April in Japan marks the arrival of spring in full bloom—an exciting time when the country comes alive with vibrant colors, traditional festivals, and world-class events. It’s no surprise that this month is one of the most popular seasons for tourists in Japan, drawing travelers from all over the globe to experience cherry blossom festivals, cultural parades, and major international events.
Whether you’re hoping to catch the fleeting beauty of the sakura season, witness iconic local traditions like the Takayama Spring Festival, or be part of once-in-a-generation experiences such as the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, there’s something truly special about being in Japan in April. And of course, it all leads to one of the biggest national holidays of the year—Golden Week, a string of celebrations where the entire country joins in festive cheer.
But that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more to explore, from rituals like Kanamara Matsuri to modern spectacles like the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and underground music scenes like the Rainbow Disco Club.
In this guide, we’ve gathered the most exciting festivals, celebrations, and events happening in Japan this April, so you can plan your itinerary with ease and make the most out of your spring adventure. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned visitor, this is your perfect companion to discovering where to go in Japan in April—and what not to miss.
But First, Travel Preps
Weather in Japan
April is one of the most comfortable months to visit Japan, with mild spring temperatures and clear skies. Across most regions, the weather is pleasantly warm during the day and cool at night—perfect for sightseeing.
Tokyo & Kyoto: Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Osaka & Hiroshima: Typically around 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F).
Northern regions like Hokkaido or mountainous areas: It’s still chilly, hovering around 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F).
Cherry blossom season varies by region, but by April, full bloom usually reaches areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, while Hokkaido’s sakura begins in late April into early May.
What To Wear in Japan in April
Spring attire is perfect—think layers, light jackets, and comfortable walking shoes. A mix of breathable clothing and outerwear is ideal, especially for cooler evenings during hanami (flower-viewing) outings.
How Crowded?
April is one of the busiest travel months in Japan, especially due to:
- Sakura (cherry blossom) tourism: Parks, temples, and riverside spots will be bustling with both tourists and locals doing hanami (flower viewing).
- School holidays and new beginnings: April marks the start of the school and fiscal year, so you’ll see ceremonies and fresh energy across cities.
- Golden Week build-up: From mid- to late-April, local travel begins to pick up, peaking during Golden Week (April 29–May 5)—accommodation and transportation bookings go fast!
Miyako Odori – April 1–30
Image Credit: The Mainichi
The Miyako Odori is one of the most iconic spring performances and a must-see cultural experience during April in Japan. This traditional dance show features Kyoto’s geiko and maiko (geisha and apprentice geisha) performing graceful dances in stunning seasonal kimonos.
- Location: Minami-za Theatre, Kyoto
- Entrance Fee: Starts at ¥3,000 – ¥5,000 depending on seat type
- Opening Times: Multiple shows daily; usually 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM
✨ Tip: Book tickets in advance through their official website. Combine it with a visit to Gion district to complete your cultural day out.
Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival – April 1–13
Image Credit: Japan Web Magazine
This festival is one of the best ways to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Japan. It’s a picturesque experience with blooming sakura lining Lake Kawaguchiko, accompanied by food stalls and local performances.
- Location: Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: All-day; food stalls typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For more information refer to the Tourist information site of Fuji-Kawaguchiko here.
📷 Tip: Check the visibility of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossom bloom status before going! Arrive early to secure good photography spots with Mt. Fuji in the background—this a top bucket list item for spring travelers.
Kanamara Matsuri (Kawasaki) – April 2
Kanamara Matsuri (also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus”) is one of the most eccentric and unique festivals in Japan. The event celebrates fertility, safe childbirth, and prosperous marriages. Giant phallic symbols are paraded through the streets in a mix of humor, tradition, and spiritual meaning.
The festival features three phallic portable shrines: the Kanamara Boat Mikoshi contains a phallus made of black iron; the “Elizabeth” is a pink shaft donated by a drag club in Asakusabashi; and the oldest of the three, the Kanamara Omikoshi, is made of wood.
- Location: Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Parade typically starts at 12:00 PM; festivities from 10:00 AM
Seiryu-e Dragon Festival – April 3
Image Credit: Alison and Don
The Seiryu-e Dragon Festival honors the temple’s legendary blue dragon, believed to be its guardian spirit that wards off evil and brings good fortune. A stunning 18-meter-long dragon puppet is paraded through the temple grounds, accompanied by traditional music, monks, and dancers. The spectacle offers a rare fusion of spirituality and theatrical performance.
- Location: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto
- Entrance Fee: ¥400 temple admission
- Opening Times: Parade begins around 2:00 PM
🐉 Tip: Arrive early to explore the temple before the parade begins. Kyoto in April is packed, so early visits help avoid the peak crowd.
Ose Matsuri (Shizuoka) – April 4
The Ose Matsuri is a vibrant seaside tradition rooted in the faith of the fishermen of Suruga Bay. Often called the “Strange Festival of Heaven,” it features a lively boat procession where young men—dressed in women’s garb, wearing bright kimonos and wigs, painting their faces and lips—set out from the port to thank the goddess Benzaiten, who watches over them from Ose Shrine. The highlight is the energetic dance performed to the tune of “Chancharaokashi,” with performers dressed as women, adding a festive flair to the celebration.
Boats of all shapes and sizes sail on the water, but their passengers are not ordinary sailors. They are men in women’s garb, wearing bright kimonos and wigs, painting their faces and lips. Dancing and swaying on the boats, waving their fans and parasols. Everyone smiles and laughs as they enjoy the music and the breeze.
Ose Matsuri is a festival of fishermen and fun. It is a festival that honours the past and celebrates the present. It is a festival that remembers when pirates roamed the seas, and fishermen had to dress as women to escape their wrath. The festival thanks the goddess Benzaiten, who watches over them from Ose Shrine. It is a festival that shows their gratitude for the sea’s bounty and the land’s beauty.
- Location: Ose Shrine, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Festivities typically start mid-morning
🌊 Tip: Combine this with a visit to Numazu Port, a hidden gem for seafood lovers visiting Japan in April.
F1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix – April 4–6
Motorsport fans, get ready! The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025 will take place from April 4–6 at the world-famous Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture. Known for its high-speed corners and figure-eight layout, Suzuka is one of the most exciting and challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. It’s also one of the most loved by drivers and fans alike.
The 2025 race weekend promises non-stop action, global energy, and top-tier competition as teams and drivers battle it out in Japan’s spring sunshine. In addition to the Grand Prix, fans can enjoy support races, pit lane walks, autograph sessions, and fan zones packed with food, merch, and live entertainment. It’s more than just a race—it’s a full weekend of motorsport culture and excitement.
Location: Suzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecture
Entrance Fee: Tickets start from ¥9,000 (grandstand) and up depending on seat type
Opening Times: Practice starts April 4; Main race on April 6
🏎️ Tip: Check out ticket selling through their website!—this event attracts thousands. Nearby Nagoya makes a good base if Suzuka hotels are full.
Inuyama Festival (Inuyama) – April 5–6
A UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, the Inuyama Festival is known for its thirteen magnificent floats adorned with karakuri mechanical puppets that move and dance To the melody of flute and taiko. It’s a perfect example of traditional Japanese festivals in April. The festival began in 1635, when the lord of Inuyama Castle celebrated the guardian spirit of Haritsuna Shrine.
A festival of light and sight Inuyama Festival Float Event illuminates the night with lanterns That adorn each float as they parade through the cherry blossoms Creating a scene of elegance and charm that leaves you breathless.
Location: Inuyama Castle Town, Aichi Prefecture
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: Parade begins around 9:00 AM; illuminated floats in the evening
🎆 Tip: Visit Inuyama Castle (one of Japan’s oldest) while you’re there—spring views are breathtaking.
(Kawasaki, First Sunday of April)
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Kanamara Matsuri is also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus,” this quirky and lively event celebrates fertility in the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki. The annual Japanese festival is held each spring at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. Main festivities fall on the first Sunday in April 2. Phallus is the event’s central theme and reflects illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decorations, and a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade. The festival started in 1969 and has become something of a tourist attraction.
There is also a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade of numerous giant phalli just before noon. Men in drag carry the pink ” Elizabeth Mikoshi,” donated by a drag queen club called Elizabeth. Profits raised from the event go to HIV research. The festival features three phallic portable shrines: the Kanamara Boat Mikoshi contains a phallus made of black iron; the “Elizabeth” is a pink shaft donated by a drag club in Asakusabashi; and the oldest of the three, the Kanamara Omikoshi, is made of wood.
At a shrine in Kawasaki, there are phallic symbols everywhere. They are the gifts of the gods who heal and bless those who love and lust. The signs of the stories that tell of the goddess who bore a flame, the women who worked at the tea houses, and the woman who fought a demon with an iron phallus. They are the symbols of life and joy, of metal and fire.
Location: Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: Festivities start around 10:00 AM; main mikoshi parade begins before noon
🎉 Tip: Arrive early to explore the shrine grounds, shop quirky themed souvenirs, and secure a good spot for the mikoshi parade. The event is very popular with both locals and tourists, so expect large crowds.
World Expo 2025 Osaka – Starts April 13
The official grand opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is set for April 13, 2025. Held on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, this world expo is expected to be one of Japan’s biggest international events in 2025, welcoming over 28 million visitors from around the globe.
The expo’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, and it will explore how innovation, technology, and sustainability can help build a better future. Visitors will get to explore pavilions from more than 150 countries and international organizations, each showing off unique ideas related to healthcare, environment, and everyday life. There will also be special zones for art, design, and interactive experiences with cutting-edge technology.
In addition to showcasing global ideas, Expo 2025 will focus on Japanese culture, food, and design, giving visitors a full sensory experience of both the future and tradition. Whether you’re attending for the tech, the global community, or the entertainment, this event is set to be one of the most exciting ways to experience Japan in 2025.
Location: Yumeshima Island, Osaka
Entrance Fee: Expo tickets to be announced (expected from ¥4,000+)
Opening Times: Expected from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (TBC)
🌍 Tip: This will be a central draw during Golden Week 2025, so make sure to plan your Osaka accommodations early. Hurry, learn more about admission tickets here!
Yayoi Matsuri Festival (Nikko) – April 13–17
Image Credit: Axel Schwab
The Yayoi Festival is a traditional festival that celebrates the arrival of spring in Nikko, Japan at the Futarasan Shrine. The festival’s highlight is the parade of 11 or 12 colourful floats decorated with flowers and cherry blossoms. The floats are called hanayatai, pulled by people dressed in traditional Japanese attire.
The festival also features music, dances, and food stalls. It’s a scenic experience set against the backdrop of Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
On the final day of the Yayoi Matsuri, the town fills with wonder. As twelve dazzling floats parade with grace and splendour.
- Location: Futarasan Shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Daily parades from morning to afternoon
🛕 Tip: Combine this with a visit to Toshogu Shrine for a full day of culture and history.
Yasurai Festival – April 13
A Kyoto tradition, Yasurai Matsuri is said to help prevent illness and bring peace. Dancers with red and black umbrellas move rhythmically to taito drums and bamboo flutes in a small, intimate procession.
The umbrellas are symbolic, said to shelter participants from malevolent spirits carried on the spring winds. Though small and intimate, the event holds deep spiritual meaning and is one of the oldest festivals in the city.
- Location: Imamiya Shrine, Kyoto
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Procession begins late morning
Fuji Shibazakura Festival – Starts April 13
Image Credit: Carissa Loh
Enjoy a visual feast with fields of shibazakura (pink moss phlox) with Mount Fuji in the background—truly one of the most Instagrammable places in Japan in April. The area also features local food stalls, souvenir shops, and panoramic viewing platforms to fully enjoy the floral scenery.
Location: Fuji Motosuko Resort, Yamanashi Prefecture
Entrance Fee: ¥800 (adults), ¥250 (children)
Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🌸 Tip: There are food stalls and souvenir shops—try the shibazakura-themed mochi and sweets!
Kamakura Matsuri – April 13–20
Image Credit: Japan Travel
Held to honor the military heritage of the Kamakura shogunate and another excuse to visit Kamakura, the Kamakura Festival celebrates the city’s rich samurai history and Shinto traditions. The highlight is the yabusame performance—archers in traditional samurai attire skillfully shooting arrows from galloping horses, a dramatic reenactment once used to train warriors.
The week-long festivities also include parades, Shinto rituals, and traditional music and dance performances, all centered around the historic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
- Location: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Events held throughout the day; Yabusame archery typically on the second Sunday (April 14)
Takayama Spring Festival – April 14–15
Image Credit: The Froggy Adventures
The Takayama Spring Festival—also known as Sanno Matsuri—is held at Hie Shrine in the charming mountain town of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. This event features ornate floats adorned with intricate carvings and lanterns, traditional music, and puppet performances. The parade route winds from the shrine to Otabisho and back, showcasing portable shrines, lion dances, and participants dressed in Edo-period costumes.
Hie Shrine in Takayama is where you experience the historic mountain town in Gifu Prefecture.
The festival has three main attractions: yatai (elaborate floats), a parade with mikoshi (portable shrines), and a marionette performance. Moreover, The 12 yatai are on display around the downtown’s historical core on the 14th and 15th. Each float enhances with intricate carvings, lacquer work, and metalwork. On the evening of the 14th, the floats are decorated with lanterns and paraded around for a few hours.
- Location: Hie Shrine, Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Times: Floats parade from 9:00 AM; evening illumination around 6:00 PM
A few of the floats have karakuri or traditional Japanese marionettes and give performances of conventional folktales or legends. As it winds its way from Hie Shrine to Otabisho and back over two days, the parade includes a mikoshi procession, lion dances, musicians, and hundreds of people dressed in Edo period attire. It runs from Hie Shrine to Otabisho and back over two days.
On the 14th, it departs from the shrine at 1 pm and arrives at Otabisho around 4 pm. The following day, it leaves Otabisho at 12:30 pm and returns to the shrine at 4 pm. Altogether the Takayama Spring Festival is a feast for the senses of your trip to Japan in April.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Opens April 15
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a journey of awe and wonder Through the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps. The route connects Toyama and Nagano prefectures by various modes of transportation such as cable car, ropeway, bus, and trolley bus.
The highlight? The Yuki-no-Otani (Great Snow Wall)—a majestic corridor of snow reaching up to 20 meters high, which visitors can walk through. The route traverses through mountains via a combination of cable cars, ropeways, and buses.
- Location: Between Tateyama (Toyama Prefecture) and Omachi (Nagano Prefecture)
- Entrance Fee: Varies by segment, but a full route costs around ¥9,000–¥12,000 one-way
- Opening Times: Mid-April to late November; Snow Wall Walk: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM (April–June)
❄️ Tip: April is the best time to see the snow corridor at its highest. Tickets can sell out fast—book online in advance, especially during weekends or around Golden Week Japan. To take in the entire Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it’s better to allocate a whole day.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival – April 18–May 5
Image Credit: Nippon
This celebration is often ranked among the best cherry blossom festivals in Japan, offering more than just stunning views. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Hirosaki Castle, where over 2,600 cherry trees bloom alongside moats and historic architecture.
Visitors can rent boats to glide under the sakura canopy, explore tunnels of pink petals, and enjoy evening illuminations that make the blossoms glow against the night sky. Food stalls, cultural performances, and hanami picnics add to the festive spring charm, making it a must-see if you’re heading to northern Japan in late April.
- Location: Hirosaki Castle Park, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: ¥320 (Hirosaki Castle grounds), ¥520 (Castle tower admission)
- Opening Times: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Illuminations until 10:00 PM)
🌸 Tip: This is one of the best late-blooming sakura spots in Japan—perfect for those who missed earlier blooms in Tokyo or Kyoto. Expect cooler temps here (around 13°C / 55°F).
Rainbow Disco Club – April 18–20
Rainbow Disco Club is a beloved outdoor electronic music festival held in the lush forests of Higashi-Izu, Shizuoka. Since its launch in 2010, it has gained a loyal following among international and local music lovers for its unique blend of nature, music, and community. The festival is known for its chill vibes, curated lineups, and a relaxed, respectful crowd that values both connection and quality sound.
Spanning three days, the event features continuous DJ sets and live performances from world-class artists like DJ Nobu, Floating Points, Antal, Soichi Terada, and more. With genres ranging from house and techno to ambient, the soundscape is diverse yet cohesive. Beyond the music, guests can explore food trucks, art installations, and chill-out zones nestled in the natural surroundings.
Attendees can choose between camping on-site—with rental gear available—or booking accommodation in nearby inns and onsen resorts. The festival’s setting, combined with its soulful atmosphere and scenic location, makes Rainbow Disco Club a standout experience for travellers seeking something off the beaten track in Japan’s music and festival scene.
- Location: Chidori Park, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: Around ¥20,000 (full 3-day pass)
- Opening Times: Full-day event (Check out the official lineup and ticket details here!)
🎧 Tip: Camping is available on-site—make sure to book early. It’s a great offbeat addition to a Japan April itinerary if you enjoy underground music culture.
Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival – Starts April 19
Image Credit: Hokkaido Love
Matsumae Park, located in Hokkaido’s only castle town, celebrates spring a bit later due to the colder climate. The park features over 10,000 cherry trees of 250 varieties, making the festival bloom longer than anywhere else in Japan.
- Location: Matsumae Castle Park, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
- Entrance Fee: Free (Castle museum admission: ¥360)
- Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Castle museum)
🌸 Tip: Perfect for late-April or early-May travelers. Pair this visit with a trip to Hakodate, a scenic port city nearby.
Hanabi Illusion 2025 – April 19
Image Credit: Japan Cheapo
This amazing fireworks show mixes traditional Japanese fireworks with music and laser lights. It’s a modern twist on a classic event and a great way to enjoy a special night in Japan in April.
The Hanabi Illusion takes place at Ginowan Seaside Park and Tropical Beach and lasts for one exciting hour. You’ll see beautiful fireworks, live music, performances, and cool light effects. There’s lots of food and drink stands, and you can relax by the ocean and enjoy a fun night under the stars.
- Location: Makuhari Seaside Park, Chiba Prefecture (near Tokyo)
- Entrance Fee: ¥5,500–¥8,800 (Get your tickets through their official website!)
- Opening Times: Gates open 3:30 PM; Show starts at 7:00 PM
🎆 Tip: Easily accessible from Tokyo—plan a day trip and pair it with shopping at Makuhari Outlet Mall.
Nagano Marathon 2025 – April 20
Held in the scenic city of Nagano, this marathon takes you through Olympic sites and natural backdrops. It’s a popular spring event that attracts runners from all over the world and is ideal for those combining fitness with travel.
- Location: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
- Entrance Fee: ¥12,000 (race entry; registration closes early)
- Opening Times: Race starts at 8:30 AM
Start of Golden Week 2025 – April 29–May 5
While Golden Week officially spans late April to early May, it starts with Showa Day (April 29). This national holiday marks the birthday of Emperor Showa and is often the start of mass domestic travel, making it one of the busiest periods in Japan’s spring tourism season.
- Location: Nationwide
- Entrance Fee: N/A – National Holiday
- Opening Times: All-day closures in government offices; events vary by region
This day traditionally marks the start of one of Japan’s busiest travel periods, with many locals taking time off to enjoy an extended break.
During Golden Week, millions of Japanese people travel both domestically and internationally, filling bullet trains, airports, and highways. The Japanese take advantage of this time to travel domestically all over the country while others return to their hometowns to visit family. Many also take the opportunity to explore seasonal festivals, go hiking, or enjoy cherry blossoms and spring landscapes in nature-rich areas.
For those who stay in the city, Golden Week is a time to relax, visit theme parks, museums, or department store events, and indulge in shopping sprees as retailers often roll out special Golden Week promotions. It’s a happy, high-energy time when Japan truly comes alive with movement, celebration, and tradition.
📅 Tip: If you’re traveling during this period, book transportation and accommodations well in advance. Expect crowds at major attractions but also a more festive vibe across cities.
Our Suggestion: Try A Trip to Osaka or Okinawa (Entire April)
One of the main reasons to visit Osaka in April is to witness the stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms, or sakura, that bloom all over the city. There are many spots where you can enjoy hanami, or cherry blossom viewings, such as Osaka Castle Park, Utsubo-koen Park, Nakanoshima Park, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
Okinawa islands in Japan in April because it is a great time to enjoy the warm weather, the beautiful beaches, and the region’s rich culture. April is the start of the beach season in Okinawa, with many resort beaches opening for swimming in March. The sea temperature is warm enough for diving and snorkelling, and you can see amazing marine life like sea turtles and manta rays.
April is also an excellent time to avoid the rainy season, which usually starts in mid-May, and the typhoon season, which runs from June to September. Indeed April is also a time for cultural events and festivals in Okinawa, such as hari boat races, lily festivals, firefly watching, and eisa dancing. Okinawa islands offer a unique and diverse experience of Japan’s nature and heritage that you want to take advantage of.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up for the latest news & offers
