Is there a more iconic image of Japan than cherry blossoms in bloom across the country? We think not. It’s celebrated every year by the locals, and tourists flock here to see this stunning natural spectacle. Some of the best spots in the country to see the blossoms in all their glory include Yoshino (Nara prefecture), Himeji Castle (Hyogo prefecture), Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanashi prefecture) and Hirosaki Castle (Aomori prefecture). If you’re in Tokyo, make a beeline to Ueno Park, home to 1,000 cherry trees.

This week-long holiday in Japan features four national holidays – Showa Day (the birthday of former Emperor Showa), Constitution Memorial Day (celebrating the post-war constitution), Greenery Day (dedicated to the environment) and Children’s Day. It’s one of the busiest and best times to visit Japan, with many locals travelling across the country to celebrate. Expect festivals like the Spring festival (Haru No Fujiwara Matsuri), geisha dance festivals and carp streamer festivals (Koinobori). The Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo with its colourful parades, traditional music and dance performances is not to be missed.

The Gion Matsuri is Japan’s biggest festival and has been going since 869. Held in Kyoto over the entire month of July, it’s a huge party where elaborate floats are pulled through the streets and the city’s residents turn out in their droves. Originally a purification ceremony, it still includes purification rituals, but today is all about the show. If you travel to Kyoto any time in July, you’ll likely find yourself in the middle of an event or party. There are two parades featuring giant floats, held on the 17th and 24th, with huge parties for three nights preceding each parade. Food stalls line the streets and the floats are lit up and on display. What a scene.

At 3,776m high, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. Surrounded by lakes and epic scenery, it’s not only a challenging climb but also a spiritual and significant place for Japanese people. If you’re planning on strapping on your hiking books and scaling it, it’s open to hikers from early July to early September. Peak season lasts from late July to late August. Expect the most crowds during the Obon holidays, usually in the middle of August. Consider booking a Mount Fuji climbing tour too.

Once autumn hits Japan, the country dramatically changes colour. You’ll see deep reds, golden hues and magnificent oranges as the leaves on the trees in the country’s many forests turn in line with the season. The best places to see the breathtaking colours include Yoyogi Park, Mount Takao and Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo, as well as Tenryu-Ji and Nanzen-Ji temples in Kyoto.

Held for one week in Sapporo every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most popular winter events anywhere in Japan. It began in 1950 when a few students built snow sculptures in Odori Park and is now a huge spectacular event staged across three sites. Head down to the Odori Site (the main festival hub) for epic snow sculptures. Visit the Susukino Site for 100 ice sculptures. And let loose at the Tsudome Site on the snow slides.

Immerse yourself in Japan’s national sport by attending a sumo tournament in Tokyo. There are three tournaments held in Tokyo every year, in January, May and September. And remember, this isn’t for show and a tourist attraction, it’s a real sport and a huge deal in Japan. Each tournament lasts around 15 days, so there’s plenty of chance to get tickets. Head to Tokyo’s sumo stadium – Ryogoku Kokugikan – to watch the action and join the crowds clambering to see their favourite wrestlers.