Traveling to Japan in spring: an unforgettable natural spectacle

Japan in spring is one of the most magical times of the year to visit the country. With mild temperatures, longer days and nature in full splendour, this season has a charm that is hard to match. It is especially famous for the cherry blossoms ( sakura), which attracts travelers from all over the world and creates dreamlike landscapes that are part of Japan’s most well-known postcard.

Spring in Japan is often associated with renewal, the balance between the residual cold of winter and the first signs of warm weather, and a landscape full of colors and life. During these months, nature awakens, parks are filled with flowers, and the Japanese celebrate the beauty of the season with traditions and festivals that coexist with everyday urban life. In addition to the cherry blossom show, there are plenty of flowers and plants opening up everywhere, from thousand-year-old temples to country roads.

Traveling in spring also offers comfortable weather for touring the country: temperatures are pleasant, not too cold or excessively warm, which favors hiking, tours of parks and gardens, and outdoor activities.

Spring in Japan mainly covers the months of March, April and May. In many areas, winter is still felt in March, but as the month progresses temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom. April is the star month of the season, when most of the cherry trees bloom and nature is at its most colorful. May usually offers warm and pleasant days, ideal for exploring mountains, lakes and less touristy routes.

Sakura flowering and temperatures vary quite a bit depending on the region of Japan. In cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, cherry trees typically bloom between late March and the first half of April, and spring feels warmer and more stable.

To the north, in areas such as Tohoku and Hokkaido, spring comes later. Here flowering can occur towards the end of April and even the beginning of May, which allows the sakura season to be extended if you travel gradually to the north of the country.

Japanese spring weather is moderate, but it can be variable. During the day it is usually good weather, with comfortable temperatures, but at night it can cool down. Some areas may also experience light rainfall or sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, the ideal is to dress in layers: a light t-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt and a light waterproof jacket. In addition, a compact umbrella or raincoat will come in handy for occasional rainy days.

Hanami (花見), which literally means “to see flowers”, is the tradition of watching the cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring. This custom has centuries of history in Japan and has become a fundamental part of the seasonal culture. Under the cherry trees, families and friends picnic, share food and drinks, and enjoy the moment as petals fall like pink rain over parks, gardens, and rivers.

For the Japanese, hanami is not only an aesthetic observation, but also a moment of reflection on the ephemeral beauty of life, something deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and cultural sensibility.

The flowering of sakura depends on the climate of each region and varies each year. However, in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry trees typically reach their peak between late March and early April.

Further north, in areas such as Hirosaki or Hokkaido, the blooming season can be shifted to late April or even early May, allowing sakura to be enjoyed later in the spring.

Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular destinations for hanami. In Tokyo, places like Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen attract thousands of visitors every year, with large avenues of cherry trees creating pink tunnels that are impossible to forget.

In Kyoto, the philosophy of hanami is lived out on routes such as the Philosopher’s Path or in Maruyama Park, where the combination of nature and historical heritage creates a perfect setting for photos and spring walks.

In addition to hanami, numerous matsuri are celebrated in spring or traditional festivals throughout Japan. These events mix music, parades, traditional dances, and cultural performances, and often attract both Japanese and curious travelers.

Spring also brings with it an explosion of temporary markets, street food stalls – from yaki dango to sakura-inspired drinks and sweets—and a festive atmosphere in parks and temples. These aromas and flavors are an essential part of the experience of traveling to Japan this season.

Beyond the large urban parks, there are scenic routes and must-see gardens all over the island, from small rural villages to mountainous areas with panoramic views and flowers in all their glory.

Spring is one of the busiest seasons of the year, especially during the sakura bloom. Therefore, it is important to book flights, accommodation and transport well in advance to ensure seats and better prices.

• 7 days: Combine Tokyo with nearby excursions (such as Nikko or Hakone) and a quick visit to a famous sakura park.
• 10 days: Add a stay in Kyoto and Osaka to compare historic and modern cities under spring.
• 14 days: Explore regions such as Tohoku or Hokkaido further to see different phases of hanami and less crowded landscapes.

The most common mistakes are usually underestimating the demand for accommodation, planning without flexibility, and not considering alternative itineraries if the exact bloom dates change slightly. Being attentive to each year’s sakura predictions and weather forecasts helps to adjust plans and avoid frustrations.

If you live in Japan in spring, you’ll see how many routines adapt to this season. Parks and rest areas are filled with families, groups of co-workers and friends who picnic under the cherry trees on weekends or holidays.

Spring also marks the end of the school year and the start of new cycles (such as graduations or school entrances), and urban life is filled with outdoor activities, temporary markets, and garden walks that invite you to enjoy the pleasant weather.

Many values sown during the Edo period—discipline, hierarchical respect, hard work, adherence to rules, and loyalty—are reflected in the modern Japanese work ethic. Knowing this historical background helps to interpret behaviors, expectations, and attitudes in Japanese professional environments.

Behaviors that seem curious or extreme in Japan are deeply rooted in cultural values such as respect for others, the pursuit of harmony (wa) and the sense of community. These principles influence family, social and professional life.

If traveling to Japan in spring excites you as much as we do, at Doki Doki Japan We can help you turn that idea into reality. With our personalized programs you will know when to travel, what places to visit and how to plan every detail to make your spring experience in Japan unforgettable.

Ready to experience Japan at its most beautiful? We accompany you step by step!