April is a month full of exciting festivals celebrating cherry blossoms and traditional culture. We've highlighted a few festivals below that you can keep in mind when planning your future travel to Japan.
Please note that dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice and can vary slightly each year. In particular, the schedule of outdoor events and flower festivals may change due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Many websites only have information in Japanese so you may need to use an online translation service such as Google Translate 
or DeepL . Alternatively, the Chrome browser allows you to translate many webpages from Japanese into English.
The below selections are from a list compiled by JNTO's Tourist Information Center and provides details on which festivals were scheduled for or went ahead in 2021 and which were cancelled. The full list can be found at the end of this article.
Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri
Where: Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture
When: 23 April – 5 May 2021
Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival featuring 2,600 cherry trees on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle and along the castle's moat in Hirosaki Park.
Aomori Prefecture official website: https://www.en-aomori.com/culture
Event website (JP only): https://www.hirosakipark.jp/sakura/
Tsutsuji-en Kaien (Bunkyo Azalea Festival)
Where: Nezu-jinja Shrine, Tokyo
When: Until 25 April 2021 (dates vary each year but is usually held from mid to late April)
Summary: Explore the 300 You can enjoy viewing of about 3,000 tsutsuji (azalea) blossoms.
Tokyo Prefecture official website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en
Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival
Where: Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo
When: Late April – Early May
Summary: Considered one of the best places in Tokyo to see wisteria (fuji) in Tokyo, with over 50 wisteria plants on the grounds of the shrine.
Tokyo Prefecture official website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en
Takayama Matsuri
(Also known as Takayama Spring Festival)
Where: Hie-jinja Shrine and surrounds, Gifu Prefecture
When: 14 – 15 April 2021
Summary: One of the grandest festivals in Japan and designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. 12 elaborate floats are exhibited in the city. The festival was held on a smaller scale this year.
Official website: https://www.hida.jp/english/festivalsandevents
Kyo Odori
Where: Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo, Kyoto Prefecture
When: 2 – 11 April 2021
Summary: Traditional Kyoto Dance. Admissions are 5000 JPY or 3000 JPY, sold on the website.
Official website (JP only): http://www.miyagawacho.jp/kyoodor.html
