Hokkaido

First shrine/temple visit of the year. Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) draws 3M+ visitors.

Celebration for 20-year-olds wearing furisode (kimono).

Massive snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park. Over 2M visitors.

Tip: Book Sapporo hotels 2-3 months ahead.

Plum blossoms bloom before sakura.

Sakura front moves north over ~2 months. Tokyo peaks late March, Hokkaido early May.

Tip: Full bloom lasts ~1 week per region.

Girls' Day. Ornate doll displays in homes and temples.

Japan's busiest holiday week. Expect full hotels, packed trains.

Festival of the dead. Bon Odori dances, floating lanterns.

Koyo front moves south. Hokkaido peaks mid-Oct, Kyoto late Nov.

Massive LED light displays across Japan.