Shizuoka: Seasonal occasions you will not need to miss

Residence to the majestic Mount Fuji and situated only one hour by bullet practice from Tokyo, the Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka is about to welcome an array of thrilling occasions this 12 months – from Hina doll shows and firefly viewing to spectacular flower festivals and awe-inspiring firework shows. Right here, the group at Tourism Shizuoka Japan summarises a few of the must-visit occasions within the area for every season…

Winter – early blossoms, Daruma doll market and Hina doll shows

Shizuoka is dwelling to a few of the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, and the Itokawa Promenade Sakura Competition (early January to early February) and the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms Competition (February) provide a incredible likelihood to see them. Guests can count on huge shows of the well-known flowers, with deeper pink petals flooding the streets, alongside stalls promoting native speciality, Japanese avenue meals and crafts.

The Fuji Bishamonten Competition is held at Myohoji Temple on the foot of Mount Fuji. This 12 months, the competition is happening in February (it’s held in January or February because the date varies based on the Lunar New 12 months calendar.) The competition can also be one of many greatest Daruma doll markets in Japan. Many stalls together with the Daruma doll outlets are current and guests can get their very personal Daruma doll from the assorted varieties obtainable, which is considered a talisman of fine luck to the Japanese.

In Japan, the Doll Competition (Hina Matsuri) takes place on third March when households have fun their feminine kids and pray for his or her continued well being and happiness by displaying conventional Hina dolls of their houses. Previous to the competition, every winter from January by means of to March, Kasuisai Temple holds the Kasuisai Doll Competition which attracts big crowds all eager to catch a glimpse of the traditional temple embellished with over 1,000 intricately made dolls – the biggest show of its type in Japan.

Spring – fireflies, large kites and floral shows

In commemoration of its twentieth anniversary, the Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024 is about to happen at two venues: Hamamatsu Flower Park from March twenty third to June sixteenth and Hamanako Backyard Park from April sixth to June 2nd. Set in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Hamana, the colorful floral occasion will showcase gardens by world-famous backyard designers together with winners of the Chelsea Flower Present.

In early Could guests can witness the Hamamatsu Competition, one of the vital well-known occasions held throughout the consecutive nationwide holidays known as Golden Week. Relationship again 450 years, the competition is held to have fun the delivery of a household’s first born youngster. In the course of the day the occasion sees giant traditionally-decorated kites battling within the skies on the seashore aspect, whereas as night time falls the dazzling floats parade by means of downtown streets, every representing an area neighbourhood or district.

A very magical sight, Firefly Viewing at Okawa Onsen Takegasawa Park is a must-see in early June. Filled with numerous natural world, the park comes alive by night time in these months with the unmistakable bioluminescent glow of the beloved bugs. Native specialities akin to wasabi and Japanese avenue meals stalls may also be loved within the park, including to the unforgettable expertise.

Summer season – 3 million blossoms, fireworks, and Mount Fuji

The historic port city of Shimoda in Izu Peninsula boasts the Hydrangea Competition in June. The competition is held at Shimoda Park on a hillside the place it seems to be out over the bay. Three million hydrangea blossoms adorn the park and guests can benefit from the vibrant show.

Shizuoka is legendary for its firework shows, with the most well-liked summer time occasion being seen on the Fukuroi Enshu Fireworks competition (July). The competition can also be named “Nationwide Fireworks Skilled Event”. Prime-tier pyrotechnicians collect from throughout Japan to compete. Guests can count on awe-inspiring shows and plenty of bang!

July additionally marks the beginning of the Mount Fuji climbing season, with locals and guests alike flocking to ascend the well-known mountain. There are three totally different routes in Shizuoka to climb the mountain, ranging in capability and period.

Autumn – avenue efficiency and foliage

The DAIDOGEI World Cup, an occasion devoted to avenue efficiency artistry, is happening in November in Shizuoka Metropolis. Held yearly for greater than 30 years below the moniker ‘The Metropolis is a Theatre’, this worldwide occasion is one in every of Asia’s prime avenue efficiency festivals gathering probably the most gifted avenue performers from across the globe.

In direction of the top of the 12 months, the autumn leaves in Shizuoka are simply as stunning as its well-known cherry blossoms and the proper method to admire them is on the Atami Baien Momiji Competition which takes place from mid-November to early December. The backyard that holds the competition is understood for plum blossoms in spring and guests can witness the foliage of the final leaves in Japan to vary to their fall colors. The spectacular orange and pink hues of Japanese maples are lit up throughout the backyard.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Every day Telegraph.