Four Seasons in Japan
Discover the beauty of Japan's four seasons through moments of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
🌸 Spring in Japan
🎥 A glimpse of springtime in Japan – cherry blossoms, seasonal festivals, and nature awakening.
🌿 Introduction
Japan’s spring begins around March and lasts through May. It is a time of renewal, celebration, and nature’s beauty.
From cherry blossoms to traditional events, spring offers a glimpse into the heart of Japanese culture.
Cherry Blossoms / Hanami
Hanami is the beloved tradition of gathering under blooming cherry trees to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Hina Matsuri
(Doll Festival)
Celebrated on March 3rd, this festival features ornate doll displays to wish for girls’ health and happiness.
School Entrance Season
April marks the start of the academic and fiscal year in Japan. It’s a season full of hope and new beginnings.
🌸 Top 3 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan
Want to enjoy hanami like the locals? Here are three of the most beloved cherry blossom spots across Japan—each with stunning scenery and a deep cultural atmosphere.
① Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007
📍 View on Google Maps
A lively hanami spot famous for its long rows of cherry trees, lakes, and museums.
② Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto)
Address: Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8406
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A peaceful walkway along a canal, lined with cherry trees—perfect for a quiet stroll.
③ Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
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Home to Hirosaki Castle, this northern gem boasts over 2,500 cherry trees and breathtaking views.
🌱 Cultural Customs in Spring
🌼 More Spring Moments in Japan
🌸 Explore More Spring Culture
Stay tuned — more insights into Japan's spring culture are coming soon!
（※ただいま準備中です。春の文化についてのさらなる紹介は近日公開予定です）
🌞 Summer in Japan
🌻 Introduction
Japan’s summer stretches from June to August, marked by intense heat, vibrant festivals, and the sounds of nature.
From dazzling fireworks to traditional yukata, summer in Japan is a season full of energy, nostalgia, and cultural richness.
Fireworks
Spectacular summer night skies lit up with fireworks across Japan.
Yukata & Hanabi
Wearing traditional yukata and enjoying summer festivals is a beloved tradition.
Summer Nature
From lush green mountains to rivers and cicadas’ songs, nature thrives in summer.
🎆 Top 3 Fireworks Festivals in Japan
Want to experience Japan’s most spectacular fireworks events? These iconic summer festivals light up the skies with breathtaking displays and deep-rooted traditions.
① Nagaoka Fireworks (Niigata)
Address: Along the Shinano River, Nagaoka City, Niigata 940‑0062
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Renowned for its massive “Phoenix” display and held August 2–3 every year — a moving tribute to peace.
② Omagari Fireworks (Akita)
Address: Omono Riverbank, Omagari, Daisen City, Akita 014‑0057
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One of Japan’s “Big Three” fireworks competitions, held on the last Saturday of August.
③ Tsuchiura Fireworks (Ibaraki)
Address: Along the Sakura River, Ariakecho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki 300‑0035
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A top-tier competitive display held in early November, drawing pyrotechnic talent nationwide.
🌿 Cultural Customs in Summer
People say things like “It’s so hot today!” or “Stay cool!” as seasonal greetings.
Wearing yukata at fireworks festivals or summer events is a beloved summer custom.
Shaved ice topped with fruity syrup is a popular way to beat the heat.
People enjoy quiet nights watching delicate handheld sparklers burn gently.
Families visit rivers or mountains for outdoor fun like fishing or hiking.
Hanging glass wind chimes (furin) on porches to hear their soothing sound.
People carry sunshades, wear hats, and use cooling towels to stay comfortable.
Traditional shops use big ice blocks for both cooling and aesthetic appeal.
🌞 More Summer Moments in Japan
🌸 Explore More Summer Culture
Stay tuned — more insights into Japan's summer culture are coming soon!
（※ただいま準備中です。夏の文化についてのさらなる紹介は近日公開予定です）
🍁 Autumn in Japan
🍁 Introduction
Autumn in Japan is a breathtaking season of color and reflection.
From vibrant foliage to traditional harvest festivals, this season invites people to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature and culture.
Whether walking through golden temples or enjoying warm seasonal foods, autumn offers a uniquely peaceful and nostalgic experience.
Autumn Leaves
Japan’s autumn landscapes transform with brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Maple and ginkgo trees create breathtaking scenes in parks, temples, and mountains.
Tsukimi
(Moon Viewing)
Tsukimi, or moon viewing, is a peaceful tradition to admire the harvest moon. People display pampas grass and seasonal foods as offerings to celebrate the beauty of the full moon.
Taste of Autumn
Autumn brings a rich harvest of seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and mushrooms. These flavors capture the warmth and comfort of Japan’s fall season.
🍁 Top 3 Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan
Want to experience the beauty of Japan’s autumn? These top foliage spots offer stunning views of red and gold leaves in perfect harmony with historic temples and scenic nature.
① Arashiyama (Kyoto)
Address: Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 616‑8385
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A beloved autumn destination where colorful leaves frame traditional bridges and mountain slopes.
② Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge (Aomori)
Address: Towada City, Aomori 034‑0301
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Famous for its vivid red and yellow foliage along mountain streams and waterfalls.
③ Nikko (Tochigi)
Address: Nikko City, Tochigi 321‑1431
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Known for historic shrines surrounded by vibrant maple and ginkgo trees in fall.
🍁 Cultural Customs in Autumn
People say phrases like “It’s getting cooler” or “The leaves are turning” to reflect the change in season.
Families decorate with pampas grass and enjoy rice dumplings (dango) under the harvest moon.
Roasted sweet potatoes (yaki-imo) are sold from trucks and enjoyed as a warm seasonal snack.
People wear darker, elegant kimono with autumn motifs like maple leaves or chrysanthemums.
“Momiji-gari” means going out to enjoy autumn foliage, especially in mountains and temple gardens.
Picking and roasting chestnuts is a favorite fall activity in rural areas and mountain villages.
Seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, persimmons, and Pacific saury appear in daily meals.
Autumn is often called the “season for reading” in Japan, when people relax with books as nights grow longer.
🍁 More Autumn Moments in Japan
Experience the vibrant charm of fall festivals and open-air markets offering local harvests and seasonal foods.
Enjoy hands-on experiences collecting chestnuts in farms or forests—an autumn pastime rooted in tradition.
Warm roasted sweet potatoes sold from trucks or street stalls fill the air with a nostalgic autumn aroma.
Create handmade crafts using fallen leaves, pinecones, and natural colors—a creative way to enjoy autumn.
Take part in rice harvesting in rural Japan and learn how the golden fields become a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Relax in hot spring baths while gazing at vivid red and orange foliage in Japan’s tranquil mountain regions.
🌸 Explore More Autumn Culture
Stay tuned — more insights into Japan's autumn culture are coming soon!
（※ただいま準備中です。秋の文化についてのさらなる紹介は近日公開予定です）
❄ Winter in Japan
❄️ Introduction
From December to February, Japan transforms into a wonderland of snow, tradition, and warmth. Northern regions become snowy paradises, while cities celebrate seasonal customs such as New Year’s shrine visits, hot spring retreats, and winter illuminations. Whether you’re sipping amazake under twinkling lights or skiing through powder snow, winter in Japan offers unforgettable experiences.
New Year Traditions
From the first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode) to decorative kadomatsu and festive osechi meals, Japanese New Year is a time of reflection, family, and cultural celebration.
Winter Sports
Japan’s mountainous regions become snowy playgrounds from December to February. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow festivals attract visitors to famous resorts like Niseko and Hakuba.
Winter Illuminations
Cities across Japan light up with stunning winter illuminations—trees, streets, and buildin
❄️ Top 3 Winter Wonder Spots in Japan
Want to experience the magic of Japan’s winter? These three breathtaking destinations showcase the charm of snowy villages, wildlife, and dazzling festivals across the country.
① Shirakawa-go (Gifu)
Address: Shirakawa, Ōno District, Gifu 501-5627
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View on Google Maps
This UNESCO World Heritage village is known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter scene.
② Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano)
Address: Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401
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View on Google Maps
Famous for wild snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs surrounded by snow.
③ Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)
Address: Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0001
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View on Google Maps
One of Japan’s biggest winter festivals, featuring massive snow and ice sculptures in the heart of the city.
❄️ Cultural Customs in Winter
❄️ More Winter Moments in Japan
Delight in luxurious crab dishes, especially in coastal regions like Hokkaido and Kanazawa where snow crab is in season.
Join traditional mochitsuki (mochi pounding) events to welcome the New Year with fun, rhythm, and teamwork.
Discover how people in snowy areas use unique winter clothing such as straw boots and thick coats to face the cold.
Experience the peaceful ringing of 108 temple bells on New Year’s Eve—an annual tradition called Joya no Kane.
Try your luck with fukubukuro, Japan’s surprise-filled New Year’s lucky bags sold at shops nationwide.
Stay warm under a heated kotatsu table while enjoying tea, mandarins, and maybe a cat companion.
🌸 Explore More Winter Culture
Stay tuned — more insights into Japan's winter culture are coming soon!
（※ただいま準備中です。冬の文化についてのさらなる紹介は近日公開予定です）