Best Events Japan April 2026

Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s series, where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month, we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in April 2026.

Tokyo

April in Tokyo offers some of the best spring events in Japan, from sake festivals and art exhibitions to seasonal dining and hanami experiences. The city blends tradition and modern culture, making it an ideal destination to enjoy cherry blossoms in a vibrant urban setting.

CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 (April 17 to April 29)

CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Japan’s premier sake and culinary festival, returning to Roppongi Hills Arena for its longest-ever run of 13 days from April 17 to 29. Organized by famed former footballer Hidetoshi Nakata’s JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY, the event brings together a record 130 breweries and 20 top-tier restaurants, highlighting the evolution of sake as a global cultural force. Since its debut in 2016, the festival has attracted over 1.25 million visitors and gained international recognition for redefining sake beyond a traditional beverage into a dynamic cultural platform. Each day features a curated rotation of 10 breweries selected by around 200 experts, including chefs, sommeliers, and sake specialists, ensuring a diverse and high-quality tasting experience. The final day will showcase prestigious, hard-to-book restaurants such as TACUBO and L’Effervescence, alongside rare sake offerings including Juyondai from Takagi Shuzo. This year’s venue design, led by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA New York, centers on the theme of “celebration,” using fabric installations inspired by Japanese textiles to create a fluid, immersive space. The event celebrates a decade of collaboration while looking ahead to the future of Japanese food culture.

When	April 17 to April 29
Where	Roppongi Hills Arena 10-1-6 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo 106-0032
Admission Fee	Starting at 4,800 yen *Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Official Website	https://craftsakeweek.com/en/

Nakajo Sings, Nakajo Dances at Shiseido Gallery (Until June 28)

The exhibition Nakajo Sings, Nakajo Dances – Rhythms of Letters, Pictures and Shiseido (until June 28) at the Shiseido Gallery celebrates the life and work of Masayoshi Nakajo, one of Japan’s most influential graphic designers. Marking five years since his passing, it presents a carefully curated selection spanning his long collaboration with Shiseido, including work for Hanatsubaki magazine, posters, packaging, and previously unseen original drawings.

Nakajo was also known for iconic logos such as Matsuya Ginza and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. His distinctive style that combines hand-drawn elements, freestyle composition, and a deep sensitivity to contemporary culture has gained renewed relevance in the digital era.

The exhibition highlights his unique fusion of text and image, where letters “sing” and visuals “dance,” reflecting a broader Japanese aesthetic tradition. Ultimately, it reveals Nakajo’s timeless ability to reinterpret historical beauty through an avant-garde lens.

When	Until June 28
Where	Shiseido Gallery Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building B1F 8-8-3 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo, 104-0061
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://gallery.shiseido.com/en/exhibition/

Spring Menus at Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Ongoing)

Hyatt Regency Tokyo will host a limited-time “Citrus Blossom Afternoon Tea” from April 1 to June 30 in collaboration with Pierre Hermé Paris. Celebrating the transition from spring to early summer, the experience highlights bright citrus flavors and delicate floral notes. The sweets collection features seven refined creations incorporating ingredients such as yuzu, lychee, rose, and orange blossom, offering a balance of acidity, sweetness, and texture across tarts, millefeuille, macarons, and more. Complementing these are five savory dishes crafted by the hotel’s culinary team, blending European techniques with subtle South American and Mediterranean influences. Together, the menu creates a harmonious interplay between sweet and savory. A more casual “Café Gourmand” option is also available, pairing four desserts with a beverage. Served at the hotel’s Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar, the afternoon tea offers a seasonal, elegant experience in a newly renovated setting, emphasizing aroma, balance, and visual refinement.

The hotel is also offering a vibrant and new spring menu at its Crossroads Kitchen restaurant space. Some of the highlights include Asari Clams Pasta, Seabream Ceviche, Japanese Beef Ribeye Roast and a real showstopper of a dessert in the Lemon Yuzu Tart.

Furthermore, Hyatt Regency Tokyo’s Chinese restaurant Jade Garden will host a limited-time Special Guest Chef Event from April 11 to May 31 featuring Chef Wenwen Zhang, Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Changsha. The fifth edition of this ongoing series highlights regional Chinese cuisine, with a focus on Hunan culinary traditions known for their bold aromas, spiciness, and depth of flavor.

Chef Zhang, who brings over 15 years of experience and a background in interior design, is recognized for blending traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. Her philosophy emphasizes respect for ingredients, guests, and the craft itself.

The collaborative menu includes appetizers such as drunken prawn and abalone with chili sauce, followed by dishes like wok-fried crab, Wagyu beef with spicy sauce, and lotus leaf-wrapped chicken. Desserts include soybean jelly and sesame balls.

Available as both course menus and à la carte, the event offers a refined and modern interpretation of Hunan cuisine in Tokyo.

When	Citrus Blossom Afternoon Tea: from April 1 to June 30 Chef Wenwen Zhang Event: from April 11 to May 31
Where	Hyatt Regency Tokyo 2-7-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023
Admission Fee	Afternoon tea starting at 6,375 yen Seasonal event with guest chef Wenwen Zhang, starting at 8,000 yen
Official Website	https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/tyoty-hyatt-regency-tokyo

Spring 2026 Program at Grand Hyatt Tokyo (Ongoing)

Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Spring 2026 program presents a refined collection of seasonal dining, cocktails, spa treatments, and sweets, celebrating premium Japanese ingredients and craftsmanship. Across its venues, the hotel offers immersive experiences designed to capture the essence of spring.

At Maduro and The Oak Door Bar, inventive cocktails highlight flavors such as sakura, matcha, strawberry, and citrus, blending traditional ingredients with modern mixology techniques. The Oak Door also features a “Tour of Japan” dinner course, showcasing regional produce from Hokkaido to Kyushu, including wagyu beef, seafood, and seasonal vegetables.

Wellness is emphasized at Nagomi Spa and Fitness through the Kuromoji Spring Ritual, a calming treatment using aromatic Japanese wood to promote relaxation and balance. Meanwhile, Keyakizaka hosts a special “Grand Gourmet Trip” focused on rare ingredients from the Goto Islands in Nagasaki, presented through teppanyaki dining and exclusive events.

Seasonal celebrations continue at Fiorentina Pastry Boutique, offering Mother’s Day cakes and a wide selection of cherry-themed desserts. Together, these experiences create a luxurious and sensory-rich celebration of Japan’s vibrant springtime.

When	Ongoing
Where	Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6-10-3, Roppongi, Minato, 106-0032 Tokyo
Admission Fee	The Oak Door Bar starting at 4,950 yen
Official Website	https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/tyogh-grand-hyatt-tokyo

Welcoming Spring at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Ongoing)

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills welcomes spring 2026 with a heady celebration of cherry blossoms through a curated lineup of seasonal dining, drinks, sweets, and wellness experiences. Highlights include the Rooftop Bar’s Sakura Garden and Yozakura Premium View Plan, offering champagne, seasonal canapés, and illuminated cherry blossom views high above Tokyo, alongside limited-edition Tipsy Sakura Cocktails blending Japanese ingredients with global influences. The Tavern – Grill & Lounge features a Sakura Strawberry Afternoon Tea, seasonal highballs, and a Spring Apéritif with free-flow champagne and sakura-inspired canapés. Sweet offerings extend to the Pastry Shop’s Under Blossom collection, while BeBu revives its popular Sakura Ebi Katsu Burger with yuzu kosho accents. Completing the experience, AO Spa & Club introduces the Sakura Ritual, a restorative treatment using cherry blossom aromas and organic products to ease seasonal transition. Together, these offerings present a refined, sensory celebration of hanami in the heart of Tokyo. 

When	Ongoing
Where	Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 51st Floor, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo 105-0001
Admission Fee	Afternoon Tea starting from 7,800 yen
Official Website	https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/tyoaz-andaz-tokyo-toranomon-hills

​​Hanami at bills (Until April 21st) 

bills will celebrate spring in Japan with its annual “Hanami at bills” event, running from March 24 to April 21 across all eight locations. Now in its fifth year, the event transforms each restaurant with indoor cherry blossom displays, creating a seasonal dining experience that blends atmosphere with limited-edition menu items.

Highlights include a fragrant oolong tea and cherry bundt cake, featuring floral notes and seasonal fruit, and the return of a popular shokupan French toast topped with cherry compote, mascarpone, pistachio, and a hint of citrus. A non-alcoholic hibiscus spritz made with hibiscus, rosehip tea, lime, and mint syrup adds a refreshing botanical option.

Originally founded in Sydney, bills is known for its relaxed, all-day dining style and globally loved dishes. “Hanami at bills” offers guests a chance to enjoy spring flavors in a vibrant yet tranquil setting.

When	Until April 21
Where	bills (eight locations in whole Japan)
Admission Fee	Lunch menue starting from 1,000 yen
Official Website	https://www.billsjapan.com/en

Fresh Meat at Silk Road Cafe (April 12)

Fresh Meat, started in 2022 by the Haus von Schwarz artist collective, is Japan’s first ever recurring drag show aimed at charity fundraising. A countercultural space, Fresh Meat shows feature a line-up of dark and edgy drag kings and queens, as well as a scattering of live musicians, burlesque, and pole dancers.

A wholesome and community-forward event, Fresh Meat prides itself on bringing the most cutting-edge art to Tokyo audiences while also raising funds for humanitarian causes.

This upcoming event will raise money for the legal fund of Akutagawa Prize-winning author Li Kotomi, and will also feature the talents of Dragula monster Vivvi the Force!

When	April 12
Where	Silk Road Cafe 3-2-8 Taihei, Sumida, Tokyo 130-0012
Admission Fee	2,500 yen *Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Official Website	https://www.instagram.com/hausvonschwarz/

Oita

In Oita Prefecture, spring is the perfect time to experience Japan’s hot spring traditions. The Beppu Onsen Festival combines rituals, performances, and free public baths, offering a unique glimpse into local culture.

Beppu Onsen Festival (April 1 to April 5)

The Beppu Onsen Festival is one of Japan’s most vibrant celebrations of hot spring culture, held annually in early April in Beppu. In 2026, the 112th edition takes place from April 1 to April 5, transforming the city into a lively stage of tradition, community, and geothermal appreciation. At its heart is “Onsen Appreciation Day” on April 1, when more than 100 public baths open for free, inviting visitors to experience Beppu’s famed thermal waters. The festival features a rich program of events, including the dramatic Ogiyama Fire Festival, where a mountainside is set ablaze to welcome spring, as well as lively parades, traditional dances, and the playful Yu-Bukkake ritual, where participants splash hot spring water. Celebrating Beppu’s status as one of the world’s great onsen destinations, the festival blends spectacle with local charm — street food, performances, and communal bathing—offering an immersive glimpse into Japan’s enduring relationship with nature and healing waters.

When	April 1 to April 5
Where	Beppu
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://oita-tourism.com/en/events/detail_1094.html

Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture comes alive in spring with the Shizuoka Festival, held around Sunpu Castle Park. With parades, performances, and cherry blossoms, it’s one of the best spring festivals near Tokyo.

Shizuoka Festival (April 3 to April 5)

The Shizuoka Festival is the largest spring celebration in Shizuoka, held from April 3 to April 5. Centered around Sunpu Castle Park and the downtown area, the festival coincides with cherry blossom season, creating a festive atmosphere of sakura, history, and community. Dating back to 1957, the event celebrates the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who once retired in Shizuoka. A highlight is the Ogosho Cherry Blossom Viewing Procession, where participants dressed as samurai and court figures parade through the city, evoking the Edo period. Other key events include lively street performances, traditional dances, and the “Yozakura Ranbu,” a nighttime celebration under illuminated cherry blossoms. Food stalls and cultural displays fill the streets, making it both a historical reenactment and a modern city festival. Blending seasonal beauty with historical pageantry, the Shizuoka Festival offers visitors an immersive glimpse into Japan’s samurai past and enduring love of spring.

When	April 3 to April 5
Where	Shizuoka
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://shizuokamatsuri.com/en/

Niigata

Spring arrives later in Niigata Prefecture, making it ideal for late-season sakura. Events like the Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival offer stunning night views, while traditional festivals add cultural depth.

Amatsu Shrine Spring Festival (April 10 to April 11)

The Amatsu Shrine Spring Festival is a vibrant traditional celebration held each year at Amatsu Shrine, taking place in 2026 on April 10 and 11. Known locally as the “Itoigawa Kenka Matsuri” (Fighting Festival), it is one of Niigata’s most energetic spring events. At the heart of the festival is the dramatic “kenka mikoshi,” where two portable shrines carried by rival neighborhood teams are deliberately rammed into each other in a symbolic contest. This ritual is performed to pray for abundant harvests and good fortune, creating an intense and exhilarating atmosphere. In contrast, the festival also features refined cultural performances, including sacred bugaku court dances—recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. These elegant performances bring a sense of balance and tradition to the event. Blending raw energy with ancient ritual, the Amatsu Shrine Spring Festival offers a powerful glimpse into Japan’s living spiritual heritage.

When	April 10 to April 11
Where	1-3-34 Ichinomiya, Itoigawa, Niigata
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://discover-itoigawa.com/see-do/history-culture/itoigawa-fighting-festival/

Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival (April 3 to April 19)

The Takada Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 is one of Japan’s most spectacular spring events, held at Takada Castle Ruins Park from April 3 to April 19. Celebrating its long history, the festival transforms the historic castle grounds into a breathtaking sea of pink with around 4,000 cherry trees in bloom. Recognized as one of Japan’s top three nighttime cherry blossom viewing spots, the festival is especially famous for its evening illuminations. Hundreds of lanterns line the park’s moats, reflecting shimmering sakura and the iconic three-story turret in the water, creating a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Beyond hanami, visitors can enjoy food stalls, local product markets, stage performances, and seasonal events that bring a lively, communal energy to the park. With peak bloom in Niigata expected around mid-April, the festival offers one of the latest opportunities to experience cherry blossoms in Japan, blending history, nature, and festive charm.

When	April 3 to April19
Where	44-1 Motoshiro-cho, Joetsu, Niigata
Admission Fee	Free
Official Website	https://joetsukankonavi.jp/kanoukai/

Spring in Japan is a mix of cherry blossoms, culture, and seasonal experiences. From cities to hidden regions, these spring events in Japan 2026 are perfect for discovering a different side of the country.

_{Cover photo: notinx}