Doll’s Festival (March 3)
The Doll's Festival (Hina Matsuri) is a celebration wishing for the health, growth, and happiness of girls. Although it is not a national holiday in Japan, some shrines or temples may hold related cultural ceremonies, and shopping malls or large venues often organize related events.

White Day (March 14)
White Day is a special holiday that allows those who received gifts on Valentine’s Day to return the favor. Although it’s not a national holiday, stores often release related products or promotions, making it another fun and shopper-friendly day.

Spring Equinox Day (March 20)
This day marks the official arrival of spring and is one of Japan’s national holidays. The date is not fixed each year; it is announced by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in February of the previous year. The 2025 Spring Equinox will fall on March 20, and some locals may take Friday off for a long weekend. Therefore, the period from March 20 to March 23 may see a higher volume of travelers around the country.

Showa Day (April 29)
Showa Day marks the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) of Japan. From 1949 to 2006 it was called "Greenery Day" (Midori no Hi), but in 2007 it was renamed Showa Day and officially became a national holiday.

Some companies and office workers treat Showa Day as the start of Golden Week, and many people begin their vacation from this day through early May.

Constitution Memorial Day (May 3)
Constitution Memorial Day commemorates the implementation of the Constitution of Japan in 1947. It is one of Japan’s most important holidays and is a national holiday in Japan. Since it falls during Golden Week, expect significant crowds traveling around the country.

Greenery Day (May 4)
Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) is a holiday to express gratitude toward nature and encourage reflection on the relationship between the environment and humanity. Some national parks or natural facilities offer free admission on this day. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday, and since Children’s Day is the following day, a substitute holiday will be observed on May 6. As with the other Golden Week holidays, be prepared for large crowds.

Children’s Day (May 5)
Children’s Day is part of Golden Week, along with Constitution Memorial Day and Greenery Day. Since May 6 is also a substitute holiday, expect crowds to remain high, and make sure to book transportation and accommodations in advance to avoid any surprises.

Below you'll find some of the larger and most accessible festivals in Japan. We've included a deeper look at each festival and recommendations for booking-related activities. If you want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, don't miss these!

Every year on March 3, Japan celebrates the Doll’s Festival. Families with daughters begin decorating their homes with Hina dolls (traditional festival dolls) from early February, around the time of the "Risshun" (beginning of spring), until March 3. This tradition is held to wish for health, growth, and happiness of girls. People also enjoy festive foods such as chirashizushi (scattered sushi), clam soup, and hina arare (a type of Japanese rice cracker).

There are several temples and shrines in Japan that host Doll’s Festival-related events, such as the "Katsuura BIG Hina Matsuri" in Chiba and the "Iwatsuki Ningyo Matsuri" in Saitama, both of which are well-known and grand celebrations. If you want to experience a traditional spring festival in Japan, consider visiting these events.

Probably the most anticipated activity in Japan during spring is cherry blossom viewing (hanami)! Japan’s sakura front begins moving northward from the south of the country starting in late March. According to information from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo will bloom on March 24, 2025, Osaka on March 25, and Hokkaido on April 30, with a nearly one-month difference. We recommend checking out the article below for the best viewing periods across different regions of Japan.

In Japan, you can find spots to enjoy cherry blossoms all around, from temples and shrines to residential areas and parks. Popular spots known for cherry blossom viewing include Ueno Park in Tokyo, Osaka Castle Park in Kansai, Goryokaku Park in Hokkaido, Hirosaki Park in Aomori, and Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. Cherry blossoms light up the sceneryin places like the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto and Mount Yoshino in Nara as well. Additionally, riverside sakura festivals are a sight to behold, such as those at Chidorigafuchi, Sumida River, Meguro River in Tokyo, or Kitakami Tenshōchi Park in Iwate. The sight of cherry blossoms floating on the water’s surface or creating a canopy along tree-lined paths is truly spectacular and is beloved by both domestic and international travelers.

If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, make sure to plan and book your itinerary in advance to avoid missing out due to large amounts of visitors. Be prepared for crowds or traffic when taking trains or buses as well, and try not to schedule your itinerary too tightly.

Children’s Day falls at the end of Japan’s Golden Week, and is a celebration of children’s health and growth. It coincides with Japan’s traditional Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku). Throughout the country, colorful carp streamers (koinobori) are displayed in homes, parks, and shopping areas, symbolizing success and strength. Families may also set up samurai dolls or miniature armor as a wish for courage and resilience. Other traditions include taking a purifying shobu-yu (iris bath) and enjoying festive sweets such as kashiwa-mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cakes) in Kanto or pyramid-shaped sweet chimaki in Kansai.

Popular spots in Tokyo embrace the festive spirit as well. Tokyo Tower typically decorates its base with 333 carp streamers, creating a striking sight against the tower’s red backdrop. Tokyo Skytree has previously held a Koinobori Carnival, displaying an astonishing 1,500 carp streamers in collaboration with nearby shopping centers and aquariums. If you’re visiting during Golden Week, these attractions are well worth a visit—but be prepared for crowds! Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid long lines.
(2025 event schedules have not yet been announced.)

Japan is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing and sightseeing. Keep in mind that Japan's national holidays coincide with this period, especially the Golden Week from late April to early May, when the crowds can be overwhelming. If you're concerned about the crowds affecting your travel experience, we recommend buying tickets for attractions and transportation in advance. It's also a good idea to make reservations for hotels, restaurants, and activities beforehand. With a more relaxed schedule, you can fully enjoy your wonderful spring holiday!