Experiences

Spring Season in Japan

Spring in Japan is one of the most exciting times of the year, offering a mix of beautiful weather, cultural events, and beautiful natural sights. From March to May, temperatures range between 10°C and 25°C, depending on where you are in the country. The season is marked by clear skies and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

This season is particularly famous for cherry blossoms (sakura), which attract visitors from all over the world. However, spring in Japan isn't just about cherry blossoms. The season brings many other flowers into bloom, such as wisteria, tulips, and irises, making it an excellent time for flower viewing in parks and gardens across the country.

Many Japan tour packages highlight these seasonal blooms, offering travellers a chance to explore the country’s most scenic spring spots. Spring is also a time for cultural celebrations and traditional festivals. Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a popular activity where people gather in parks for picnics under the blooming trees.

Additionally, spring festivals, such as the Takayama Spring Festival and Aoi Matsuri, showcase Japanese traditions through parades, music, and dance. From exploring the lively cities, hiking in the mountains, or participating in local celebrations, spring in Japan offers something for every traveler. The combination of pleasant weather, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes makes it a season not to be missed.

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01

Weather And Climate During Spring In Japan

Average Temperature: From mid-March to May, temperatures range between 10°C-25°C, depending on the region.

Regional Variations : Japan is a group of islands that experiences different weather conditions across its landscape. As a traveller, you should be prepared for both warm and cold weather if exploring multiple cities in Japan. Here's a quick look into which region experiences what kind of weather during Spring in Japan:

1. Southern Japan: Okinawa and Kyushu islands experience warm and sunny spring temperatures that range from 20°C to 30°C in May.

Places: Fukoake, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa.

What to Expect: Pleasant and windy weather with occasional rain showers, ideal for outdoor activities.

Famous For: Snorkelling and Diving experiences, with crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs.

2. Central Japan: The cities located in Central Japan experience average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C

Places: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Gunma, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Toyama, and more.

What to Expect: Comfortable and mild spring weather, perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Famous For: Cherry Blossoms and Takayama Spring Festival.

3. Northern Japan: In May, Hokkaido or Northern Japan showcases temperatures that stay roughly between 13 to 20°C.

Places: Hokkaido

What to Expect: Cooler weather with relatively less-crowded natural landscapes.

Famous For: Late-blooming cherry blossoms and Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

4. Mountainous Regions: The mountainous regions in Japan, such as the Japanese Alps, have cooler temperatures, even in spring. At higher elevations, it remains chilly, with temperatures often falling below 15°C in May.

Places: Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps, Mount Takao, Mount Mitake, Mount Yufu, and Mount Tsukuba

What to Expect: Views of snow-covered peaks, perfect for outdoor adventures and photography.

Famous For: Snow Corridor, Hot Springs and Adventurous Activities

02

Does It Rain In Japan In Spring?

In spring, Japan sees occasional rainfall, particularly towards May. Early spring is usually dry, while mid-to-late spring brings more frequent but lighter rain. The rainy season typically starts in late May, but rain in spring is generally manageable and doesn’t interrupt travel plans. Many Japan honeymoon packages include flexible sightseeing options, ensuring couples enjoy every moment of their trip with ease and comfort.

1. What are the rainfall patterns during Spring in Japan?

March to April: Light showers are possible, particularly in the southern areas of Japan. However, early spring is known to be dry with mild weather conditions.

May: Rain becomes more frequent, particularly in the southern and central regions.

2. Does rainfall affect the Cherry Blossom Season?

The Cherry Blossom Season in Japan, also known as 'Sakura', often experiences light rain, which causes early blossoms to drop. However, it doesn't affect the experience for travellers; in fact, the Japanese also have a specific term for this phase known as 'Hana-no-ami'. It signifies the sight of rainfall in spring which makes the cherry blossoms fall in the entire region.

Regional Differences:

Southern Japan: More frequent light rain.

Central Japan: Experiences low to moderate rainfall.

Northern Japan: Dry with less chance of rain in spring.

Mountainous Regions: Rains in specific areas and snowmelt can make trails wet.

Tips:

Carry a portable and lightweight umbrella for light rain showers that happen throughout spring.

Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry during outdoor activities.

Wear waterproof shoes or boots to keep your feet dry during rainfall.

03

How Is It An Important Part Of Culture?

Spring in Japan is considered an important time and is filled with cultural traditions and celebrations. Here’s why:

1. Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): People gather to enjoy the views of cherry blossoms, have picnics, and celebrate the beauty of nature.

2. Traditional Festivals: Locals celebrate festivals like Takayama and Aoi Matsuri by wearing colorful costumes and enjoying folk dances and music.

3. Agriculture and Rice Planting: Spring also marks the start of rice planting, with several festivals celebrating the land and good harvests.

04

Places To Visit In Spring In Japan

Spring in Japan is a great time to see flowers like cherry blossoms, wisteria, and tulips. Here are some of the top parks and gardens to enjoy the beauty of nature during this season:

1. Cherry Blossom Hotspots:

Tokyo: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, or Chidorigafuchi to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Kyoto: Check out Maruyama Park or the Philosopher’s Path for peaceful spots to view cherry blossoms (sakura).

Hokkaido: For viewing late-blooming cherry blossoms, head to Hakodate Park or Matsumae Park.

2. Wisteria Gardens:

Kawachi Fuji Garden (Fukuoka): This garden is famous for its stunning wisteria flowers that create beautiful purple tunnels.

3. Tulip Fields:

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park (Hokkaido): It is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring to see fields of vibrant tulips.

4. Rural Retreats:

Kamikochi (Nagano): Enjoy the views of beautiful mountains and clear rivers that come to life in spring.

Nara Park (Nara): Famous for its cherry blossoms and deer, Nara Park is a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.

05

Things To Do In Spring In Japan

1. Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing): Hanami is the tradition of enjoying gatherings or picnics under cherry blossoms. It’s a fun way to spend time with family and friends while admiring the beauty of the flowers.

2. Attend Spring Festivals: Spring in Japan is also a time for attending a variety of exciting festivals. Here are some of the top festivals you can attend to witness unique celebrations, traditional parades, and lively performances that showcase Japan's culture and history:

Tango no Sekku (Children’s Day): This festival celebrates the future success and health of children with colorful samurai doll displays.

Date: 5th May 2025

Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto): Watch a traditional parade with people dressed in historical costumes. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culture.

Date: 15th May 2025

Takayama Spring Festival: A small-town festival that features beautiful floats and performances.

Date: April 14th and 15th, 2025

3. Explore Japanese Gardens: Gardens like Kenroku-en, Kairaku-en, and Koraku-en are perfect for admiring traditional Japanese landscape designs.

4. Enjoy Outdoor Activities:

Hiking in the Japanese Alps: Spring is a great time to hike in areas like Kamikochi, where you can enjoy the beautiful views.

Cycling along the Kamo River (Kyoto): Visitors can also enjoy a scenic bike ride along the river, surrounded by blooming flowers.

5. Take Part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony: Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a garden or temple setting. It’s one of the most calm and cultural ways to enjoy spring in Japan.

06

Quick Tips For Visiting Japan In Spring

Book Early: Spring is a busy travel season, especially during cherry blossom time. Plan and book your accommodations in advance to avoid any last-minute challenges.

Pack Layers: The weather can be cool, so bring a light jacket and comfortable clothes for warmer days.

Bring Rainwear: Carry a rainjacket or a poncho, and waterproof shoes, as Japan sometimes experiences light showers in Spring.

Respect Nature: Be mindful of nature, especially around cherry blossoms and other flowers, and avoid picking the plants.

Try Seasonal Foods: Remember to try some unique food items like sakura-flavored treats and fresh spring vegetables.

Check the Weather: Weather during Spring can change quickly, so be prepared for rain or sudden temperature changes.

07

Must-Know Words For Enjoying Cherry Blossom Season In Japan

1. Sakura: The word translates to 'cherry blossom', derived from the term 'saku', which means to bloom or smile.

2. Hana-yori-dango: A proverb meaning 'dumplings instead of flowers', referring to people focused more on food than blossoms.

3. Hanagasumi: It's a japanase phrase that describes a scene with many blossoms.

4. Sakura-fubuki: It means translates to 'cherry blossom snowstorm', when flower petals swirl in the wind like a pink storm.

5. Hana-no-ami: 'Hana-no-ami' refers to the beautiful sight of rain falling on cherry blossoms.

6. Hana-akari: 'Hana-akari' means 'flower lights', where cherry blossoms brighten the night with their vivid color.

7. Mikkaminumanosakura: This word describes sudden, intense change - the way how cherry blossoms quickly bloom and scatter.

8. Hazakura: 'Hazakura' refers to the small leaves that appear on cherry trees after the blossoms fall, indicating summer.

08

Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Other Flowers To See In Japan

While cherry blossoms are the most famous flower in Japan during spring, there are many other flowers to enjoy as well. Here are some of the best flowers to see in Japan during spring and where to find them:

1. Wisteria: Wisteria flowers are known for their hanging clusters of purple and white blossoms. These flowers bloom in late April to early May.

Kawachi Fuji Garden (Fukuoka): This garden is famous for its wisteria tunnels, where you can walk through beautiful purple flowers.

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi): This park has large fuji and wisteria fretworks that bloom in late April, making it a great place to visit during spring in Japan.

2. Tulips: Tulips bloom in many places in Japan during spring, adding bright colors to the landscape.

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park (Hokkaido): This park has large fields of tulips, with colors ranging from red to yellow. Tulips bloom here from late April to early May.

3. Plum Blossoms: Plum trees are known to bloom even before cherry blossoms. They have small, pale pink or white flowers and are a symbol of spring in Japan.

Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki): Known for housing over 3000 plum trees, this garden is one of the best places to see plum blossoms, usually in February and March.

Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka): Located near Kinomiya Station, this garden has many plum trees that bloom in early spring, making it a great spot to visit before the cherry blossoms.

4. Rapeseed Blossoms: Rapeseed blossoms are yellow flowers that bloom in fields across Japan. They are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring.

Hokkaido: Fields of rapeseed blossoms can be found in places like Takikawa Rape Blossom Field and others around late April to early May.

Naruto (Shikoku): The fields in the Naruto region bloom with bright yellow Rapeseed flowers, making it a great place to visit in spring in Japan.

5. Irises: Irises are flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. They are usually purple or blue and are found in gardens and by water.

Meiji Jingu Iris Garden (Tokyo): This garden has more than 150 species of irises that bloom from late May to early June.

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (Tokyo): Located in Kita, this garden offers views of beautiful Fringed irises during the spring.

09

Japan’s Golden Week 2025: All You Need To Know

Golden Week is considered to be one of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons. It usually takes place from April 29th to May 5th, with some years offering an extended 10-day break. In 2025, it is scheduled from April 29th to May 5th, in the order of events given below:

April 29: Showa Day

May 3: Constitution Memorial Day

May 4: Greenery Day

May 5: Children’s Day

Key Facts about Golden Week:

It’s a popular time for both domestic and international travel, with many businesses closing for the week.

Transportation and accommodations can be crowded and more expensive, so it’s best to book well in advance.

Several local festivals, parades, and cultural events are held during this time, including the Hakata Dontaku Festival and koinobori (carp streamers) for Children’s Day.

Since its establishment in 1948, the Golden Week has become an important time for leisure travel and family gatherings.

Top Activities to Try During Golden Week:

View Cherry Blossoms: During Golden Week, you can enjoy Cherry Blossom viewing in the northern region of Tohoku.

Koinobori Festivals: On Children’s Day, watch people fly carp streamers (koinobori) to celebrate the health and growth of boys.

Take a walk in Kawachi Wisteria Garden: Visit this garden and take a look at its beautiful wisteria flowers.

Hakata Dontaku Festival: Witness lively parades and events at this popular festival held during Golden Week.

Camping around Lake Motosu: For travellers who love the outdoors, camping by Lake Motosu is a popular activity.

Hiking Expeditions in Kamikochi: Kamikochi is a popular spot where travelers can enjoy hiking.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: If you're looking for amazing views of natural landscapes, it's a great place to visit during Golden Week.

Exploring Amanohashidate: Listed among Japan's top 3 scenic spots, it's a natural bridge that connects two sides of Miyazu Bay.

Unwind in Kinosaki Onsen: Head to the hot spring town where you can enjoy relaxing during Golden Week.

Head to Hachijojima Island: If you love sandy beaches and tropical weather, Hachijojima Island is a must-visit.

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Japan’s Mount Fuji or most commonly known as “Fuji-san,” is an active Stratovolcano in the southwest of Tokyo. Fuji-san, as the natives like to call it, is among Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” including Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is situated in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, standing tall at 3,776.24 meters.Mt. Fuji is a symbolic beauty in and around Japan for widely known reasons; it is not only a scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all around the world but also a cultural icon of Japan.The Japanese cultural art and photography is highly inspired by the “snow-capped” mountain and is often witnessed in paintings and pictures. This is not even half of what Mt. Fuji has to offer. Every year, almost more than a million tourists visit the mountain out of which approximately 300,000 climb up to its peak.Climbing the mountain is not taken as a difficult task anymore but rather a calming and pleasing experience because of all the satisfying facilities around, such as accommodation, food, and other fun activities. Not only that, on June 22, 2013, UNESCO announced Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage Site and an important cultural location.Also Checkout: Japan Tour Packages

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