JAPAN BY MONTH

Where to go in Japan in April

64 places across Japan are at their seasonal best in April. The main highlights are cherry blossoms, flower fields & gardens and snow & winter scenery, with the most picks in Gifu, Yamanashi and Tokyo. Timing is based on typical years — check the place page for live weather before you go.

Cherry blossoms in April

Sakura usually opens in Kyushu in late March and reaches Hokkaido in early May; full bloom lasts about a week. See the flower calendar.

Hokkaido · 1 place

Tohoku · 3 places

Kanto · 6 places

Chubu · 8 places

Yamanashi

Chureito Pagoda

Cherry blossoms frame the pagoda and Fuji in spring. April is typical; visibility and bloom timing are weather dependent.

AprSakura and Fuji
Yamanashi

Lake Kawaguchiko North Shore

The north shore often blooms later than Tokyo. Exact timing and Mount Fuji visibility both depend on weather.

AprMid-to-late April · Fuji, lake and cherry blossoms
Yamanashi

Lake Motosuko · North Shore

The prefectural guide gives mid-to-late April as the usual cherry-blossom window. Bloom and Fuji visibility vary each year.

AprMid-to-late April lakeside blossom
Nagano

Matsumoto Castle

Sakura timing moves each year. Night illumination may be announced during the blossom period.

AprEarly-to-mid April · Castle cherry blossoms
Gifu

Nakabashi Bridge and Seasonal Illumination

Cherry blossom timing changes each year. The official spring illumination normally highlights the bridge and riverside after sunset.

AprMid-April · Cherry blossoms and red bridge
Toyama

Toyama Castle Park

Sakura around the moat and park usually peak in early spring; annual timing changes with temperature.

AprEarly April · Castle cherry blossoms
Shizuoka

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

Seasonal conditions vary by weather; confirm the current local forecast and operating notice.

Mar–AprLate March–early April · Shrine cherry blossoms
Ishikawa

Kenrokuen Garden

Plum and cherry blossoms bring a different character to the garden in spring.

Mar–AprSpring blossoms

Kansai · 1 place

Chugoku · 2 places

Shikoku · 2 places

Flower fields & gardens in April

Seasonal flower parks and gardens, from plum and wisteria to hydrangea, lavender and cosmos. See the flower calendar.

Kanto · 7 places

Chubu · 1 place

Chugoku · 1 place

Kyushu & Okinawa · 2 places

Snow & winter scenery in April

Snow landscapes, winter festivals and illuminations.

Chubu · 3 places

Coast, lakes & highlands in April

Beaches, lakes and highland scenery for this time of year.

Kansai · 1 place

Chugoku · 1 place

Shikoku · 1 place

Kyushu & Okinawa · 1 place

Fresh greenery in April

Forests, gorges and gardens at their greenest.

Kanto · 1 place

Chubu · 7 places

Kansai · 1 place

Spring scenery in April

Places at their best in the mild spring weather.

Kanto · 5 places

Chubu · 7 places

Chugoku · 2 places