Each spring, the “cherry blossom front” moves northward across Japan. Starting in Kyushu and traveling up to Hokkaido, you can enjoy sakura somewhere in the country for about a month.
Kōfu’s Biggest Winter Crowd: Entakuji Temple’s Yakuyoke Jizō Festival
One of Kōfu’s most beloved winter traditions is the Yakuyoke Jizō Festival held at Entakuji Temple (塩澤寺). From noon on February 13 to noon on February 14, the temple grounds become lively for 24 hours as worshippers arrive from across Japan—making it one of the busiest and most energetic times of the year in the area.
Enjoy World Music, Dance, and Food at a Jōmon Archaeological Site
“A festival at a Jōmon site?” It may sound surprising at first. But at Umenoki Ruins Park, a nationally designated Jōmon historic site in Akeno, Hokuto City (Yamanashi), the atmosphere of ancient Japan makes music, dance, and food feel even more memorable—and that’s exactly what makes this event so special each year.
5 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Japan (2025 Edition)
For people in Japan, autumn foliage is a cherished seasonal scene that embodies the beauty of change and transience. As mountains and temple gardens turn red and gold, many set out for “momijigari,” the joy of seeking autumn leaves.
Follow the north-to-south “foliage front,” and you can enjoy peak colors across the country over an extended period.
Okinawa (Naha, Central & Northern Main Island) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
Shikoku (Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
Shikoku offers outstanding cuisine (from Sanuki udon to seared bonito), dramatic nature, the culture of the pilgrimage, and soothing hot springs. Highlights include Kagawa’s Kotohira-gu Shrine, Tokushima’s Naruto Whirlpools, Ehime’s Dogo Onsen, and Kochi’s Katsurahama Beach.
Chugoku Region (Hiroshima, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Tottori, Shimane) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
The Chugoku region blends powerful history with beautiful nature, soothing hot springs, and excellent seafood—from Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine to Okayama’s Korakuen Garden, Yamaguchi’s Hagi and Akiyoshidai, Shimane’s Izumo Taisha, and the Tottori Sand Dunes.
>Kinki (Kansai) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
Chubu (Niigata, Nagano, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi) 2–3 Day Itinerary (Public Transport, 9:00–18:00)
The Chubu region features the Japanese Alps, historic towns, the Sea of Japan, Mt. Fuji, and Yamanashi’s famed fruits and wine. Feel tradition in Kanazawa and Takayama, learn history in Shirakawa-go and Matsumoto Castle, and enjoy nature at the Fuji Five Lakes, Shosenkyo Gorge, and the Yatsugatake Highlands.