April in Japan is one of the most iconic months of the year! With the famous cherry blossom season in full swing, the scenery fully matches that fairytale image of Japan you might have in your head.
As well as fun hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics and festivals, April brings the start of the school and business year in Japan. It’s truly a time of new beginnings.
Whether you are visiting Japan this spring or celebrating spring from home, here are the highlights of April in Japan:
Festivals and events in April
Cherry blossom season!
Beautiful pink and white sakura (cherry blossom) bloom across much of Japan in April, creating one of the most famous seasonal sights in the world!
Parks, riversides and castle grounds fill with people enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics and barbecues. Hanami events come in all shapes and sizes, from a casual picnic with friends, to larger events put on by city authorities with music, karaoke, food stalls and a party atmosphere.
Blossoms vary by region, but April is peak season for many parts of Honshu. If you’ll be in Japan, be sure to check the cherry blossom forecast for regular updates!
🌸 Read more: Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Start of the new school and business year
April marks the beginning of the academic and financial year in Japan. Students move up a grade and start new classes. Many employees join companies as fresh graduates this month.
When children start a new school, parents are invited to an entrance ceremony called nyūgakushiki which can be very formal and moving. If you are invited, dress to impress! This is usually in the first week of April.
Hanamatsuri (Buddha’s Birthday)
Hanamatsuri (花まつり), celebrated on 8 April, marks the birth of the historical Buddha. The name literally means ‘flower festival’.
Temples decorate small pavilions with flowers and display statues of the infant Buddha. Visitors pour sweet tea called amacha over the statue as part of the celebration.
Although it is not a national holiday, it is a colourful and uplifting tradition widely observed in temples across Japan.
Showa Day
Showa no Hi or Showa Day is a public holiday in Japan celebrated on 29 April each year. It honours Emperor Showa and encourages reflection on the Shōwa era.
Generally, there aren’t any major customs or festivities associated with Showa Day. People tend to just enjoy it as a bonus spring day off.
Showa Day marks the start of Golden Week – a week of four public holidays. The others are on May 3rd, 4th and 5th. Be aware that this is a peak travel time in Japan!
Spring festivals
April brings many local shrine festivals (matsuri) celebrating the arrival of spring. The dates vary by region.
Even if you do not attend a specific festival, you will often find seasonal decorations, food stalls or small events in parks and shopping areas.
Things to do in Japan in April
April is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, thanks to mild weather and the iconic scenery! Here are some ideas for your trip:
- Enjoy hanami in parks and gardens during peak cherry blossom season (do not miss this!)
- Visit temples and shrines decorated for hanamatsuri.
- Try seasonal spring foods such as takenoko bamboo shoots, sakura mochi and fresh spring greens.
- Walk or cycle along riverside paths lined with blooming cherry trees.
- Explore gardens at their most colourful, with azaleas and other spring flowers beginning to bloom.
Do be aware that April is peak tourist season in Japan, so book ahead where necessary.
What is the weather like in April in Japan?
April is pleasantly mild across much of Japan. Tokyo and central regions typically range from 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F).
Northern areas such as Hokkaido are cooler at around 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F). The south can be getting pretty warm – but weather is still changeable in early spring, so be prepared!
Japanese activities to try at home in April
You can enjoy a taste of Japanese spring even if you are not travelling.
- Pack a bento box and blanket, and hold a hanami-style picnic at home or in your local park.
- Try cherry blossom drinks, desserts or beauty products, if available (Japan loves a limited edition seasonal treat!)
- Try a cherry blossom paper craft such as those in the video below (links to all tutorials here).
- Give your living space a spring-time makeover. Display a cherry blossom branch (real or artificial) or other seasonal flowers.
- Learn a few spring-themed vocabulary words in Japanese
Useful Japanese vocabulary for April
- sakura (桜 / さくら) – cherry blossoms
- hanami (花見 / はなみ) – cherry blossom viewing
- hanamatsuri (花まつり / はなまつり) – Buddha’s Birthday
- amacha (甘茶 / あまちゃ) – sweet tea used in hanamatsuri rituals
- Showa no Hi (昭和の日 / しょうわのひ) – Showa Day
- nyūgakushiki (入学式 / にゅうがくしき) – school entrance ceremony
- nyūshashiki (入社式 / にゅうしゃしき) – company entrance ceremony
- haru (春 / はる) – spring
- takenoko (竹の子 / たけのこ) – bamboo shoots
- sakura mochi (桜餅 / さくらもち) – cherry blossom rice cakes
Related posts
- Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
- 17+ Blooming Beautiful Japanese Cherry Blossom Words for Spring
- Spring in Japan: Japanese Spring Festivals and Traditions you Need to Know
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Rebecca is the founder of Team Japanese. She spent two years teaching English in Ehime, Japan. Now back in the UK, she spends her time blogging, self-studying Japanese and wrangling a very genki toddler.