FOUR SEASONS IN JAPAN
tulipsSpring, the Season of Flowers
The beauty of spring is reflected by the different flowers blooming during the season.
○ Popular types of flowers in Japan
○ Flower Calendar in Japan
○ Japan Flower Festivals 2018
Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival 2018
March 24 – May 27, 2018
The flower festival starts in late March and continues until late May. The cherry blossom season in the park was over while the rape seeds and tulips were at their best.

Previous Years
Spring 2017
Spring 2016
Spring 2015
Spring 2014
Cherry Blossom (Sakura) viewing in Japan
Hanami which literally means “flower viewing” is a Japanese custom of picnicking under a blooming cherry (sakura) or plum (ume) tree.
○ When do cherry trees bloom?
○ How long do cherry blooms last?
○ What are the different varieties of cherry trees?
○ Where are the popular cherry blossom spots?
April 01: Osaka Castle
The cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle Park, which covers about two square kilometers are in full bloom and with the good weather, visitors flocked the area to appreciate the flowers and enjoy hanami.

March 27: Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park has about 1,500 cherry trees and has wide open areas which makes it a great place for hanami parties.

March 26: Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (新宿御苑) has more than 1,500 cherry trees of more than 12 varieties which starts blooming from late March to late April and sometimes even last until early May.

March 25: Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park’s large pond is one of the favorite sakura spot in Tokyo with its 250 cherry trees lining up its banks. The trees around the pond were 50-70% in bloom and looked very pretty.

Previous Years:
Sakura 2017
Sakura 2016
Sakura 2015
Sakura 2014
Sakura 2013
Summer in NiijimaBeating the Summer Heat
Summer in Japan can be very hot, humid and can be suffocating but it is also the season for mountain hikes, overnight camps, beach, water parks, top festivals, yukatas, fireworks, cold teas, and shaved ice.

Kiyose Sunflower Festival 2017
About 100,000 sunflowers are planted on a 2.4 hectares land in Kiyose City, which creates a brilliant yellow field under the dazzling summer sun.

WAI Water parks around Tokyo 2017
Summer is here and what could be the best way to cool off the summer heat than to go swimming and enjoy the water. Fortunately, Tokyo offers abundant water parks where family and friends can go for a refreshingly cool getaways.
花火 Hanabi 2017 – Summer Fireworks Festival
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.
Enjoying the Colors of Autumn
Autumn in Japan is an exciting season, when the entire country becomes mesmerized with nature’s breathtaking palette of colors. Starting mid September, the front of autumn colors slowly moves from the northern island of Hokkaido towards the lower elevations of central and southern part of Japan.
○ When do leaves change colors?
○ What trees change color?
○ Where to view autumn leaves?

 

Previous Years
Autumn Colors 2017
Autumn Colors 2016
Autumn Colors 2015
Autumn Colors 2014
Autumn Colors 2013
Skiing and Snowboarding in JapanSkiing and Snowboarding in Japan
Winter is the coldest season of the year and it is often characterized by freezing temperature, icy weather, and abundant snow. For ski and snowboard enthusiasts in Japan, winter is also synonymous with the ski season.
○ Travel Agencies and Event Groups in Japan
○ Ski Resorts across Japan

» Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
» Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort