Planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to go this week to experience the latest trends? If you’re looking for cultural and fascinating places to visit, this article will show you the four must-see sights to see next week. From cherry blossom festivals to special openings of historic buildings, we provide practical information for you to enjoy!
1. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival (Shizuoka Prefecture)
The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu-cho, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a festival where you can enjoy 8,000 Kawazu cherry trees in early bloom from February 1 to March 9. The rows of cherry trees along the Kawazu River are dyed pink, and the nighttime illumination is also beautiful!
Access from Tokyo is by Shinkansen bullet train and an overnight stay is recommended. The night illumination starts at 18:00.
It is recommended to stay at a nearby ryokan onsen and enjoy the cherry blossoms day and night.
2. Katsuura Grand Hina Matsuri (Chiba Prefecture)
The Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Festival) in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, is held from late February to March 3, and features hina dolls.
In particular, hina dolls from Tomisaki Shrine are displayed on a 60-step staircase, and the nighttime illumination is spectacular!
Admission is free and access is easy, a 10-minute walk from Katsuura station on the JR Sotobo line. The whole town is in celebration and visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture.
3.Special winter tour of the five-story To-ji Pagoda (Kyoto)
The five-story pagoda of To-ji Temple is open to the public for a special winter exhibition, offering a rare opportunity to see inside.
Until March 18, it will be possible to visit the normally inaccessible ground floor of the pagoda and view historical Buddhist statues and artifacts.
Visit during this period if you are traveling in Kyoto and enjoy Japan’s historic architecture. Admission is 800 yen and no advance reservations are required.
4. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kyoto)
Known for its approximately 2,000 plum trees, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto is open to the public from early February to late March.
It can be easily reached by bus from Kyoto JR station (35 minutes) and is ideal for travelers looking for a cultural experience, away from the city center for more tranquility.
