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Winter is coming... to an end!
Wondering what to look forward to in Japan starting from this year's Spring?
Catch the annual plum bloom that precedes the cherry blossom wave,
be the first to challenge warmer seasonal activities,
or come see renewed iconic sights only available starting from this Spring of 2023.
Read on to find out more.
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Bid frostbite goodbye with the arrival of blooming plum trees |
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Welcome Spring at Kenrokuen Garden
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Located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture, Kenrokuen Garden is commonly referred to as "one of the three great gardens of Japan" and is known for its seasonal beauty.
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During this time of the year, this strolling-style garden boasts an array of nearly twenty different plum tree species with roughly two hundred trees in bloom simultaneously, heralding the arrival of spring. Yes, that's right — plum blossoms actually arrive before the more famous cherry blossoms do!
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Plum blossom petals are rounder, and do not have a split at the tip that cherry blossoms do. Why not try spotting other differences they have with a visit to Kanazawa this Spring? While you are at it, try to spot the plum blossom motifs in various signs and logos scattered all around the city too.
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See this Hiroshima landmark it in all its refurbished glory |
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Grand Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
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Having began restoration work all the way back in 2019, the iconic large vermilion-colored Grand Gate in Miyajima of Hiroshima, often featured in many famous pictures of Japan, is officially fully renovated.
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More than 140 years after its construction in 1875, the Gate has undergone renovations and is now restored to its original appearance. Its unveiling was as auspicious as you'd imagine: priests and shrine practitioners held a Shinto ritual, while the Omotesando shopping street stores nearby prepared and handed out red and white mochi rice cakes and commemorative shamoji (wooden rice paddle) to passing visitors.
Don't fret about having missed the ceremony, as the view of the magnificent Otori is now here to stay! The Gate is best viewed up close when the tide recedes, and the ground around it can be accessed on foot.
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Be sure to also visit the Itsukushima Shrine, which enshrines the deity said to ensure the well-being of the Imperial Family, guard the nation, and protect seafarers. Don't forget to say hi to the sacred local deer while you are there.
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Help protect the environment on a unique tour |
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Trek and Packraft at the Oki Islands
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Come experience a side of Japan that few people ever see on this forest trekking and rafting eco-tour in the Oki Islands, located off the coast of Japan's Shimane prefecture.
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Operating between March and October, this unique tour allows you to see pristine nature in both inland forest areas and in the ocean. You will trek through untamed nature and paddle across the open sea on your way to see the Saburō-iwa Rocks.
On top of that, you'll also be helping protect the local environment by retrieving garbage from the ocean along the shore while learning about the local area. The tour concludes with coffee and snacks by the sea, a fitting reward for your good deeds.
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Feel the ocean breeze by getting to Oki Island via a 2.5 hour ferry ride from either Shichirui Port in Matsue City, or Sakaiminato Port in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture.
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Grand Reopening this March 16th for all anime enthusiasts! |
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animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store
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The animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a massive revamp, set to officially reopen on March 16. The expansion is set to make it one of the largest of its kind in the world.
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The anime, manga and game merchandise specialty shop chain "animate" is a key part of the anime community, and serves as a hub for anime lovers all around the world. Its longstanding Ikebukuro outlet is arguably its most famous branch. It was also recently listed in the 2023 edition of "88 Must-Visit Anime Sites" by the Anime Tourism Association. |
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Only 5 minutes away from Ikebukuro Station's East Exit, the renewal will also introduce a new theatre and event hall.
animate will continue to evolve as a place where anime culture can be fully experienced through all five senses. They look forward to welcoming you! |
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