April is widely favored for mild, pleasant weather and widespread cherry blossoms in temperate regions, bringing large numbers of domestic and international visitors. Bookings and crowds increase around popular viewing spots.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Japan in April.
Sapporo, Niseko, Furano, Asahikawa
April’s daylight grows quickly and the plains shrug off snow; cherry blossoms open late in southern Hokkaido (Hakodate to early May). Mountain trails can be sloppy or still snowbound, so high-elevation hiking is premature; Niseko facilities may begin to close by month’s end. Expect cool evenings-bring a warm jacket-and quieter train and ferry services compared with Honshu’s spring rush.
Aomori, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Kanazawa
April is when Tohoku’s cherry blossom season unfolds later than Tokyo-expect blooms in Sendai and Aomori late April to early May. Mountain snows persist, so alpine trails remain wet or icy and the Yamase occasional cool easterly can keep temperatures lower than expected. Golden Week drives bring crowds, so reserve trains and lodgings early if visiting for hanami.
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji approaches
April is cherry-blossom peak for most of Tokyo and surrounding towns: parks brim with picnickers and restaurants run sakura menus. The weather is mild and humid days are rare; it’s one of the most popular travel windows, so accommodation and cultural attractions fill up. Bring a lightweight jacket for cooler evenings under open-air spring festivals.
Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kamikochi, Mt. Fuji approaches
April sees large snowmelt on valley floors and closed high trails; lowland cherry blossoms in Nagano Prefecture occur later than central Honshu. Road access to remote alpine areas is often limited and many mountain huts remain closed. This is a shoulder month for sightseeing-bring waterproof boots and check road re-openings if planning hikes.
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama, Takamatsu
April is peak hanami season in Kyoto and Osaka-parks fill with celebrants and travel crowds swell, especially on weekends. Weather is pleasant and ideal for temple gardens and river walks, so book restaurants and trains early. Expect clear days interleaved with sudden showers, so bring a compact umbrella for unpredictable spring rain.
Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Okinawa main and outlying islands
April is very pleasant across Kyushu with flowering magnolias and mild evenings-perfect for castle towns and hot-spring visits in Beppu and Kurokawa. Okinawa is warmer and greener; early marine-season bookings can be good value compared to summer. Golden Week in late April-early May will swell domestic travel, so book ahead if visiting during that window.
Cherry blossom (sakura) viewing peaks in many parts of Japan in April (timing varies by year and location).
See how April compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.