April is an exciting month in Japan packed with tons of festivals and prime time for cherry blossom viewing. April in 2019 literally made history as it marked the end of the Heisei era and a new emperor was crowned on May 1. We hope you made some lasting memories in Heisei and if you missed the infamous Penis Festival during the first week of April, don’t worry there’s always next year.
Every month, we select our favorite travel images from readers. Tag your photo on Instagram with #GaijinPotTravel for a chance to be featured on our site.
10. A relaxing stroll through Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe, Saitama.
9. Getting crafty at the Annual Hobby Show and craft fair in Odaiba.
8. Cherry blossom trees made entirely of legos at Legoland in Nagoya! Will this become a sakura viewing trend in the new Reiwa era??
7. These Azaleas at Nezu Shrine in Yanaka, Tokyo just might be even more beautiful than cherry blossoms.
6. Carp streamer festivals are a quintessential part of spring.
5. Did you know Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro has freaking transparent fish??
4. Tokyo Tower glowing behind swimming carp streamers.
3. Phallic vegetables at the annual Penis Festival in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. All hail the sacred carrot penis.
2. The Edo Yoshiwara Oiran Procession in Asakusa. Not to be confused with geisha, who are simply entertainers, oiran were very highly-regarded (and expensive) prostitutes. Make that money, honey.
1. Farewell Heisei. It’s been real, but it’s time to leave you… behind.
Don’t forget to tag your photo on Instagram with #GaijinPotTravel for a chance to be featured on our site! See you next month.