If you’ve spent any time reading this website or following me on social media, you know that I love Japan’s cherry blossoms. I even recently joked that sakura season was my Super Bowl! (Well, I was serious about that, actually).
In spite of this—and, indeed, the fact that virtually all my spring trips to Japan are for cherry blossoms—they are not the only game in town at this time of year. Nor are flowers the only reason to visit, even though Japan offers an alluring array of them (more on those later).
No matter when you’re planning your trip to Japan in spring, or why you want to visit, I hope you’ll continue reading. Japan is as amazing in early May or mid-June as it is in late March or early April!
Why Spring is My Favorite Season for Traveling in Japan
Before I get into the details of my Japan spring itinerary, I need to talk about why I love traveling in Japan in the springtime. Beyond the sakura, of course, because that much is obvious. First up is the weather. While Japan can be rainy in spring—which I don’t love—rising temperatures make exploring so much more pleasant than it is in winter (even though I do deeply love Japan winter travel).
There’s also the element of light. The sun never stays up extremely late in Japan, due to the fact that the entire country belongs to the same time zone. However, you do end up with several extra hours of sunset in April or May compared to December or January, especially in the morning. Finally, beyond all the flowers (which I’ll discuss in a moment), the “new” green of spring is beautiful, and motivates me to want to explore.
What to Do in Japan in Spring by Month (Besides Sakura)
March: Enjoy ume (plum) blossoms and early cherry blossoms
March is a highly underrated month to visit Japan, particularly the early weeks (even those when it technically isn’t spring yet). Besides the fact that crowds in Japan in early March are lighter than those later in the month, you can enjoy different scenery, namely (ume) plum blossoms throughout the country, as well as Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms in the Kanto region around Tokyo.
April: Hit the slopes (or the beach) for less
Visiting Japan in April, but don’t want to see the sakura, or simply can’t beat the crowds? An underrated way to enjoy April spring travel in Japan is to choose snow or surf. Slopes in Hokkaido and as far south as Niigata and Nagano still have snow, but only a fraction of winter’s tourists. Likewise, beaches in Okinawa will be warm and sunny, but mostly deserted, since summer is the peak season here.
April: Attend the Takayama Matsuri
Want to see cherry blossoms without intentionally engaging in hanami? Plan on heading to Takayama on April 14 and/or 15. Whether or not the sakura are at mankai (full bloom) when the Takayama Matsuri (festival) is taking place, it allows you to experience the festival floats, dancing and music of summer festivals, without the heat and humidity. Do make sure to reserve accommodation and transport well in advance!
May: Hike before it gets too hot
Sometimes, your Japan spring trip may simply be a summer one you take early. “Summer” hiking trips, for example, work well in May. This is true whether you’re in warmer areas such as the Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, or up in the mountains (the Nakasendo Way or Chuo Alps near Matsumoto), where it can still be chilly at this time of year.
June: Experience underrated ajisai (hydrangeas)
Did you know that hydrangeas are native to Japan? If you’ve only ever seen these flowers (boringly) presented in the US or Europe, you might not look twice and them. But whether at dedicated ajisai destinations like Kamakura‘s Meigetsu-in temple, or in less intentional spots throughout the country, these blue, pink and purple puff balls are the very picture of late spring in Japan, and are very worth the hype.
Other Amazing Things to Do in Japan in Spring
This article will grow over time, but I never want to make it too comprehensive. Still, here are some additional ideas for what to do you on your spring trip to Japan:
- Appreciate the tsutsuji, or azaleas. Though not unique to Japan, there are some truly exquisite displays of these flowers throughout the country.
- Come during Golden Week (Japan’s busiest domestic travel holiday) and do your best to navigate the madness.
- Appreciate warm weather good light without the insane crowds and extremely humidity of later in typical summer months.
- Lean into the short tsuyu (plum rains) season, which typically takes place in early June, just before the beginning of summer.
Other FAQ About Spring Travel in Japan
Is spring a good time to visit Japan?
Spring is a fabulous time to visit Japan, whether or not you time your visit to the bloom of the cherry blossoms. If you do come during late April or early May, however, be mindful that your trip may coincide with Golden Week, a busy domestic travel holiday.
Is Japan more expensive in spring?
Japan can be more expensive during cherry blossom season (late March or April, in most “popular” destinations) and also during Golden Week, just before and after May 1. In general, however, the rest of spring is a relatively affordable time to visit Japan.
How cold is Japan in March and April?
Japan’s tourist trail warms up significantly during the months of March and especially April, with mild temperatures common during the daytime especially. However, nighttimes can still be chilly; destinations in northern Japan or up in the mountains will still be cold in general.
The Bottom Line
There’s no “right” way to visit Japan in spring. Some travelers will come in late March or early April for cherry blossoms—present company included—and that’s perfectly valid. However, you could just as easily come earlier in March for plum blossoms, in mid-April to attend festivals in the Japanese Alps or in mid-May or early June with little regard for what flowers happen to be blooming. Regardless of the reason, spring is a fabulous season for traveling around Japan. Make your spring trip even more unforgettable when you hire me to plan your custom Japan itinerary.
