A Love Story: Japan, Spring and You.
Japan is excited for 2020 Summer Olympics, the world is excited for 2020 Summer Olympics, but that shouldn’t stop you from being excited about 2020 Spring. We have made a list to convince you, “Why Japan in Spring?”
Celebrate Setsubun 「節分」
Although held in February, the celebration of Setsubun (seasonal division) marks the beginning of spring. On this day, the Japanese people partake in mamemaki or bean-throwing (roasted soybeans). At home, one of the members (usually the head of the household or the male member whose zodiac sign aligns with the year) dresses up as an ogre and acts as the evil spirit. The other members will then throw beans at the ogre while shouting, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (Translation: out with evil, in with fortune) to signify chasing out bad luck and bringing in good fortune. The ogre is then chased out of the house and the door is locked. However, this event is not just limited to the privacy of homes but also at schools (kindergarten and elementary schools) as well as temples. If you are just visiting Japan, temples are the best possible places to partake in this event- except you won’t be throwing beans but actually catching beans thrown at you. In some temples, famous celebrities and sumo wrestlers will throw beans and peanuts at large crowds. Also on this day, people eat Eho-maki (sushi roll) as a whole rather than cutting them up. It is believed that eating it whole brings good fortune. Why not try eating a whole Eho-maki (hopefully not choke on it) while trying to accumulate some good fortune this coming spring?
Experience Hanami 「花見」
Hanami comes from the word, Hana (flower) and mi (to see). People picnic under sakura (cherry blossom) trees while eating, drinking, playing games and socializing with families, friends, and coworkers. At popular parks like Yoyogi Koen and Inokashira Koen, people camp out to save seats under trees with sakura in full bloom. These places can become very crowded during this time of the year. People usually start drinking from the morning so don’t be surprised if you come across drunk people in broad daylight. Unlike most spring festivities, Hanami isn’t just a once in a year type of event. Rather, it takes place during spring while the sakura blossoms and as long as the trees hold up the flower (usually from the end of March to early April). However, it also does not last throughout the season since the flowers are delicate and their lifespan, short. Oh, and if you are invited to a hanami session, it is customary to either bring a bit of food, drinks or a sheet to share with others (or chip in money).
Enjoy seasonal spring food
Speaking of sakura, did you know you can also eat the flower? But don’t go around plucking sakura petals straight off of the trees and gnawing them! Japan is big on seasonal limited-edition food and drinks, especially at the convenience stores aka ‘Konbini’. From sakura mochi to sakura cola (spring limited coke bottle design), you’ll find almost everything edible has sakura in them and they only appear in spring. However, sakura is not the only food on the menu during this season. It is the right season for bamboo shoots and strawberries. If you are a fan of seafood, then Asari clams are the freshest during this time of the year and if you’re on a bigger budget, Red snapper fish (Tai) is a must-try food for the season.
Visit Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki
Although a bit far from Tokyo, we strongly recommend visiting this park. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo, the Hitachi Seaside Park is where ‘Rock in Japan Festival’, one of the largest rock concerts in Japan is held in summer. However, during spring, the park is transformed into a dream-like place by the large varieties of flowers in full bloom. Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes) is also in full bloom starting from mid-April. It is definitely an Instagram-worthy spot! Since the park covers a lot of areas, there are bicycles for rent and if you are not into flowers, then there are other attractions in the park, catering to large groups and families.
Enjoy Hinamatsuri 「雛祭り」
On the 3rd of March, Japan observes Hinamatsuri (Girls’ day) to wish and pray for the health and happiness of the girl child. This day is also known as Doll’s day as special dolls are kept on displays on multi-tiered shelves at home in honor of young girls. Although not just on this particular day, you can watch the Floating Ceremony of Paper Hina Doll near Sumida Park, in Asakusa, Tokyo from February 13th to March 6th where people throw hina dolls down the river. Also known as the Edo Nagashibina, the locals at Asakusa send down the river, symbolizing the dolls carrying away bad luck. During this event, the Geishas of Asakusa also join in the celebration, by sending their hina dolls down the river as well.
Watch out for Koinobori during Kodomo no Hi 「子供の日」
The 5th of May is officially Kodomo no Hi (Children’s day) in Japan. Until 1948, this day was originally known as Boys’ day and celebrated boys like how its counterpart Hinamatsuri celebrated girls. Therefore, the carp-shaped streamers traditionally symbolized boys since girls received dolls during Hinamatsuri. However, this has changed and the group of streamers has now come to represent the father, the mother and the number of children in the household. It is believed the reason why people put up these carp streamers on this day comes from the old Chinese legend about a carp swimming upstream against a strong current, eventually transforming into a dragon. Gyarados, anyone? Be sure to keep an eye out for those colorful family of carp streamers.
Go along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Located between Toyama prefecture and Nagano prefecture, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is famous for its magnificent tall snow corridors, Yuki-no-Otani that stretches up to 15 to 20 meters high and its spectacular hiking route. The route fully opens from Mid April to November and for the rest of the year, it is closed. Kurobe Dam, Japan’s largest dam with a height of 186 meters is also located in the area. You can also ride a cable car up the mountain and look down at the valley. The route is covered in snow for the whole of spring so if you have never seen snow before, why not take the chance to see it — that too, during spring!
From a never-ending list, we have only covered a small portion of events and activities that Japan has to offer in Spring. Why not discover them yourself while interning with us at HENNGE Global Internship Program?
#InternAtHENNGE #SPRING2020
