Hanabi Matsuri or Firework Festivals are held all over Japan during the summer season as it had been a fundamental part in Japanese culture. Firework displays give color to the night sky and create a lively summer season. The festive atmosphere attracts hundred of thousands of spectators coming from all over the country and visitors as well. Most Japanese men and women attend this event wearing the traditional yukata, summer kimono or jinbei.
Below is a list of some of the 2015 Hanabi schedule:
Visit Date: 04/05/2015 (Best Time: early to mid April)
Showa Kinen Park which is just about 60-minutes away from central Tokyo is indeed one of the best hanami spot with its 1,500 cherry trees and spacious lawns. The cherry trees in the park bloom a few days later than central Tokyo too, so it was at its peak during our visit.
Due to the ‘cloudy with some rain’ weather forecast, there were not much people picnicking in the Cherry Blossom Garden during our visit and we have plenty of space to choose from.
People picnicking and having fun around the clusters of cherry trees.
Visit Date: 04/02/2015 (Best Time: early April)
Aoyama Cemetery (青山霊園) is Japan’s first public cemetery. The straight road leading to the cemetery is lined up by hundreds of cherry trees. The area may be associated with the dead but observing the blooming cherry trees from a cemetery provides a unique experience.
The cherry trees along the side of the road are in full bloom.
Visit Date: 03/31/2015 (Best Time: early to mid April)
Chidorigafuchi-ryokudo is a 700-meter-long walkway along the moat located at the northwest of the Imperial Palace. Over 200 cherry trees planted along the banks of the river create an excellent cherry viewing spot.
It was still early for the row boats rental (from 11:00 – 17:30）.
The spring season in Japan means it is the time for flower viewing. Here are some of the flower festivals held in the country.
Hitachi Seaside Park Flowering 2015
March 21 to May 17, 2015
The 190 hectares park features variety of plants and flowers all year round making it a good destination not only during spring but the rest of the seasons.
