Japan Weather in April — Cherry Blossoms, Temperatures & Travel Tips (2026)

April is Japan's most popular travel month — and for good reason. Cherry blossoms reach full bloom across most of the country, temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the atmosphere is festive. However, it's also the most expensive time to visit, especially during Golden Week at month's end.

Use our Japan Trip Cost Calculator to estimate your April trip costs.

Temperatures by City

Rain, Snow & Humidity

April brings moderate rainfall — about 10 rainy days in Tokyo. The rain is typically light and intermittent, rarely washing out a full day. Humidity is comfortable at 55–65%. The weather feels perfect for walking — not too hot, not too cold.

Hokkaido finally thaws in April. Snow melts in Sapporo, and the city transitions to spring. Cherry blossoms reach Hokkaido by late April to early May.

What to Wear & Pack

• Light layers: Long-sleeve shirts, light sweater or cardigan for mornings/evenings
• Light jacket: A thin windbreaker or spring jacket for cooler days
• Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk 15,000–20,000 steps daily during hanami season
• Compact umbrella or rain jacket: April showers are real
• Allergy mask: Pollen season continues through April
• Picnic blanket: For hanami (cherry blossom viewing) — or buy a blue tarp at a 100-yen shop

Travel Tips for April

• Cherry blossoms: Peak bloom in Tokyo/Kyoto is typically early April. Blooms last about 1 week at full bloom, then petals scatter (also beautiful). Hokkaido blooms late April–early May.
• Golden Week warning (Apr 29–May 5): Japan's biggest holiday period starts April 29. Domestic travel surges, prices skyrocket 2–3x, and booking is extremely difficult. Avoid late April if on a budget.
• Book months ahead: Popular Kyoto hotels for early April sell out 4–6 months in advance. Osaka is a good base alternative.
• Hanami tips: Best spots are free parks (Ueno, Yoyogi in Tokyo; Maruyama Park in Kyoto). Arrive early on weekends to claim a spot.
• Longer daylight: Sunset around 6:15 PM. Evening cherry blossoms (yozakura) at illuminated spots are magical.

Events & Festivals

• Hanami (cherry blossom viewing): The main event. Parks fill with picnickers under the blossoms. A quintessential Japanese experience.
• Takayama Spring Festival (Apr 14–15): Elaborate festival floats parade through the streets of Takayama. One of Japan's most beautiful festivals.
• Showa Day (Apr 29): National holiday marking the start of Golden Week.
• Kanamara Matsuri (early Apr): Kawasaki's quirky fertility festival. Unique and often amusing.

Cost Considerations

• Flights: 30–50% above annual average. Peak pricing for the year.
• Hotels: 40–80% premium in Tokyo/Kyoto. Kyoto ryokans can be 2–3x normal.
• Budget strategy: Stay in Osaka (cheaper than Kyoto, 30 min by train), consider business hotels, book early.
• Late April: Golden Week pricing makes costs even higher. Budget travelers should target early April only.
• Budget daily estimate: ¥14,000–20,000/day (peak sakura), ¥20,000+ during Golden Week

Read our detailed cherry blossom season cost guide and Golden Week survival guide before booking.