Japan Weather in April 2023: Best Time for Cherry Blossoms

April is a pleasant month with warm temperatures throughout Japan. The high average temperature can go up to 19°C (66°F), and the lowest averages 10°C (50°F) in the morning and at night. The average monthly rainfall is about 110 mm (4 inches).

The cool and comfortable weather makes April the ideal time for outdoors in parks and sightseeing in Japan. However, you need to prepare for spring rainy days.

What's New about Visiting Japan in 2023/2024? 

Japan has restored the visa-waiver system from October 11th, 2022. If your country is in the list of Exemption of Japan Visa like Australia, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations, you can visit Japan without applying for a visa in advance. 

Feel free to contact us to plan your dream travel. 

April Weather Quick Facts

• Northern parts of Japan temperatures: 3-11°C （37-52°F）
• Honshu temperatures:11-19°C （52-66°F）
• Okinawa temperature: 19-24°C （66°F -75 F）
• Average rainfall:110 mm (4 inches)
• Clothing in April: T-shirts, light trousers, sweater, jacket
• Highlights for tourism in April: Sakura activities and Spring foods.

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Why You Should Visit Japan in April

April is always considered as the best time to visit Japan with moderate a temperature, cherry blossom season takes place in most areas in Japan, warmer weather before the start of the rainy season in Okinawa, therefore making it the best time for the beach to sit back and relax.

Hokkaido above Freezing

April is the first month of the year to enjoy the average daily temperatures above 0°C. The temperatures can get as high as 11°C (52°F) with over 180 sunshine hours, and rainfall of about 80 mm (3 inches).

With the coming of Spring, the weather in Hokkaido gets warmer and the snow starts to melt. You will see snow from Hokkaido's highest peaks such as Mount Hakodate or a handful of resorts such as Niseko. April is the last chance for spring skiing, where you can enjoy winter sports with comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Suggested reading: How Long Should You Spend in Japan>>>

Honshu with Cherry Full Blossom

The weather in April in Honshu is fresh and warm. It has 95 mm (4 inches) of precipitation for about 10 days. The averaged maximum temperature can go up to 15°C (66°F). With a pleasant climate, it is a great time for cherry blossom viewing and sightseeing between cities.

In the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the cherry full blossom usually takes place from the end of March to the beginning of April. Other cities with higher elevations such as the Takayama and Mt.Fuji area will have the full bloom from mid-April. Throughout April, you can do the Hanami parties and try the cherry-flavored foods and drinks

As April is the most popular time for cherry blossom, it draws thousands of people to travel around Japan. It will be crowded in the major cities, and it is suggested to book your hotels at least 3 months in advance.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip

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Okinawa for Crowd Free Beaches

Okinawa in April is warm with temperature from 21-2 °C 70 (70-75°F), making April as the best month for traveling to Okinawa. As the rainy season is from May and the peak of summer lasts until August to September, traveling in April is much more pleasant with its perfect climate and fewer crowds.

Okinawa is famous for its beautiful blue waters and white beaches. If you are adventurous, diving and snorkeling will be a great option for you. Okinawa is perfect for diving and snorkeling with colorful tropical fish, coral reefs and clear waters. Okinawa Main Island, Kume Island and Yonaguni Island are the most popular diving spots.

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Tokyo Weather and Travel in April

Weather in April is pleasant in Tokyo with temperatures from 10°C (50°F) to 19°C (66°F). The average rainfall is 119mm ( 5 inches)

Tokyo is the 3rd sunniest month having only about 177 hours. With the spring weather, cherry blossoms are breathtaking in Tokyo, making it great for outdoor activities with friends and family.

Ueno Park is the most popular for its' cherry blossoms, multiple museums, and zoo. With over 1000 cherry trees, it is always crowded for the cherry blossom viewing. It is highly recommended to get there early morning to get a good place for Hanami (cherry blossom viewing). There will be Illumination at night during the cherry seasons for about 2 weeks.

TeamLab Planets is a museum where you walk through water with the concept of Body Immersive. This is the most popular place to visit in Tokyo today especially for family groups.

Usually, the tickets can be sold out quickly, therefore, it is suggested to reserve the tickets at least 1 month in advance.

Clothing: With the spring weather, t-shirts, light trousers, and a jacket are enough.

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Osaka Weather and Travel in April

April in Osaka is the 5th coldest month with temperatures from 11°C (52°F) - 20°C (68°F) and the sunshine hours can reach 189. Rainy days can be for 9 days with 104mm (4 inches).

Early April is the peak for the Hanami party in Osaka, Osaka Expo '70 Park, a park used for the site of the Osaka Expo '70. Now it is popular for nature, sports, museums and seasonal flowers. There are over 5000 cherry trees, making it popular for cherry viewing. From the end of March to early April, there is the Illumination from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Shinsaibashi is the best shopping area in Osaka with thousands of drugstores, a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. When visiting in April, you will see lots of products with cherry themes such as cherry blossom tumblers, bottles and cards, and the Sakura theme cosmetics. You can also find very good souvenirs for family and friends.

Clothing: Light trousers, t-shirts for day time and a lightweight jacket is ideal for the chilly mornings and nights.

Suggested reading: 

• 1- Week Japan Itineraries: The Smart 5 Options.
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Kyoto Weather and Travel in April

Warmer temperatures come in April with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). It is a little cold in the evenings with a low temperature of 9°C (48°F). It will have 116mm (5 inches) of precipitation throughout April for about 11 days. Sunshine hours can reach up to 175.

Arashiyama

Warm weather, the cherry blossoms draw a large crowd who come to visit Kyoto in early April.

Arashiyama is a district known for its natural beauty, the Japanese traditional shrines and cherry viewing. Sagano Sightseeing Tram is highly recommended, the tram runs 7km for about 25 min, the slow train allow you to soak in the scenery. You can buy tickets at the Torokko Saga Station, or JR ticket offices. It is recommended to buy tickets early to ensure a seat during the peak season. The tram only runs from March 1st to December 29th and closes every Wednesdays.

The Miyako Odori is the annual spring show that is a must to do in Kyoto with geiko and maiko apprentices dancing in their finest garb.

Usually, a Miyako Odori show involves 32 maiko and geiko, and 20 musicians in identical costumes. The show takes place at the five geisha districts of Kyoto 3 times a day from the 1st to the 27th, and lasting about 60 mins. It is advisable to travel early for the show, due to heavy traffic congestion when visiting the theatre in April.

Clothing: T-shirts, light sweaters and trousers for day time and a light coat is suggested at night.

Get more information about How to Plan a Trip to Kyoto (Couples, Families, First Timers…) >>>

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Hakone Weather and Travel in April

Hakone in April is cooler than Tokyo with a high temperature of 16°C (60°F) and a low temperature of 4°C ( 39°F). There will be 106mm (4 inches) of precipitation and over 180 sunshine hours. 50% relative humidity giving you a high chance to catch a glimpse of Mt.Fuji.

Hot springs are the highlights of visiting Hakone making it the top reason to attract people to come from Tokyo. Enjoy the Osen when outside is cool ensuring you the most enjoyable and relaxing thing for your Japan trip.

Hakone Green Plaza Hotel is famous for its open-air hot-spring baths with views of Mt Fuji. If you are staying overnight, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset over at the Onsen. Open-air bath with a view of Mt.Fuji is popular for day-users for an afternoon for 1600 yen/per person.

Clothing: Long-sleeve shirt and jacket for the day, while a warm coat is needed especially at night.

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Hiroshima Weather and Travel in April

Hiroshima with cherry

Hiroshima is warm in April. The average high temperature is 20°C (68°F), while the average low-temperature is 10°C (50°F) with sunshine hours of 189. There are over 142mm (6 inches) of precipitation with 15 rainy days in total.

In early April, the cherry blossom gets into its full bloom and making it the best time for visiting Hiroshima. Hiroshima Castle is a very popular spot for the Hanami. it is a five-storied tall castle surrounded by a moat. There are over 450 cherry trees around the castle, the majestic white castle with pink cherry blossom offers a distinctively Japanese sensibility.

Shukkeien Garden is a very classic Japanese landscape garden, you can expect valleys, mountains, and forests here. If you are a tea fan, the garden will be the best choice as there are tea houses where you can relax, enjoy tea with tranquility views around you.

Clothing: A long sleeve shirt, light sweater, and water-proof jacket are necessary.

Festivals in April

Japanese festivals are the best place to embrace Japanese tradition and local vibes. You will have the most extraordinary experience by participating with them.

Takayama Spring Festival (14-15th April) is held in the historic town in Japan Alps, Takayama city. The festival is for praying for a good harvest and famous for the large ornate floats decorated with intricate carvings of gilded wood and detailed metal-work. It is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals.

During the festival, you can see displays of festival floats, Karakuri Performance Mikoshi Procession from morning to late afternoon.

The Evening Festival is the festival's highlight with beautiful floats, traditional music, and swinging lanterns.

Usually, the festival is held during the same season as the cherry blossoms in this area. Hotels in Takayama are always fully booked, therefore, it is recommended to make hotel bookings at least 3 months in advance.