April is Japan at its most iconic. This is peak cherry blossom season, when Tokyo, Kyoto and much of the country disappear beneath clouds of pink and the whole nation heads outdoors to celebrate. Mild, beautiful and utterly unforgettable — here are the best places to visit in Japan in April.
April brings mild, pleasant spring weather to most of the country: comfortable days, cool evenings and the fresh green of new leaves. It is one of the most agreeable months to travel, ideal for long days of sightseeing and blossom-viewing.
Do pack a light jacket for the evenings, and be ready for the odd spring shower.
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April is the heart of cherry blossom season. In early April, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are usually in full bloom, and by mid-to-late April the blossom front reaches Tohoku, with the moat at Hirosaki Castle carpeted in petals.
Join locals for hanami — a picnic beneath the blossom — at spots like Ueno Park, the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto or Mount Yoshino, where thousands of trees blanket the hillsides. Evening illuminations (yozakura) add a whole new mood after dark.
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April offers far more than sakura. The vast pink carpets of shibazakura (moss phlox) begin to bloom near Mount Fuji, creating a spectacular foreground for the mountain. Wisteria and tulips add colour to gardens across the country.
The famous Takayama Spring Festival in mid-April fills the streets of this pretty mountain town with ornate, centuries-old floats — one of Japan's most beautiful traditional celebrations.
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Our pick of places for April:
Wherever you go, April delivers Japan at its most postcard-perfect.
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April is the busiest and most expensive month to visit, and the blossom draws huge domestic and international crowds. Book everything as early as you can, and be aware that Golden Week begins at the very end of April, when a run of holidays sends the whole country travelling.
Stay flexible with your dates, rise early to enjoy popular spots in peace, and the effort will be richly rewarded.
There is no easier way to experience Japan in April than with us. On our small-group trips we handle the trains, the reservations and the timing, and travel with a guide who knows exactly where to be this month — placing you under the finest blossom at exactly the right moment. Browse our Japan trips below and let us build your April adventure.
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