Kanto

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

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

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.

Tokyo's wildest festival. 2M+ visitors.

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.

One of Japan's 3 great float festivals.