Earlier this year, Japan has banned the entry of many oversea visitors in order to limit the spread of the virus. However, the nation-wide state of emergency in Japan was lifted on May 25th. Japan has re-opened schools, cinemas, sports clubs and department stores since the beginning of June and is expected to gradually re-open borders from the end of June. This will start with countries in which COVID-19 has largely been contained (such as Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Thailand) and will continue to add more countries to the list.

As the country begins to open up, many are eager to start looking into travel plans for later this year or next year. If you're looking to travel, you may want to consider the seasons you'd like to visit Japan and what you'd want to see. For example, this year, Fuji Shibazakura Festival (between mid-April to late-May) was cancelled due to COVID-19, but you still have a chance to see it next year!

Each year, Fuji Shibazakura Festival (富士芝桜まつり), located about 3 km south of Lake Motosuko in the Fuji Five Lakes area, displays the breathtaking scenery of 800,000 pink moss against the backdrop of Mt Fuji. This festival has been held for one month from mid April till mid May and attracted thousands of visitors every year. It is worth seeing if you're planning to visit Japan in the Spring.

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Visiting Japan during cherry blossom (sakura) season is often on the top of travelers' lists. Earlier this month in January, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released their most recent cherry blossom forecast for Japan, and the sakura bloom dates seem to be slightly earlier this year than the previous years.

When sightings of cherry blossoms first appear, this normally signals the beginning of the spring season for the Japanese. The sakura season is one of the most significant in the country, as many people will plan ahead to try to gather with friends and family to view cherry blossoms for 'hanami' (flower viewing) when they have fully bloomed. Sakura season is one of the most difficult to plan for as sakura are only in bloom for about one to two weeks, so many people will try to find out both the ‘kaika’ (blooming) and ‘mankai’ (full bloom) sakura predictions as early as possible in order to make the most out of the beautiful sakura season.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)’s cherry blossom forecast is based on many factors, such as the low temperatures during autumn and winter, cumulative temperatures, past area data, and cherry tree growth status.

Tokyo sakura blossom dates are usually most searched and for 2019, the sakura are expected to bloom starting on March 22nd and will peak on March 29th. 

For visitors coming to Japan later in April, they can still see sakura, especially in the cooler areas of Northern Japan, in which sakura typically bloom later than the rest of Japan. The very last cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in Sapporo, Hokkdaido on May 8th. 

For more information on sakura forecasts in 2019 based on city or region, see the sakura forecast map and find more details below.

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan and is very impressive all year round. The Hell Valley (Jigokudani) is the source for its hot springs. The area gets its name from the strong sulfur smell that you can get a whiff of just by walking through the hot sand dunes of Noboribetsu. Aside from the smell (just give yourself a few minutes to get used to it), the location is quite relaxing to walk through.

Noboribetsu Onsen is especially known for its hot springs due to its nine varieties of spring water, each with its own health benefits:

1. Sulfur springs (Lousen), which help to ease chronic bronchitis (inflamed bronchial tubes produce a lot of mucus, and often occurs for smokers), hardening of arteries,  chronic dermatitis and other skin conditions.

2. Salt springs (Shokuensen), is known to help ease neuralgia (nerve pain), lower back pain, and poor circulation. These hot springs are the most common in Japan.

3. Aluminum springs (Myobansen) generally ease symptoms of many skin diseases and alleviates the inflammation of mucous membranes.

4. Mirabilite springs (Boshosen) will help improve blood flow and circulation. The water is known to ease effects of hypertension, wounds, and arteriosclerosis.

5. Melanterite springs (Ryokubansen) help ease anemia (not enough red blood cells) and chronic eczema skin conditions.

6. Iron springs (Tessen) also ease symptoms of anemia and chronic eczema. This is especially great for those who have severe dry skin (usually the case in cold weather).

7. Acidic iron springs (Sansei Tessen) help alleviate and disinfect the skin which is good for those who have eczema or other skin conditions. After using this onsen, you'll have to wash your body with regular water to cleanse yourself of the acidic iron water.

8. Alkaline springs (Jusosen) is known to soften cornified and hard layers of skin, as well as emulsifying secretions. The hot spring will ease skin conditions and sanitize wounds.

9. Radium springs (Radium-sen) has a strong sedative effect. They are particularly effective at easing those with neuralgia, rheumatism, and menopausal disorders.

Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata prefecture is the most scenic in winter. The old town is charming with its wooden buildings all year round, but the snow really adds to the beauty and charm of the town.

During the winter, the Ginzan area can get up to 2 meters of snow, with all the buildings and streets being blanketed in white. While it's extremely cold out in the streets, imagine yourself sitting in a steaming hot onsen enjoying the beautiful view.

At Ginzan Onsen, there are many onsen (either in your hotel or at a public bath). We recommend strolling along the Ginzan River wearing a yukata, staying overnight at one Ginzan Onsen's many inns or ryokan, and taking an outdoor rotenburo onsen bath at your hotel if possible (they can arrange a private kashikiri bath with another companion).

Manza Onsen, located on the high slopes of Mt. Shirane in Gunma Prefecture, is a hot spring at a high altitude (1800 meters above sea level) that can be easily reachable from Tokyo. Their hot springs are very rich in sulfur and is considered one of the most sulfuric in all of Japan. Although the high-content of sulfur cases the water to look neon yellow, the sulfur really helps with treating dermatitis, improving metabolism and blood circulation.

Manza Onsen is a very popular ski resort and because of this, several hotels and ryokan are known for their outstanding onsen. In the winter, the area is completely covered in snow. Imagine after a long day on the slopes, you can come back and ease those muscles in a hot bath in the comfort of your hotel.

Shima Onsen is also located in Gunma Prefecture, in a sleepy hot spring town in the northwest mountains. It is considered one of the top four hot spring towns in Gunma (alongside Kusatsu, Ikaho and Minakami).

Shima Onsen, which literally translates to 'Forty Thousand Hot Springs', is one of the oldest onsen towns in Japan, and gets its name from the ancient belief that its 40 hot spring water resources could heal as many ailments as that in its name.

The onsen, though also in Gunma like Manza, it doesn't get as much snow since it's not as high up, and despite its many attractions (the onsen was confirmed to be one of the locations that inspired the Studio Ghibli movie "Spirited Away"), Shima Onsen has managed to keep itself from being overdeveloped and has a very charming small-town feel.

Shima Onsen, with its old wooden onsen hotels, is one of the most charming places to enjoy an onsen experience, especially in the autumn and winter seasons.

Many people choose to stay in Sekizenkan hotel at Shima Onsen, but we also recommend Shima Tamura or Shima Grand Hotel (they are sister companies), so you can experience both facilities with various indoor and outdoor onsen for only 500 JPY extra.

Kita Onsen is an isolated hot spring located in the Nasu-Onsekyo mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. It is also easily accessible from Tokyo and is known for being one of the oldest onsens in Japan. Staying at Kita Onsen offers visitors a unique and rare experience to be able to stay, bath and dine in an authentic Edo era atmosphere.

According to local folklore, Kita Onsen was discovered by a tengu ("heavenly dog" or goblin) some 1200 years ago. There are also reconds from back in 738 of nobles traveling here for the springs' curative properties. Because of this myth, the bathing facility of "Tengu no Yu" ("The Hot Spring of the Tengu") is the most famous in all of Kita Onsen.

Have you seen photos of monkeys bathing in hot springs? The famous imagery is located in Nagano, and Shibu Onsen is the town where many people stay while they are in Nagano and after watching the monkeys bathe at Jigokudani Monkey Park (no, you cannot get into the onsen with the monkeys).

After peeking at monkeys bathing, you can enjoy the hot springs for yourself at one of the amazing hotels and ryokans at Shibu Onsen. If you're staying at Shibu Onsen town, you can use 8 of the 9 open-air baths for free.

For Studio Ghibli fans, stay at Kanaguya ryokan, which is said to have been inspiration for the model bathhouse in the film, "Spirited Away".

Don't miss a chance to see monkeys bathe in onsen and do it for yourself at the many public baths in Shibu Onsen!

Kinosaki Onsen is also a great place to try onsen-related food, such as boiling eggs in the hot spring water to eat in front of the Kinosaki Gelato Cafe Chaya. The onsen tamago (literally "hot spring egg") are popular to eat among locals and is a great experience for anyone who wants to enjoy sitting in the hot spring and eating eggs at the same time!

Arima Onsen is located within the city limits of Kobe in Hyogo prefecture. Although the town is in the mountains, it is a popular weekend location for residents living closeby in Kobe and Osaka. It is also one of Japan's oldest onsen resorts (the two other oldest onsens are Ehime’s Dogo Onsen and Wakayama’s Shirahama Onsen) with history over one thousand years.

The town offers golden springs and two kinds of silver springs. The Kinsen ("gold water") is brown in color with iron deposits and is said to be good for skin ailments and muscle pain, while the Ginsen ("silver water") is clear and contains radium and carbonate. It is said to cure various muscle and joint ailments.

There are two public bath houses at Arima Onsen, but visitors can also enjoy onsen in the town's many ryokan. There are some ryokan that also open their baths to non-staying visitors during the day. The admission fee for a bath in the daytime is usually around 500 to 2500 JPY.

Dogo Onsen is by far one of Japan's most famous onsen. Located in central Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture, the area is popular for its beautiful bath houses, and famous and prestigious guests such as the Imperial Family are also frequent visitors.

Dogo Onsen is considered to be the oldest onsen resort in Japan (approximately from 1894), but there is no official records and it is hard to tell when exactly the first onsen was built here. It is also famous for being another main inspiration for the bathhouse in Miyazaki/ Studio Ghibli's popular animated film, "Spirited Away".

The resort consists of two buildings: the original building "Honkan" and the newer and bigger "Tsubaki No Yu". The interior of the Honkan is a maze of stairways, passages and rooms, all of which bustle with bathers and staff. We recommend the "Tsubaki No Yu" as it is bigger and not as busy as the main building.

Dogo Onsen boasts Alkaline spring waters which improve skin conditions and sanitizes wounds. It is very gentle to the skin and fit for children and elderly.

There are 29 different hot springs feeding the source of Dogo Onsen. The various spring waters are mixed and used in the bathhouses.

If you have sensitive skin or want to experience old, opulent bathhouses, we highly recommend Dogo Onsen.

Beppu Onsen in Oita prefecture boasts the greatest volume of hot spring water in Japan. It might look like the town is on fire but its just the steam of the hot water rising from the ground.

The area is also famous for its "Hell Tour," a series of eight unusual hot spring spots that seem to be out of this world. The blue-colored onsen, for example, gets its color from sulfuric acid and its temperature is 98 degrees Celsius.

This tour is worth a visit alone, but we are here for the onsen we can bathe in, right? Beppu Onsen offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor hot springs.

In addition to normal hot baths, they also offer sand baths. You get buried in the rich soil heated up by the hot springs moving underneath the surface and relax for a few minutes. It's a great way to get rid of fatigue.

In other words, with its variety of hot spring types, Beppu Onsen is truly unique and an ideal place for a relaxing holiday.

Yamanashi is known for its delicious wine, delectable fruits, and its scenic beauty. To experience this, one of the best places to visit in Yamanashi is the Fuefukugawa Fruits Park.

Fuefukugawa Fruits Park (笛吹川フルーツ公園) is a 32.2-hectare fruit theme park located in Yamanashi City of central Yamanashi Prefecture.

The park showcases many famous wine and fruit known to Yamanashi, plus a variety of flowers and other botanical elements for every season. The park is also known for its amazing view of the Kofu Basin and its 300-meter-high mountain range, which is considered one of Japan’s best night scenes.

The park holds many facilities such as the Fruit Plaza, an outside ‘Aqua Athletic’ area, many restaurants including the Orchard Café, and even a dog park. There are also many events that are held throughout the year at the park. Here is a list of some of the annual events held at Fuefukugawa Fruits Park.

March is an eventful month in Japan, so let's celebrate them at the Fuefukugawa Fruits Park!

Girl’s Day (Hinamatsuri), on the 3rd day in March, is a day that celebrates the happiness and health for young girls. On this day, hina arare (bite-sized Japanese crackers) and peach flowers will be distributed to visitors at the park to celebrate the event.

March is also the month to harvest strawberries, and there will be many events with live comedy shows, strawberry tasting, wine tasting and origami making stalls for the celebration of Strawberry Day in the Fuefukugawa Park.

【Date】: Saturday, March 2, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 3 pm

【Place】: Fuefukugawa River Fruit Park Fruit Park Square (Dome), etc.

Why not stop for a while and view the peach blossoms and many other flowers that bloom during the spring season?

In Japan, ‘momo no sekku’ (peach blossom festival) is celebrated between early and mid- April when these flowers begin to bloom. Traditionally, peach flowers were believed by the Japanese to drive away bad spirits, and are used as decoration during this season. During this time, visitors can enjoy drinking matcha tea and ‘okashi’ (Japanese snacks) and have a nice “Flower Tea Party”. The tea is limited to the first 200 visitors to arrive and the fee is just ¥200 per person for the first 200 people to arrive.

【Date】: Sunday, April 14, 2019 - Sunday, April 15, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 3 pm

【Place】: Yamanashi City Ezohara 1488, Fuefuku River Fruit Park entrance square

Got a week off for Golden Week (one week holiday usually around the end of April to beginning of May)? Visit the Fuefukugawa Fruits Park!

In the month of May, the Green Fest & Child Festival is quite popular with families that have children. One of the major events, ‘Masu no Tsukamidori’, (Grabbing of Trout) is held in this month where participants are able to partake in catching trout fish (for elementary students or younger only). Other events include the Yo-kai Watch character show (based on the popular game of Japanese forklore) or live entertainment with various food and drink stalls, usually located at the Entrance Square or Fruit Plaza of the park.

【Date】: Friday, May 3, 2019 - Saturday, May 4, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 4 pm

【Place】: Entrance Square / Fruit Plaza

Try the sweet cherry that are harvested in this season and experience the annual cherry seed catching tournament!

There will be special events for ‘Cherry Day’ at the park in June. One event is the piling of cherries where participants pile up as many cherries as possible in one minute. This tournament will be held twice a day—one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Visitors can also catch cherry seeds at another tournament, also held twice daily.

One of the most popular events is the tasting of the famous Yamanashi cherries. With a maximum of 150 people competing at once, participants can taste as many cherries as possible until all the cherries run out. These events can be enjoyed with rosé wine tasting.

【Date】: Saturday, June 9, 2019 - Monday, June 10, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 3:30 pm

【Place】: Tent in front of the Fruit Workshop

During the months of July and August, visitors can enjoy sweet, aromatic and plump peaches at the Fuefukugawa Fruits Park. From the end of August to September, the park will begin to celebrate the harvesting of grapes, in which Yamanashi is known for as it is the largest producer of grapes in the region.

【Date】: Sunday, July 14, 2019 - Monday, July 15, 2019

                  Sunday, August 4, 2019 - Monday, August 5, 2019

                  Sunday, September 1, 2019 - Monday, September 2, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 3:30pm

【Place】: Fuefukugawa Fruit Park Funabasho Front Front Convention Venue

If you’re in Yamanashi in October, enjoy the different tastes and flavors of Yamanashi cuisine here! The Fuefukugawa Fruits Park will showcase many Yamanashi cuisine, including specialties such as the Fujisakura Charcoal Pork, Fujikawa Yakisoba (fried noodles), ice croquettes, and of course local wine and beer. At the fair, there will be lots of delicacies you can choose from, and there will usually be entertainment such as comedy shows and craft booths for the children.

【Date】: Sunday, October 20, 2019 - Monday, October 21, 2019

【Time】: 10 am to 4pm

【Place】: Yamanashi City Ezohara 1488, Fuefuku River Fruit Park entrance square

In November, there will be one day dedicated to the Major Night Scene Concert. In the morning, there will be the harvesting of the Japanese radish and the planting of barley seeds. The outdoor concert, held by FM Fuji, will then be held in the afternoon and is free to all visitors.

【Date】: Sunday, November 3, 2019

【Time】: 3pm to 8pm

【Place】: Chikyuu Genki Village "Hatake in the Sky "

December is when everyone is celebrating the holidays. In Japan, illuminations are usually scattered all over the country, and Fuefukugawa Fruits Park is no exception. The park will have a Christmas-themed day with many lights and there will be many games such as bingo to make it lively for visitors.

【Date】: Saturday, December 22, 2019

【Time】: 10am to 3pm

【Place】: Yamanashi City Ezohara 1488, Fuefuku River Fruit Park entrance square

The dates of events will be announced on the official park website:
https://fuefukigawafp.co.jp/

In Japan, culturally, it is believed that a kami (deity or spirit) resides in mountains, oceans and all things related to nature. It is also believed that Toshigami (a Shinto deity of the new year) is present during the first sunrise of each year. Worshipping the first sunrise is equivalent to praying for the harvest and happiness for the entire year. Therefore, many people will try to see the sunrise in the most beautiful and scenic locations around Japan.

Here at Japan Awaits, we’ll introduce our top 5 picks of the most beautiful sunrise views in Japan.

The oceanfront and lighthouse in Inubozaki welcomes you to the earliest sunrise in Japan.

Inubosaki, located in Choshi City, Chiba, is in the most eastern part of the Kanto region (same region that Tokyo is located). Although, technically, the easternmost tip of Japan is located in Cape Shirasaki of Nemuro City, Hokkaido, due to the slope of the earth’s axis, Inubosaki will display the earliest sunrise of any location in Japan.

Every year, on the first of January, the first sunrise will be displayed approximately at 6:45 AM. The lighthouse, one of the landmarks in Inubosaki, gradually rises up from the ocean in accordance with the sunrise making it a magical view. The very first and earliest sunrise in Japan can be seen here at Inubosaki, making it the luckiest and one of the most popular places to view the first sunrise of the year.

The first sunrise of the Mt. Tate Mountain Range.

At Noto Peninsula National Monumental Park, located in Ameya Coast, you can view the Mt. Tate mountain range over the Toyama Bay. This is where the first sunrise of Toyama Prefecture is located. Situated 3000 meters from the ridgelines over the water, Mt. Tate can be seen along with the two other sacred mountains of Japan—Mt. Haku and Mt. Fuji. The history of the sunrise from the beautiful coast is so old that it has been composed as a poem in the ancient ‘Manyoshu’, the 8th century anthology of Japanese poetry. Thanks to this, there is a romantic feel that eternalizes from the Ameya Coast sunrise.

The first sunrise will appear around 7:20 AM. As the sun rises, the shape of the mountains also emerges, along with the gradual change of orange in the sky, you will be surrounded by a divine atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you can experience the famous fog that rises as the sea surface cools, creating a beautifully majestic view of nature.

The Shinto shrine archway combined with the sunrise is truly amazing!

Ibaraki Prefecture is packed with many beautiful spots for sunrises along its 190 km-long coastline. As long as you’re facing east, you can view the sunrise from anywhere on it. Among the many great views is the Oarai Coast. There is a white-stoned Shinto shrine (Isozaki Shrine) archway that stands on a boulder on the sea, which many has believed is a worthy place to worship the first sunrise of the year.

The sunrise takes place at 6:60 AM. About 15 minutes before this time, the chief priest of the shrine will hold a ceremony, allowing for a solemn atmosphere for the sunrise. The rising of the sun as it emerges from the Shinto shrine archway is so divine that it leaves many speechless.

If luck is on your side, you may get to experience the rare ‘Double Diamond Mt. Fuji’.

Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular sunrise spots. There are many areas around Mt. Fuji that will allow for the viewing of the sunrise, such as the lake that surrounds Mt. Fuji and the top of Ryugatake, but the most recommended is the Fuji Motosu Lake Resort. You will be able to see the sunrise of ‘Diamond Fuji’ from the resort at Ryujin Pond. ‘Diamond Fuji’ is the overlapping of the sun and the mountain at the top of Mt. Fuji, giving the sun a diamond shine.

The morning sunrise appears at the top of Mt. Fuji around 8 AM. The intertwining of Mt. Fuji and the sun will only appear for a few minutes. Although the time may be limited, the precious and wonderful view is well worth it.

A spectacular view of the sunrise from beyond the spiritual ropes of the Shinto religion.

Located at the tip of Manazuru Peninsula and surrounded by cliffs, Cape Manazuru is the central scenic spot of the Manazuru Peninsula Nature Park. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature such as the rocky areas and shorelines that were naturally created by water erosion. Mitsuishi (literally translated to ‘three rocks’), stands at the edge of Cape Manazuru, and is known as one of the premier sunrise spots where it can be viewed from beyond the cascades. The spiritual rope hung between the rocks is used for purification in the Shinto religion. These ropes signify a sacred and pure space.

At 6:50 AM, the sun rises from the other side of Mitsuishi, dying the sky red, allowing for the illusion of the sun arising from the pocket of the spiritual rope between the rocks. As the sun arises, a stream

The start of the new year is also a great time for a new beginning. Visit one of these beautiful sunrise spots and make the beginning of the year special and memorable to kick off 2019!