Ojiya in Spring

Spring turns Ojiya into a city of blossoms and events. In April, thousands of cherry trees bloom across Funaoka Park and the surrounding streets, while bright yellow rapeseed flowers cover Yamamotoyama Highland in alternating years. The Funaoka Park Cherry Blossom Festival runs from April into May with traditional music and dance performances, and lanterns illuminate the trees after dark. In early March, Hina Matsuri brings displays of decorative dolls throughout shops and homes, uniquely paired here with e-gami woodblock print tapestries. In May, the first tsunotsuki traditional bullfighting tournament of the year kicks off with Shinto purification rites.