March is a month when you can enjoy both tourist spots where you can enjoy the vestiges of winter and the spectacular scenery of flowers that signal the arrival of spring. In Japan, in addition to the colorful scenery of early-blooming cherry blossoms, tulips, and rape blossoms, there are also many traditional events held around the country, such as Hinamatsuri (Girl's Festival), making it a month full of things to see.

So, this time we will introduce 10 carefully selected events and tourist spots in Japan that you should visit in March.

[Hokkaido] Ice Waterfall Festival

The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is a fantastical event that represents the winter in Hokkaido. The highlight is the various ice sculptures that have been created taking advantage of the cold. The approximately 10,000 square meter venue along the Ishikari River is lined with ice sculptures of all shapes, from large to small.

At night, the ice sculptures are illuminated with seven different colors. The entire venue is transformed into a world of light and ice, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In addition, fireworks will be launched during the event, beautifully lighting up the frigid night sky.

[Chiba Prefecture] Isumi Railway

The Isumi Railway is a local line that runs through the southern part of the Boso Peninsula, surrounded by abundant nature. In spring, rape blossoms bloom along the 15 kilometers of the tracks, and the retro train running through a carpet of yellow flowers creates a picture-book-like scene.

The cherry blossoms will be in full bloom in late March, and the bright yellow of the rape blossoms will create a beautiful contrast with the pale pink of the cherry blossoms. We recommend taking in the scenery from the train window or getting off along the way to take photos. There are also train trips where you can enjoy a bento lunch box, and "free tickets" that allow you to get on and off as you please, so you can enjoy spring at your own pace.

[Kanagawa Prefecture] Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival

The Odawara Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring event where about 300 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in the Odawara Castle Ruins Park. The view of the cherry blossoms with the castle tower in the background has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," and you can also enjoy the rows of cherry trees along the moat and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. Another attraction is that the entire venue is enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere.

There are also plenty of events where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and gourmet food, such as the limited-time "Sakura version of castle seal," the Odawara Kamaboko Cherry Blossom Festival, and the "Oden Summit."

[Yamanashi Prefecture] Shangri-La Spring Festival

The Fuefuki City Shangri-La Spring Festival is a spring event held in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, known as "Japan's No. 1 Shangri-La." In late March, peach blossoms bloom all over the place, creating a carpet of pink flowers and the breathtaking scenery of the white snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps.

At the main venue, Yatsushiro Furusato Park, there are plenty of local gourmet food stalls and tourist information. Activities such as walking events and cherry blossom viewing bus tours are also available, and at night the cherry blossoms are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

[Shizuoka Prefecture] Hina Doll Hanging Decoration Festival

The "Hina Doll Hanging Decorations", which originated in Inatori, is a traditional event that has been carried on since the Edo period and is one of Japan's three major hanging decorations, alongside Kyushu's "Sagemon" and Yamagata's "Kasafuku".

It is said that the festival began when mothers and grandmothers would hang dolls made from old kimono fabric on strings, praying for the health and happiness of their daughters and grandchildren. At the main venue, "Cultural Park Hina Doll House," about 11,000 hanging dolls in 100 pairs are on display, with the 6-meter-tall jumbo hanging dolls being a spectacular sight. The whole town is decorated with gorgeous hanging dolls, creating a spring-like atmosphere.

[Mie Prefecture] Plum Festival at Inabe City Agricultural Park

The Inabe City Agricultural Park Plum Festival is a spring festival held in the largest plum grove in the Tokai region. Approximately 4,000 plum trees and 100 varieties of plum blossoms bloom in full glory, captivating visitors with their beautiful scenery of red, white, and pink flowers.

From the observation deck, you can get a panoramic view of the entire plum grove, and the highlight is the gradation of the plum blossoms against the backdrop of the Suzuka Mountains. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the contrast with the snow-capped mountains. Another attraction is being able to stroll around surrounded by the scent of plums and savour locally produced plum juice and plum wine.

[Kyoto Prefecture] Shimogamo Shrine's Nagashi Hina Dolls

The Nagashibina festival at Shimogamo Shrine is a traditional event that is famous as a Hinamatsuri unique to Kyoto. In this ceremony, bad luck is transferred to paper dolls called "hitogata" and then they are thrown into the water to pray for health and happiness.

Men and women dressed in Heian period attire float small straw platforms called "sandawara" (bale of straw) carrying Hina dolls down the Mitarashi River in an elegant manner, creating a beautiful scene reminiscent of a Heian period picture scroll. After the ritual, general participants can also experience warding off evil spirits by floating the sandawara.

[Tokushima Prefecture] Big Hinamatsuri

Awa Katsuura's "Big Hina Matsuri" is a spectacular event that displays about 30,000 Hina dolls collected from all over Japan. The highlight is the 8-meter-tall 100-tiered Hinadan that towers over the main venue, the Doll Cultural Exchange Center. There are also 300 other tiers of Hinadan of various sizes lined up around it, captivating all who visit.

This festival began in 1988 and has been attracting attention as a unique initiative to memorialize and exhibit Hina dolls that are no longer displayed. During the period, you can enjoy traditional culture such as Awa Odori and Bunraku puppet theater, as well as the "Night Museum" where the museum is lit up at night.

[Fukuoka Prefecture] Yanagawa Doll Festival Sagemon Tour

The Yanagawa Doll Festival Sagemon Meguri is a traditional spring event in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. In hopes of healthy growth for children celebrating their first festival, "Sagemon" are displayed along with the Hina dolls. These include auspicious cloth crafts and "Yanagawa Mari".

"Sagemon Meguri" is a tour of the colorful Sagemon decorated throughout the city. One highlight you can't miss is the "Ohinasama Water Parade," where girls dressed in their finest attire ride on donko boats. The boats, surrounded by the sounds of gagaku music, are extremely popular with visitors.

[Nagasaki Prefecture] One Million Tulip Festival

Huis Ten Bosch, which recreates an authentic European townscape, is a popular spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and events. In March, the One Million Tulip Festival is held, where the largest number of tulip varieties in Japan are in full bloom.

The European-style streets and tulip scenery will make you feel like you're traveling in spring in the Netherlands. During the day, you can enjoy the blue sky, tulip fields, and vibrant scenery created by windmills, and at night, the illuminated scenery creates a fantastic scene. The Easter event celebrating spring is also a highlight.

summary

In March in Japan, you can enjoy spectacular scenery and traditional events unique to the season of transition from winter to spring across the country. There are a wide variety of events, including the Doll's Festival, flower festivals, and fantastical light-up displays.

Enjoy the unique charm of Japan through this special experience that marks the arrival of spring.