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When is Spring in Japan? A Travel Guide to Weather, Clothing, and How to Enjoy the Season

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When is Spring in Japan? A Travel Guide to Weather, Clothing, and How to Enjoy the Season

Spring in Japan is a special season beloved worldwide, where cherry blossoms and plum blossoms adorn the streets, and hanami culture and seasonal delicacies are condensed into a brief period. However, when planning a trip to Japan, many people have questions about when the cherry blossoms bloom and what clothing to wear. Even within spring, temperatures vary by region, so it’s important to plan your clothing and itinerary according to your destination.

This article explains why Japanese spring captivates the world, the spring season and regional temperature differences, how to choose clothing based on temperature, and ways to fully enjoy spring in Japan.

Contents

1. Why Japanese Spring Captivates the World

The reason Japanese spring captivates the world lies in how climate, scenery, food, and culture are condensed into a short period, making it easy to have a highly satisfying trip. Average high temperatures are generally 14-25°C, making daytime walking pleasant, though March can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so having a light jacket is reassuring.

Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms transform the streetscapes, and the hanami culture of gathering under the flowers leaves a lasting impression. In some countries, drinking alcohol in public places like parks is restricted, so the Japanese hanami atmosphere of enjoying food and drinks outdoors to appreciate the cherry blossoms feels especially special. Seasonal products increase in stores, and cherry blossom-patterned confectionery packaging enhances the spring mood.

Seasonal delicacies are abundant, including strawberries, spring cabbage, bamboo shoots, bonito, Spanish mackerel, sakuramochi, and kashiwamochi. While some complain about pollen, being able to experience traditional events like Hinamatsuri and koinobori allows visitors to deeply feel the essence of Japan.

2. What Months are Spring in Japan?

Spring in Japan generally refers to the period from March to May. For travel planning and choosing clothing, remembering “March to May = spring” according to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s seasonal divisions will help you avoid confusion. Daytime becomes more pleasant for walking, but mornings and evenings can still be cold, so prepare a light jacket.

On the other hand, according to the calendar, spring begins from Risshun in the 24 solar terms, which falls on February 4, 2026. However, around Risshun the air is still cold, making the expression “spring according to the calendar” fitting. Furthermore, astronomically spring begins from the vernal equinox, which is March 20, 2026. When the first spring winds arrive and news of plum and cherry blossoms reaches us, the spring on the calendar approaches the spring we can feel. Using “spring” according to purpose makes the Japanese seasons a bit more enjoyable.

3. Regional Cold Weather and Temperatures in Japanese Spring

Spring in Japan refers to the March to May period, but Japan stretches from north to south, and coldness differs by region even during the same time. Northern to Eastern Japan tends to remain cold, while Western to Southern Japan tends to warm up earlier. Here are regional guidelines.

3-1. Northern to Eastern Japan

Northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku) still experiences cold weather in March, with average temperatures starting around 0-5°C. April rises to about 5-12°C, and in May finally reaches approximately 10-16°C. Due to remaining snow and cold winds, even on sunny days the perceived temperature can drop.

The cherry blossom front is also delayed, with peak viewing in some areas occurring from late April to May. Eastern Japan (the Kanto region, etc.) typically sees temperatures around 9-11°C in March, 14-16°C in April, and 18-20°C in May, with a tendency for significant daily temperature ranges.

3-2. Western to Southern Japan

Western Japan (Kinki to Kyushu) experiences an early spring onset, with many areas reaching 10-15°C in March, 15-20°C in April, and around 20°C in May. Southern Japan (Southern Kyushu to Okinawa) is even warmer, with Okinawa reaching nearly 20°C from March.

Inland areas tend to have larger daily temperature ranges, while coastal areas experience different perceived temperatures due to sea breezes. In May, humidity rises and the rainy season approaches from the south, making the air feel moist. Some years see yellow dust. Cherry blossoms primarily peak from late March to early April across the region.

4. What Clothing Should You Wear in Japanese Spring?

Japanese spring has significant regional differences, and even on the same day, high temperatures can be in the low teens in some areas and near 25°C in others. First, check the forecast for your destination, and decide on clothing based on the high temperature guideline to avoid confusion.

TemptureTopsOuterwearFootwear and Accessories
25℃ and aboveShort-sleeve T-shirt, short-sleeve shirtGenerally none (thin shirt if needed)Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
21-24℃Short-sleeve to thin long-sleeveThin shirt, thin cardiganCarry a layer for air conditioning
16-20℃Long-sleeve T-shirt, long-sleeve shirtThin cardigan, light jacketAdjust for morning/evening chill
12-15℃Long-sleeve + thin knitTrench coat, light outerwearItems to protect the neck are useful
6-11℃Knit, sweatshirtThicker coat, padded outerwearConsider gloves on cold days
5℃ and belowThick knit + inner layerDown jacket, long coatScarf, thick socks, etc.

Note that even at the same temperature, sunny weather feels warmer, while cloudy and windy conditions feel colder. When choosing clothes, checking the wind speed and low temperature in the forecast will reduce mistakes.

5. How to Enjoy Spring in Japan

Japanese spring is packed with attractions condensed into a short period, from cherry blossoms and flower scenery to seasonal festivals and peak-season delicacies. Covering the standard experiences increases satisfaction whether traveling or in daily life. Here are ways to enjoy spring in Japan.

5-1. Viewing Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are the iconic scenery of Japanese spring, blooming simultaneously in familiar places like parks, riversides, and streets. Blooming is affected by temperature, with the standard pattern being the cherry blossom front moving northward from Kyushu to Tohoku and Hokkaido.Hanami, where people enjoy food and conversation under the full-bloom trees, is an event where you can experience not just viewing the cherry blossoms but also the lively atmosphere. Cherry blossom viewing spots tend to be crowded on weekends, so if you plan to do hanami, it’s best to go early in the day.

During the day you see pale flower colors, while at night the atmosphere changes with illumination, allowing you to enjoy different expressions even at the same famous spot. The peak is brief, and the cherry blossom snowfall at the end is also a popular moment. Since cherry blossom bloom times can advance or shift, be sure to check the cherry blossom bloom period when traveling.

5-2. Viewing Spring Flowers

Spring flowers aren’t just cherry blossoms. Plum blossoms peak earlier than cherry blossoms in February to March, with scenery varying by variety in white, pale pink, and deep crimson. The strong fragrance and elegant quality different from cherry blossoms are also appealing. It’s also known that the poem that became the origin of the era name Reiwa was composed at a banquet viewing plum blossoms. Plum blossoms have a longer period from blooming to falling, making them easier to incorporate into travel itineraries. In colder regions, peak viewing may shift to April-May.

In early May, the blue hills of nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park, the 600-tatami wisteria trellis and wisteria tunnel at Ashikaga Flower Park, and touring moss phlox spots are also recommended.

5-3. Enjoying Spring Festivals

Spring flower festivals (cherry blossom festivals) are held across regions coinciding with cherry blossom peak viewing, offering a uniquely Japanese atmosphere. Food stalls line the venues, and strolling with dango and light meals in hand is part of the enjoyment. At night, the illuminated cherry blossom tree-lined paths are magical and perfect for photos.

Events are creatively planned by venue with music and dance, enjoyable for families and friends alike. Sometimes restricted areas are temporarily opened, so checking the official website for dates and rules before participating is reassuring. Since event periods may shift based on bloom conditions, be conscious of crowds and etiquette as well.

5-4. Eating Spring-Exclusive Foods and Sweets

Spring in Japan is a season when seasonal flavors suddenly increase. Sakuramochi infused with cherry blossom fragrance, strawberry daifuku, convenience store and café cherry blossom sweets and cherry blossom drinks are standards for easily taking “spring” home. Among fruits, strawberries reach their peak from winter to spring, allowing for variety tasting and strawberry picking at farms. For meals, mixed rice with freshly harvested bamboo shoots and tempura with wild vegetables are spring-like dishes.

Furthermore, first-picked tea harvested from late April to late May is characterized by a refreshing aroma and umami, and you can feel the season through matcha latte and matcha gelato as well. Try experiencing the brief seasonal exclusivity of March to May.

Summary

Spring in Japan refers to the March to May period, an attractive season with condensed climate, scenery, food, and culture. Average high temperatures are 14-25°C with significant regional differences—Northern Japan is around 10-16°C even in May, while Western Japan warms early to around 15°C from March.

Cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, nemophila, wisteria, and other flowers adorn the streets, and you can experience the hanami culture of enjoying meals under cherry blossoms. Spring festivals feature magical food stalls and illumination, with abundant seasonal delicacies like sakuramochi, strawberry daifuku, mixed rice with bamboo shoots, and first-picked tea. For clothing, match the temperature at your destination and adjust with light layers. Precisely because spring is brief, please visit Japan to seek out scenery and flavors only available during this season!

*This article is based on information as of January 2026.

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