April is probably the most popular time to visit Japan. The country bursts into color as cherry blossoms bloom across cities, parks, and countryside landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year, with mild weather and plenty of seasonal events.
In this guide, we’ll cover what the weather is like in Japan in April and the best things to do during this wonderful season.
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Overview of Japan in April
April brings mild, pleasant weather across Japan. Daytime temperatures usually range between 10°C and 20°C, though it’s cooler in the north and warmer in the south.
April is known for cherry blossoms, but it’s important to know that the full bloom lasts only about a week. In southern regions like Kyushu and cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the cherry blossom peak often comes in late March due to warmer temperatures.
In April, the best places to see the cherry blossoms are in northern and mountain regions, where they bloom a little later.
Because it’s such a popular travel month, accommodations and transport often book up early, especially during weekends in cherry blossom season and Golden Week (end of April – first week of May).
Weather in Japan in April
The weather in Japan during April is generally mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures that are ideal for sightseeing.
While daily temperatures can vary across the country, most of Japan experiences warm, sunny days and cool nights. In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, temperatures typically range from 10-20°C (50-68°F).
Layered clothing is highly recommended for adapting to temperature shifts throughout the day, so a light jacket is a good idea for cooler mornings and evenings.
In the northern reaches of Hokkaido, the weather remains quite cool, with temperatures around 1-11°C (34-52°F), as the last of the winter snow melts and the cherry blossom season begins later in the month.
Conversely, the southernmost islands of Okinawa are the warmest, with temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F). Occasional spring showers are common, so packing an umbrella or a light raincoat is also a practical choice.
Average April Temperatures in Japan’s Popular Tourist Cities
| City | Lowest Temperature | Highest Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 5°C / 41°F | 13°C / 55.4°F |
| Sendai | 8°C / 46.4°F | 16°C / 60.8°F |
| Tokyo | 11°C / 51.8°F | 20°C / 68°F |
| Kanazawa | 9°C / 48.2°F | 18°C / 64.4°F |
| Kyoto | 10°C / 50°F | 21°C / 69.8°F |
| Osaka | 11°C / 51.8°F | 21°C / 69.8°F |
| Hiroshima | 11°C / 51.8°F | 20°C / 68°F |
| Fukuoka | 12°C / 53.6°F | 21°C / 69.8°F |
| Naha | 17°C / 62.6°F | 24°C / 75.2°F |
Note: These are average low and high temperatures for the month, so you can expect some days or nights to be cooler or warmer than the listed ranges.
Things to do in Japan in April
April in Japan offers perfect weather for getting outside. The days are warm but not too hot, making it ideal for strolling through city streets, visiting temples and gardens, or exploring nature trails surrounded by fresh spring scenery. It’s the season when the whole country feels alive.
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing)
Cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan. The delicate pink flowers, called sakura, cover parks and riversides across the country, turning cities into dreamlike landscapes.
The timing of the bloom changes depending on where you go. By April, most cherry blossoms in southern and central Japan (like Tokyo and Kyoto) have already peaked, so the best viewing spots shift northward or to higher elevations.
Every year, Japan releases an official cherry blossom forecast that helps travelers plan the best time to visit each region. You can check it on the Japan Weather Association’s website.
Here are some of the places where you can often enjoy cherry blossoms in April, especially in northern or higher-altitude regions:
Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido)
🌸 Hirosaki Park (Aomori) – One of Japan’s most famous late-blooming spots, with over 2,500 trees surrounding a historic castle. Usually peaks in late April.
🌸 Kakunodate (Akita) – Known for its beautiful samurai district lined with weeping cherry trees, typically blooming mid to late April.
🌸 Matsumae Park (Hokkaido) – The northernmost famous cherry blossom spot, featuring a castle and around 10,000 trees. Blooms late April to early May.
Mountain Areas in Central Japan
🌸 Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano) – Famous for its 1,500 unique pink “Takato Kohigan” cherry trees. Best time is early to mid-April.
🌸 Mount Yoshino (Nara) – One of Japan’s most iconic sakura mountains, with over 30,000 cherry trees blooming at different elevations from early to mid-April.
Other Notable Spots
🌸 Fujigoko (Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi) – Offers beautiful views of cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background, peaking early to mid-April.
🌸 Goryokaku Park (Hakodate, Hokkaido) – Star-shaped fort surrounded by sakura trees, typically blooming late April to early May.
Vibrant Cultural Festivals
April in Japan isn’t only about cherry blossoms, it’s also a month filled with lively festivals that showcase the country’s rich traditions and creativity.
The Takayama Spring Festival in Gifu, held on April 14 and 15, is one of the most beautiful in the country. The streets fill with floats decorated with intricate carvings, some carrying mechanical dolls that perform during the day and shine with lanterns at night.
In Kyoto, the entire month is dedicated to the Miyako Odori, or “Capital City Dances,” performed by the city’s geiko and maiko. It’s a rare and elegant glimpse into traditional Japanese arts.
For something completely different, the Kanamara Matsuri in Kawasaki takes place on the first Sunday of April and celebrates fertility in a fun and lively way. The mix of history, humor, and community makes it one of the most talked-about events in Japan.
Unique Adventures and Natural Beauty
April’s mild weather makes it perfect for exploring Japan’s incredible landscapes. One of the most unique experiences is walking along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the Northern Japan Alps, which reopens in mid-April.
The highlight is the famous Snow Wall, where you can stroll between towering banks of snow that can reach more than 15 meters high. It is an amazing contrast to the spring flowers blooming below.
Nature lovers have plenty more to enjoy. At Hitachi Seaside Park, millions of tiny blue nemophila flowers cover the hills in late April, creating a sea of color under the spring sky.
If you’re heading to see Mt.Fuji, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival begins around mid-April. Shibazakura, or moss phlox, isn’t related to cherry blossoms, but it blooms around the same time, covering the fields in shades of pink and purple. With Mount Fuji towering in the background, the view is so stunning it almost feels unreal.
Down in Fukuoka, Kawachi Wisteria Garden begins to bloom around the same time, with its tunnels of cascading purple and white flowers that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
And if you have a sweet tooth, April is still a great time for strawberry picking. It’s the tail end of the season, but the berries are at their sweetest and make for a fun and tasty spring outing.
Travel Tips for Japan in April
Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your trip to Japan in April.
What to Pack
Pack a mix of light and warm clothes, as in April, temperatures can vary throughout the day. It’s often warm in the daytime but can feel quite cool in the evenings or early mornings, especially in northern or mountain areas.
April isn’t the rainy season, but occasional rains are common throughout the year in Japan, so it’s a good idea to carry a small umbrella or a light raincoat. You can easily find both at convenience stores like 7-Eleven if you need them on the go.
Travel Planning
As mentioned, April is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, attracting many international travelers. Popular destinations like Kyoto can get pretty crowded, and traffic may be heavier than usual.
So plan ahead, by booking your accommodation early and purchasing transportation tickets and reserving seats in advance whenever possible.
Note that at the end of April (April 29th), Golden Week begins. It’s a series of national holidays when many people in Japan travel. During this period, hotels tend to be more expensive, and popular attractions and transportation can be very crowded, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling in Japan in April
Yes! April is one of the best months to visit Japan. The weather is mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom in many regions. It’s also a lively season with spring festivals and outdoor activities.
By April, the cherry blossom season has usually moved north. Great places to see them include Hirosaki Park in Aomori, Kakunodate in Akita, and Matsumae Park in Hokkaido. You can also catch late blooms in mountain areas like Mount Yoshino in Nara or the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Layered clothing works best. Days are often warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool. A light jacket, sweater, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected rain.
Yes, it’s one of the busiest months, especially during cherry blossom season and Golden Week (starting at the end of April). Book your accommodation and transportation early to avoid last-minute issues.
Most attractions, shops, and restaurants remain open, but they can be very crowded. Train tickets and hotels often sell out, so it’s wise to make reservations well in advance if your trip overlaps with this period.
Author’s Note: April, the Season of New Beginnings
I love to be in Japan in April. Not just for its comfortable weather or the beauty of cherry blossoms, but for the atmosphere of new beginnings that fills the air.
In Japan, the school year starts in April, and many new graduates begin their first jobs. You can really feel the sense of excitement and fresh energy everywhere.
The season itself reflects that feeling. New leaves start to grow, flowers bloom, and the air feels clean and full of life. There’s something about April in Japan that always makes me feel inspired, like everything is quietly starting anew.
If you’re thinking about visiting Japan in April, I hope you’ll experience this same sense of freshness and renewal that makes the month so special.
