13 Fun Things To Do In Japan In April 2024

are fun things to do in Japan in April. Check it out!

Are you visiting Japan this upcoming April?

Then you are obviously looking to do something fun and exciting.

However, do you really know what Japan has to offer during this month?

Well, I know that you have collided with me after searching for things to do in Japan in April.

Hence, of course, you are here to gather as much information as needed to be prepared to travel to our beautiful country.

And, don’t worry, as I have enough knowledge about Japan, from stunning spots to the delightful festivals, you are at the right hand now.

Today I will introduce you to some fun things to do in Japan that you should definitely add to your bucket list.

Fun Things to Do in Japan in April: Don’t Miss The Highlights!

While planning a trip to Japan in April, there are many places to visit and festivals to attend.

The arrival of spring brings warm temperatures throughout the country, and it is the best time to visit Japan if you want to avoid the cold winter.

Okay, it’s time to move forward to see what type of fun is waiting for you.

Attend Japanese Festivals & Events in April

Festivals are where April shines the most!

And that’s why my first segment is all about entertaining festivals and events./spa

1. Miyako Odori Dance Festival in Kyoto

Beautiful girls are dancing and entertaining you!!

Doesn’t it sound appealing?

Yes, the Miyako Odori Dance Festival is such a treat for you.

This fest has been traditionally held each year since 1873, from April 1 to April 24 (closed on Monday), in Kyoto's Minami-za Kabuki theatre building.

Around 60 actors perform on this fiesta, including the famous geisha and maiko.

In case you are trying to figure out what to do in Japan during April, which is vastly fun and holds historical background, you should not miss attending this show.

The dance performance has a long history and has been maintained carefully for ages.

Each year they come up with a new theme of a dance show, and you are going to be pleased with their unique presentation of performances.

The show lasts for one hour which features eight scenes representing all of the seasons of Japan.

The engaging scenery, costumes, and live music are simply exceptional that even without understanding the Japanese language, you will be mesmerized by the execution.

Anyway, keep in mind that taking photos during the performances is prohibited.

But, there are colorful booklets available to purchase, which are worth buying.

Each day three shows are executed starting at 12.30, 14.30, and 16.30.

You can purchase the ticket on the day of the show, but I will suggest you reserve beforehand through their official site.

Also, check out the performance time as it may vary from time to time.

2. Inuyama Festival in Aichi Prefecture

Inuyama festival has been held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April each year since 1635 at Inuyama city.

The main fascination of this event is the parade consisting of 13 three-story floats designated as tangible folk culture assets that go out to the town showing off Karakuri dolls, together with flutes and drums.

Even though you can enjoy the scenery in the daytime, but to me, the evening holds the most exciting part.

https://twitter.com/Janny_Nash/status/1003163461382094848?s=20&t=3HFyt_Eiwp72FdEbnePkwA

At night, each vehicle is lit up by 365 Japanese lanterns creating an instagrammable scene.

So, make sure your camera is always prepared to capture some stunning pictures and videos.

3. Takayama Festival in Gifu Prefecture

Here I came up with another float festival.

And, this fiesta is organized at the renowned historic town in Japan Alps, Takayama city, twice a year in autumn and spring.

It is considered one of Japan's most charming festivals, along with Saitama’s Chichibu Yomatsuri and Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri.

From morning to late afternoon, the floats (yatai) are exhibited in the streets of Takayama.

Several of these floats are decorated with karakuri ningyo (sophisticated mechanical dolls) that can move and dance.

Watching such cool stuff is going to add a new chapter to your Japan trip.

If you plan this tour with your family and kids, I will recommend you attend this fest, as your child will surely enjoy the puppets show.

It’s quite possible that your little kiddo will start dancing along with the dolls!!

4. Enjoy Hanami Party Throughout The Month

In Japanese, Hanami means cherry blossom viewing, and it’s been a part of the culture among Japanese people for many generations.

If you are coming to Japan in April, watching the fully bloomed cherry blossoms is a must-see activity.

These beautiful flowers cover the whole country with a soft pink blanket that attracts thousands of tourists from far away to its parks, gardens, and lakes.

The view will give you a feeling of entering a colorful wonderland.

People of all ages enjoy Hanami parties at parks by drinking with family and friends under the cherry trees.

Some of the most well-known cherry blossom viewing spots like Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park tend to get busy during the blooming period, so expect crowds in these places.

Generally, people leave a blue plastic sheet to reserve their place in the early morning and begin the Hanami party from the day until the night.

So, don’t forget to pack your box of food and drinks to join the Japanese in this upcoming Hanami party.

Other stunning spots in Tokyo for Sakura viewing are Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park, Inokashira Park, Rikugien Garden, Tokyo Midtown, and so on.

Among them, Chidorigafuchi is mostly famous among couples; hence if your trip partner is your spouse, visiting this place can bring a romantic date opportunity for you.

And of course, as Tokyo is one of the best cities to visit in Japan in April, there is always something happening to catch your eyes.

Now, if you are a night bird, then you should go for Yozakura (cherry blossoms at night) events in Japan, and many places hold illumination of cherry trees during the season.

To name a few spots with amazing light-up are Hirosaki Park (in Aomori Prefecture), Takada Castle (in Niigata Prefecture), Sagami Lake (in Kanto area), and Maruyama Park (in Kyoto).

5. Watch Some Other Beautiful Spring Flower Festivals

Well, if you think that only cherry blossoms brighten up Japan’s gardens, then you are wrong.

Many other gorgeous flower events are arranged around the whole country in April.

The most famous ones are Nemophila Harmony at Hitachi Seaside Park, Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Park, and Fuji Shibazakura Festival at the base of Mount Fuji.

Every year I can’t resist going to Hitachi Seaside Park, and you can guess the reason by looking at the photo below.

Isn’t it lovely?

I assume when you post a photo with this background on social media, all of your friends will ask where the location is.

And getting such feedback will definitely make your trip a hit.

The Kanamara Festival 

One of the most crowded spring events in Japan is the Kawasaki Kanamara Festival, which takes place on the first Sunday in April.

In this festival you'll see three giant phallic portable shrines being carried away in a huge parade. You'll also find phallic shaped merchandise to pick as souvenirs.   

This festival began in the 1600s when people gathered to pray to protect them against STIs and STDs. Today, the festival raises money for protection against HIV. 

Today, instead of focusing on the sex industry, the festival today focuses more on successful marriages and pregnancies 

6. Join The Disney’s Easter Event

As most travelers choose Japan's capital city for their tour destination, I have been asked quite a lot, where to go in Tokyo in April?

Well, it is one of the best places to visit throughout the year, and you will find something happening all the time.

But, there is a special event that only takes place during the month of April to June, which is Disney’s Easter.

Celebrated in Tokyo Disney Resort, the whole park is decorated with an Easter theme at the time of the occasion.

Joining the event will give you the opportunity of enjoying special parades and egg hunting games.

Also, shops sell limited merchandise, and you can taste special menus at cafes & restaurants.

7. The Beppu Hot Spring Festival

We celebrate a festival called “Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival” every April in Beppu, home to some of the finest onsens in the world.

It is arranged to show gratitude to the onsen in Beppu.

In early April, many events take place for a week, including the Ogiyama Fire Festival and the Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival.

Ogiyama is Japan’s largest fire festival in which they burn the front side of Mount Ohira.

First, they light up fire on the edges, and then the wind does the rest work, spreading it throughout the area.

If you are afraid, then be noted that the fire is controlled by the management, and you shouldn’t be worried about any accident.

Anyway, it takes nearly 2.5 hours to burn the entire side of the mountain.

On the other hand, during the Beppu Hatto Onsen Festival, people carry onsen hot water, splash them everywhere, and dance to the music.

Moreover, many of the city’s onsen facilities are free at this time. Thus, visitors from all over the country come to soak their bodies in the hot onsen and relax.

And, be assured not to miss the local delicacies served in the stalls.

8. The Tejikara Fire Festival

Said to have more than 300 years of history, the Tejikara Fire Festival is organized on the second Saturday of every April.

On this occasion, muscular men carry around firecracker-filled portable shrines.

The fire sparks fly up from the shrine, and a lot of men dance wildly around it, ringing bells.

So, don’t you think watching such a scene will add a dramatic experience to your trip?

Yes, obviously, especially if you are a woman, it will be one of the crazy things to do, looking at masculine men dancing and entertaining!!

Anyway, it is believed that if you walk underneath the flames, you won’t get sick for a year.

9. Celebrate The Rich Culture of Kamakura

In Kamakura, the ancient city in Kanagawa Prefecture, every year on the second and third Sunday of April, a festival is held in Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

On the first day, the Shizuka no Mai dance performance takes place, which is based on the tragic love story of Lady Shizuka, a popular figure of Japanese history.

The dance represents the heroine’s story from the “Tale of Heike”, a classic of old Japanese literature.

Lady Shizuka was in deep love with the warlord Minamoto no Yoshitsune. She was caught by an enemy warlord Yoritomo and either died by suicide or killed, depending on the verdict.

Therefore, if you visit Kamakura, don’t forget to attend this ceremony.

On the festival's last day, the yabusame tournament of horseback archery competition happens.

Showing off exceptional samurai skills, each competitor must shoot an arrow at the target when the horse is running at full speed.

10. The Golden Week of Japan

From April 29th to May 5th is the golden week in Japan, which has five national holidays and two weekends.

At this time, many Japanese businesses and all schools remain closed.

And that’s why you will find more Japanese people in various tourist spots.

As the golden week is the busiest travel season in Japan, hotel rooms get pricey, and trains and places are packed with locals and tourists.

So, if you are not a fan of the crowd, you should avoid this period of the year.

But, it is when you will see more Japanese people and their way of partying and spending leisure time.

Apart from that, you will be able to attend the Spring Grand Festival, which is arranged at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

The week-long celebration features a splendid lineup of many ceremonies and traditional performances led by the masters in the field.

Hence, if you decide to come during the golden week, don’t forget to pay a visit to this shrine.

Best Places to Visit in Japan in April

Besides all the above festivals, there are many excellent sights available to see in Japan in April that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Here take a peek at all these phenomenal locations.

11. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Limitedly open from mid-April to November, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a mountain sightseeing route.

If you hope to see the great snow wall “Yuki no Otani”, April is the most suitable time for visiting there, as the snow starts to melt from the end of May.

The routes include numerous spectacular viewpoints, and you can enjoy seven different types of transport including, bus, funicular, trolleybus, and aerial tramway.

You can also hike towards the peak of Mount Tateyama.

Personally, I like Murodo, the highest point of Tateyama Alpine Route, where you will be stunned by the magnificent view of the mountain range with the pond.

You can also ride the 1.7 Km long ropeway between the Kurobedaira and Daikando station, which will give you an adventurous thrill.

For ticket prices and other information, I suggest you visit their official site.

12. Hit Okinawa’s Beaches When The Crowd is Less!!

An ocean wind can put your mind at peace!!

And, you don’t need to wait till summer to enjoy a beach trip.

If you want to enjoy swimming in a beautiful ocean, Okinawa is ready to treat you in April.

Most of the beaches are officially open around March and April.

Many people wonder whether April is a good time to visit Okinawa or not.

If you have the same concern, then let me inform you that the temperature during this month is moderate. That’s why, it is one of the best times to visit there.

As Okinawa has some of the best resorts in Japan with a cozy feel and high-end facilities, you don’t even need to worry about your stay at all.

Apart from beaches, April allows you to cherish some magical moments and landscapes that will give you a fantastic fictional world vibe.

And, some of the places that are worth visiting include Meguro River (in Tokyo), Kamogawa River (in Kyoto), Akagi Senbonzakura (in Gunma), Matsumoto Castle (in Nagano), Nagoya Castle (in Nagoya), Osaka Castle (in Osaka), Nara Park (in Nara), and so on.

Try Seasonal Japanese Food in April

As you have already seen that April is a month of lots of festivals, various seasonal dishes & snacks are available throughout the country.

Many restaurants and cafes in Japan offer cherry blossom-flavored drinks and sweets.

Starbucks Japan sells limited-time cherry blossom Frappuccino and hot beverages, which are extremely popular.

Apart from this, when you are in Japan in April, you can’t miss the opportunity to taste premium Japanese strawberries.

From January to May, numerous hotels host strawberry dessert buffets with an exceptional menu.

Takenoko (bamboo shoots) is another famous dish that is served in various ways, on its own or with side dishes and toppings.

Okay, I have completed discussing the things you can do as well as foods that you can try in April.

And now, I am going to share some important facts like the climate, expected crowd, and cost of Japan in April.

Weather in Japan During April 2023

When it comes to the temperature, expect a difference from region to region.

Here you can see the variance in the below chart.

What to Wear in Japan in April?

If you are not going to visit Hokkaido or other colder regions of Japan, be prepared for an average spring temperature and weather.

Do not forget to bring some comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot.

I recommend you pack some heavier clothes just in case you need them, but otherwise, you will be fine with skirts, shirts, shorts, and other light clothing.

On the other hand, if you travel to Hokkaido, prepare yourself for a mild winter.

Especially in the evening, the temperature of this region gets pretty cold, so pack clothing like long pants, sweaters, winter socks, and boots.

And for the daytime, you will be okay with lighter clothes.

Costs & Crowds In Japan in April 2023

April is considered one of the busiest months in Japan. Many travelers choose this month to avoid the cold winter, and there are several holidays throughout the month.

Schools in Japan have their spring holidays from late March to earlier April, and later in the month is the beginning of Golden Week, when several public holidays fall.

Also, many Japanese people take their annual leave at this time, and that’s why most of Japan’s tourist attractions get very busy.

Availability of trains and domestic flights can be limited due to the rush.

So, if you are traveling in this time period, be sure to book everything as soon in advance as possible.

As well, expect to pay relatively high prices for hotel rooms and other expenses.

Alright, we are now at the edge of our writing.

Hence, I am going to wrap it up here.

Conclusion

By far, you have gathered all the necessary information about the things to do in Japan in April.

However, remember that no matter where you visit in April, there is always something that will please your interest.

And wherever you will be, you are going to have a blast in our country.

Lastly, happy traveling.

Japan In April: FAQs

What season is April in Japan?

In Japan, April falls in the season of spring. It is also one of the best seasons to visit Japan because of the fresh weather, which is not too cold or warm.

Can you ski in Japan in April?

Generally, the ski season in Japan is from mid-January to early April. However, the season may run longer or shorter depending on the region and weather conditions.

As many ski resorts are open till early May, you can surely ski in Japan in April.

Such as, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort stays open till May 6th, and you can easily go there to enjoy this popular snow activity.

Is April a good time to visit Japan?

April is a good time to visit Japan. During April, Japan will be the most vibrant as it’ll be spring in Japan. You can attend lots of Spring festivals in Japan during this time. You can also view the beautiful cherry blossoms in April.

You will also get to try out a lot of seasonal foods in Japan during the month of April. The weather is also pretty pleasant and warm across Japan in April. 

Is it cold in Japan in April?

It’s not too cold in April in Japan. Infact, it’s pleasantly warm in Japan in April. The temperatures can rise up to an average of 19°C (66°F) and dip to 10°C (50°F) during early mornings and nights. 

What clothes to wear in Tokyo in April?

In the month of April, Tokyo is not too cold and is pleasantly warm. The temperatures may dip a bit in the nights. So as long as you carry cardigans and light coats that you can easily wear or remove depending on the temperature you should be good. A couple of jeans and some tops and shirts should be good for Tokyo in April.