spring festivals Archives

Early spring is the best time to be in Tokyo -- you can take advantage of all the events and festivals dedicated to spring flowers, among other things. The cherry blossoms are blooming later than expected this year, so you can still catch them at the beginning of April. There are also plenty of late-blooming varieties at the end of the month. As the weather warms up, Tokyo residents take to the streets for parades, traditional festivals, and puppies. For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete events guide -- organized by month. 1. Kanamara Matsuri April 7 Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki The world-famous "penis festival" It's that time of the year again: the slightly controversial Kanamara Matsuri, better known as the “Penis Festival”, is back. While the event has certainly gotten bigger and more crowded over the years, it still seems better known among foreigners than locals. The highlight of the event is a procession in which three steel phalluses -- in honor of a blacksmith who used a steel phallus to kill a demon living in a woman's naughty bits (allegedly) -- are paraded around the neighborhood. The side attractions and activities, such as a radish-carving contest (guess the shape you're supposed to carve) are also popular. Genital-shaped candy is a crowd favorite, with long lines forming at booths that sell them. Have fun, but don't go too wild -- wacky as the event may seem, it still does have a religious element to it, after all. 2. Yoyogi Park Wanwan Carnival April 6–7 Yoyogi Park Cute dogs everywhere If you love dogs, doggos, doges, puppers, or whatever you call them, head to Yoyogi Park to see some real good boys at the Wanwan Carnival ("wanwan" being the Japanese term that kids use to refer to dogs). Bring your good boy/s too if you have some of your own. With activities and attractions such as a dog café, opportunities to meet therapy and rescue dogs, free check-ups and nail-trimming services for your dog, contests, and games, this is the perfect event for dog lovers. Additionally, there will be a "Wanwan Shopping Mall" -- that is, rows of booths selling doggy treats and other goodies for our canine friends. 3. Tokyo Pride April 19–21 Yoyogi Park and the surrounding area The biggest LGBTQ+ event of the year Celebrate love and diversity at Tokyo Rainbow Pride. You can expect various activities -- movie screenings, parties, talks, and more -- but the highlight is the Pride Festival and Parade. The festival will be held at Yoyogi Park Events Square, while the parade on Sunday will make its way around Shibuya and Harajuku. 4. Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival March 30–April 30 Nezu Shrine, Bunkyō Exquisite flowers If you're a fan of flowers, then the Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival is for you. This isn't just a festival where you go and "smell the azaleas"; there are several events in store. Get the chance to take home potted plants at the daily flower market, cheer on those parading the mikoshi (portable shrine) on April 7, and enjoy the Sunday drum performances on April 13, 20, and 28. 5. Kamakura Festival April 14 and April 21 Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, Kamakura Archery, tea, and other traditions A yearly tradition since 1959, the Kamakura Festival is Kamakura's major spring festival. Activities mostly take place on the grounds of Kamakura's famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and include a procession, Japanese archery competition, traditional dances, and an open-air tea ceremony. Bonus: cherry blossoms and tulips Thanks to the cold weather, the cherry blossoms have been delayed in 2024. This means they will still be in bloom (weather permitting) at the beginning of April, and luckily some festivals are still ongoing: Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival (until April 2) Ark Hills Cherry Blossom Festival (April 5–7, lights throughout the season) Bokutei Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival (until April 7) Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (until April 7) Shibuya Sakura Stage Cherry Blossom Festival (until April 10) Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival (until April 14) And don't forget the tulips: Ukima Park Cherry Blossom and Tulip Illumination (until April 21) Sakura Tulip Festival (until April 21) While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2017. Last updated in March 2024 by Alex Ziminski.

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