from long-established confectioners to creative sweets and craft beer. New shops offer curated Japanese crafts, fashion, and exclusive merchandise inspired by period drama culture.

Keen adventurers visiting Nijigen no Mori’s Godzilla adventure park will be spoiled for choice thanks to a range of exclusive, new attractions.

The Godzilla theater shows its namesake alongside an original storyline, viewable only at Nijigen no Mori. Elsewhere, thrill-seekers can zoom down the zipline courses, including one that takes high-fliers right into the beast’s mouth.

Target-hitters and target non-hitters(!) alike shoot towards a Godzilla-themed target at its newly-revamped shooting range, while general-knowledge buffs will enjoy the Godzilla Museum and studio tour, alongside a mystery-solving game. For those whom one day just isn’t enough, treat yourself and the family to a stay at the Godzilla-themed hotel.

From April 1 to May 6, Shima Spain Village will celebrate the season with its cheerful Happy Easter event. Enjoy festive spring-themed foods like colorful pancakes, a burger stacked with bologna sausage and omelet, and the Easter Bunny Omelet Rice.

Starting April 1, 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 6. It’s the perfect time to snap photos surrounded by blooms and Spanish-style charm.

During Golden Week, from May 1 to May 5, the park extends its hours until 8:30 PM. Don’t miss the nighttime parade España Carnival “Buen Viaje” and the dazzling fireworks finale Moonlight Finale lighting up the evening sky.

Celebrate spring at Hirakata Park as it transforms into a pink-hued playground for its annual “Cherry Blossom Amusement Park,” typically held from late March to early April. Around 300 cherry trees bloom across the park, creating a unique hanami experience where you can enjoy the blossoms while riding roller coasters and attractions.

Highlights include sakura-lined paths, thrilling rides like Red Falcon racing through falling petals, and scenic photo spots beneath cascading blooms. After sunset, the park takes on a romantic atmosphere with illuminated cherry blossoms and seasonal light displays, alongside special touches like live violin performances and spring-themed events.

This season also features the “ULTRAMAN EXHIBITION – Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary,” running from April 18 to June 28. Celebrating six decades of the iconic series, the exhibition showcases over 50 works through immersive displays, dioramas, and interactive photo spots, letting fans step into the world of Ultraman and its legendary heroes and monsters.

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 2026 will be updated on the official website.

Celebrate spring in full bloom at Awaji Island Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park during the “Spring Carnival 2026,” running from March 20 to May 24. The park bursts into color with vibrant tulip fields, seasonal flowers, and sweeping landscapes that change throughout the season.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of hands-on activities and family-friendly events, including craft workshops, flower guide tours, origami classes, and even tulip bulb harvesting experiences. The park’s flower highlights evolve over time, with early cherry blossoms, followed by tulips, nemophila, and lupines.

With interactive programs, photo-worthy scenery, and plenty of open space to explore, this spring event offers a relaxed yet engaging way to enjoy one of Kansai’s most impressive floral destinations.

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.