Spring in Japan 2026: Weather, What to Wear, Events, and Travel Tips

Spring in Japan: From March to May

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Pixta

The spring season in Japan lasts from March to May. It's an exciting season with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and plenty of beautiful things to see, as well as delicious seasonal treats.

Also, in Japan, both the school year and business year start in April, making spring a season full of new encounters, activities, and liveliness.

This article introduces travel tips for those planning to visit Japan in spring, such as information on cherry blossom viewing, weather, what to wear, and events that shouldn't be missed.

Spring Travel in Japan

1. Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2026
2. Spring Weather in Japan
- Weather in Japan in March
- Weather in Japan in April
- Weather in Japan in May
3. What to Wear in Spring in Japan by Region
4. The Highlights of Spring in Japan
- Cherry Blossom Viewing
- Spring Festivals
- Delicious Spring Food and Sweets

Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2026

Cherry blossom forecasts are typically released in early January. Please note that Okinawa’s cherry blossoms bloom the earliest, with festivals held in February.

In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the first blooms appear in late March, reaching full bloom in early April. The most common variety in these areas is the Somei Yoshino sakura, known for its almost translucent, light pink color. These delicate and graceful blossoms are highly appreciated across Japan.

For detailed forecasts and peak blooming times for each region, please refer to the articles below.

Spring Weather in Japan

Photo by Pixta

Spring in Japan is generally a three-month period, from March to May.

Weather in Japan in March: Temperatures and Seasonal Highlights

In Japan, March marks the transition from winter to spring, with weather varying by region.

Northern areas like Hokkaido remain cold, with temperatures around -3°C to 8°C, and still receive snowfall in early March.

Central regions such as Tokyo experience mild weather, with highs of 12°C to 16°C and blossoming cherry trees towards the end of the month.

Southern regions like Okinawa are warmer, with highs around 20°C to 23°C.

March is a popular time for early cherry blossom viewing, especially in the south and central areas. Pack layered clothing and be prepared for occasional rain, particularly in the south.

Weather in Japan in April: Temperatures and Seasonal Highlights

In April, Japan experiences full spring with generally mild and pleasant weather.

Northern areas like Hokkaido remain cool, with temperatures from 0°C to 10°C, and snow is rare by month's end.

Central regions such as Tokyo and Kyoto enjoy mild weather, with highs of 15°C to 20°C, and cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom or just starting to fade.

Southern regions like Okinawa are warmer, with highs around 22°C to 26°C, making outdoor activities comfortable.

April is usually dry, though occasional showers occur. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing and flower viewing, with vibrant spring scenery across the country.

Weather in Japan in May: Temperatures and Seasonal Highlights

In May, Japan enjoys warm, stable spring weather, making it ideal for travel.

Northern areas like Hokkaido experience mild temperatures from 8°C to 17°C, with spring fully established.

Central regions such as Tokyo and Kyoto see warm days around 20°C to 25°C, with comfortable evenings.

Southern areas like Okinawa are hotter, with highs of 26°C to 30°C, though humidity increases later in the month.

Precipitation is generally low, but the rainy season (tsuyu) may begin in late May, especially in the south.

Early May includes busy Golden Week holidays, so popular destinations can be crowded. Overall, May offers excellent outdoor conditions and scenic beauty across Japan.

What to Wear in Spring in Japan by Region

Spring weather in Japan varies greatly depending on the region you're visiting.

In Hokkaido, the northermost region, March and April are still cold, with highs of 11.5℃ and lows of 3.2℃ in April.

Meanwhile, in Okinawa, the southernmost region, April is considered a summer month. The highs are around 26.8℃ and the lows are around 21.8℃.

Below, we look at major travel destinations in detail.

What to Wear in Tokyo in Spring

In Tokyo, the weather begins to warm up starting in March, with cherry blossoms typically blooming around March 20, signaling the arrival of spring. However, it's important to note that early spring can still be quite chilly. Here are the average temperatures for Tokyo during spring:

- March: High of 16.4℃ (61.3°F), Low of 7.9℃ (46.1°F)
- April: High of 19.2℃ (66.8°F), Low of 10.8℃ (51.2°F)
- May: High of 24.1℃ (75.2°F), Low of 16℃ (60.9°F)

For clothing recommendations in Tokyo during spring, you will need a thick coat in March.

In April, as warmer days increase, a cardigan, jacket, or coat may still be necessary on cooler or windy days, especially if you're planning to be out in the evening or if the weather takes a turn.

In May, the weather is pleasantly warm. A long-sleeved T-shirt paired with a cardigan will be a suitable choice for comfort during this time.

What to Wear in Spring in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara are cities located in Japan's Kansai region, and they experience similar average temperatures in spring.

Here are the average temperatures for Osaka during spring:

- March: Average of 13℃, with a high of 18.3℃ and a low of 8.3℃
- April: Average of 15.9℃, with a high of 20.9℃ and a low of 11.6℃
- May: Average of 20℃, with a high of 24.9℃ and a low of 15.9℃

For clothing recommendations:

- In March, wear a jacket and keep warm accessories like scarves handy.
- In April, a cardigan and a scarf are advisable, along with a long-sleeved pullover and trousers for a stylish look. A jacket may also be useful if the temperature drops.
- In May, with average temperatures around 20℃, the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. It's recommended to wear three-quarter sleeve tops with comfortable, easy-to-move denim trousers.

What to Wear in Fukuoka in Spring

The Kyushu region, home to cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Beppu Onsen, has a warmer climate compared to areas such as Osaka and Tokyo. In fact, the cherry blossoms in Kyushu bloom earlier than in those regions.

Here are the average temperatures for Fukuoka in spring:

- March: 12.1°C (53.8°F)
- April: 16.2°C (61.2°F)
- May: 20.7°C (69.3°F)

For sightseeing in Fukuoka during spring, it's best to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt or a cardigan. If you plan to be out in the evening, consider bringing a spring coat or jacket for additional warmth.

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The Highlights of Spring in Japan

Spring brings activities, scenery, and treats that can only be enjoyed at this time of the year. Below we introduce three highlights that shouldn't be missed on a spring trip to Japan.

1. Cherry Blossom Viewing

Photo by Pixta

Cherry blossoms are a major highlight of spring in Japan. They bloom in parks, along the roads, on the mountains, or along riversides.

The time when the sakura trees go into bloom varies by region and is also influenced by each year's climate. However, the cherry blossoms tend to slowly appear around mid-March, starting from the southern regions of Japan and working their way up to the northern areas.

For 2025, the cherry blossoms in the Tokyo area are expected to start blooming around March 24 and reach full bloom around March 31.

In Osaka and Kyoto, the start of blooming is estimated to be around March 27. The blooming peak is expected to be around April 3 in these cities.

In Hokkaido, however, the average blooming dates are in late April while the full bloom is expected to be during the last days of April - early May.

In Japan, hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, are the long-established custom of friends, family, and even coworkers going out to eat and drink together underneath the sakura trees in full bloom.

Photo by Pixta

The sakura trees are gorgeous when they are in full bloom, but they are just as beautiful when the petals begin falling.

Moreover, the cherry blossoms can be viewed not only during the day but also in the evening. This is called yozakura (night-time sakura viewing) and is another way of enjoying the beauty of these blooms.

The cherry blossoms stay in bloom for about a week, although this, too, is heavily influenced by the weather. A powerful storm or sudden snowfall would scatter them in an instant. We recommend you plan your spring trip while keeping an eye on our regularly updated cherry blossom forecast as well as weather forecasts.

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2. Spring Festivals

Picture from Kawasaki - Places To Have Fun And Visit Before Kanamara Matsuri
Spring marks the beginning of a new year for schools and companies in Japan. Accompanying this are several traditional celebrations visitors can enjoy. Look for elaborate Japanese doll displays for Girl's Day (Hinamatsuri) in early March and cherry blossom viewing festivals in April.

April is a month when many Shinto festivals are held, such as the famous Kanamara Matsuri, a festival honoring marriage and conception held in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. In 2025, the Kanamara Festival will be held on April 6.

3. Delicious Spring Food and Sweets

Cherry blossom season and springtime is the season of adorable cherry blossom-themed sweet snacks.

During spring you will find cherry blossom flavored Japanese sweets, ice cream, and even KitKats. They are generally only available in spring, so make sure to try them when you see them in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Bamboo shoots, aralia elata, Japanese butterbur, and other wild greens start growing around this time. The bitter taste of these products is said to have detoxifying effects.

Soft seaweed, clams, or the Japanese halfbeak are popular spring foods, as well. Also, if there is one fruit we could say is representative of spring, it's strawberries. Strawberries in Japan have been improved upon, and feature many varieties, all of which are sweet and shiny like precious stones.

Main image courtesy of Pixta