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Traveling to Japan in April offers so much beauty, what to wear when traveling to Japan in April,... these are the questions Mytour has been receiving a lot lately. To help you easily plan your trip, Mytour has compiled a complete Traveling to Japan in April 2024 Guide with detailed information. Let's take a look!
Traveling to Japan in April can be considered a dream for most travel enthusiasts. Who can resist the gentle, sweet beauty of these delicate yet strong flowers? Not to mention, the lively festivals and spring delicacies here will make you forget the way home.
What to Wear When Traveling to Japan in April?
To choose suitable outfits for traveling to Japan in April, you first need to understand the weather during this season in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan has a significant climate difference from north to south and from early April to late April. It can be roughly divided into 4 regions.
- Hokkaido, Sapporo, Niseko, Furano
- Honshu, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
- Shikoku, Kyushu, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki
- Okinawa Islands, Naha, Kerama
The weather in Japan in April is warm and pleasant. Photo: ST
Overall, the climate in Japan in April is quite comfortable, with an average daytime temperature of 17°C, dropping to around 10°C at night, so it can get chilly. However, the beginning of April in all 4 regions will be much colder than the end of April. Travelers can choose suitable clothing for each island based on the temperature statistics below:
Weather in Hokkaido, Sapporo, Niseko, Furano
The weather in northern Japan is gradually warming up, with an average of 8°C. Snow is starting to melt and only appears on the peaks of high mountains in Hokkaido like Niseko. If you're visiting Hokkaido early this month, you'll still need winter clothing such as thick coats, wool scarves, and warm boots, especially if you're going out at night when temperatures drop to about 4 - 5°C. During the day, you can wear fitted sweaters or moderately thick jackets.
In April, Hokkaido is still quite cold, so it's advisable to wear warm clothing. Photo: ST
→ Clothing for traveling to Japan in April 2024 in Hokkaido: Thick coat/ moderate sweater + scarf + warm boots
Weather in Honshu, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
Tokyo and the central provinces can be considered the ideal places to explore Japan's spring in April. The weather in these areas is extremely pleasant with an average temperature of around 15°C.
You can opt for light dresses to look stunning. Photo: ST
With such warm weather, you can comfortably wear light spring outfits such as cotton shirts, dresses paired with thin jackets to ward off the early spring chill. If you're sensitive to cold, adding a thermal layer underneath is perfect. However, at night, there will be a significant temperature difference, so remember to bring thick sweaters, scarves, and beanies when strolling around to maintain your health during the trip.
The temperature difference between early and late April in Japan is quite significant, so remember to bring warm clothes. Photo: ST
By late April, the temperature in Tokyo and the central provinces rises significantly, often accompanied by sudden spring showers. It's advisable to wear lightweight and easy-to-move-in clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, cardigans, etc.
Carry an umbrella to guard against sudden showers. Photo: ST
→ Clothing for traveling in Japan in April in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto: Cardigan + sweater + lightweight scarf + cotton shirt + jeans/skirt
Weather in Shikoku, Kyushu, Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki
In April, this region is very dry and sunny, with an average temperature around 19°C. Visiting Shikoku and Kyushu in April, you definitely shouldn't forget this combo: sun hat + light jacket + cool t-shirt.
Okinawa Islands, Naha, Kerama
This place is known as the 'Hawaii of Japan' with mild weather and warm sunshine all year round. However, in April, the sea water and temperature here are still slightly cold for swimming. The average temperature this month is 21°C
Okinawa Island - The Hawaii of Japan. Photo: ST
When it comes to clothing for traveling in Japan in April, here you can flexibly choose items like beach dresses, maxi dresses, shorts,...
After considering the detailed information above, you must have an idea of what to wear when traveling to Japan in April. Next, let's find out what Japan has to offer in April!
What to do in Japan in April?
Ohanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing Picnic in Japan (March 15 - April 30)
Around late March to April is the time when the whole country is immersed in the romantic pink cherry blossoms. You won't regret traveling to Japan in April because you'll experience the Ohanami culture, combining a picnic with cherry blossom viewing. Just imagine, what could be better than enjoying a delicious rice ball meal, sipping hot tea under the blooming cherry blossom trees. When a spring breeze blows, thousands of delicate petals will flutter everywhere.
Ohanami - enjoying cherry blossoms while having a picnic. Photo: ST
The cherry blossom season is relatively short, so plan your schedule to have the opportunity to admire this splendid cherry blossom season. The provinces you should visit in April to witness this cherry blossom season are Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
April - Cherry blossom season is the most beautiful time in Japan. Photo: ST
+ Cherry Blossom Blooming Period:
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Tokyo: Cherry blossoms bloom from March 22nd to March 29th.
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Kyoto: Cherry blossoms will start blooming from March 25th to April 2nd.
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Osaka: Cherry blossoms season is from March 27th to April 3rd.
+ Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Tokyo: Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Tachikawa Park, Nogawa Park, Jindai Park (Chofu), Mount Takao, Okutama,...
Wisteria Season (Fuji) Enchantment, Mystique (Mid-April to Mid-May)
For those who love flowers and the dreamy purple color but have never walked under the wisteria tunnel, it's a regrettable experience. Traveling to Japan in April, you'll marvel at the parks, streets adorned with vibrant wisteria flowers cascading down, dyeing the space entirely, making it seem like a fairyland.
Wisteria blooms beautifully with a touch of melancholy. Photo: ST
Wisteria Viewing Spots: Kawachi Fujien - Kawachi Wisteria Garden (Fukuoka), Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi), Kameido-Tenjin Shrine (Tokyo), Tennogawa Park (Aichi), Fujiidera Temple (Osaka), Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara), Myofukuji Temple (Chiba),...
A Dreamy Scene of Wisteria Tunnel. Photo: ST
Golden Week in Japan (April 29 - May 5)
This is the busiest time of the year in the Land of the Rising Sun as people across the country enjoy a week-long break from work and school. The central commercial districts in Shibuya, already bustling, become even livelier.
Especially, Children's Day on May 5th is one of the biggest festivals in Japan. Travelers visiting during this time will witness a plethora of carp-shaped windsocks (koinobori) fluttering in the sky.
Japanese Festivals in April
Traveling to Japan in April, visitors will immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, eagerly awaiting the festival season of the locals. Mytour will highlight some festivals you shouldn't miss:
1. Inuyama Festival (April 2 - April 3, Inuyama)
This is a long-standing festival with over 350 years of history. Participating in the festival, visitors will admire the magnificent procession of 13 giant floats, each carrying an ancient karakuri puppet.
Evening parade at the Inuyama Festival. Photo: ST
In the evening, each float will be adorned with 365 lanterns, illuminating the town's streets as the procession passes through, leaving a dazzling impression on visitors.
Unique display of 365 lanterns on the float. Photo: ST
2. Takayama Spring Festival (April 14 to April 15)
Takayama is an ancient town nestled deep in Japan's famous Alps mountain range. It's also one of the snowiest places in this East Asian nation. The locals here hold a procession with 12 towering floats to welcome the upcoming spring. These 12 floats are considered priceless antiques.
Spring welcoming festival in Takayama. Photo: ST
3. Kanamara Matsuri (April 3)
The Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, takes place at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki. This is a rather 'quirky' festival that attracts a large number of international tourists.
A culturally vibrant phallus festival. Photo: ST
During the festival, people parade mikoshi, portable shrines in the shape of phalluses, throughout the town. Visitors can also indulge in unique phallus-shaped ice creams and beverages only found in Japan.
4. Earth Day Tokyo (April 23 to April 24)
To raise awareness and support positive environmental protection activities, Japan hosts the annual Earth Day event at Yoyogi Park. Traveling to Japan in April and participating in this festival, you can enjoy outstanding musical performances, savor healthy, environmentally-friendly cuisine, and stay updated on global environmental issues.
5. Hana Matsuri Buddha's Birthday Festival (April 8)
This is a major celebration in Japan as Buddhism is one of the largest religions in the country. On this day, visitors to the temples will experience a lively atmosphere.
Hana Matsuri Buddha's Birthday Festival. Photo: ST
Children will wear colorful and cheerful outfits, while women dress in eye-catching traditional kimono attire to visit the temples.
Must-See Activities and Destinations in Japan in April
Besides the unique destinations and festivals mentioned above, make sure to add these famous landmarks to your list when traveling to Japan in April:
- Historical village of Shirakawa: where the renowned author Fujiko Fujio brought to life the first Doraemon comics that enchanted generations of readers.
- Himeji Castle: Japan's national treasure
- Asakusa Kannon Shrine: Tokyo's oldest temple
- Luxurious shopping district Ginza: upscale and elegant in the heart of Tokyo
Historical village of Shirakawa. Photo: ST
- Ginzan Hot Spring (Yamagata) - Japan's iconic 'onsen'
- Explore the futuristic island Odaiba
- Marvel at the majestic natural beauty resembling a painting of Mount Fuji
- Visit Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Pavilion, Sagano Bamboo Forest in the ancient capital Kyoto
- Stroll through the mysterious ancient village Oshino Hakkai
Bustling Ginza. Photo: ST
And many other exciting things are waiting for you to discover on your trip to Japan in April 2024.
Must-Try Signature Dishes in April in Japan
Traveling to Japan in April, you definitely must taste unique dishes made from cherry blossoms such as:
- Sakura Mochi Cake
- Strawberry Sakura Latte
- Sakura Jelly Yokan
- Sakura Donut
- Sakura Tea
- Other specialties include: Strawberry Daifuku Cake, Sushi, Shirouo fish, Tempura fried shrimp, Takoyaki octopus balls,...
Famous Sakura Mochi. Photo: ST
Hopefully with the travel experiences in Japan in April above, you have enough necessary information to prepare for your cherry blossom journey. If you have any further questions, contact our hotline Mytour, our staff will provide dedicated advice. Note that this is the peak season, so it's very difficult to book flights and hotel restaurant services. You can consider affordable Mytour Japan tours for your trip.
