Spring in Japan: Magical Festivals, Cherry Blossoms & More!

Spring in Japan is one of the best times to visit, drawing travellers from around the world with its mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural festivals, and seasonal cuisine. While cherry blossoms are undoubtedly the biggest draw, the season has so much more to offer. 

Think rolling fields of wisteria, vibrant pink moss at the foot of Mount Fuji, and historic festivals that have been celebrated for centuries. Add to that the mild weather, outdoor adventures, and a fresh wave of seasonal food, and it’s easy to see why spring is a favourite for both locals and visitors alike.

Beyond the famous sakura, spring in Japan is a time of renewal and celebration. The country shakes off winter’s chill, and suddenly parks, temples, and mountains burst into life. 

Cafes and convenience stores launch exclusive sakura-flavoured treats, food stalls pop up at every festival, and the streets are filled with the sounds of traditional performances. It’s a season that blends natural beauty, history, and modern-day excitement, making it the perfect time to see for yourself in everything Japan has to offer.

Another thing that makes spring particularly special is how each region offers something unique. While Tokyo and Kyoto see peak cherry blossom blooms in late March and early April, northern areas like Hokkaido don’t reach full bloom until May, giving travellers the chance to chase sakura across the country. 

Meanwhile, places like Kawachi Fujien and Ashikaga Flower Park showcase mesmerising wisteria tunnels, and rural areas come alive with flower fields, scenic hikes, and countryside festivals that are just as spectacular as the famous hanami spots.

This guide will help you plan an unforgettable spring trip to Japan. From experiencing historic traditions, exploring Japan’s seasonal landscapes, or indulging in the best springtime food, it has everything you need to know to make the most of spring in Japan. 

What to Expect in Spring

Spring in Japan typically runs from late March to early May, making it one of the most beautiful and exciting seasons to visit. It’s the time when nature awakens, and people across the country celebrate with festivals, hanami (cherry blossom viewing), and seasonal cuisine.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, steal the show during this season, covering parks, temples, and streets in breathtaking pink and white hues. You’ll find locals and tourists alike flocking to parks for hanami picnics, exploring traditional towns that look even more stunning with blossoms, and enjoying unique springtime flavours like sakura mochi and strawberry daifuku.

Japan Spring Weather Guide

Spring weather in Japan varies depending on the month and region, but overall, it’s one of the most comfortable times of the year to visit.

In March, temperatures are still on the cooler side, ranging between 5°C and 14°C, especially in northern regions like Hokkaido. Early March still feels a bit wintry, but by the end of the month, cherry blossoms begin blooming in southern areas like Kyushu and Tokyo.

April is the most popular time for cherry blossom viewing, with temperatures warming up to 10°C to 20°C. It’s the perfect balance of cool breezes and sunny days, ideal for exploring cities or countryside landscapes without overheating.

By May, spring is in full swing, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. While cherry blossoms fade away in most parts of the country, other stunning flowers like wisteria, shibazakura (pink moss), and tulips start blooming, making it a great time for flower lovers.

Rain showers are occasional but not as heavy as Japan’s summer rainy season. However, if you have hay fever, spring can be challenging due to high pollen levels from blooming trees.

What to Pack for Spring in Japan

Packing for Japan in spring requires layers, as temperatures can change throughout the day. Mornings and evenings tend to be chilly, while afternoons warm up nicely. Bring a light jacket, comfortable jumpers, and breathable clothes that you can layer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential since you’ll likely explore parks, temples, and city streets on foot.

A compact umbrella or raincoat is a smart addition to your bag, as spring showers can surprise you. If you have allergies, don’t forget to bring pollen medication, as springtime pollen levels can be high in urban and rural areas.

Best Spring Destinations in Japan

Spring in Japan is beautiful no matter where you go, but some places are truly bucket-list worthy during this season.

Tokyo is a top spot for hanami lovers, with popular cherry blossom viewing spots like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi. The city also hosts numerous spring festivals and special sakura-themed menus in cafés and restaurants.

Kyoto is a dream destination in spring, as its historic temples and shrines look even more magical with cherry blossoms. Popular hanami locations include Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

For a quieter experience, Hokkaido offers stunning cherry blossoms in May, long after they’ve disappeared from Tokyo and Kyoto. Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate are must-visit spots for late-season sakura.

If you want the perfect Mount Fuji photo with cherry blossoms, head to Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko). The iconic view of Fuji framed by pink blossoms is one of Japan’s most stunning spring sights.

Must-Do Spring Experiences in Japan

Spring is full of unique activities that will make your trip unforgettable.

One of the best experiences is hanami, the tradition of cherry blossom viewing. Grab a picnic mat, some snacks, and sake, and head to a park to enjoy the breathtaking scenery under the pink blossoms. Locals love to gather with friends and family for hanami parties, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

For a different twist on cherry blossom viewing, experience yozakura—night-time cherry blossom illuminations. Many parks, including Chidorigafuchi in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto, light up the trees at night, creating an ethereal pink glow.

Spring is also a prime festival season. The Takayama Spring Festival (April 14-15) in Gifu is one of Japan’s most spectacular, featuring beautifully decorated floats parading through the streets. Another must-see is the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where fields of pink moss flowers bloom at the base of Mount Fuji.

For food lovers, spring is the season of sakura-flavoured treats, fresh seafood, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine. Try sakura mochi, ichigo daifuku (strawberry rice cakes), and spring tempura made with fresh mountain vegetables.

Outdoor lovers should consider hiking, as Japan’s trails are especially beautiful in spring. Areas like Nikko, Kamikochi, and the Nakasendo Trail are perfect for seeing spring greenery and enjoying comfortable hiking weather.

Must-Try Spring Foods & Drinks

Spring in Japan offers unique seasonal flavours you won’t find at any other time of year. Sakura mochi, a pink rice cake wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf, is a must-try. Ichigo daifuku, a chewy rice cake stuffed with a fresh strawberry, is another spring favourite.

Japan’s cafes and convenience stores go all out with sakura-themed drinks. Don’t miss sakura lattes, sakura frappes, and cherry blossom-flavoured sweets.

For a traditional dining experience, try a kaiseki meal, where the menu changes with the seasons. Spring kaiseki often features fresh mountain vegetables, bamboo shoots, and seasonal fish.

More Than Just Sakura: The Stunning Flowers of Spring in Japan

While cherry blossoms may be the most famous, spring in Japan is a floral spectacle that goes far beyond sakura. As the season unfolds, the country is transformed by vibrant blooms of all colours, from delicate wisteria hanging in sweeping tunnels to bright tulips that could rival those of the Netherlands. Parks, shrines, and entire fields burst into colour, offering visitors a chance to experience Japan’s natural beauty in ways they might not expect.

Japanese Poppies

If you’re looking for a flower that stands out against Japan’s green landscapes, Japanese poppies are a hidden spring gem. These bright red and orange wildflowers bloom in the countryside and in designated flower parks, offering a striking contrast to the softer pink hues of cherry blossoms. Poppy fields are especially breathtaking in April and May, making them a great floral highlight after sakura season ends. For the best locations to see them, take a look at our guide to Japanese poppies.

Azaleas

By late April, azaleas take centre stage, blanketing temple gardens, parks, and mountainsides in vivid shades of pink, red, and purple. One of the most spectacular places to see them is Nezu Shrine in Tokyo, where thousands of azalea bushes create a breathtaking backdrop to the shrine’s historic architecture. Another standout location is the Rhododendron Garden at Sengan-en in Kagoshima, which boasts a stunning collection of these vibrant blooms. If you’re planning a visit during azalea season, check out our full guide to azaleas in Japan.

Tulips

For those who love European-style flower gardens, Japan’s tulip fields are an unexpected delight. Every spring, millions of tulips bloom across the country in carefully cultivated displays. The Tonami Tulip Fair in Toyama and Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki are two of the most famous places to see them, offering a dazzling array of colours that stretch as far as the eye can see. These gardens bring a different kind of beauty to spring in Japan, with neatly arranged fields that make for stunning photos. If tulips are on your must-see list, be sure to explore our tulip guide.

Wisteria

Few spring flowers are as enchanting as wisteria in full bloom. From late April to early May, these cascading purple blossoms create some of the most magical sights in Japan. Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi and Kawachi Fujien in Fukuoka are two of the best-known spots to see wisteria tunnels in all their glory, with hanging clusters of flowers that form stunning canopies overhead. The delicate scent and ethereal beauty of wisteria season make it one of Japan’s most unforgettable floral experiences. To find out where to see them, visit our wisteria guide.

Final Travel Tips for Spring in Japan

If you’re visiting during peak cherry blossom season, book your accommodations months in advance. Parks and festival spots get crowded, so arrive early to secure a good hanami spot. Also, be mindful of hanami etiquette—don’t pick the blossoms, clean up after yourself, and keep noise levels respectful.

Spring in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with breathtaking scenery, cultural celebrations, and unforgettable food. Whether you’re planning a city trip or a countryside escape, this season has something magical for everyone. 🌸✨

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