Japan - Weather in April

April is a beautiful time to visit Japan. The cherry blossom madness continues as the blossoms hit their flowering peak at the beginning of the month in Honshu's hot-spots. As you might expect, these ideal conditions tend to attract huge crowds to the most high-profile spots. The country's most famous highlights, especially Kyoto, can be especially busy during this time, both with locals and foreign visitors.

Hokkaido

Sapporo, Niseko, Furano

The snow begins to melt on Hokkaido’s lower grounds as the temperature warms up, with the mercury hitting double figures on a good day and bright sunny days (avg temp: 8°C). Most of Sapporo’s ski resorts close for the season in April, although snow is still visible on some of Hokkaido’s highest peaks and a handful of resorts, such as Niseko, go into ‘spring skiing’ mode, for those die-hard winter sports enthusiasts.

Honshu

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima

It’s no secret that April has long been considered a perfect month to visit Japan in terms of weather - spring is in full swing across Honshu and central Japan, with pleasant daily temperatures (avg temp: 15°C), although evenings still tend to be on the cool side.

Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with picnics and ‘hanami’ parties breaking out under blossoming trees; the slightly cooler cities of Kanazawa and Takayama tend to enjoy blooms until later in the month. Iconic photo moments are snapped at Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes region this month, capturing images of Mount Fuji surrounded by cherry blossom.

Shikoku & Kyushu

Matsuyama, Fukuoka, Nagasaki

April is a dry and sunny month across the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu with the mercury rising as high as 19°C on a good day. The temperate climate can extend cherry blossom season into early April on Kyushu.

Okinawa Islands

Naha, Okinawa, Kerama

As temperatures increase in Japan’s southernmost province and a tropical feel descends on the islands (avg temp: 21°C), April is time for Okinawa’s beach resorts to open, although water temperatures at the beginning of the month are still a little fresh. Avoid Golden Week and you’ll find the beaches pleasantly crowd free.