Spring in Japan is a time of breathtaking transformation. The cold grip of winter gives way to blooming flowers and longer, sun-drenched days. From March to May, the entire country comes alive with color, parks are filled with picnic-goers doing hanami (flower viewing), and cultural festivals unfold in every corner.
With so much happening across the country, planning ahead can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of your journey, from regional weather and what to wear to local events and seasonal foods worth seeking out.
Spring Months in Japan
Japan’s spring officially begins in March, when plum blossoms bloom and daytime temperatures gradually rise. April is the heart of spring, with cherry blossoms peaking across much of the country and temperatures averaging 15°C to 20°C. By May, the landscape bursts into full greenery, with comfortable temperatures reaching up to 25°C in many regions.
Spring Temperatures By Region
Spring in Japan brings a gradual shift in weather, but temperatures can still vary greatly depending on the region. These regional differences are part of what makes spring travel in Japan so dynamic, but they also mean it’s important to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
Northern Japan
In Northern Japan, spring arrives later than the rest of the country, with snow often lingering through March and early April. Cities like Sapporo warm up slowly, with average temperatures rising from near freezing to around 15°C by May. Cherry blossoms bloom much later here, typically in late April to early May, creating a dramatic contrast between melting snow and vibrant sakura. This delayed bloom draws travelers seeking quieter hanami spots away from the crowds.
Eastern Japan
Eastern Japan, including Tokyo and surrounding Kanto areas, begins to warm up in March with daytime highs reaching 15°C to 20°C in April. While Tokyo experiences cherry blossom peak bloom from late March to early April, higher elevation areas like Nagano and northern parts of Yamanashi stay cooler and bloom later. The temperature contrast across altitudes makes this region ideal for extended hanami viewing throughout spring.
Western Japan
Western Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, enjoys one of the mildest spring climates in the country. By late March, temperatures generally range from 13°C to 20°C, climbing into the mid-20s by May. The region's early blooms and comfortable weather conditions make it especially popular among tourists during spring.
Southern Japan
Southern Japan, particularly Kyushu and Okinawa, enjoys a warm and early spring thanks to its subtropical climate. Temperatures often exceed 20°C by March, and Okinawa’s cherry blossoms bloom as early as January. These regions are ideal for travelers looking to enjoy spring weather alongside beach activities and flower festivals. Spring’s dry and pleasant weather gradually shifts in Southern Japan, as the rainy season, known as the Baiu, typically begins in early May in Okinawa and around mid-May in Amami.
What to Wear in Spring
Spring in Japan offers mostly mild and comfortable weather, but it can also be unpredictable, especially during the transitional weeks of March and early April. Warm, sunny afternoons often contrast with cooler mornings and evenings, and sudden rain showers are not uncommon. To stay comfortable throughout the day and adapt to changing conditions, dressing in layers is key. Smart packing will help you enjoy everything from hanami picnics to temple strolls without missing a beat.
Layering Basics
- Base Layer: Breathable t-shirts or long-sleeved tops.
- Middle Layer: Light sweaters, cardigans, or hoodies.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof or windproof jacket, especially in March and April but optional on warmer days.
Essentials to Bring
- Foldable Umbrella: Sudden spring showers are common.
- Comfortable Shoes: Perfect for long walks during hanami.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: The sun gets stronger in late spring.
- Masks and Allergy Medicine: Pollen counts rise, especially from cedar trees in March and April.
Packing Tips
To enjoy your spring trip to Japan without the hassle of heavy luggage, choose clothing in neutral tones that can be mixed and matched. Consider packing a small tote or picnic mat for hanami outings, as these are often sold out or overpriced near popular viewing spots. If you're planning to travel across different regions, include a lightweight laundry bag to keep outfits fresh between climate changes. Finally, don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during long days outdoors!
Transportation by Land and Air
Japan’s transportation network in spring is just as efficient and reliable as it is year-round, making it easy for travelers to explore everything from cherry blossom hotspots to remote countryside destinations. High-speed Shinkansen trains, local rail lines, subways, buses, and domestic flights connect cities and rural areas with impressive punctuality. But while spring brings mostly favorable travel conditions, certain peak periods, especially during Japan’s Golden Week, can lead to crowding, sold-out tickets, and busy stations. Advance planning is essential for a smooth journey during this popular holiday season.
Plan Ahead During Golden Week
Golden Week, a series of national holidays from April 29 to May 5, is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan. Trains, flights, and accommodations often book out weeks in advance, so it's important to secure transportation and lodging early. Expect busier train stations, longer lines, and increased travel times, particularly on April 29, May 3, and May 5.
Check Cherry Blossom Timelines Before Booking Tickets
Cherry blossom season is short and varies by region. Use real-time bloom forecasts to time your travel between cities, especially if you're planning to visit popular hanami spots like Kyoto, Tokyo, or Hirosaki. Trains and buses to these areas may be more crowded during peak bloom weeks, so book your tickets in advance where possible.
Use the Japan Rail Pass for Flexibility and Savings
If you plan to travel between multiple cities, the JR Pass offers unlimited travel on JR-operated lines for a set number of days, making it a convenient and cost-effective option. Shinkansen and limited express trains are particularly useful for covering long distances quickly, especially for spring itineraries that include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or Tohoku. Regional JR passes are also available if you're focusing on a specific area.
Enjoy Driving in Spring Conditions
If you’re planning a road trip, spring offers safer driving conditions compared to winter. Major highways and rural roads are usually clear of snow by March, but in mountainous regions like Nagano or Tohoku, patches of lingering snow may still be present into early April. Rental cars are a great option for exploring areas with limited public transportation, such as flower fields or countryside onsen towns.
Spring Festivals in Japan You Shouldn’t Miss
With pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and a festive atmosphere, spring is one of the most vibrant times to explore Japan’s cultural calendar. These spring festivals offer unforgettable opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying scenic gardens, parks, and temples. Here are some must-see events to make the most of your spring holiday:
Takayama Spring Festival (Gifu)
Held in the beautifully preserved town of Takayama, this festival is known for its lavishly decorated yatai (festival floats) and traditional karakuri puppet performances. Set against a backdrop of Edo-period (1603–1867) architecture and spring blossoms, the festival celebrates local craftsmanship and seasonal renewal.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore Takayama’s morning market and secure a good viewing spot for the float parade.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Yamanashi)
Near Lake Motosu, this festival transforms the foothills of Mount Fuji into a sea of vibrant pink moss phlox, with over 500,000 blossoms in bloom. Observation platforms offer panoramic views of the flowers with Mount Fuji in the background, creating a postcard-perfect setting.
Pro Tip: Visit on a clear morning for the best chance to see Mount Fuji unobstructed by clouds.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Aomori)
Centered around Hirosaki Castle, this festival showcases over 2,600 cherry trees, with petals blanketing the castle moat and walkways. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, boat rides, and night-time light-ups throughout the historic park.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the stunning “sakura carpet” effect on the castle moat after full bloom.
Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
One of Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto festivals, Kanda Matsuri features parades of portable shrines, traditional music, and processions through central districts like Nihonbashi and Akihabara. The event is rooted in prayers for prosperity and good fortune.
Pro Tip: Check the parade route in advance and head to Kanda Myojin Shrine for the liveliest celebrations.
Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto)
One of Kyoto’s most celebrated and historic spring festivals, Aoi Matsuri dates back to the 6th century and features an elegant procession from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines. Participants wear exquisite Heian-era (794–1185) attire, complete with aristocrats, priests, and shrine maidens, bringing to life a colorful image of Kyoto’s ancient traditions.
Pro Tip: Stake out a viewing spot early along the route, especially near the Kyoto Imperial Palace, for the best views of the procession’s intricate outfits and ceremonial order.
Spring Activities in Japan You Should Try
Parks, temples, and countryside paths come alive with the scent of blooming flowers during spring. It's the perfect time to explore outdoor adventures and embrace centuries-old traditions that feel even more meaningful beneath the blossoms. Here are some of the best things to do in Japan during spring:
Hanami
Hanami or flower viewing is one of Japan’s most cherished spring traditions. It’s a time when friends, families, and strangers gather under blooming cherry trees to share food, stories, and the quiet wonder of falling petals. More than just admiring the blossoms, hanami is about slowing down and soaking up the season. Here are some of the best spots to do a hanami:
- Ueno Park, Tokyo: One of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots, Ueno Park, features over 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. Expect food stalls and night-time lantern displays.
- Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto: A serene, scenic walkway lined with hundreds of cherry trees along a canal. Ideal for quiet reflection, romantic walks, and spring photography.
- Hirosaki Castle Park, Aomori: Famous for its late-blooming sakura and petal-filled moats, this park boasts thousands of cherry trees, illuminated at night with the historic castle as a backdrop.
- Meguro River, Tokyo: A picturesque urban spot with blossoms arching over the canal, especially beautiful at sunset or when lit up in the evening. Food vendors line the riverwalk during peak season.
- Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi: The lakes surrounding Mount Fuji—Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko—offer stunning cherry blossom views in spring. Kawaguchiko is the most popular, with lakeside parks and clear views of the mountain. The others provide quieter hanami spots with equally scenic backdrops.
Hiking and Nature Walks
You can, of course, also explore Japan on foot during spring. With mild weather, clear skies, and trails bursting with blossoms and fresh greenery, it’s the perfect time to slow down and reconnect with nature. From mountain valleys emerging from winter to historic trails lined with cherry blossoms, spring hikes offer a serene mix of nature and culture—especially in these areas:
- Mount Takao, Tokyo: Just an hour from central Tokyo, Mount Takao offers well-maintained trails, seasonal flowers, and panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. It's a popular day hike that blends nature with temple culture and easy city access.
- Mount Yoshino, Nara: Renowned for its thousands of cherry trees layered across the mountainside, Mount Yoshino also features scenic hiking trails connecting shrines and viewpoints. Best visited during sakura season for a blend of nature and history.
- Mount Mitake, Tokyo: Located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Mount Mitake is known for its ancient shrine, mossy forests, and peaceful mountain paths. It’s a great escape from the city with both cable car access and hiking trails.
- Kumano Kodo, Wakayama: A network of ancient pilgrimage routes through forests and sacred shrines, Kumano Kodo is a spiritual trek with World Heritage status. Routes range from short scenic walks to multi-day journeys.
- Mount Aso, Kumamoto: One of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, Mount Aso offers grassy trails, panoramic views, and unique volcanic landscapes. The area is especially beautiful in spring when flowers begin to bloom across the plains.
Cycling on Scenic Routes
Spring also brings the perfect conditions for scenic rides through the countryside, along coastlines, and between historic towns. With Japan having well-maintained cycling infrastructure and plenty of rental options, it’s easy to set off on a ride that fits your pace and style.
- Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima–Ehime: A 70-kilometer cycling route connecting Honshu and Shikoku via a series of bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. Offers breathtaking island views, local cafes, and rental bike options along the way.
- Kibi Plain Cycling Route, Okayama: A peaceful countryside route passing rice fields and ancient burial mounds. Ideal for history lovers and beginners looking for a flat, scenic ride.
- Lake Biwa, Shiga: Japan’s largest lake offers a 200-kilometer loop for serious cyclists, but shorter scenic sections can be enjoyed too. The route is especially beautiful in spring with cherry trees lining parts of the trail.
- Mount Aso Caldera, Kumamoto: Cycle around vast green plains inside one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. The open landscapes and wildflowers in spring make it a one-of-a-kind ride.
- Tsukuba Kasumigaura Ring Ring Road, Ibaraki: A flat and beginner-friendly path around Lake Kasumigaura and Mount Tsukuba, offering a mix of lakeside views and rural landscapes.
- Hita to Yufuin Trail, Oita: This lesser-known route offers charming hot spring towns, mountain views, and peaceful roads perfect for a relaxed ride through Kyushu’s countryside.
Fruit Picking
Fruit picking is one of the sweetest ways to savor the season—literally. Strawberries steal the show from late winter to early summer, and farms across Japan welcome visitors to pick their own right off the vine. Many spots offer all-you-can-eat plans, peaceful countryside views, and tasty extras like condensed milk or chocolate for dipping. Here are a few places where you can get picking:
- Ichigo-no-Sato Farm, Tochigi: One of the largest strawberry farms near Tokyo, Ichigo-no-Sato offers several premium varieties and all-you-can-eat strawberry picking in spacious, climate-controlled greenhouses.
- Karuizawa Garden Farm, Nagano: This elegant strawberry farm in a cool mountain resort town offers a stylish picking experience within scenic surroundings.
- Yamanashi Fruits Park, Yamanashi: Famous for its wide variety of fruits, this park offers strawberry picking in spring with views of Mount Fuji. The area also features a playground and a market.
- Miyoshi Farm, Hiroshima: Known for its pesticide-free strawberries, Miyoshi Farm offers picking in small groups with detailed explanations about the fruit. Spring weekends often include local food stalls and outdoor seating.
- Awajishima Strawberry Farm, Hyogo: Located on Awaji Island, this farm grows large, juicy strawberries that are easy to pick for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the fruit with toppings and relax in a coastal setting after picking.
Seasonal Flavors of Japan in Spring
There’s something exciting about the way food changes with the seasons in Japan—and spring is no exception. You’ll find fresh fruits and veggies, sakura-themed desserts, and limited-edition snacks popping up everywhere. Restaurants refresh their menus with seasonal ingredients, and even convenience store shelves get a colorful makeover. It’s the perfect time to chase new flavors or simply see what catches your eye. Keep a lookout at konbini, local cafés, and street stalls for these popular springtime treats:
- Takenoko Gohan (Bamboo Shoot Rice): A fragrant dish made with rice and fresh spring bamboo shoots, often seasoned with soy sauce and dashi.
- Sakura Mochi: A delicate pink rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a salted cherry blossom leaf.
- Sansai (Mountain Vegetables): These edible wild plants, like warabi (bracken), fuki (butterbur), and kogomi (ostrich fern), are often tempura-fried or sautéed. They’re earthy, slightly bitter, and deeply tied to Japan’s spring palate.
- Ichigo Daifuku (Strawberry Rice Cake): Fresh strawberries wrapped in sweet red bean paste and mochi.
- Yudofu (Simmered Tofu): Still enjoyed in the early months of spring, this Kyoto specialty of tofu gently simmered in seaweed broth is a light yet warming dish, especially when the air still carries a chill.
- Sakura-flavored Drinks and Sweets: Try limited-edition sakura lattes, teas, puddings, and even soft-serve ice cream. These pink-hued treats appear everywhere from Starbucks to konbini shelves.
- Shincha (First-Harvest Green Tea): Spring marks the release of shincha, Japan’s first and freshest green tea harvest. It’s lighter, slightly sweet, and considered a seasonal delicacy.
- Sake (Chilled or Seasonal Varieties): Spring sake, known as haru-zake, includes unpasteurized or freshly brewed varieties with floral notes—best enjoyed slightly chilled at hanami gatherings or izakayas.
- Taiyaki with Spring Fillings: These fish-shaped cakes are typically filled with sweet azuki bean paste, but in spring, you'll find limited-edition versions filled with sakura cream, strawberry custard, or matcha.
Spring is when Japan feels full of possibility. It’s not just about visiting famous places or catching a seasonal event, but about slowing down enough to notice the in-between moments: a leisure walk through a quiet neighborhood or the scent of something sweet from a shop window. There’s a quiet richness to this time of year that encourages reflection, spontaneity, and deeper connection with your surroundings. But while the season invites a relaxed pace, a bit of planning still goes a long way—especially if you’re a tourist. Knowing when and where to go can help you discover hidden gems and make room for the unexpected.
