April is one of the most beautiful times of year to experience Japan. Across the country, sakura (cherry blossoms) burst into bloom, transforming parks and streets into fairy tale seas of pink and white. Locals and visitors alike celebrate with hanami (flower-viewing) picnics under the trees, enjoying the magical atmosphere. The weather is pleasantly mild – with neither the bitter cold of winter nor the humid heat of summer – perfect for comfortable sightseeing and exploring parks and cities.

Many cultural events and festivals take place in April, so you'll certainly be able to catch special performances and celebrations. Overall, April offers Japan at its most scenic and lively, with photogenic landscapes at every turn and a joyful spring spirit of renewal in the air.

Japan's climate in April is generally mild and spring-like, though it varies from north to south. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, days are warm (highs around 19°C/66°F) and nights cool (10°C/50°F lows). It's usually sunny, as April comes before the summer rains, with relatively low rainfall across Honshu (Japan's main island).

Northern regions are still chilly – for example, Sapporo in Hokkaido averages 11°C (52°F) in the daytime and can drop to 3°C (37°F) at night. There may even be a late snow flurry in the far north or in mountainous areas.

Meanwhile, southern areas like Kyushu and Shikoku enjoy dry, sunny weather up to around 20°C (68°F). In Okinawa, it feels almost like early summer, with warm days around 24°C (75°F). Overall, you can expect comfortable sightseeing weather in April – just remember that evenings can still be brisk, and it's wise to pack for a range of temperatures.

Packing smart will keep you comfortable as you travel in Japans April weather. Here are some essentials:

Layers of Clothing: Mornings and nights can be cool, but afternoons are pleasant. Pack light sweaters or hoodies, a medium-weight jacket, and long-sleeve shirts you can layer or remove as needed. In warmer regions, you might only need a T-shirt by midday, but in cooler areas you'll appreciate an extra layer.

Comfortable Shoes: April is a great time for walking and exploring outdoors. Bring comfortable sneakers or walking shoes for city strolls, park walks, and possibly light hikes. Many temple grounds and classic streets are gravel or cobblestone, so sturdy footwear is helpful.

Rain Protection: While April isn't the rainiest month, an occasional spring shower is possible. A small travel umbrella or a waterproof jacket can be handy without taking up much space. (Umbrellas are also easy to buy in Japan if needed.)

Seasonal Extras: If you plan on cherry-blossom viewing at night (when it can get chilly), pack a light scarf or beanie. Allergy sufferers might want to bring medication, since spring pollen can be high. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also handy for sunny days. And don't forget a camera or smartphone – you'll want to capture the beautiful sakura scenes and seasonal landscapes everywhere!

Japan has countless eye-opening destinations, but here are some suggestions perfect for first-time visitors in April.

For some of the sunniest skies in April, head to Kyushu, Japan's southwestern island. Fukuoka and other cities enjoy dry, clear days in spring, and the region is known for its warm hospitality. Given its location in southwestern Japan and proximity to mainland Asia, the city has long been an international hub, and has grown to be Japan's sixth largest city.

In early April, you'll want to check out the cherry blossoms at Maizuru Park & Fukuoka Castle Ruins - one of the city's best hanami spots with historic castle remains, Nishi Park – with over 1,000 cherry trees with a scenic view of Hakata Bay, or Uminonakamichi Seaside Park - a vast park with a variety of flowers, including cherry blossoms and tulips. Other flower-centric sightseeing can be found at Nokonoshima Island and Ohori Park.
If you want to get a taste of local cuisine, the local must-try is Hakata ramen, which is a rich tonkotsu variety. Open air food stalls along the Hakata River are great places to try local favorites as you stroll.

Fukuoka is also a great jumping off point for exploring other parts of Kyushu, including historical sites like Kumamoto Castle, or taking a day trip to the onsens (hot springs) of Beppu, all while enjoying comfortable weather.

For a family-friendly adventure, consider Nara, an ancient capital that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer that children can feed – a unique experience your kids will love. The park is also home to the towering Great Buddha in Todai-ji Temple, which is both educational and awe-inspiring. Little ones will have fun trying to crawl through the "nose hole" in one of the temple's support pillars and earning some good luck!

In spring, the park's cherry blossoms add a touch of fairy-tale scenery, while Mount Yoshino is another scenic off-path destination about 90 minutes from the city. Yoshinoyama is covered with thousands of cherry trees that flow up the mountainside, creating layers of pink. It's often called one of the best sakura displays in Japan.

If breathtaking scenery is your priority, you can't beat the Mt. Fuji area in April. The Fuji Five Lakes region (such as Lake Kawaguchiko) offers postcard-perfect views of Japan's tallest mountain, often capped with a little snow, against a backdrop of blooming cherry trees. It's one of the most photogenic spots in the country, ideal for social media shots or just unforgettable memories. Early to mid-April is usually peak blossom time around the lakes, and places like the Chureito Pagoda (in Arakurayama Sengen Park) provide the classic image of Fuji with red pagoda and pink flowers all in one view.

A great option for avoiding April's typical tourist crowding is heading to the island of Shikoku. Places like Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden or the Iya Valley offer spring beauty and culture with minimal crowds, plenty of sunshine, and mild temperatures. Shikoku is a bit off the typical tourist trail, so you can enjoy cherry blossoms at castles (like Kochi or Marugame) or quiet temples on the 88-temple pilgrimage route at a more relaxed pace. Matsuyama Castle, famous Dogo Onsen, and the Naruto whirlpools are also worth checking out. As you enjoy the peaceful Shikoku countryside, be sure to try some sansai udon made with wild mountain vegetation.

Nikko – About a two-hour train ride north from Tokyo leads to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the mountains. Nikko is famous for its ornate Tosho-gu Shrine, set among towering cedars. The craftsmanship of the shrine's colorful carvings (like the 'see-no-evil' monkey carving) will wow you. April in Nikko is a bit cooler than Tokyo, so blossoms bloom later. Even without blossoms, Nikko offers beautiful nature – you can visit Kegon Falls or Lake Chuzenji (though these are easier once snow has melted fully). This day trip offers a mix of culture and nature, and since it's slightly off the main tourist trail, it can be quieter than Tokyo's city sites.

Hitachi Seaside Park – From mid- to late April 2025, this coastal park in Ibaraki Prefecture comes alive with fields of baby-blue nemophila flowers that are incredibly Instagrammable. The park's flower garden is also a haven for flora-photo-fans looking to capture vivid memories of spring.

Hitsujiyama Park – For another otherworldly flower viewing experience, this park in Chichibu, Saitama, is home to vibrant moss phlox that carpets the ground and captures the imagination. If you're travelling with kids, they'll enjoy petting the park's resident sheep.

If you're based in Kyoto or Osaka, there are excellent day trips that showcase more of Japan's heritage and landscapes. Here are a few top choices.

Hiroshima & Miyajima (long day trip) – If you start early, you can visit Hiroshima (1.5–2 hours by shinkansen from Kyoto) to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a moving and educational experience about the atomic bombing and hope for peace. After a quick visit, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, known for the iconic 'floating' red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. In April, Miyajima's cherry blossoms are usually in bloom around the shrine and along the walking paths, adding to its beauty. You might also spot the island's friendly wild deer. Later, catch the late afternoon or sunset view of the torii gate (at high tide it appears to float in the water). This combined trip is ambitious for one day, but many travelers do it. If you have time, consider staying overnight to explore at a slower pace.

Amanohashidate: Located in Miyazu Bay on the Sea of Japan about two hours from Kyoto, Amanohashidate is known for its scenic views, and considered one of Japan's three most beautiful spots. The name means 'bridge over heaven,' referring to the area's distinct peninsula. Nearby shrines and observation points add to the visual appeal.

Kinosaki Onsen: For many, one of the most intriguing aspects of Japan is the sheer length of its history and culture. A key part of that culture is the relaxation of onsen (hot spring) bathing. Kinosaki Onsen is a traditional hot spring village that's existed for over 1,300 years. About 2.5 hours from Kyoto, it's quieter than Kyoto and is a great place to get away and recharge from busier sightseeing days. In April, cherry blossoms line the river and add to the town's idyllic charm.

Takayama Spring Festival (Gifu; April 14–15): The Takayama Matsuri is an annual festival in the mountain town of Takayama, often ranked among Japan's most beautiful festivals. The highlight is the parade of ornate wooden yatai (floats) through the old streets. The floats are spectacular – decorated with golden carvings, tapestries, and some even have mechanical puppets that perform. During the day you can admire the craftsmanship of the floats up close, and at night they're lit with lanterns, creating an ethereal scene as they glow against the night sky. The festival coincides with cherry blossom season in Takayama, so you get the double treat of festival excitement and blooming trees. Expect traditional music, people in period costumes, and a lively, friendly atmosphere. (It does get busy, so book accommodation early if you plan to stay overnight.)

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori; April 18–May 5): Starting in mid-April, Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori hosts its famous cherry blossom festival. With around 2,600 cherry trees, including some very old ones, the park is considered one of Japan's top cherry blossom spots. During the festival, you can stroll under tunnels of blossoms, take a boat ride in the castle moat filled with fallen petals (often called the 'sakura carpet'), and enjoy numerous food stalls selling local snacks. In the evening, the trees are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere. Because Hirosaki is far north, the blossoms bloom later, so it's a great option if you missed sakura further south. The backdrop of the Edo-period castle turret and Mount Iwaki in the distance makes it incredibly photogenic.

Kanamara Matsuri (Kawasaki; April 6): One of the more unusual and internationally famed festivals, the Kanamara Matsuri is a fertility festival held annually in Kawasaki (just south of Tokyo) on the first Sunday in April. It's often nicknamed the 'Steel Phallus Festival' – indeed, the festival's icons are three portable shrines carrying large phallic statues. The origins are rooted in local legends and prayers for fertility, smooth marital relations, and business prosperity. These days it has a fun, quirky atmosphere with crowds celebrating, vendors selling all kinds of phallus-shaped candies and souvenirs, and a parade through the streets. The event is very upbeat and inclusive, and you'll see both locals and curious tourists attending. (Note: it can be crowded and a bit cheeky in theme, but it's all in good spirit.) If nothing else, it's a memorable cultural experience that shows the diversity of Japanese cultural festivals!

Other April Festivals: Many towns and cities host their own spring festivals. For instance, Inuyama Festival (Aichi Prefecture, early April) also features gorgeous floats with lanterns at night. In Kyushu, the Ushibuka Haiya Festival in Amakusa (Kumamoto) in mid-April is a coastal celebration with lively folk dances and even boat parades. For those looking for even more flower photos, the Ashikaga Flower Park Wisteria Festival from mid-April to mid-May in Tochigi, known for wisteria tunnels, and the Tonami Tulip Festival (Toyama mid-April to early May), with a colorful display of 3 million tulips are worthy destinations.

Miyako Odori (Kyoto, April): Not a street festival, but a famed cultural event throughout April, the Miyako Odori is a series of elegant dance performances by Kyoto's geiko and maiko. Every April, these performances are held multiple times a day in a special theater in the Gion district. Dressed in exquisite kimono, the performers dance and play music, showcasing classical Japanese arts. For most people, it's the only chance to see geisha perform publicly, as one usually needs an invite to a private teahouse. Tickets can be reserved in advance, and there's often an option to attend a short tea ceremony before the show. If you're interested in traditional culture, the Miyako Odori is a must-see experience celebrating Kyoto's heritage.

Golden Week (April 29 – May 6): During this series of national holidays, you'll find events like street fairs, traditional mochi (rice cake) pounding demonstrations, and children's koinobori (carp streamer) displays ahead of Children's Day (May 5). No matter where you go in Japan in April, chances are you'll stumble upon some local celebration – join in and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

World Expo 2025 (April 13 – October 13): Osaka is hosting this year's World Expo, which centers on the theme of 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' This marks the second time Osaka has hosted a World Expo, previously in 1970.

Cherry Blossom Viewing & Parties (Nationwide; varies): This is why you're planning a trip to Japan in April, right? In early April, it's all about peak Sakura season. Whether it's a park, riverside, or mountainside, get out there and experience the awe and wonder of this symbolic season!

River Boat Cruises (Various locations): If you're near a river, consider a short boat cruise: cities like Tokyo (Sumida River) and Osaka (Okawa River) offer riverboat rides, sometimes with views of illuminated cherry blossoms at night.

Baseball (Nationwide; March 28 – November 2): Baseball is one of Japan's most popular sports. With twelve professional teams across the country, there are plentiful options for catching a game and experiencing baseball in a uniquely Japanese way.

Japanese Grand Prix 2025 (Suzuka, Mie; April 4–6): One of Formula 1's 24 Grand Prix weekends, this year's Japanese race will take place on Sunday, April 6. If you're a fan of auto racing, this is a must-see event in April.

April brings a variety of seasonal foods and treats that you shouldn't miss. Japanese cuisine is very tuned to the seasons ('shun'), so many restaurants and shops offer spring-special dishes. Here's what to look for.

Sakura Mochi & Spring Wagashi: Cherry blossom season means cherry blossom-themed sweets can be found everywhere. Sakura mochi is a classic spring wagashi (Japanese sweet): a pink mochi (pounded rice cake) filled with sweet red bean paste, wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. It has a gentle floral aroma and the leaf gives a slight salty contrast – a delightful mix of flavors. You'll find sakura mochi in wagashi shops, department store food halls, and even convenience stores. Other sakura treats include sakura-anpan (sweet buns with cherry blossom bean paste), sakura dorayaki (pancakes), and even sakura-flavored ice cream. The flavor is subtle – like a hint of cherry and floral sweetness.

Hanami Dango: Often seen sold at festivals or food stalls in spring, hanami dango are tri-colored rice dumplings on a skewer. They come in three colors – pink, white, and green – which represent cherry blossoms, snow, and new grass, respectively. They are mildly sweet and chewy, a perfect snack while walking under the blossoms. You might see people enjoying these during hanami picnics. They're easy to eat on the go and kids usually love them too (they look like cute colorful marshmallows, but are actually rice-based).

Spring Vegetables (Sansai) and Bamboo Shoots: April is the season for sansai, which are mountain wild vegetables foraged in spring. Many traditional restaurants will feature dishes with seasonal greens like warabi (bracken fern fiddleheads), fuki (butterbur stems), nanohana (rapeseed blossoms), taranome (angelica tree buds), and udo (mountain asparagus). These veggies have a fresh, slightly bitter taste that Japanese people call 'the taste of spring.' A common way to enjoy them is tempura – you might find sansai tempura on menus, offering a crunchy seasonal delicacy. Another big spring ingredient is takenoko, or bamboo shoots. Fresh bamboo shoots are dug up in April and are delicious in dishes like takenoko gohan (rice cooked with bamboo shoots) or miso soup. If you see spring rolls on the menu in Kyoto, they often contain tender bamboo shoots since it's a local specialty.

Seasonal Seafood: In coastal areas, spring brings certain fish and seafood into peak season. For example, in Toyama Bay (central Japan), tiny firefly squid (hotaru-ika) are a spring delicacy – often served boiled or as sushi. Shirasu (whitebait) are also commonly eaten in spring, sometimes raw over rice or boiled and dried as a topping for dishes. If you're in Kyushu, April is when the katsuo (bonito) start their migration – fresh skipjack tuna (often seared tataki style) is particularly tasty around this time. These are more regional, but keep an eye on seasonal menus at izakayas (pub-restaurants) or fish markets to spot spring catches.

Street Food & Festival Snacks: At April festivals or hanami spots, you'll find an abundance of street food. Classic festival eats include yakisoba (fried noodles), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes with sweet filling). In spring, some stalls might offer special seasonal items like sakura-flavored cotton candy or Ichigo Daifuku – a whole strawberry wrapped in red bean and mochi. If you have a sweet tooth, try a sakura parfait or seasonal flavored latte at cafes – many chains like Starbucks Japan roll out limited-edition cherry blossom drinks and treats in April. Part of the fun of traveling in Japan is sampling these seasonal goodies, so bring your appetite and enjoy the spring feast!

Visiting in April is wonderful, and a few smart tips will help your trip go smoothly.

Plan Around the Crowds: April (especially late March to mid-April) is peak tourist season in many popular spots because of cherry blossoms. During Golden Week, domestic travel spikes, so book your hotels and trains well in advance if your trip overlaps with this time. Major attractions will be busy on weekends and during Golden Week, so try to visit famous sights on weekdays or early in the morning.

Use Japan's Efficient Transport: Take advantage of Japan's excellent public transportation to maximize your April trip. The Japan Rail Pass can be a good value if you're doing long-distance trips (like Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima) – it allows unlimited travel on JR trains for a fixed period. Keep in mind that during Golden Week, trains and buses can book out, so reserve your shinkansen seats a few days ahead if possible. In cities, the trains and subways might be a bit more crowded than usual when people go to hanami events, but they are still the best way to get around quickly. Pack light for day trips, or use luggage forwarding services, so you're not hauling big suitcases through crowded stations. And if you're traveling to popular spots (say, Kyoto's Philosopher's Path or Nara Park) consider going earlier or later in the day to avoid peak congestion.

Cherry Blossom Timing: Cherry blossoms are weather-dependent, and the peak bloom ('mankai') only lasts about a week in each location. If seeing sakura is a priority, keep an eye on the cherry blossom forecast online. In general, blossoms open first in Kyushu (late March), then Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka around late March to early April, then Tohoku in mid-late April, and Hokkaido by late April/early May. To maximize your chances, you could start in a southern city then travel north. But even if you miss full bloom by a few days, don't worry – the fallen petals drifting down and the fresh green leaves coming in are also beautiful. Plus, there are often other flowers (azaleas, wisteria, etc.) coming into season as April progresses. Essentially, some part of Japan will have blossoms during the entire month of April; you might just need to travel a bit to find them.

Respect Local Customs: During hanami and festivals, be mindful of etiquette. For hanami picnics, many parks allow alcoholic drinks and merriment, but do not damage, touch, or pick the cherry blossoms. Dispose of garbage properly (carry a bag as trash bins in parks can be scarce). At temples and shrines (which can be crowded in spring), stay calm and patient – follow the flow, and if you want a quieter prayer or photo, visiting very early or at closing time helps. When attending festivals, have some cash on hand – food stalls and vendors typically take cash only. A small coin purse for yen coins is useful since you'll accumulate 100 yen and 500 yen coins from purchases.

Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Spring weather can change quickly. Most days are pleasant, but an unexpected shower or a chilly windy day can occur. It's a good idea to carry a compact umbrella or a foldable rain poncho in your day bag. Dress in layers as mentioned, so you can add a cardigan or jacket if a cloud rolls in or remove it when the sun is warm. The good news is, if you do get rain, some cherry blossom scenes become even more atmospheric with raindrops on petals or reflections in puddles – so embrace the moment (and maybe head to a museum or café until it clears). If you head to higher elevations (like the Japanese Alps or a rural mountain onsen), remember those areas are colder – you might find patches of snow even in April, so pack accordingly.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of Japan in April. It's a time of renewal, beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you're savoring seasonal sweets under the cherry trees, taking in a colorful festival, or wandering through an ancient shrine with petals falling around you, your first trip to Japan in April is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.