April in Japan feels like stepping into a postcard. The soft spring air is filled with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms, and the mild days are perfect for exploring temples, gardens, and city streets. While sweaters are still helpful in the evenings, the afternoons are ideal for lingering outdoors and enjoying the fresh, vibrant season.
Table of Contents
What is the weather like in Japan in April?
Sakura Cherry Blossoms: April's Natural Highlights
Top 3 Things to Do in Japan in April (Beyond Cherry Blossoms)
Dressing Appropriately When Travelling in Japan in April
Crowds and Cost of Travelling to Japan in April
1. What is the Weather Like in Japan in April?
April in Japan brings mild spring days, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C across most cities. Expect a clear shift between warm afternoons and cooler evenings, so it is essential to pack a light jacket or jumper. Rain showers become more frequent towards the end of the month, and pollen season lingers in some regions, so travellers with allergies should take note of this.
Overall, the weather in Japan in April is comfortable, making it one of the best months for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Japan Weather Snapshot in April
Sapporo April Weather 2026 ｜Spring Still Chilly
Tip for traveling in Sapporo in April:
Warm coat & layered clothing are a must
Expect brisk winds and occasional showers
Still feels like late winter at times
In April, Sapporo is just waking up from winter. Streets may still carry patches of snow, while mountain views remain frosted. Warm up with a steaming bowl of miso ramen, take a stroll through Odori Park, and enjoy the fresh northern air before cherry blossoms bloom later in the month.
Tokyo April Weather 2026 ｜Spring in Full Bloom
Tip for traveling to Tokyo in April:
Pack layers for day-to-night comfort
Small umbrella for sudden spring rain
Perfect for hanami picnics in city parks
Tokyo in April is one of Japan's most celebrated seasons. Stroll beneath cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, feel the buzz of Shibuya Crossing, or enjoy riverside breezes on a Sumida River cruise. The mild weather makes it easy to explore temples, shrines, and neighborhoods at a relaxed pace.
Osaka April Weather 2026 ｜Mild & Lively
Tip for traveling in Osaka in April:
Osaka welcomes spring with a cheerful vibe. Wander through Osaka Castle Park surrounded by seasonal flowers, soak in the neon glow of Dotonbori at night, and enjoy the comfortable climate while sampling local street food like takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
Kyoto April Weather 2026 ｜Breezy Spring Charm
Tip for traveling around Kyoto in April:
Kyoto in April is picture-perfect. Cherry blossoms frame Kiyomizu-dera, while the Philosopher's Path becomes a dreamy riverside walk. The crisp yet gentle air adds magic to tea ceremonies, shrine visits, and evening strolls along the Kamogawa River.
Hiroshima April Weather 2026 ｜Comfortable & Calm
Tip for traveling in Hiroshima in April:
Hiroshima's April weather is ideal for exploring both its history and natural beauty. Visit the Peace Memorial Park under blooming trees, take a ferry to Miyajima to see Itsukushima Shrine's "floating" torii gate, and savor fresh oysters by the Seto Inland Sea breeze.
Okinawa April Weather 2026 ｜Early Summer Warmth
Tip for traveling in Okinawa in April:
Light clothing, swimsuit, and sun protection
Perfect for snorkeling and island-hopping
You usually can't see cherry blossoms in Okinawa in April, because Okinawa's cherry blossom season is the earliest in Japan, usually reaching its peak bloom from late January to early February, much earlier than the cherry blossom season in Honshu, Japan, in March and April.
In April, Okinawa feels like an early summer escape. Spend your days on white sandy beaches, dive into coral reefs, or hop between tropical islands. Evenings are pleasant, with ocean breezes making outdoor dining and strolls by the waterfront a delight.
Japan April Weather 2026 ｜City Guide Table
| City | Avg. Temp (°C / °F) | Travel Tip | One-Line Summary |
|---|
| Sapporo | 3–12°C / 37–53°F | Warm coat & layers; brisk winds | Spring feels late, with crisp air and lingering chill. |
| Tokyo | 11–19°C / 52–66°F | Light jacket + small umbrella | Comfortable spring bloom, ideal for hanami picnics. |
| Osaka | 10–20°C / 50–68°F | Layered outfits for day & night | Mild, lively days are perfect for food and evening strolls. |
| Kyoto | 9–20°C / 48–68°F | Layers for temples & night walks | Breezy spring charm, with blossoms framing historic sites. |
| Hiroshima | 10–20°C / 50–68°F | Light sweater for evenings | Calm, pleasant weather for exploring history and islands. |
| Okinawa | 19–24°C / 66–75°F | Light clothes, swimsuit, sunblock | Early-summer warmth is great for beaches and snorkelling. |
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2. Sakura Cherry Blossoms: April's Natural Highlights
The Best Time and Places to Catch the Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan
In Japan, cherry blossoms bloom in a rolling wave from south to north.
The warmer regions of Okinawa and Kyushu see the sakura as early as January.
The peak bloom can be seen in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nagoya from late March to early April.
Northern areas, such as Hokkaido or Sapporo, typically see blossoming later, from late April to early May.
This south-to-north progression of blooms, driven by varying climates, enables travellers to follow the cherry blossoms northwards throughout April, extending the season and ensuring there is always a chance to experience the magic of the sakura.
Sakura Species and Their Blooming Phases
Not all cherry blossoms bloom at the same time. Somei Yoshino blooms early, from late March to early April.
While Yaezakura (double-flowered with multiple petals) blooms later, in mid-to-late April, it lasts longer.
If you miss the early April bloom in places like Tokyo or Kyoto, head north to Hokkaido or visit late-blooming varieties like Yaezakura in parks through late April or early May.
List of Best Cherry Blossom Places
Kyoto: Experience the breathtaking cherry blossom at Daigo-ji Temple in early April, when the petals drifting in the breeze create a magical scene that feels like a dream. Other notable spots in Kyoto include Maruyama Park, the Philosopher's Path, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Nara: Yoshino Mountain is renowned for its extensive cherry blossom coverage, which offers a stunning panoramic view. Other top spots in Nara include Nara Park and Higashimuki Shopping Street.
Tokyo: Explore the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi, a picturesque spot alongside the moat of the Imperial Palace, or take a scenic stroll along the Kanda River.
Osaka: Head to Osaka Castle Park. It has a blend of history and beautiful cherry blossoms. Kema Sakuranomiya Park is also a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers.
Hiroshima: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the cherry blossom creates a poignant contrast against the historical landmarks.
Okinawa: Sakura blooms earlier in Okinawa. You can catch them in Nago Cherry Blossom Park.
Hokkaido: Those looking for a late-blooming experience should head to Moerenuma Park in Sapporo or Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, where you can enjoy the cherry blossom in late April.
Tips for Cherry Blossom Watching
Extending the Cherry Blossom Season
While cherry blossoms in most major cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, peak around early April, travelers can extend their sakura experience by heading to regions with later blooming times.
For example, Yoshino Mountain in Nara features late-blooming sakura from late March to early April. In contrast, the cooler, more northern cities, such as Sapporo, can offer sakura from late April to early May. You can also catch late-blooming sakura varieties like Yaezakura in various parks around Japan.
Climate's Impact on Bloom Timing
Warmer regions experience an earlier bloom due to the milder climate. Okinawa, for example, sees its cherry blossoms in January, while cities like Tokyo and Kyoto typically experience their peak bloom by early April. On the other hand, Hokkaido experiences a later bloom due to its cooler climate, normally seeing sakura in late April to early May. This variation in climate means you can chase cherry blossoms throughout Japan during April.
Keep an eye on local forecasts for the most accurate bloom timing during your trip. Please read the article about our cherry blossom forecast to learn more about the sakura cherry blossoms in 2026.
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3. Top 3 Things to Do in Japan in April (Beyond Cherry Blossoms)
Walk the Tateyama Snow Wall
April's weather lets you experience both winter and spring in one trip. From April 15, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route reopens, where visitors walk between snow walls that tower over 10 meters high, enjoying the crisp mountain air.
Join a Traditional Festival Comfortably
April temperatures in Japan make it ideal to enjoy cultural events outdoors. Highlights include the Takayama Spring Festival in the Japan Alps and the samurai horseback archery of Kamakura's Yabusame Festival.
Taste Seasonal Foods
Cool evenings and warm afternoons pair perfectly with the flavors of spring. In April, try strawberry picking at local farms, enjoy bamboo shoot dishes, or sample limited-edition sakura sweets and lattes available only this month.
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4. Dressing Appropriately When Travelling in Japan in April
How warm or cold is it in April? Do I need a jacket or just light clothes?
Planning your trip to Japan in April means preparing for mild weather. It also means preparing for changeable conditions.
As shown in the image, average temperatures range from 52°F to 66°F (11°C to 19°C), making jackets and long-sleeved shirts ideal. Rainfall is moderate, so a foldable umbrella and sunglasses are helpful, as are masks during pollen season. When packing for Japan in April, it is best to think in layers, with items such as light sweaters and a scarf for cooler evenings, as well as comfortable walking shoes for strolling through the cherry blossoms.
There's no need to overpack, though, as popular Japanese clothing stores such as Uniqlo and GU offer simple, stylish, and affordable essentials to keep you comfortable throughout your journey.
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5. Crowds and Cost of Travelling to Japan in April
Is Japan crowded in April because of the cherry blossom season?
As cherry blossom season peaks in the first half of April, attracting many tourists, we recommend visiting early in the morning while it is still light to avoid the crowds.
Are hotel and flight prices higher in April?
Due to the peak cherry blossom season, accommodation prices and bookings in April are likely to increase by at least 20%. Therefore, to secure the best price and enjoy Japan's beautiful spring with cherry blossoms, we strongly recommend booking your customized tour at least six months in advance.
FAQs or Tips for Travelling in Japan in April
Enjoy seasonal delicacies: During the cherry blossom festival, sample the sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes wrapped in cherry blossom leaves) and other cherry blossom-themed treats on offer at the food stalls.
Respect local customs and practices. Hanami is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. When enjoying the flowers, please observe local traditions and etiquette, such as taking your rubbish home with you and not picking the blossoms.
What We'd Like to Say
Mild days, crisp evenings and vibrant seasonal colours make the weather in Japan in April one of the best backdrops for travel. From strolling under wisteria tunnels to sampling bamboo shoots and scaling snowy peaks in the Alps, spring has so much to offer beyond cherry blossom. Are you ready to plan your own journey through Japan's April beauty? Contact us today and we will design a trip that matches your pace, passions and the season's finest experiences.