Written by Zara Sekhavati
Researched by Jane Pipkin
Spring in Tokyo is probably the best time of year to visit — and it’s all thanks to the beautiful cherry blossoms (sakura) blooming all over.
The temperatures are also a reason to travel at this time, with the spring weather being nice and mild — after May, the days get hotter and in summer, Tokyo can be uncomfortably humid. Here’s what to know about visiting Tokyo in spring.
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Tokyo’s spring weather: Mild
You’ll find that March in Tokyo has average temperatures of around 11 to 13 degrees Celsius, with afternoons reaching higher and mornings and evenings around 6 to 9° C.
April then increases to about 15-18° C in the day, and by May it goes up to around 19-23° C (or higher!). Morning and evening temperatures at this time are around 14-17° C.
The first half of spring may give you some cold days, sometimes even with a bit of snow, whereas the second half generally gives you plenty of sun with clear weather.
We recommend keeping a close eye on the weather forecast from about 2-3 weeks before your trip, to pack the right gear.
What to wear in spring in Tokyo
Spring temperatures can vary, so pack accordingly. March can still be quite cold, so be sure to bring a decent coat.
With April comes better weather, but still — it’s advisable to bring a cardigan, jacket or coat, especially if you are going to be wandering around in the evenings, e.g. to do some night cherry blossom viewing.
May has gotten hotter in recent years, so we advise bringing a mix of shorts and longs — the days sometimes feel more like Japan’s summer than late spring!
Things to do: Hanami and picnics
Without a doubt, cherry blossom season is the highlight of spring in Japan. Hanami (flower-viewing) is a well-loved tradition where friends, family members, and coworkers go out to eat and drink under the trees, gazing at the gorgeous cherry blossoms. See our guide to the best blossom viewing spots in Tokyo (with some less-crowded options).
For Tokyo, blooming generally starts in the last third of March, and the cherry blossom trees should be in full bloom by the end of the month. Outlying areas may flower a little later.
Unfortunately, this season doesn’t last long, and so it is recommended that you plan your trip while taking a look at the Tokyo cherry blossom forecast — we keep it up to date.
Seasonal foods
Spring is the time of sprouting in Japan. You can enjoy fresh foods such as bamboo shoots, spring cabbage, and broccolini, to name a few.
There are also foods such as soft seawards, the Japanese halfbeak and clams to show us that spring has well and truly arrived. Strawberries, funnily enough, are representative of the spring season, too. See the top spring foods in Japan.
Many coffee chains sell seasonal sakura-themed drinks during this time, some of which don’t contain any coffee at all. And supermarkets and convenience stores offer a variety of pink treats, one of the most traditionally famous being sakuramochi.
You can also find cherry blossom leaves in stores — they are usually salted and preserved, then used in sweets, teas, and even alcohol.
Springtime festivals and events in Tokyo
Spring is jam-packed with fun festivals in Tokyo. Here is just a taste of what’s on offer.
Yabusame
Spring in Tokyo offers the chance to see the traditional Japanese martial art of yabusame (horseback archery).
There are two major yabusame events that take place in April, one in Asakusa, and the other in Kamakura.
Riders, who are dressed in hunting costumes from the 12th-13th centuries, are tasked with hitting as many targets as they can in a run. And for a fun spring element, targets are loaded with pink and white confetti, symbolizing the petals of the blossoms.
More than just blossoms
With spring comes flowers, but we’re not just talking about cherry blossom festivals. Wisteria festivals are also a popular draw for tourists and locals alike.
You can see this beautiful flower at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo, or opt for a day trip to the Ashikaga City Wisteria Festival or Hitachi Seaside Park.
Pro tip: See our guide on where to see spring flowers in Tokyo for other ideas, including giant fields of nemophila, tulips, and more.
Celebrating the kids of Japan
Children’s Day
A biggie for this season is Tango no Sekku, which was once Boys’ Festival. This lands on the 5th of May in Japan, and traditionally it was a celebration in dedication to boys.
Since 1948, the day has slightly changed and it is a national holiday now known as Children’s Day. You will see lots of koinobori (carp banners) displayed around the country at this time. This is supposed to symbolize success due to vitality.
Hinamatsuri
If you don’t like dolls, this isn’t the festival for you, that’s for sure. If you do, read on! The Hinamatsuri is celebrated on the 3rd of March. This is the day that families with young daughters pray for their future happiness and health.
Japanese girls display their ceremonial dolls, which are dressed in kimono fabrics. They are passed down from mother to daughter. A set of hina dolls consists of 15 dolls, so you can really see a lot of figures during this time around Tokyo, and the rest of the country.
The festival is mostly celebrated at home, but families with daughters can often be seen at their local temple. Tokyo also has the Kobayashi Doll Museum, so you can see and learn more if you’re not around in early March.
Other spring holidays
Golden Week
By far, the busiest time of the year in Japan is Golden Week, which runs from 29 April to May 6 — the exact dates change each year, though. Many public holidays fall during this time, making it an extended break and a popular — if expensive — time for residents to travel.
It is so busy, in fact, that the railway companies recommend booking Shinkansen tickets well in advance, as they sell out like hotcakes. Non-reserved seating is generally not available. Even if you do get a ticket, expect busy platforms where you feel like a packed sardine.
Spring in Japan FAQs
Is spring a good time to visit Japan?
Spring really is (arguably) the best time to visit Tokyo and the rest of Japan. The cherry blossom is able to be seen in full display during this period, and is not to be missed.
Also, temperatures are usually mild and manageable and prove easier for traveling. And there are a number of festivals and events in spring, so there is plenty to do. It is an extremely special time for Japan, so enjoy it to the max!
Is it more expensive to go to Japan in spring?
Given that it is the most popular time of year to visit Japan, you can expect to pay more on flights and hotels. Prices of attractions tend to stay the same though, expect during Golden Week.
How busy is Japan in spring?
Be prepared for crowds, especially at those popular cherry blossom viewing spots and areas like Mt. Fuji, which has its own Fuji Shibazakura Festival.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in March 2017. Last updated in January 2026, by Jane Pipkin.
