April in Japan: Full of Spring Beauty and Fun
Aprili Weather Overview
April is the start of full-scale spring in most parts of Japan. From southern Kyushu to northern Honshu, temperatures gradually rise and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, daytime highs are 16-22°C and nights are mild at 10-13°C. Western Japan, in particular, experiences more rain than March. Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, with daytime temperatures in Sapporo at a cool 8-15°C, and cherry blossoms bloom in the last week of April. Mountainous areas such as Nagano and the highlands of Tohoku remain cold, and snow may remain in high-altitude areas. Okinawa is warm and humid, with many days exceeding 23°C, and beachgoers can be seen on the southern islands.
Clothing
There are temperature differences depending on the day, so you should check the weather forecast for temperatures before leaving the hotel and decide what to wear. Down jackets and coats are excessive in the plains west of Tokyo, and thin jackets and sweaters are sufficient during the day. Clothes that can be layered are convenient for early mornings and chilly days. Occasional rain showers can occur, so a folding umbrella or a light raincoat is useful. In Hokkaido and mountainous areas, spring is cool and a medium-weight coat is necessary. In Okinawa, short sleeves and summer clothes become comfortable by mid-April. If you are planning to spend a long time at a cherry blossom viewing spot, it is reassuring for men to have something to wear over their clothes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
How to enjoy April in Japan
April is cherry blossom season in most parts of the country. Cherry blossom viewing is held in almost every city, and many people gather along rivers, in parks, and at castle ruins. In Tokyo, Ueno Park, Meguro River, and Chidorigafuchi are popular spots. In Kyoto, Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, Ninnaji Temple, and Keage Incline offer particularly beautiful views. In rural areas such as Hirosaki (Aomori) and Kakunodate (Akita), the cherry blossoms bloom from mid- to late April, offering a quieter, later-season experience. If you miss your visit, you may be able to see some cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen, which has a variety of cherry trees planted.
Besides cherry blossoms, April is also a great time to enjoy gardens, hiking and cultural events, as the following month will already bring humid days. In late April, not only cherry blossoms but also tulips, azaleas and wisterias are also highlights. Hiking routes offer beautiful new greenery and wonderful spring scenery.
Seasonal Events and Holidays
April is cherry blossom season. Most of the major parks and temples have food stalls when the flowers are in full bloom, and they are also lit up at night. The Takayama Spring Festival, held on April 14th and 15th, is one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan, with colorful floats and traditional performing arts in a well-preserved mountain village town.
In mid-April, tourist routes that are closed off by snow during the winter in the Northern Alps will open. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the route to Kamikochi will open from mid-April.
In late April, Golden Week begins. Golden Week is a series of holidays that starts on Showa Day (April 29th). Peak travel is in early May, but domestic travel can start as early as late April.
Travel Tips
April is one of the busiest travel months in Japan. Book your accommodation and train tickets early, especially if you are visiting during cherry blossom viewing or at the end of the month. Parks can get very crowded during cherry blossom season. Arrive early or visit smaller, lesser known places for a more relaxing experience. Weather is changeable, so dress in layers and check the daily weather forecast.
What not to do (or not do)
Don’t expect cherry blossoms to bloom at the same time in all regions. Full bloom is seen in late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto, but even in Kawaguchiko, just two hours from Tokyo, they bloom a week or two later. Northern regions such as Tohoku and Hokkaido are also a few weeks behind. If you are traveling across Japan over a few weeks, you will be able to chase the cherry blossoms if you travel from south to north and from low to high altitudes. Mountain hiking trails remain closed, such as Mt. Fuji, due to remaining snow above 2,000 meters above sea level. Many people drink alcohol during cherry blossom viewing, but there are places where drinking is prohibited, such as Shinjuku Gyoen, so it’s a good idea to check the signs to avoid any trouble.
Summary: Is April a good time to travel to Japan?
April is one of the most beautiful and popular times to travel to Japan. Cherry blossoms, mild temperatures, and vibrant spring events make it a great choice for first-time visitors to Japan. Despite the crowds, Japan is festive and vibrant. From historic temples covered in petals to quiet paths surrounded by flowers, April offers the quintessential spring scenery that many travelers dream of.