In April 2019, Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate, the first to do so in over 200 years, resulting in many festivals and celebrations leading up to the accession of his successor, Crown Prince Naruhito.
Below is a list of the best things to do in Japan in April…
Known as ‘Hanami’ (flower viewing), there are various things you can do to ensure you enjoy the experience to the full:
Osaka is the birthplace of many delicious local cuisines, and the street food is one you really should treat yourself to on any trip to the city. Whether you like fish, meat, noodles or soups, there is bound to be something to suit your pallet.
You may have wandered around some of the beautiful lavender farms in England and France, absorbing the fragrant aroma’s, but did you know that there are lavender farms in Hokkaido, Japan, that you really should visit on any summer journey to this fascinating country. The best time to go is in July, when the lavender in Furano is in full bloom. Stroll around the picturesque fields, with your camera at the ready for some great photo opportunities. The lavender ice creams sold at Farm Tomita, are a must for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially on a hot summers day, they are cool and delicious. While you are there, why not treat yourself to a Yubari King melon flavoured soft ice cream, a famous top grade melon in Japan which was sold at auction for 3 million yen (about £21,500) for a pair earlier this year!
Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan is going to be held from 20th September to 2nd November!
20 nations will gather in Japan for the rugby’s world most important event that holds once every four years! Japan is the first Asian country to host such grand tournament in Rugby. We are very excited and cannot wait for all these big sporting events that are happening in Asia… 2017 Japan Formula 1 Grand Prix, 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic, 2019 Rugby World Cup Japan, 2020 Tokyo Olympic and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic etc…
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The pool draw results are out today 10th May 2017 at Kyoto. 20 qualified teams have been divided into four pools of 5 teams to play against each other.
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The Draw |
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| Pool A | Pool B | Pool C | Pool D | |
| Band 1 | Ireland | New Zealand | England | Australia |
| Band 2 | Scotland | South Africa | France | Wales |
| Band 3 | Japan | Italy | Argentina | Georgia |
| Band 4 | Europe 1 | Africa 1 | Americas 1 | Oceania 1 |
| Band 5 | Play-off winner | Repechage winner | Oceania 2 | Americas 2 |
Best view from the Ogimachi Castle ruins view point
The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. The 114 farmhouses are famous for preserving the traditional Gassho-zukuri style houses with their iconic ‘A’ shaped thatched roofs, built without nails, some of which are more than 300 years old.
Cherry Blossom is in full bloom in Tokyo now!
Here are the top 5 places to admire Cherry Blossom in Tokyo, voted by the local Japanese!
It is the middle of the cherry blossom blooming period.
The forecast from the Japan Weather Association indicates that next week is going to be full bloom in Kanto (e.g. Tokyo), Chubu (e.g. Nagoya) , Kansai (e.g. Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara), Chugoku (e.g. Hiroshima) and Shikoku area (e.g. Matsuyama).
With the cherry blossom months approaching, people in Japan are excited to be preparing their annual hanami party (picnic party). Most people start to check the cherry blossom forecast to find out the best time and place to have a picnic under the full bloomed cherry blossom tree and prepare the food to bring to the party. It is a tradition for people to gather for food, drinks, dance and playing games while enjoying the scenery and letting the natural floral fragrance refresh people senses.
There are 3 foods that you must not miss out on and they are traditionally accompanied with sake and green tea.
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