Part of Japan’s Tohoku region, Aomori Prefecture sits at the northernmost tip of Honshu and is known for its vast natural landscapes, which look very different with each season. Spring arrives much later than Tokyo. March still feels like winter, with average temperatures below 5°C (41°F), making it fairly brisk.

From April, temperatures begin to rise to around 10°C (50°F), and by May the average reaches about 15°C (59°F), with daytime highs approaching 20°C (68°F). This period is ideal for sightseeing. Late April to early May is also when cherry blossoms bloom in Aomori, offering a final chance to enjoy sakura if you missed the season elsewhere in Japan.

While smaller than Hokkaido, Aomori is still expansive and bordered by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Tsugaru Strait. As a result, the climate varies by area. The Pacific coast tends to be milder, while the Sea of Japan side is colder and more prone to snowfall. If you plan to explore multiple areas, some preparation is essential. To help with planning, we have compiled spring weather data for Aomori City, Hachinohe, and Towada as a practical reference.

Up next, our Taiwanese editor with seven years of experience in Japan shares practical spring outfit tips, including real styling examples and children’s outfits, to help you plan what to wear for a spring trip to Aomori.

Aomori Prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, and the Tsugaru Strait to the north. This geography creates noticeable regional differences. Hachinohe, on the Pacific side, tends to be relatively milder, while Hirosaki, on the Sea of Japan side, is colder and more likely to see snowfall. Aomori City, where the prefectural government is located, sits somewhere in between. If you plan to travel across multiple areas, it is best to prepare accordingly.

While March in Tokyo and more southern parts of Japan already feels warm, March in Aomori is still firmly influenced by winter. Temperatures remain low, and snowfall is still possible. Travelers visiting at this time should bring well-insulated winter clothing and cold-weather accessories to stay comfortable.

Blessed with dramatic natural scenery, Aomori delivers unforgettable winter views in March. One highlight is Mount Hakkoda, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, where the striking “snow monsters” can still be seen. A ropeway ride offers sweeping views of these ice-covered trees from above.

March is also a season where lingering winter meets the first hints of spring. Visitors can catch the tail end of winter festivals and fireworks around Lake Towada, or see the opening of the Hakkoda Snow Corridor in late March, with towering walls of snow lining the road. For a local touch, ride the Tsugaru Railway stove train, grilling squid while snowflakes drift past the windows.

In April, Aomori begins to feel like spring, with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F) and daytime highs reaching about 16°C (61°F). Compared to March, it is significantly warmer, but early mornings and evenings can still feel chilly. Day-to-night temperature differences of up to 10°C (18°F) are not uncommon, so bringing an extra outer layer is recommended if you plan to spend the whole day outdoors.

Although temperature swings are common, April tends to be relatively dry, and daytime conditions are pleasant for walking and sightseeing. From late April, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms begin to bloom across the prefecture, drawing many visitors out for seasonal flower viewing and creating a lively spring atmosphere.

April is when Aomori delivers its most striking visuals, with soft pink cherry blossoms set against lingering white snow. It is a rare moment when winter and spring overlap, creating scenery you will not find elsewhere in Japan.

The season’s main event is the cherry blossom festival at Hirosaki Park, one of Japan’s most celebrated sakura spots. In late April, more than 2,600 trees bloom at once. The highlight is the petal-filled moat, where fallen blossoms form a thick pink carpet known as hanaikada, often called a once-in-a-lifetime view.

For a powerful nature experience, the Hakkoda Snow Corridor opens from April 1. Visitors can walk along an eight-kilometer route flanked by towering snow walls that can reach up to 10 meters high, offering a dramatic reminder of winter’s scale.

Other April-only highlights include riding the Tsugaru Railway to Ashino Park, where retro trains pass through tunnels of roughly 1,500 cherry trees, and strolling the cherry-lined avenue along Towada City Hall Street, one of the longest in Japan. April is a magical month that lets you move from crisp winter landscapes to warm spring colors in a single trip.

In May, Aomori enjoys gentle spring weather and a burst of seasonal color. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, and lupines bloom one after another, while fresh greenery spreads across the landscape. Popular sightseeing spots, including Hirosaki Castle, continue to host seasonal events such as cherry blossom festivals, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere throughout the region.

Average temperatures in May reach around 15°C (59°F), with daytime highs of about 20°C (68°F). While there is occasional rainfall, overall conditions are ideal for spring outings and nature walks. That said, mornings and evenings can still feel cool, so bringing a light jacket is recommended for adjusting to temperature changes.

As spring reaches its peak, May in Aomori sheds the last traces of cold and bursts into full color, with flowers and fresh greenery spreading across the landscape.

Many travelers know Kyoto’s torii gates, but Aomori’s Takayama Inari Shrine rivals them in beauty. Vivid red torii gates, some standing nearly two meters tall, wind through lush Japanese gardens. Paired with clear blue May skies, the scenery feels almost unreal and has become one of Aomori’s most popular photo spots in recent years.

By mid-May, Aomori also reveals a striking “golden sea” of flowers. Yokohama Town on the Shimokita Peninsula is home to Japan’s largest rapeseed flower fields, where endless yellow blooms stretch toward the horizon alongside slowly turning windmills.

For those who enjoy forest walks, May is the peak season for fresh greenery at Oirase Gorge. Translucent young leaves glow in soft green hues, framed by cascading waterfalls and clear streams filled with crisp mountain air. And as Japan’s apple capital, Aomori also welcomes apple blossom season in May, when pale pink flowers release a gentle fragrance that adds a uniquely romantic touch to any spring journey.

Planning a spring trip to Aomori? Here are some of the most common questions travelers ask, answered clearly and simply to help you prepare with confidence.

Spring weather in Aomori varies by area, but overall March still feels very much like winter, with low temperatures and occasional snowfall. Conditions gradually improve in April, and by May you can finally enjoy mild, comfortable spring weather across the prefecture.

It depends on the month. March is still quite cold and similar to winter, while by May average daytime highs reach around 20°C (68°F). If you want to enjoy late-season skiing, March is ideal. If you prefer warmer weather, May is a better time to visit and experience spring at its best.

Yes. Due to its northern location, snow can still be seen in Aomori in March. At Mount Hakkoda, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, skiing is sometimes possible even into May. It is a great option if you missed the ski season elsewhere in Japan.

Spring marks a lively turning point in Aomori as the region emerges from winter. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, apple blossoms, and lupines bloom across the prefecture, filling towns with color and seasonal excitement. Many sightseeing spots host cherry blossom festivals and spring events, drawing visitors from near and far.

One important note for travelers: late April to early May overlaps with Golden Week, one of Japan’s major holiday periods. Some shops may close, and popular attractions can become crowded or require advance reservations. Planning ahead is strongly recommended to make the most of your spring trip to Aomori.