The spring season in Japan runs between mid-March and the middle of May, depending on the location you go to. Most areas experience fluctuating temperatures with cool mornings, cold evenings, and warm afternoons. The average temperature in Tokyo varies from 40degF to 80degF (4degC between 23 and 24degC). Check your destination’s weather forecast before packing and take diverse layers.
In Japan, the spring season is the time to return to school, kick off an entirely new year and, most importantly, enjoy an afternoon picnic with family and friends in the shade of the cherry tree. It’s the most romantic time of the year and is a magnet for millions of tourists from across the globe. This isn’t an exaggeration.
The iconic cherry blossom time in Japan typically runs from late March through early April in all regions of the country, but there are a few variations. For some tourists, seeing cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto covered in shades of pink is an incentive that is satisfying to make the trip across oceans.
Spring in Japan is truly captivating. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom from late March to early April. This stunning display attracts millions of visitors. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are transformed into pink wonderlands. Iconic sites like Kiyomizudera Temple become even more magical. Festivals abound during this season. The AnimeJapan Convention and Kansai’s fire and light festivals add to the charm. With Tours Japan, you can experience all of this and more. Plan your trip to immerse in Japan’s vibrant spring culture.
Culturally significant and historic sites such as Kiyomizudera Temple and Ueno Park become even more spectacular when cherry blossoms bloom. When gentle breezes sweep over the bushes, the blossoms are blown around like snowflakes and cover the ground. At the same time, the usually calm and reserved Japanese celebrations are filled with joyous events, festivals and evening illuminations.
There are many reasons to see the cherry blossoms throughout Japan for at the very least one time in your lifetime. While it’s not difficult to imagine the appeal of rows of blossoms blooming simultaneously, there are disadvantages.
The delicate cherry blossoms are fragile, and Mother Nature can be unforgiving. Heavy rainstorms can throw petals around before they peak, and extreme cold or warm temperatures could mean they will last two weeks or two days. Their permanency has been a source of inspiration for poets over the ages, but their unpredictable nature is challenging to plan for.
Another aspect that makes viewing the cherry blossoms holiday a little tricky is that they’ve grown in popularity. We didn’t lie when we stated that many foreign tourists travel to Japan to view this spectacle. Some even make reservations as much as one year before their arrival! If you plan to make cherry blossoms a part of your itinerary, make reservations early to secure your place.
It’s good to know that while March and April may be the most well-known months for cherry blossoms, they’re not the only kinds. It is possible to see them beginning in February in locations such as Okinawa and Kawazu and up to May in Hokkaido. If you’re one of those unfortunate people who can’t witness them in their prime, they’re not the only thing you can do in Japan in the spring!