Japan by month
Japan in April
Cherry blossom month: full bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto in the first days of April, then the blossoms move north through Sendai, Nagano and Aomori. Days are mild at 17–20°C.
What April is like
April is mild and pleasant: Tokyo averages 19.4°C by day and 9.8°C at night, Osaka 19.9°C and 10.9°C. Rain becomes more frequent, often in short spring showers.
The north is still cool. Aomori averages 13.7°C, and Sapporo 11.7°C, with snow lingering in the mountains.
Where to go in April
Early April is full bloom in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. After that, the blossom front moves north: on average Kanazawa opens on 3 April, Sendai and Niigata on 8 April, Nagano on 11 April, Akita on 17 April and Aomori on 22 April. Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, with its moat filled with petals, is one of Japan's most famous late-season spots.
Takayama's spring festival on 14–15 April parades ornate floats through the old town.
Easter and spring break
Easter holidays and US spring break move around between late March and mid April, so they may or may not catch peak bloom in Tokyo and Kyoto. If your break falls in mid to late April, head for Tohoku, Nagano and the mountains instead: a Sendai-to-Aomori trip catches blossoms while Tokyo has turned green.
Golden Week starts on 29 April. From then until 5 May, domestic travel peaks, so plan to finish your trip before it or expect crowds and higher prices.
Festivals and events
Typical weather in April
Average daily high and low and total rainfall for the month (1991–2020). Tap a city for its 7-day forecast.
| City | High | Low | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 12°C | 3°C | 55 |
| Asahikawa | 11°C | 0°C | 49 |
| Kushiro | 8°C | 1°C | 79 |
| Aomori | 14°C | 4°C | 69 |
| Akita | 14°C | 5°C | 110 |
| Sendai | 16°C | 6°C | 90 |
| Niigata | 16°C | 7°C | 97 |
| Kanazawa | 17°C | 8°C | 144 |
| Tokyo | 19°C | 10°C | 134 |
| Utsunomiya | 19°C | 7°C | 122 |
| Nagano | 17°C | 5°C | 57 |
| Nagoya | 20°C | 10°C | 128 |
| Osaka | 20°C | 11°C | 102 |
| Takamatsu | 20°C | 10°C | 75 |
| Matsue | 19°C | 8°C | 113 |
| Hiroshima | 20°C | 10°C | 141 |
| Kochi | 21°C | 11°C | 225 |
| Fukuoka | 20°C | 12°C | 118 |
| Kagoshima | 22°C | 13°C | 195 |
| Amami | 23°C | 17°C | 214 |
| Naha | 24°C | 19°C | 161 |
| Ishigaki | 26°C | 21°C | 147 |
Tips
- Bring a light jacket for evenings, and a warmer layer if you go north or into the mountains.
- Blossoms last about a week at full bloom. Rain and wind can end them early, so keep your hanami day flexible.
- If you visit in the second half of April, check blossom forecasts for Tohoku and Nagano rather than Tokyo.
Questions travellers ask
Will there be cherry blossoms in mid to late April?
Usually not in Tokyo or Kyoto, which peak in early April. Head to Tohoku, Nagano or the mountains, where blossoms open from about 8 to 22 April.
What is the weather like in Japan in April?
Mild: highs around 19–20°C in Tokyo and Osaka, cooler evenings around 10°C, and occasional spring rain.
When is Golden Week?
From 29 April to 5 May. It is Japan's busiest domestic travel period.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
- Japan Meteorological Agency気象庁JMA climate normals 1991–2020 (Japanese)(in Japanese) (opens in a new tab)
- Japan Meteorological Agency気象庁JMA cherry blossom and autumn leaf normals(in Japanese) (opens in a new tab)
- GOOD LUCK TRIP (Arukikata)Takayama Festival, Japan Tourism Agency guide (opens in a new tab)
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)日本政府観光局Hirosaki Park cherry blossoms, JNTO (opens in a new tab)
All 12 months7-day forecasts for 22 cities
Facts checked 23 October 2026