Japan in April: Weather, Tips & Cherry Blossoms
As winter ends and the famous pink petals of cherry trees cover the country, springtime celebrations start taking place throughout Japan. A warmer weather encourages sightseeing tours and outdoor experiences, and there are countless amazing views, from historic landmarks to nature reserves, to discover. A trip to Japan in April ensures that you can experience everything that this stunning country has to offer.
Japan Weather in April
The weather begins to warm up in Japan in April and daytime temperatures average 17°C. Nighttime temperatures, on the other hand, are cooler, hovering at around 10°C. Expect a colder climate in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the country, than in Honshu. The temperature in Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, peaks at around 8°C, although the mercury can dip down to 0.6°C. The rainy season is yet to start in Japan in April. However, do not be surprised if you get caught in a shower in Tokyo during this time of year.
For a seasonal overview, see our article on the best time to visit Japan.
Weather in Japan in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 8 | 9 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 15 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 46.4 | 48.2 | 53.6 | 62.6 | 69.8 | 75.2 | 82.4 | 84.2 | 78.8 | 68 | 59 | 51.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 35.6 | 35.6 | 41 | 50 | 57.2 | 64.4 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 68 | 59 | 48.2 | 39.2 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 43 | 58 | 94 | 119 | 132 | 181 | 128 | 147 | 181 | 158 | 84 | 44 |
Why Visit Japan in April
There are many exciting things to do in Japan, from attending cherry blossom festivals to seeing geishas perform. Below are some of the reasons why a trip to the country in April is worth every cent.
- Cherry blossoms: The Tokyo National Museum welcomes visitors to browse through a wide array of authentic Japanese cherry blossom art. In addition to artworks, this museum is home to ten different varieties of cherry trees. The exhibit runs until April 10.
- Miyako Odori: Kyoto celebrates the arrival of spring with a stunning display of traditional Japanese theater and music performed by the city’s best geishas and dancers.
- Osaka’s castle and gardens: Make the most of your stay in April with a trip to Osaka, home to a historic castle with gardens where cherry trees blossom.
Where to go and what to do
There are many fascinating destinations to visit in Japan in April. Tokyo, the country’s capital, is a great place to start. A popular spot in the city to spot cherry blossoms is Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. While in the city, you might also want to spend some time gazing at the stunning scenery created by petals falling over the surface of the Meguro River. If you still have some time at hand, make sure that you attend the popular Bunkyo Azalea Festival, a flower festival held every year in the capital.
The best place to visit in Osaka in April is the Osaka Castle Park and Gardens. Relax on the parkland of this 16th-century gilded tower, taking pictures of cherry trees filled with blossoms. Another popular spot to see these fantastic flowers is Nara Park, located in the city of Nara. The park is filled with over 1,700 Japanese cherry trees that rain their petals onto docile deer that reside there.
Visit Kyoto as it celebrates the spring in April with a dazzling display of dance and music during the Miyako Odori Festival. Real geishas along with their apprentices (maikos) and other performers hold shows at 12:30, 14:30 and 16:30, every day from April 1 to April 24.
As the cold days of winter recede into memory, Japan comes alive with festivities and celebrations in April. This is when cherry trees bloom and travelers throng parks and gardens throughout the country to see the pastel swirls of cherry petals. Heading for Japan in April offers you a chance to see the country at its finest, although you will have to contend with the crowds, both domestic and international.
Interested in a personalized travel experience? Feel free to reach out to our travel experts for a customized itinerary for visiting Japan or check our travel guide on how many days to spend in Japan.
You can also browse our trips to Japan in April for instant inspiration.
