Japan in Spring (March, April, May): 7 Best Things to Do

Spring is one of the most popular seasons to visit Japan, a time of cherry blossoms, lively festivals and pleasant weather. This Japan spring itinerary highlights the best things to do from March to May, from sakura viewing and seasonal food to cultural festivals and outdoor activities. We also include practical tips on what to wear so you can stay comfortable while exploring.

Spring in Japan, spanning from March to May, brings clear skies and mild, crisp weather.On average, temperatures hover around 21°C (70°F) in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where a light coat is usually good. In northern regions like Hokkaido, expect cooler conditions, with lows between 2°C and 10°C (36°F-50°F). We recommend at least bringing a light jacket or hoodie.

Cooler days in early spring transition to warmer, sunnier days as the season progresses. Early spring temperatures can be unpredictable, occasionally dipping back to winter-like chills. Yet, despite these fluctuations, spring offers some of Japan's sunniest days with low humidity. 

Spring is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit Japan, but it’s also the busiest. In April 2025, the country welcomed a record-breaking 3.9 million visitors (JNTO).

Keep in mind that it can get extremely busy if you happen to visit during Golden Week (April 29 to May 5). This is a period of consecutive national holidays, making it peak travel time for both locals and international visitors. Expect even more crowded attractions and longer lines at popular restaurants. 

During spring, flight and hotel rates are typically more expensive, and making restaurant reservations can be challenging. We recommend booking early and using platforms like byFood to secure your dining spots.

An obvious answer is to enjoy the cherry blossoms by engaging in hanami (which means “flower viewing”). But spring in Japan offers far more than cherry blossoms alone. From seasonal foods and relaxing hot springs to festivals and cultural experiences, there are countless ways to enjoy the season. Below are some of the best things to do in Japan during spring.

Cherry blossoms are the highlight of spring in Japan. Sakura in central and southern Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka usually bloom from the end of March to early April, while northern regions like Tohoku and Hokkaido see blossoms slightly later. Be sure to check the cherry blossom forecast for the latest dates!

You don't have to travel far to see cherry blossoms while in Japan. Most cities have beautiful parks, riversides and temple grounds filled with blooming trees where people gather for hanami, the traditional activity of enjoying the flowers.

Check out our cherry blossom guides for where to see cherry blossoms around Japan:

• Where to see sakura in Tokyo
• Where to see sakura in Kyoto
• Where to see sakura in Osaka
• Where to see sakura in Chiba
• Where to see sakura in Fukuoka

Missing the sakura season by a few days? There are tons of other flowers that bloom at this time of year. When in Tokyo, make some time to visit these gardens, known for their lovely spring flora:

• Hitachi Seaside Park
• Koishikawa Korakuen
• Jindai Botanical Gardens
• Nezu Museum Garden
• Ashikaga Flower Park

Besides sakura petals and a crisp spring breeze, pollen will also be in the air. In Japan, pollen disperses most between March and April, causing many people to experience hay fever.

Interestingly, it’s not the sakura flowers, or any flowers for that matter, that cause the rapid sneezes, itchy eyes and puffy face. The main culprits are pollen from two specific trees: cedar and cypress.

Hay fever, or kafunsho in Japanese, became a widespread concern in the 1960s when the Japanese government planted large numbers of cedar and cypress trees, unintentionally triggering an allergy epidemic. Today, over half of Japan’s population suffer from hay fever each year.

On windy days, especially when the spring breeze suddenly becomes warmer, pollen dispersion can increase quickly and worsen hay fever symptoms.

The good news is that most people exposed to cedar or cypress pollen will not immediately show symptoms the first time. Although allergies can develop over time, sometimes during a second or third trip to Japan, many people will never develop hay fever at all.

However, if you already have a history of hay fever, it is best to come prepared with the appropriate medications.

The spring season is not just about flowers. Across Japan, communities celebrate with spring festivals that feature food stalls, lantern displays and cultural performances. Many popular hanami spots also host events where visitors can enjoy illuminated blossoms at night, a tradition known as yozakura. Some well-known spring celebrations include the Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair in early March, Kanamara Matsuri in early April, Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri, two of Tokyo’s largest festivals, in mid-May. Together, these events offer a lively way to experience Japanese traditions and local culture while celebrating the arrival of spring. 

You can also pick one of these unforgettable cherry blossom food tours

Nakameguro is one of the best places for viewing cherry blossoms in Tokyo, with trees lining the river in soft pastel pinks. Along the banks, stalls sell delicious street food, sakura souvenirs and more, all competing for your attention alongside the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.

In this guided tour, an expert hanami guide will take you through Nakameguro’s evening cherry blossom festival. As the sun sets, the gentle pink glow of seasonal lanterns light up the night sky, adding even more color to your memorable cherry blossom experience.

You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy seasonal cuisine during this three-hour tour, including sakura-flavored treats, a chilled drink and dinner at a charming local izakaya bar.

You can trust us when we say that you’ll never get tired of seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, so we recommend making the most of the season with another Tokyo cherry blossom viewing tour!

Usually available from around the middle of March to the first week of April, this hanami tour takes you through Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s more traditional neighborhoods. Get a glimpse of “Old Tokyo” as you wander the backstreets near Ueno, visiting temples, shrines and local shops, all set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s beautiful cherry blossoms.

Come hungry, because you’ll try several local snacks, many of which are cherry blossom-flavored, and enjoy a special seasonal bento with homemade rice balls. The tour ends with a final hanami stroll and a visit to a famous temple in the area.

As you might expect from a city known for traditional architecture and stunning natural scenes, Kyoto is also a fantastic place for viewing cherry blossoms. This Kyoto cherry blossom food tour shows exactly why.

During this guided Kyoto tour, you’ll explore Demachiyanagi, an often-overlooked area with fewer crowds. Your spring-exclusive stroll includes visits to Shimogamo Shrine, Kawai Shrine and Masugata Shotengai, a local shopping arcade located where Kyoto's Kamo and Takano rivers meet. 

Keep your eyes open because you may spot Kyoto's famous fire symbol mountains, Mt. Daimonji, and the peak of Mt. Hiei to the north. Throughout the tour, you’ll get to capture photos of Kyoto’s cherry blossoms, with drifting pink petals creating a beautiful backdrop for every memory.

Nothing says spring in Japan like cycling through Tokyo with cherry blossom petals drifting by on a gentle breeze, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience on this unique bike tour if you visit in late March or early April.

Let your guide show you the other side of Tokyo as you coast down hidden alleyways and scenic backstreets, offering a glimpse into local life in Japan. Stop at several mom-and-pop shops and street stalls along the way to sample seasonal delicacies like sakuramochi, which is a pink mochi filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped in a salty cherry blossom leaf.

Note: This bicycle tour includes bike and helmet rental, a bottle of water and a Japanese sweet in the cost.

With mild temperatures and cherry blossoms at their peak, spring is one of the best seasons to explore on two wheels, making Japan bike tours a natural fit for your spring itinerary.

With the cherry blossoms come a wide range of spring festivals. Some of the country's most lively celebrations take place during this season. If your schedule allows, take some time to join the festivities, and try Japanese street food while you're there!

Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair (March 3–4)

Jindaiji Temple, located in Chofu in west Tokyo, is strongly associated with daruma dolls. In early March, the temple hosts its largest celebration dedicated to this goal-setting symbol. If you have goals you want to focus on this year, buy a daruma for yourself and fill in its left eye to mark your wish.

Kanamara Matsuri (first Sunday of April)

This quirky Kawasaki City festival is sometimes nicknamed "the Phallus Festival" because of its connection to fertility and sexual health. It takes place at and around Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki City, half an hour or so from downtown Tokyo. 

Kanda Matsuri (mid-May)

Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's biggest festivals and attracts hundreds of visitors each year. The highlight is a parade of around 200 mikoshi, or portable shrines, carried through the streets.

Sanja Matsuri (third Saturday of May)

The Sanja Matsuri is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Japan, rivalling Kanda Matsuri in both attendance and activities. The festival is held in honor of the three founders of Asakusa's Sensoji Temple. 

For a comprehensive list of major festivals in Tokyo, check out this guide to festivals for every season.

Spring festivals often celebrate renewal, nature and the beauty of flowers. Depending on when you visit Japan, you may encounter different seasonal events across the country.

Mito Plum Blossom Festival, Ibaraki Prefecture

Held from mid-February to late March in Kairakuen Park, one of Japan’s three most famous landscape gardens, the Mito Plum Blossom Festival features over 3,000 plum trees from more than 100 varieties. Evening illuminations, fireworks and an umeshu festival showcasing over 150 types of plum liqueur make this event especially memorable.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Aomori Prefecture

Taking place in late April at Hirosaki Park, this festival showcases more than 2,600 cherry trees, some over 300 years old. Visitors can walk through a famous cherry blossom tunnel, enjoy nighttime illuminations around Hirosaki Castle and even paddle boats through the moat surrounded by blossoms.

Takayama Spring Festival, Gifu Prefecture

Held on April 14-15, the Takayama Spring Festival is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals. Dedicated to Hie Shrine, the event features elaborately decorated floats called yatai, some equipped with mechanical puppets known as karakuri dolls that perform traditional dances.

Kamakura Festival, Kanagawa Prefecture

The Kamakura Festival takes place in mid-April and celebrates the historic coastal city’s heritage. Highlights include horseback archery, traditional dances, parades and the famous Shizuka no Mai performance. A procession of portable shrines travels along Wakamiya Oji Street to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Naha Hari Festival, Okinawa Prefecture

Held during Golden Week in May, the Naha Hari Festival transforms Nahashin Port in Okinawa into a vibrant dragon boat racing venue. Teams compete in elaborately decorated boats with dragon heads and tails, while drummers and flag bearers energize the crowd.

Tonami Tulip Fair, Toyama Prefecture

Located in Toyama’s Tonami Tulip Park, this festival features over three million tulips in bloom. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from observation towers or walk through the Flower Otani, a four-meter-high corridor filled with colorful flowers.

Sanja Festival, Tokyo

This three-day festival in Asakusa honors the founders of Sensoji Temple. More than a hundred portable shrines are paraded through the streets while crowds enjoy festival games, food stalls and performances accompanied by traditional taiko drums and flutes.

Spring is a great time to visit for soaking in a steaming hot spring. Popular onsen destinations near Tokyo include Kusatsu, Hakone and Shuzenji.

Kinosaki Onsen in northern Hyogo Prefecture is another excellent place to relax. This onsen town has a high concentration of hot springs that accept visitors with tattoos, which is still relatively rare in Japan. Pro tip: Their English website is a helpful resource for first-time onsen visitors who want to avoid making a faux pas. 

In Kyushu, Oita's Yufuin and Beppu are two of the region’s most famous onsen towns, offering many bathing options.

Japan places a strong emphasis on seasonal cuisine, and spring brings a variety of limited-time treats that you can only enjoy from March to May. 

One of the most popular Japanese spring foods is sakura mochi, a chewy mochi sweet filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf. 

Here are some other seasonal spring foods to look out for:

1. Ichigo daifuku (strawberry mochi)
2. Cherry blossom sweets at convenience stores
3. Starbucks' cherry blossom drinks
4. Sansai (mountain vegetables)
5. Takenoko (bamboo shoots)

Find out more: Japanese spring foods.

Now, there are plenty of souvenirs you can buy in Japan to bring home. If you still have space left in your suitcase, consider picking up some seasonal merchandise as well. 

In addition to stocking up on your favorite spring snacks, visit stores like Loft and Hands for a variety of spring-inspired items that are only available during this time of year.

Starbucks Japan also releases seasonal designs for its popular products, including limited-edition mugs, tumblers and other coffee and tea goods. These items often become collector's pieces, so if you spot one you like, it is worth grabbing while it’s available.

One of the most popular sakura-themed desserts in Japan is the fluffy chiffon cake. In this comprehensive three-hour cooking class in Tokyo, you’ll learn how to make it yourself.

 After a short ice-breaker to help you get comfortable with everyone, you will begin the class by preparing a delicate meringue. The mixture is carefully poured into a mold and baked until light and airy. Once the cake is ready, you will decorate your chiffon cake with cream. 

Each cake can be customized with your favorite flavor, including matcha (green tea), cocoa, black tea, strawberry, yuzu and, the seasonal favorite, sakura.

In this traditional Japanese sweets and tea ceremony experience, available all year round, you’ll learn to make a type of wagashi called nerikiri. These sweets are usually shaped into seasonal designs, and in this class they often take the form of the iconic cherry blossom.

These delicate sweets have a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with Japan’s famous matcha tea, another must-try element of your Japanese travel. Before the workshop begins, take a peaceful stroll through the garden and pause by the pond, preparing body and mind for the experience.

Afterward, you’ll join the wagashi workshop and relax in one of Ikegami Baien’s Japanese-style rooms while your host carefully prepares the tea. As you enjoy the view of the plum garden outside, you can savor the combination of freshly made sweets and matcha.