Elizabeth Sok

Elizabeth is a writer and translator from Canada with a PhD in history. When she’s not running after her little ones, you’ll find her in her garden in Kyushu with a cup of yame-cha and a book.

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Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Head to Aomori’s Hirosaki Castle Park for one of the last cherry blossom festivals of the season.

Awaji Island Flower Expo

Awaji Island Flower Expo

Located in the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island offers a chance to connect with flowers and nature at the Awaji Island Flower Expo.

Takayama Spring Festival

Takayama Spring Festival

Head to the historical district of Takayama and celebrate the start of spring in this city nestled in the Japanese Alps. 

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival 

Designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Shiga Prefecture’s Nagahama Hikiyama Festival is one of the three great Japanese festivals featuring floats.

Shirakimine Plateau

Shirakimine Plateau

Enjoy spring and autumn flowers along a Nagasaki mountainside at Shirakimine Plateau.

Hibikinada Ryokuchi (Green Park)

Hibikinada Ryokuchi Green Park

For seasonal blooms and the country’s largest swing set, head to Kitakyushu Hibikinada Ryokuchi Green Park.

Baba Mountain Sakura

Baba Mountain Sakura

Find a solitary mountain sakura tree in full bloom standing amongst a sea of bright yellow nanohana flowers this spring.

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard

Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard Resort

Head down to Miyazaki and hit the slopes at Gokase Highland Ski and Snowboard Resort, located near the top of Mount Mukozaka

Yamaga Lantern Festival Hyakka Hyakkai

Yamaga Lantern Festival Hyakka Hyakkai

Bringing a glowing romanticism to the winter nights, the Winter Lantern Festival celebrates Yamaga culture and its significance to the region’s history. 

Saga Castle Town Hina Matsuri

Saga Castle Town Hina Matsuri

Celebrate young girls and local craftsmanship at the Saga Castle Town Hina Matsuri Festival

Unzen Akari no Hana Boro

Unzen Akari no Hana Boro

Go to Unzen for hot springs, rime ice and winter illuminations