Things to do
in April 2026
Written by
Angus Miyaji
Things to know about April 2026
Sakura Cherry Blossom information.
Traveler Tip:
This is also the peak season for hay fever (Kafun-sho). If you have allergies, prepare accordingly, as cedar pollen levels can be high. However, masks and hay fever prevention medicine is widely available in drugstores such as `Matsumoto Kiyoshi`.
What to wear and Pack in April
Spring weather can be unpredictable, making layering essential. Daytime temperatures are generally mild and pleasant, perfect for a long-sleeve shirt or a light sweater.
However, early mornings, evenings, and mountainous areas like Nikko and Nasu in Tochigi or Kusatsu and Minakami in Gunma can still be quite brisk. A light down jacket or a windbreaker is highly recommended.
*Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will likely be strolling through expansive flower parks or visiting temples!
Holidays & Crowds in April
The first week of April can be somewhat busy as local schools are still on their spring break and domestic travelers flock to cherry blossom hotspots.
The middle of the month is generally your sweet spot, offering fantastic weather, beautiful scenery, and very manageable crowds.
However, be aware of the end of the month. April 29th is Showa Day and marks the official start of Golden Week, one of Japan’s biggest holiday seasons. From this day onward, expect a massive surge in domestic tourism, packed trains, heavy traffic, and fully booked accommodations.
Recommended Activity in April
April is all about breathtaking floral landscapes. For classic cherry blossom viewing, stroll under the incredible tunnel of trees at Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura in Gunma, or enjoy cherry blossoms from the Watarase valley train.
As mid-to-late April approaches, the scenery shifts to even more vibrant displays. This is the time to witness the iconic sweeping hills of blue Nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, or the stunning carpets of pink moss phlox at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama, and Ichikai Shibazakura Park in Tochigi. See the full list of our recommended Sakura Viewing Spots here.
In mid April, the famous great wisteria trees at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi also begin their spectacular bloom which lasts into mid May.
April is also the tail-end of Japan’s premium Strawberry Picking season (Japan’s #1 strawberry producer). Do not leave without visiting a farm in Tochigi, the Strawberry Kingdom, to taste the famous Tochiotome or Skyberry varieties right off the vine!
Finally, late April is the perfect time to see colourful koinobori carp streamers fluttering in the wind. You can spot hundreds of them strung across rivers and parks throughout the region as locals prepare for Children’s Day in May.
News for MAY 2025
Japan’s Ministry of Transport has officially recognized the “North Kanto Flower Corridor” under its Garden Tourism registration system. This exciting initiative connects 12 beautiful gardens across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, such as Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park aiming to boost regional tourism by showcasing their unique floral attractions.
Events & Festivals in APRIL
from Tokyo
*Illumination days 18th April (Sat) -20th May (Wed)
*Illumination days 18th April (Sat) -20th May (Wed)
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
*Main events are on the 16th & 17th *Same days every year
*Main events are on the 16th & 17th *Same days every year
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
Recommend things to do in APRIL
Pottery Shop TOKO
Kimono Rental COCON NIKKO
NAOC
Kanuma Kaboku Center
Ichigo no Sato
shiobara viva
Edo Wonderland
Ashikaga Flower Park
Hitachi Seaside Park
Ride Experience
Watanabesahei Sake Brewery
Tonoike Sake Brewery
Yoshimura Strawberry Park
Wakayama Farm
Places to stay in APRIL
Mashikokan Hotel
Hotel Crystal Palace
