Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima Prefecture boasts spectacular spring blossoms set against the snow-capped Azuma Mountains. The blooms typically reach full bloom in mid to late April, and the park features wheelchair and stroller-friendly paths, making it an accessible and welcoming off-the-beaten track destination. 
Hi ,

 

Welcome to the March and April edition of the Japan Travel News Updates. 


Spring is officially in full bloom, and while the cherry blossoms have wrapped up in Okinawa and Kawazu, the sakura season across the rest of the country is just getting started. Check out our 2025 cherry blossom forecast to plan your ideal hanami adventure. 

 

Expo 2025 Osaka kicks off on 13 April, bringing people together from around the world to explore innovative ideas to enhance our wellbeing and protect the environment. Visit our ‘Live to Travel, Travel to Live’ page for experiences that align with these themes, along with model courses and travel tips.  


Echoing the expo’s focus on sustainability, Kyoto is promoting responsible travel. These resources will help make your travels both enjoyable and respectful of the local culture and environment. 


From contemporary art festivals to the World O-Cha Festival, there’s so much to look forward to in Japan this spring. Read on for more updates and travel inspiration!

Experience ukiyo-e in a whole new dimension (Tokyo) 


Step into the world of ukiyo-e like never before at the Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition in Tokyo. Experience iconic works by masters such as Hokusai and Hiroshige through stunning 3D digital projections, where over 300 masterpieces come to life around you. 


Event dates: Until 31 March 

 

Image ©Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition


Yanagawa in Fukuoka is decorated with colourful sagemon decorations each year for Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day). Go on a sagemon meguri to admire hina doll and sagemon displays, and enjoy the lively Ohinasama Water Parade.
 
Event dates: 11 February - 13 April 
 
Image ©︎Yanagawa City

A global celebration of tea at the World O-CHA Festival (Shizuoka) 


Dive into the world of tea at the World O-CHA Festival 2025 in Shizuoka, one of Japan’s top producers of tea. Experience global tea cultures and discover a range of tea-related products from around the world. 


Festival dates: 19 April – 21 May and 23 – 26 October

 

Image © Fast&Slow / PIXTA(ピクスタ) 


2025 is an exciting year for contemporary art in Japan. The spring session of the Setouchi Triennale starts on 18 April, featuring innovative exhibitions on the scenic islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival will run alongside the World Expo, followed by the Aichi Triennale later in the year.
 
Image © KIOKU Keizo / Setouchi Triennale   

Two Japanese town added to the UN’s Best Tourism Villages list (Yamagata and Kagoshima) 


Nishikawa in Yamagata Prefecture and Amagi in Kagoshima Prefecture have recently been recognised by the UN for their commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving local traditions. With these new additions, Japan now has a total of eight towns on the list.  

 

Image ©︎ Amagi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture

Pop culture and local history come together at Musashino (Saitama)  


The Pop Over Musashino art festival will feature an exhibit in Tokorozawa, home to Japan’s first airfield, showcasing mecha robot anime such as Mobile Suit Gundam. Along with contemporary art inspired by the original works, the event will delve into Japanese aviation and feature talk shows and live performances.    

Festival dates: 7 February - 30 March 

 

Image ©︎ KADOKAWA CORPORATION

Sengan-en Station to open on 15 March (Kagoshima) 


With the opening of Sengan-en Station this March, exploring Kagoshima's rich history, nature and culture has never been easier. Visitors can enjoy quick access to historical attractions such as Sengan-en and the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, all while taking in magnificent views of Kinko Bay and the towering Sakurajima.


Partners Information 

Explore the beauty of Japan’s spring flowers with Willer (Tochigi, Ibaraki & Yamanashi) 

 

Venture beyond the cherry blossoms on a one-day bus tour from Tokyo with Willer. Discover the breathtaking wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park and walk among the blue nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park, or admire the shibazakura (moss phlox) at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival.

 

Fuji Shibazakura tours (April & May)
 

Partners Information 

A look back at Japan in the 1970s: the Osaka expo and beyond


Join the Japan Foundation, Sydney, for two free events in March exploring the cultural transformation of Japan from the 1970s to today. Delve into the societal changes following the Osaka Expo, and gain insights into the country's remarkable journey. You can attend these events in person or online. 

Useful resources

Osaka World Expo 2025

 

The World Expo will be held from 13 April to 13 October in Osaka. Don't miss out on your chance to witness the latest  technology, world knowledge and sharing of ideas with leading global specialists!  See the official website and the English language brochure for more information. 

JNTO Sydney Office services 

 

If you have any Japan travel questions, please contact us using our enquiry form. Our self-service brochure room is open Monday to Friday* from 10am-4pm (AEST). You can also find a wide selection of digital brochures online

 

* Please note we are closed on some Japanese public holidays. See the latest list here

Visit Japan Web 
 
Register immigration and customs information on Visit Japan Web prior to your departure to expedite airport arrival procedures in Japan. There are two forms: immigration (the digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.  

Monthly event calendar 

 

Find out what festivals and events will be on during your visit. The monthly calendars are released around the middle of the month and cover events across the whole country. 

Japan Visitor Hotline
 
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year.

Call for tourist information, if you need assistance in case of emergencies (accidents or sickness) or for support during natural disasters.

Ph: +81 (0)50-3816-2787

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