As the spring temperatures arrive, Japan comes alive with blooming flowers, eager tourists, and warm sunshine. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in April, keep reading for everything you need to know!
Is April a good time to visit Japan?
With colourful cherry blossoms, green foliage, and generally pleasant weather, April is a great time to visit Japan. The mild spring temperatures make it excellent for sightseeing, exploring national parks, attending spring festivals, and relaxing under the blossoms.
Overview of Weather in Japan in April
The weather in Japan in April will depend on the area you’re visiting. As a whole, Japan’s climate in April ranges from 2°-24°C. Generally, the temperature remains around 21°C with April rainfall ranging between 102 and 134 mm total in cities like Osaka and Tokyo. A light rain jacket is probably a good idea!
Further north, in towns like Sapporo, the temperature can get as low as 2°-10°C. If you plan on visiting northern Japan, you may want to bring a warm coat.
What to Wear in Japan in April
Because the weather can be a bit unpredictable in April with frequent rain showers, it’s always a good idea to dress in layers. As your first layer, dress in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, keeping you cool if the temperature rises. Bring along a warm second layer like a light jacket or trench coat.
Remember that neutral colours are more common in Japan, but bright colours and pastels are more accepted during April as the springtime represents renewal and freshness.
Visitor Arrivals: Is Japan crowded during April?
Also known as Sakura season, late March through April is one of the most popular times to visit Japan. While you might encounter more tourists during this time of year, this is the best season to admire the blooming pink cherry blossoms. Because most of the April rain showers only happen during the evening, you can enjoy long and pleasant days amongst the spring flowers and greenery while sightseeing.
Average Costs of a Trip to Japan in April
The average cost of a trip to Japan will depend on where you travel from and where you plan to stay. You can expect to pay around £900 for the flight there, £150 per day on hotels, £50 per day on food, over £500 on transportation and trains, and £200 on miscellaneous spending. Keeping all of these expenses in mind, a two-week trip to Japan averages almost £5,000.
With a Japan holiday package, you could bundle these separate costs into one discounted rate – the perfect option if you are travelling on a budget!
Things to Do in Japan in April
From the blooming cherry blossoms and fresh strawberries to beaches and mountain activities, April is one of the best times to enjoy everything that Japan has to offer.
1 – Sakura viewing | 5 – Spring festivals, like the Beppu Hot Spring Festival |
2 – Eat Sakura sweets | 6 – Go to a baseball game |
3 – Strawberry picking | 7 – Go to the beach in Okinawa |
4 – Go hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park | 8 – Explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route |
Where to Stay in Japan in April
From family-owned ryokans surrounded by lush vegetation to well-appointed hotels in downtown Tokyo, the choice of accommodation in Japan is abundant. April is one of the more popular times for tourist visits, so we recommend booking in advance. Below, you will find some of the hotels from our holiday package deals. To learn about them in more detail, check out our deal section.
Best Resorts and Hotels in Japan in April
Hotel MyStays Premier Akasaka | Sarasa Hotel Namba |
Hotel Elcient Kyoto | Sunshine City Prince Hotel |
Ichinoyu Honkan Hokkano | Koyasan Monastery Fugen In |
Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Musubu-No-Yu | The Kanazawa New Grand Hotel Premier |
What to Eat in Japan in April
Whether you’ve packed a picnic under the cherry blossoms or you are dining at a local restaurant, here are some of the best things to eat in Japan in April:
- Ume: Also known as Japanese plums, ume is a must-try during the spring.
- Sakura mochi: This treat is made with pink-coloured mochi filled with a red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled sakura leaf.
- Ikanago: These are small Japanese sand eels from the Kansai region.
Hacks & Tips to Visit Japan in April
- Pack light: Japan’s convenience stores have everything you need if you forget something!
- Buy a Pasmo or Suica train card, allowing you to charge a specific amount of cash automatically withdrawn as you travel from city to city.
- Take advantage of one-day metro passes: These are available in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
- Koban: You’ll see this term in most major cities, and it means “police boxes.” If you’re lost, this is the best place to go for directions.
Read Also: Best time to visit Japan | Things to do in Japan
FAQs for Japan in April
Balmy temperatures and the peak of the cherry blossom season make April one of the best months for tourism to Japan. Viewing the blooming Sakura trees is especially popular in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
April is not part of the rainy season in Japan, which starts from the beginning of June to mid-July. In fact, most regions of Japan get very little rain during this month.