Shizuoka: Seasonal occasions you will not need to miss

Residence to the majestic Mount Fuji and positioned only one hour by bullet practice from Tokyo, the Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka is ready 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 number of the must-visit occasions within the area for every season…

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

Shizuoka is house to a number 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 implausible 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 road 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 in response to the Lunar New Yr calendar.) The competition can also be one of many largest Daruma doll markets in Japan. Many stalls together with the Daruma doll retailers are current and guests can get their very personal Daruma doll from the varied sorts out there, 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 rejoice their feminine kids and pray for his or her continued well being and happiness by displaying conventional Hina dolls of their properties. Previous to the competition, every winter from January by way of to March, Kasuisai Temple holds the Kasuisai Doll Competition which attracts large crowds all eager to catch a glimpse of the traditional temple adorned with over 1,000 intricately made dolls – the most important show of its variety in Japan.

Spring – fireflies, large kites and floral shows

In commemoration of its twentieth anniversary, the Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024 is ready 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 beautiful 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 Might guests can witness the Hamamatsu Competition, one of the crucial well-known occasions held through the consecutive nationwide holidays referred to as Golden Week. Relationship again 450 years, the competition is held to rejoice the beginning of a household’s first born baby. In the course of the day the occasion sees giant traditionally-decorated kites battling within the skies on the seaside aspect, whereas as night time falls the dazzling floats parade by way 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 various natural world, the park comes alive by night time in these months with the unmistakable bioluminescent glow of the beloved bugs. Native specialities reminiscent of wasabi and Japanese road meals stalls will also be loved within the park, including to the unforgettable expertise.

Summer time – 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 appears 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 season occasion being seen on the Fukuroi Enshu Fireworks competition (July). The competition can also be named “Nationwide Fireworks Knowledgeable Match”. High-tier pyrotechnicians collect from throughout Japan to compete. Guests can count on awe-inspiring shows and many 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 completely different routes in Shizuoka to climb the mountain, ranging in means and period.

Autumn – road efficiency and foliage

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

In direction of the tip of the 12 months, the autumn leaves in Shizuoka are simply as stunning as its well-known cherry blossoms and the right strategy 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 alter 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 Day by day Telegraph.