Aizu Spring Festival

On the day of the spring equinox (around the 20th March) you can see the Shishimai (ritual lion's mask dance) symbolizing the coming of spring in several places around the city.

The other spring festivals are the popular Hanami (Cherry-Blossom Viewing Party) parties which are held from the middle to the end of April when the cherry trees are in full bloom. Probably the best place for a Hanami party is in the grounds of Tsurugajo Castle under any of the numerous cherry trees to be found there. Hanami parties are convivial affairs where people eat and often drink sake and beer.