Spring in Japan isn’t just a season, it’s a full-on immersive experience filled with colour, culture, and uniquely delicious culinary delights. I’ve had the privilege of going to this beautiful country twice already, and plan to go back as many times as my wallet allows me. From the two times I’ve gone, the first time was in fall, and the second time was in late spring going into summer. If you’re planning to visit Japan or just adding it to your bucket list for now, read through my guide below and hopefully it’ll help you identify if spring is the best season for you to visit Japan.
1. Experience Cherry Blossom Season
This one is fairly obvious, but there’s nothing quite like the Sakura-pink hued cherry blossoms in Japan. From late March to early May, the landscape transforms into a vibrant water-colour painting. During this time, you can join the Japanese locals in a “hanami” (a traditional flower viewing picnic) where you can immerse yourself in this enchanting spectacle. However, if that’s a bit more complicated than you’d like, you can simply visit one of the numerous parks lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees.
2. Enjoy Perfectly Mild Weather
Not a lot of people realize, but Japan is fairly north and can get pretty cold in fall and winter, and oddly humid on random days in the summer. That’s where springtime comes in as the perfect goldylocks solution! Spring in Japan offers the perfect climate conditions for travellers because it’s neither too hot or too cold. The mild temperatures and low humidity make it an ideal time to explore both the cityscape in a big metropolis like Tokyo as well as laidback countryside landscapes like Kyoto.
A word of caution though: You should still bring a light jacket with you, and definitely carry an umbrella. It can get pretty cool in the evenings once the sun sets, so you’ll notice most locals wearing layers. The umbrella is needed because you might suddenly get an unexpected downpour, sometimes short and sporadic. There’s a reason the Japanese culture is so into their umbrellas (including umbrella locks outside buildings, like a bike lock!).
3. Dive into Spring Festivals
There are quite a few festivals in spring throughout the various cities (and that alone is a great reason to visit Japan in spring), but one really unique festival is the Takayama Spring Festival in April. The stunning floats and lively performances are a once in a lifetime experience if you happen to be in Japan during this time. Each festival gives you a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and traditions, so it might be hard to choose from – but no matter where you do decide to attend, going to these spring festivals will be sure to make your trip at that time worthwhile.
4. Capture the Beauty of Mount Fuji
If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll love the fact that if you visit Japan in spring you’ll have a much higher chance of capturing the snow-capped beauty of Mount Fuji against a clear blue sky. It can often times be a challenge to get a good view of the mountain, particularly because depending on the time of year, weather conditions and cloudy skies make for low visibility. The last time I visited Japan it was in the month of May, and visibility was very low unfortunately. If you plan accordingly and go a bit earlier in spring, you can increase your chances. For one of the best views, you should head over to the Chureito Pagoda – it’s a spectacular sight.
5. Avoid Big Summer Crowds
While cherry blossom season does draw crowds, other tourist attractions throughout Japan are less packed in spring compared to summer, when school is out and many travel with their families on break. This makes it a much more relaxed time to explore different monuments and attractions, and allows you to enjoy this travel destination with a more authentic experience.
6. Taste Spring on a Plate
If you’re a foodie who searches for unique culinary experiences, you’ll love spring in Japan for its seasonal dishes like takenoko (bamboo shoots) and Sakura-flavoured everything (including delectable candy and mochi varieties). Some items are only available during this season, bringing in fresh harvests and fresh flavours – making it an extra special time to visit Japan. If you happen to find yourself in Kyoto, then the Nishiki market is a great place to start; in Osaka, the street food scene is excellent as well.
7. Visit Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto is especially worth visiting in spring, as the growth of new green bamboo shoots create an almost otherworldly experience for visitors. It’s also a bit less crowded than during the autumn months, which really allows you to really soak in the ethereal surroundings of towering shoots (and capture some great shots too). Just outside the grove area, you’ll also find a quaint street lined with cute boutique shops and confectionaries for you to indulge in.
If you plan to travel to Japan in spring, I honestly believe it will let you witness the country in its most iconic state. Don’t get me wrong, the other seasons are wonderful too, but I personally found it a bit too chilly for my liking in late fall going into winter. I did however enjoy ramen, sushi, and some late nights at izakayas all the same so. Hopefully the list above gave you some good insight on whether to travel to Japan in Spring. If it did, be sure to check out my latest travel deals in case there’s deals to Japan currently listed 🙂 Yoki kokai wo (bon voyage)!
