The Beginning of Spring in Japan

Spring is considered one of the most beautiful times of the year in Japan. The flowers are blooming, the weather warming up, and green begins peeking out between patches of snow. While there is no official first day of spring, it is considered to be the the ending of the month of February, or Risshun. Risshun marks the time where the days begin growing longer and the nights shorter. This is when the season begins to gradually shift into Spring, rather than a single day that marks the transition.

The beginning of the spring season in Japan marks the blooming of the cherry blossoms, a gorgeous one-of-a-kind experience. The weather during this time shifted to warm afternoons and cool evenings, as well as temperature swings in between. Despite these temperature swings, the sunny days of spring make spending time outside during this time ideal! You may see people wearing surgical masks outside more than usual during the spring season. This is because the pollen in the air can provoke allergies, and the cold can promote catching a cold. If you’re allergic to pollen, this is certainly something to consider before traveling to Japan at the beginning of spring’s peak blooming season.

In addition to the blooming of cherry blossoms, plants such as hydrangeas, azaleas, shibazakura and more bring beauty to this season in Japan. Animals that were hibernating in the winter come back to life in the spring; such as bears, squirrels, and chipmunks. Additionally, colorful birds that had migrated away from the cold weather begin their return around this time, filling the air with sweet sounds of chirping. Additionally, the beginning of Spring is the strawberry season in Japan, as the weather produces delicious strawberries that are then used for the rest of the season in delicious dishes. The beginning of spring has a lot to offer Japan, and it is a very exciting time in nature.

Writer: Kayley Hill