TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnionPay cards have handled over 15 billion yen worth of transactions for tourists visiting Japan as of September of 2013.

To commemorate this, UnionPay is running a "UnionPay Accommodation Campaign" (http://www.shopping-guide.co.jp/), in which users can receive the benefit of 1,000 yen discounts by paying accommodation charges (of 10,000 yen or more) with a UnionPay card at any of UnionPay International's 100 partner hotels nationwide.

April is the most comfortable season in Japan, and it marks the start of the full-fledged festival season in every region across the country. There are countless things to see and endless ways to have fun, including the Ryukyu Kaiensai Festival, which has been gaining prominence in recent years; the nostalgic and traditional Mino Festival; horseback archery in Asakusa (known as Asakusa Yabusame), where you can get an up-close look at a traditional performance art; the wonderous and graceful Hitaka Hibuse Festival, and more! You are invited to refresh your body and mind with the change in pace from the ordinary that is found at Japanese festivals. You can also enjoy travel at great rates by taking advantage of the UnionPay Card Campaign for lodgings near festival grounds.

Region-by-region cherry blossom information

The Ryukyu Kaiensai Festival / Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture

The Ryukyu Kaiensai Festival is famous for its fireworks show that lights up the conclusion of the event, and is the earliest fireworks display of the season in Japan. This event is also Japan's largest collaboration of music and fireworks. Here, fireworks light up the sky in synchronization with popular songs from the top of recent hit-charts, and traditional Okinawan music that boosts that feeling of travel adventure. Tickets are required for admission.

Tickets: http://www.ryukyu-kaiensai.com/ticket.html

Location: 4 Chome-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan city, Okinawa prefecture

Mino Festival / Mino City, Gifu Prefecture

Mino Festival takes place every year during the second weekend in April (Saturday/Sunday). During the main event on Saturday, a 'flower shrine (hana-mikoshi)' decked out in pink flowers is carried around in the streets.

Location: Kamijo, Mino city, Gifu prefecture

Asakusa Yabusame / Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Yabusame (horseback archery) was carried out as a New Year's event at the shrine in Asakusa during the Edo era. It has now been revived and continues as a tourist event. Archers take part in ‘Kusajishi’ where they shoot arrows at a mock deer target at the Sanya canal area in Sumida Park. At a specially prepared venue in Sumida Park, archers dressed in traditional hunting attire release arrows towards their targets from atop sprinting horses. This 'Yabusame' event is packed with gallantry and intensity.

(Held rain or shine, but may be cancelled in the event of storms)

Advance admission tickets are 2,000 yen per seat.

For details please contact the Taito-ku Tourism Department (+81-3-5246-1447).

Location: 1 Chome Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

The Hitaka Hibuse Festival / Oshu city, Iwate prefecture

The Hitaka Hibuse Festival heralds the coming spring after a long winter. Every year on April 28, a pre-event is held on the eve before, with the main event taking place the next day on April 29.

Location: Mizusawa-ku, Oshu city, Iwate prefecture