Visiting Japan in April

April is one of the most popular months for a holiday in Japan. It’s peak cherry blossom month, with other spring flowers blooming too, while temperatures have risen to the high teens across most of the country’s main tourist destinations, and there’s only rain for around 11 days this month. Seeing the delicate pink blossom explode into life is a magical sight, as popular with locals as with visitors, who’ll arrange hanami picnics with friends and family to enjoy the fleeting sight of the beautiful sakura blossom. You’ll need to plan well ahead if you want to visit Japan in April, as bigger crowds mean everything books up faster.

Festivals: You’ll find various sakura festivals taking place from early to mid-April around Tokyo and later in the month in the north of the country. Dates change each year depending on the blossom forecast.
Golden Week begins at the end of April, starting on April 29, with a seven-day holiday across the country featuring special festivities and free museum entry, although some businesses will close or have reduced opening.

Best for: Cherry blossom viewing, great weather to explore, Golden Week celebrations.