Spring in Japan is a time for new beginnings. As the freezing winter days draw to a close, the warmth of spring beckons us to the outdoors!
1. Enjoy The Cherry Blossoms!
Easily the most exclusive activity to do during spring in Japan is hanami or “cherry blossom viewing.” Indeed, Japan’s abundance of cherry blossom trees is second to none, blooming in every part of the country within the months of March, April, and May.
From my experience, the best place to see the cherry blossoms is by far the Yodogawa Riverside Park’s Sewaritei, a scenic spot in Yawata, Kyoto. Not only does this park offer endless cherry blossom trees along the Yodogawa River, but also features spectacular sunsets by the mountain ranges.
2. Indulge In Seasonal Goods
Spring in Japan means cherry blossoms, and cherry blossoms mean sakura treats! In Japan, it’s common to see seasonal goods on rotation in convenience stores, cafés, and restaurants, keeping things fun and exciting for customers all year round!
Of course, these establishments honor Japan’s spring season by introducing cherry blossom-flavored goods or, as I like to call them, “sakura treats.” From cherry blossom parfaits to sakura lattes, there are so many seasonal food and drinks around this time of year that offer refreshing and vibrant tastes you won’t get outside of Japan!
3. Get Involved In Sports
Perhaps the best thing about spring in Japan (well, spring anywhere to be honest) is the perfect temperature that comes along with it. I felt this to be particularly true in Japan where the winters are much colder than in Australia where I’m from (after all, it snows in Japan!).
After three grueling winter months of ice-cold temperatures, spring is a great time to soak in the sun and get involved in some outdoor sports. For me, that sport is tennis! Japan is abundant in tennis courts with locations all over the country, so grab a friend and get involved in your nearest club!
4. Visit A Botanical Garden
Cherry blossoms aren’t the only flowers that bloom during spring in Japan, and you’ll know this all too well when you visit one of the many botanical gardens across the country! Here, you can find beautiful flowers and plants across the whole color spectrum, from bright yellow sunflowers to lovely lavender gardens.
I highly recommend the Kyoto Botanical Gardens along the Kamo River for a cheap entry of just 200 yen (1.30 USD). The gardens are quite beautiful and there is even a greenhouse and a fancy café with an outdoor forest setting!
5. Start A New Career!
Spring is indeed a time for new beginnings, in fact, many Japanese companies often hire new staff members around this time of year. If you’re living in Japan on a long-term basis and are looking for a new job or change of career, I would suggest focusing your job search efforts around this time.
For me, I received the most responses to my job applications and attended the most interviews during the spring. From working in Japan as a hotel cleaner, I was able to make a leap forward and secure a role as a general hotel assistant with a new company.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!