Enjoying Spring in Japan
Picture by Pixta
Spring is an exciting season in Japan, with sakura (cherry blossoms), fresh green, 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 and other fun things to do, weather, what to wear, and events that one shouldn't miss out around this time of the year.
Spring Travel in Japan
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Spring Weather in Japan
Spring in Japan is generally a three-month period, from March to May.
In March, temperatures in Tokyo are an average of 13 degrees during the afternoon, and 5 degrees Celsius during the morning and evening. In April, afternoon temperatures reach an average of 18.5 degrees, while temperatures in the morning and night are around 10.5 degrees Celsius.
In May, we can experience around 23 degrees Celsius during the afternoon, with temperatures decreasing to around 15 degrees in the evenings and mornings.
Even though it's spring, during the first half of the season there are mostly cold days, while the second half has plenty of sunny days with clear weather.
Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2024
Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. Photo by Pixta
The most popular variety of cherry blossoms in Japan is the Somei Yoshino variety. Based on average annual blooming dates from previous years, in 2024 the cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming in Tokyo around March 24, in Kyoto and Osaka around March 26, and in Fukuoka around March 22.
For details on forecasts for each region and blooming peak times, please refer to the articles below.
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
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 2024, the cherry blossoms in the Tokyo area are expected to start blooming around March 24 and reach full bloom around March 31.
In Osaka, the start of blooming is estimated to be around March 27, and in Kyoto around March 26. The blooming peak is expected to be around April 4 in both cities.
In Hokkaido, however, the average blooming dates are in late April while the full bloom is expected in 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.
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.
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.
May 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. There is a lot to enjoy in spring.
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.
What to Wear in Tokyo in Spring
March is still quite cold, so you will need a thick coat.
In April, there are more and more warm days. However, you will need to take a cardigan, jacket, or coat of some sort on bad weather days, windy days, and when you're planning to go out at night.
May has pleasant weather. You will probably do well with a long-sleeved T-shirt and cardigan.
Spring in Japan, especially the season when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, offers pleasant weather and beautiful sights. We warmly recommend that you visit Japan during this time. To find out more about Japan’s spring festivals, please refer to the following article:
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Main image courtesy of Pixta
