Hyogo Prefecture, where Kobe City is located, has a surprisingly varied climate depending on the area. In the north, the Tajima region faces the Sea of Japan and tends to be cooler. Even in March, traces of snow can still remain, so if you are hoping to catch the tail end of the snow season, it is worth trying your luck there. By contrast, southern Hyogo, including Kobe along the Seto Inland Sea, enjoys a more stable and milder climate. This makes Kobe especially comfortable for travelers from Asia who are used to warmer weather.

As spring arrives in Kobe, temperatures gradually rise, but the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures can be quite noticeable. When visiting, it is important to bring a light jacket and a few cold-weather accessories so you do not feel chilly in the mornings and evenings. It is also a good idea to pack a compact umbrella, just in case of sudden spring showers.

Up next, Nemi, our Taiwanese editor who has lived in Japan for seven years, shares practical spring outfit examples, including real styling photos and children’s outfits, to give you a clear idea of what to wear when visiting Kobe in spring.

March in Kobe City brings the first signs of early spring. Average temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F), with daytime highs reaching close to 15°C (59°F). During the day, the sunshine feels gentle and comfortable, making it a great time to explore the city and enjoy leisurely walks around Kobe.

Once the sun goes down, however, temperatures can drop quickly, sometimes feeling almost as cold as winter. Because the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is quite noticeable, it is best to bring an extra outer layer to stay warm in the evenings.

From late March onward, cherry blossoms begin to appear around the city. Popular spots such as Kobe Oji Zoo start to see blooms, offering visitors a chance to enjoy Japan’s iconic pink sakura and experience the romantic side of spring in Kobe.

If you are visiting Kobe in March, a trip to Arima Onsen is not to be missed. Counted among Japan’s three oldest hot spring towns, Arima is at a seasonal turning point in early spring, just as the cold of winter fades and the first cherry blossoms begin to appear. A stroll through Arima River Park along the onsen street lets you enjoy the milder air, and if you are lucky, you may catch the elegant weeping cherry blossoms that start blooming in late March, creating a beautiful contrast with the drifting steam from the baths.

Arima Onsen is only about a 30-minute bus ride from central Kobe, making it an easy and rewarding day trip. Start by exploring the old town streets and sampling seasonal sakura-flavored carbonated rice crackers, a spring-only treat. After that, warm your feet at the free Kin no Yu footbath before heading back out to explore.

For a more immersive experience, consider staying at a local ryokan. Many offer seasonal meals featuring spring ingredients such as Spanish mackerel and fresh spring vegetables, served in traditional settings full of history. It is a relaxing way to soak in both the famous waters and the gentle atmosphere of Kobe in early spring.

By April, spring is fully underway in Kobe City, with temperatures continuing to rise. The average temperature is around 15°C (59°F), and average daytime highs climb above 20°C (68°F). The chill of winter is gone, and the overall climate feels mild and comfortable, making April one of the best months for sightseeing in Kobe.

Early April coincides with cherry blossom season, offering a chance to enjoy Japan’s iconic sakura at their peak. Later in the month, delicate blue nemophila flowers take over, carpeting the landscape in soft shades of blue and creating one of late spring’s most photogenic scenes.

When it comes to clothing, daytime weather is pleasantly warm, but mornings and evenings can still feel cool. Bringing a light jacket is recommended so you can easily adjust to temperature changes. Spring showers are also possible, so packing a compact folding umbrella will help keep sudden rain from disrupting your plans.

April brings mild, pleasant weather to Kobe, making it a perfect time not only to follow the cherry blossom front but also to visit Kobe Animal Kingdom and enjoy close-up encounters with some seriously adorable animals. Built around the theme of “flowers, animals, and people,” the park is especially beautiful in April, when flowers are in full bloom. Hanging begonia baskets and dendrobium orchids fill the indoor spaces with color, creating a lush, greenhouse-like atmosphere where you can enjoy flowers and animals at the same time.

One of the park’s biggest draws is its “zero-distance” animal experiences. Capybaras, red pandas, and ring-tailed lemurs are not confined behind cages but roam freely around visitors, making encounters feel surprisingly natural and memorable. April’s comfortable temperatures also make it a great month to spend more time outdoors, whether that means strolling through open-air areas of the park or exploring other outdoor spots around Kobe while soaking up the gentle spring scenery.

May in Kobe City marks the transition from spring to early summer. Temperatures typically range from around 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F), with comfortable, mild conditions during the day. Compared with other areas of Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe tends to be slightly warmer, making May an excellent month for sightseeing. However, if you plan to visit higher-elevation spots such as Mount Rokko or Arima Onsen, it is a good idea to bring extra long-sleeve layers or a light jacket, as temperatures can feel cooler. Rainfall also increases in May compared with March and April, so carrying a compact folding umbrella is recommended.

Warm weather brings a lively event calendar to Kobe in May. One of the city’s most iconic celebrations is the Kobe Festival, famous for its energetic samba parade. Another seasonal highlight is the Kobe Flower Carpet, where tens of thousands of tulip petals are arranged into large, colorful patterns along Kitanozaka and in the former foreign settlement. May is also a wonderful time to visit Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, when roses are in full bloom. The elegant fragrance and vibrant colors make it a memorable stop that adds a beautiful finishing touch to a spring trip to Kobe.

May is one of the most comfortable months of the year in Kobe City, when the city truly comes into its own as a flower-filled, cosmopolitan destination. Take the ropeway up to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, the largest herb garden in Japan. This is peak season for the garden’s famous rose displays, when hundreds of European-style roses bloom across the hillside and the air carries a fresh, early-summer fragrance. From the mountaintop café and restaurant, you can look out over Kobe Port and enjoy an elegant moment that feels closer to a southern German estate than an urban Japanese city.

For travelers who want to feel Kobe’s lively side, May is also festival season. The city’s signature event, the Kobe Festival (Kobe Matsuri), takes over the waterfront area with energetic samba parades and open-air stalls, showcasing the bold, international spirit of this historic port city.

From the calm beauty of rose-covered gardens to the vibrant excitement of a citywide festival, Kobe in May offers the best of both worlds. It is the kind of month that fills your camera roll quickly and leaves lasting travel memories.

Compared with other areas of Hyogo Prefecture, spring weather in Kobe City is relatively stable. That said, you should still be prepared for noticeable temperature differences between day and night, as well as occasional spring showers. Bringing a light jacket and a compact folding umbrella will help you travel with peace of mind.

In most years, cherry blossoms in Kobe begin to bloom from late March to early April. However, timing varies depending on temperatures each year, so exact dates cannot be guaranteed. It is best to check Japan’s annual cherry blossom forecast before your trip.

Temperatures in Kobe gradually warm up throughout spring. March can still feel chilly, with conditions closer to winter, but it becomes increasingly comfortable in April. By May, the weather is generally quite warm. Even so, daytime warmth can give way to cooler evenings, so bringing a jacket is recommended to handle temperature changes.

Spring in Kobe is truly beautiful. From cherry blossoms to fields of blue nemophila and blooming roses, flowers take turns filling the city with color and fragrance. Combined with mild, pleasant weather, it is one of the best seasons to visit. Thinking about coming to Kobe to enjoy the flowers and lively seasonal events? Pack a light jacket and a folding umbrella, and you will be well prepared for cooler evenings and the occasional spring rain.

One final tip: late April to early May coincides with Golden Week, one of Japan’s major holiday periods. Some shops may close, while others change reservation rules due to heavy crowds. If you plan to travel during this time, be sure to make arrangements in advance to avoid any surprises.