As soon as there is mention of a trip to Japan, the first thing that comes to mind are beautiful pictures of pink cherry blossoms (Sakura). Every year millions of people come here from all over the world to see this spectacle. But if you have missed the season of these flowers which bloom for a very short period of time, or you want to avoid the huge crowd and see the real natural beauty of Japan peacefully, then there is a very good news for you.

Japan’s heart beats not only for cherry blossoms, but the different flower festivals that start here make this country a paradise. From late spring to scorching summer, many flower festivals are organized here which are known for their unmatched beauty, historical heritage, traditional tea ceremonies and delicious street food. Let us take you on a tour of the 7 most spectacular flower festivals of Japan, which will make your trip memorable forever.

1. View of the blue ocean: Mieshima’s Osaka Nemophila Festival

If you want to see the blue sky and earth merge before your eyes, head to Osaka’s Mieshima Sports Island. ‘Nemophila Festival’ is organized here from mid-April to early May. During this time, the entire park is covered with about 4.5 lakh small blue Nemophila flowers (also known as ‘Baby Blue Eyes’). The sight of these blue flowers against the background of Osaka Bay appears as if a blue carpet has been spread on the ground. This place is no less than a paradise for photography lovers.

2. City of Fragrances: Sapporo Lilac Festival

Lilac is considered the official tree in Sapporo city of Hokkaido, in the northern part of Japan. Here, after the long wait of winter, when early summer arrives, the entire city is filled with the fragrance of purple and white lilac flowers. Started in the year 1959, this festival is celebrated every year in the month of May in Odori Park. Tourists coming here not only spend time among these beautiful flowers but also enjoy local wines, live music and scrumptious cuisine.

3. Confluence of History and Faith: Chiryu Park Iris Festival

If you want to experience the beauty of flowers as well as the rich history of Japan, then the Iris Festival of Chiryu city is best for you. Held in Chiryu Park, the festival features thousands of blue, purple and white iris (Kakitsubata) flowers blooming from mid-May to mid-June. The history of this festival is hundreds of years old and it is also mentioned in the ancient poems of Japan. Walking among the traditional Japanese gardens here and enjoying the light-up nights gives an ethereal experience.

4. Beautiful gift of monsoon: Tokyo’s Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival

In the month of June, when there are rain showers in Japan, a different color is seen in Tokyo’s Hakusan Shrine and Bunkyo Park. More than 3,000 hydrangea plants are in full bloom during the ‘Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival’ (Ajisai Matsuri) held here. These clustered flowers of blue, pink and purple colors look very attractive against the background of historical Japanese temples. Seeing these flowers drenched with rain drops gives immense peace to the mind.

5. Poetry-like beauty: Hagi Matsuri of Kyoto City

Kyoto’s Nashinoki Shrine, also affectionately known as “Hagi no Miya” (Temple of Bush Clover), hosts a unique festival every September. It is called ‘Hagi Matsuri’. ‘Hagi’ is a delicate and small flower that has been a much-loved plant in the ancient literature and poetry of Japan. During this festival, traditional Japanese dances, tea ceremonies and poetry recitation programs are organized in the temple premises, which take you very close to the ancient culture of Japan.

6. Summer Sunshine: Manno Town’s Himawari Festival

Japan’s ‘Himawari Festival’ i.e. the Sunflower Festival is for those who like bright colors and scenes full of energy. In the summer months (especially July and August) in Manno Town, Kagawa Prefecture, millions of sunflowers bloom with the sun’s rays. Walking through fields of these bright yellow flowers that are higher than head height feels like a movie scene. This festival is the best way to celebrate Japan’s vibrant summer.

7. Purity blooming in the ponds: Joetsu City’s Takada Castle Site Park Lotus Festival

Takada Castle Park, located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, is very historical in itself. But in the months of July and August, when lotus flowers bloom in the moats around it, it is a sight worth seeing. It is considered to be one of the largest lotus festivals in Asia. In the morning, when these large pink and white lotus flowers bloom amidst the dew drops, the reflection of Takada Castle casts a wonderful magic in the water.

So next time you plan a trip to Japan, don’t just limit yourself to cherry blossoms. Every season of Japan holds in its lap a new sea of ​​flowers, which is always ready to welcome you.