Spring in Japan typically begins around March and lasts until May. During springtime, sakura or cherry blossoms bloom, becoming one of Japan's iconic sights.
Moreover, spring in Japan is marked by unique traditions and festive celebrations. One of the most famous traditions is Hanami, where people gather in parks and public areas filled with blooming sakura trees. Read on to discover 10 traditions during spring season in Japan.
1. Hanami
Hanami is a Japanese tradition celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms. This tradition involves gathering in parks, city gardens, or other public areas adorned with blooming sakura trees. Hanami is not only enjoyed by locals but also attracts tourists from around the world who wish to experience the magical springtime in Japan.
2. Ohanami
Ohanami is a similar tradition to Hanami, also celebrating the blooming of cherry blossoms in Japan. However, Ohanami is more focused on picnicking under the sakura trees. People bring food and drinks to enjoy with family, friends, or colleagues under the blooming Sakura trees.
3. Graduasi Sekolah
In Japan, the education system typically concludes in March, marking the beginning of a new academic year in April. This coincides with the arrival of spring. Before the new academic year begins, schools hold graduation ceremonies for students completing their education at the secondary or university levels.
4. Shunbun no Hi
Shunbun no Hi is one of the national holidays celebrated in Japan on the same day as the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21. The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. During Shunbun no Hi, many people in Japan visit shrines or family graves to pray and clean the gravesites.
5. Golden Week
Golden Week is one of the most important holiday periods in Japan. It consists of a series of national holidays that take place around late April to early May each year. During Golden Week, many Japanese take advantage of this opportunity to go on vacations with their families or friends.
6. Sakura Matsuri
In addition to Hanami and Ohanami, several cities in Japan also hold special cherry blossom festivals called Sakura Matsuri. During Sakura Matsuri, parks, temples, and other public areas are adorned with lights, decorations, and tents to enhance the festive atmosphere. The event often includes various activities such as flower parades, traditional art performances, music concerts, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances.
7. Opening of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Spring is also the time when many amusement parks and attractions in Japan reopen their doors after the winter season. This is eagerly awaited by entertainment enthusiasts to enjoy new rides, parades, and other special events in these parks.
8. Otokui no Age
Otokui no Age is typically performed at the beginning of spring or during the New Year. Adults, such as parents, grandparents, or older siblings, give monetary gifts to children as symbols of luck and hope for a bright future. These monetary gifts are given in special envelopes called "Otoshidama.”
9. Introduction of Spring Cuisine
Restaurants and cafes in Japan often offer special menus unique to the spring season. One of the foods closely associated with this season is sakura mochi, a rice cake wrapped in cherry blossom leaves and filled with sweet red bean paste or adzuki. There are also sakura shrimp tempura, bamboo shoots, clams, chirashi-zushi, warabi mochi, and soba with spinach.
10. Wedding Celebrations
Spring in Japan, especially in April, is often considered an auspicious time to start new beginnings, including embarking on married life together as newlyweds. Many couples choose April for their weddings because it is seen as a time of hope and beauty when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Spring in Japan is a vibrant time with various festive activities. These traditions provide an opportunity for the Japanese people to enjoy the beauty of nature and celebrate new beginnings.
