Visiting Japan in Spring: Weather, Clothing and Travel Tips

Every spring, people from all over the world come to Japan to admire its gorgeous cherry blossoms. Locals also tend to stay put during this time because April kicks off the new school and fiscal year, so they usually plan their vacations outside of the cherry blossom season. This makes spring a particularly busy time, but it’s still an amazing experience. To make the most of your visit and avoid the crowds, check out these travel tips for enjoying springtime in Japan.

Spring Weather in Japan

Springtime weather in Japan is usually pleasantly cool, but it can get a little chilly once the sun goes down. The daytime average in Tokyo is around 15 degrees Celsius in March and April, but evenings can drop to around five or ten degrees Celsius, cold enough to wear a winter coat and gloves. Osaka and Kyoto are on average a few degrees warmer than Tokyo. If you’re planning to head north to catch the late show, Sapporo’s average May temperatures range from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius, falling to eight or below at night.

What to Wear in Japan in Spring

While daytime temperatures in spring may feel like sweater weather, cloudy or rainy days can still feel quite chilly, so packing a warm jacket is a good idea. Although spring isn’t the rainy season in Japan, there's always a chance of encountering rain, so bringing an umbrella or being ready to buy one if needed is smart. It’s also still too cool for a thin summer yukata, so for a spring hanami (blossom-viewing) party, a lined kimono is your best bet.

Spring Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Japan’s cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, begin blooming first in Okinawa, the warmest region in the country, in late January and early February. In the Kyushu region, which includes Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, cherry blossoms begin to bloom at the end of March. Central and western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo typically reach peak bloom in early April. The last sakura to bloom in Japan are in Hokkaido during early May. These are just averages, and cherry blossoms are delicate and sensitive to weather conditions - for example, they will open earlier after a mild winter.

Spring Festivals in Japan

Spring in Japan is a vibrant time to visit, full of excitement beyond just the cherry blossoms. It's also a season packed with festive activities. On March 3rd, the Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri) takes place, where families decorate their homes with special dolls to celebrate the health and growth of their daughters. Golden Week, one of the busiest travel periods in Japan, kicks off at the end of April and runs into early May. During this time, many local shrines hold major semi-annual festivals. One of the highlights is the Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo’s largest traditional festival.

Conclusion: Visiting Japan in Spring

Spring might be the busiest tourist season in Japan, but it’s also one of the best times to visit. For a few short weeks, the country is awash in pink as cherry blossoms come into bloom, brightening everyone's spirits. This season also buzzes with activity as businesses, students, and employees gear up for the new year, and a host of traditional festivals fill the calendar. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why spring is Japan's most popular season.