Japanese festivals that celebrate migratory birds
What's the story
Japan is the perfect place to soak up its culture through seasonal festivals and migratory bird watching.
As the birds make their way across the nation, they also bring with them the various traditional events, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds - nature and culture.
This lets you explore Japan's biodiversity while reveling in local festivities.
Let's take a look at how you can enjoy these natural-cultural extravaganzas.
Hokkaido
Winter wonders: Cranes in Hokkaido
In winter, Hokkaido turns into a paradise for bird watchers as thousands of red-crowned cranes flock to the region.
These majestic birds can often be seen dancing gracefully against the white snowy background.
Tourists can witness this sight while enjoying local winter festivals celebrating snow and ice sculptures.
A sight of cranes, and indulging in these events, makes for an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.
Springtime
Spring spectacle: Cherry blossoms and birds
Spring is synonymous with cherry blossoms in Japan, bringing along tourists and migratory birds like warblers and flycatchers.
Parks filled with blooming sakura become lively spots for bird watching as well as hanami parties under the pink canopy.
This season gives you an opportunity to enjoy the harmonious blend of floral beauty and avian activity.
Kushiro
Summer sojourn: Wetlands of Kushiro
During summer, Kushiro wetlands are home to various species like herons, egrets, and storks. These wetlands are part of Ramsar sites devoted to conservation of waterfowl habitats.
While you explore the areas on guided tours, you can also engage with local summer festivals where you get to enjoy traditional music performances.
Lake Biwa
Autumn arrival: Geese at Lake Biwa
Autumn has large flocks of geese arriving at Lake Biwa on their migration southward.
This time also coincides with harvest festivals where locals celebrate bountiful crops through dance performances known as bon odori.
Watching geese among colorful autumn foliage makes experiencing Japanese culture during this season even better.