The best things to visit and places to visit

April is one of Japan’s busiest travel months, and there is good reason. Most people in the country have experienced mild and pleasant weather, which is perfect for sightseeing and exploring. Usually, early this month is when cherry blossoms bloom on the top of the mountain, painting the landscape in delicate pink and white.

Because April also marks the beginning of Japanese schools and business years, it is difficult to ensure accommodation and transportation. To fully appreciate the beauty of April in Japan, we recommend visiting lesser-known attractions inside and outside popular cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

This is everything you need to know to enjoy one of the most beautiful months of Japan’s scenery.

April Travel Overview

• The cherry blossom season peaks in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto from late March to early April attract a large crowd.
• The weather is mild, usually sunny, and is ideal for outdoor activities.
• April marks the beginning of Japanese schools and school year, making it the most popular moving season.
• The demand for accommodation and transportation has increased, so plan ahead.
• Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest trips, starting at the end of the month.

Popular events and things to do in April

Enjoy Hanami picnic

One of the most popular traditions in Japan is Hanami: Watch flowers during cherry blossom season. Many locals spend the day at Hannah’s picnic, hanging out on blankets while feasting on seasonal bento boxes, snacks and drinks.

Although popular cherry blossom attractions in major cities Tokyo and Osaka It is a reliable, picturesque Hanami picnic option, we recommend you check it out Less known Or local parks for the most authentic Hanami experience. After all, you can’t fully appreciate the tranquil beauty of cherry blossoms and be surrounded by a large crowd.

Gino Mountain

Hiking and cycling

April in Japan provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy pleasant spring weather and blooming flora to create beautiful scenery. However, depending on the area and altitude, you may still experience lingering snow, so be sure to check local conditions before you go.

A popular hiking spot near Tokyo is Mount Takao, which has a variety of trails of various skill levels. Depending on the year, you may also be catching cherry blossoms at the peak of early April. Some other suggestions include Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail in Wakayama Prefecture and Yoshino Mountain in Nara Prefecture: Cherry Blossom Paradise.

For more information, please check out our Japanese Hiking Guide: The Highest Point from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

Stroll down Yozakura (Sakura at Night)

When you think of cherry blossoms, the image you might think of is a faint snow light of pink flowers, floating under the blue spring sky. However, Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms are as eye-catching as the daytime after dark.

During the peak period of Bloom (usually late March to early April), trees illuminate with pink light, creating a magical phenomenon that locals are looking forward to every year. Called Yozakura, these glowing cherry blossoms transformed rivers and parks across the country, huddling strollers in their cute blush.

For Tokyo people here It is the best attraction to see cherry blossoms at night in the city.

Participate in the spring festival

See some of the most beautiful things in Japan in April Spring Festivalincluding many people celebrating the cherry blossom season. In Tokyo, the Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival attract a large crowd every year. There are also many amazing festivals outside Tokyo.

The annual Alpine Spring Festival (April 14-15) celebrates the arrival of spring in Hie Shrine, Gifu County. Highlights include 12 gorgeous courtyard (Festive Flowers) and Karakuri The puppet doll is made of floating cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle Cast Park and Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture are famous cherry blossom attractions in the Kansai area, and spring is also held in each place.

Top destinations in Japan in April

Chuancheng (Saitama County)

Known for the atmosphere and traditional streets of the Edo period, Kawagoe is a popular day trip destination near Tokyo. In spring, the city is famous for its charming cherry blossom scenery. The Shingashi River extends behind Hikawa Shrine and is lined with pale pink trees from late March to early April. Take a quiet boat along the river to enjoy the lyrical beauty of the scenery. After the peaks bloomed, the river became more beautiful, and the petals that fell at that time turned the stream pink.

Kavachi Fujin Wisteria Garden (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden is located in a private garden in Kitakyushu and is often rated as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Japan. It is famous for its 22 species of wisteria flowers, usually peaking from late April to early May. The garden’s breathtaking color tunnel leads to the center of wisteria lattice with a violet blooming canopy.

Hikone Castle and Kaizu Osaki (Shiga Prefecture)

As well as well as being famous for Lake Biwa (the largest freshwater lake in Japan), Shiga Prefecture also has some pleasant destinations to watch cherry blossoms.

Hikone Castle, located east of Lake Biwa, is a place you can put on your list. It is one of the five castles designated by Japan as a national treasure. In early April, the majestic castle grounds were shrouded in the sea of ​​cherry blossoms. Visit the inside of the castle and have a picnic on the moat.

Another breathtaking cherry blossom spot is Kaizu Osaki, a scenic peninsula located on the northern edge of Biwa Lake. Part of Biwako Quasi-Ethnic Park is lined with 800 Yoshino cherry trees.

Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture)

For those who are worried about missing out on the peak cherry blossom season, there are many prefectures in northern Japan, and in late April the cherry blossom scene is amazing. One option is Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture.

Its lighthouse wooden castle has more than 2500 trees and is usually said to be one of the best cherry blossom attractions in the country. It is highly recommended to take a boat through the cherry blossom tunnel.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (YOOGO County)

Although Kobe is a great destination for visiting year round, it is especially lovely in the spring. In addition to its famous seafront areas such as Meriken Park and Kobe Harborland, the city also boasts gorgeous mountains and flower fields.

Accessed via Ropeway, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens House 75,000 herbs and flowers of about 200 flowers. The rope itself is an experience with panoramic views of the city of Kobe and Sedo’s inland sea. If you feel outdoors, you can also choose to hike to the garden and see Nunobiki fall along the way.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

Avoid sightseeing

Japan’s Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays that take place within seven days from April 29 to May 5. During this time, please avoid traveling.

Pay attention to the crowd

Almost every year, popular cherry blossom attractions in Tokyo and Kyoto see extreme crowds even on weekdays. Head to lesser-known attractions for a quieter viewing experience of flowers.

Check the predictions of cherry blossoms

The timing of cherry blossoms varies from year to year, so consult the latest forecast when planning your trip.

With light layer

Temperatures during the day and night can vary greatly in early spring. Also, prepare for occasional showers or umbrellas.

Expand your flower horizons

See all the flowers in April variety It’s not just cherry blossoms in full bloom all over the country. Some of the admirable choices this month include the harem, the quad and the tulip.

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