April marks the transition from winter to spring in Takayama, bringing milder temperatures, improving travel conditions, and the start of the city’s main spring season. Snow gradually clears from the town itself, while higher elevation areas may still retain winter conditions, creating a clear contrast between the city and the surrounding mountains.
The month is shaped by a mix of seasonal highlights and practical travel conditions. April includes one of Takayama’s most important annual events, the Spring Festival, the arrival of cherry blossoms, and the reopening of Kamikochi later in the month. This makes April a key period for travellers looking to combine cultural experiences with access to alpine scenery.
Spring flowers begin to appear across parks and riverbanks, outdoor walking routes reopen, and the city takes on a noticeably brighter atmosphere as winter recedes.
Weather in April
April sees a gradual warming in Takayama as winter conditions ease and spring begins to take hold. Daytime temperatures typically range from around 10–15°C, while evenings and early mornings can still be cool, often dropping to around 0–5°C. Light layers or a warm jacket are recommended, especially earlier in the month.
Snow generally clears from the town itself during April, but colder conditions and remaining snow may still be found in higher elevation areas nearby. Rainfall is moderate, with occasional wet days, so weather can be changeable.
Overall, April offers improving conditions for outdoor activities, with a noticeable shift toward spring as the month progresses.
Major Festivals & Events in April
Takayama Spring Festival (April 14–15)
The highlight of April, the Takayama Spring Festival is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals and is one of the city’s most important annual events. Held around Hie Shrine and the Old Town, the festival features elaborately decorated yatai floats displayed and paraded through the streets over two days.
Daytime processions highlight the craftsmanship of the floats, while evening illuminations create a striking atmosphere as lanterns light up the streets. Karakuri marionette performances are also held, attracting visitors from across Japan. Due to the festival’s popularity, accommodation fills quickly and central areas can become very crowded, so advance planning is essential.
Kamikochi Opening (mid to late April)
April also marks the reopening of Kamikochi, one of the most well-known alpine destinations in the Japanese Alps. Access is typically restored in the second half of the month once winter road closures are lifted, though exact dates depend on snow and weather conditions.
Early season visits offer quieter trails, lingering snow in the surrounding peaks, and clear mountain air. Temperatures remain cool, and some walking routes may still be partially snow-covered, so appropriate clothing and footwear are important.
Morning Markets – Spring Season (Takayama, daily)
Takayama’s morning markets continue daily throughout April and take on a distinctly spring-like atmosphere. As seasonal produce begins to change, stalls feature fresh vegetables, early spring plants, pickles, and handmade crafts alongside local snacks and sweets.
With milder weather and longer daylight hours, April is a comfortable time to explore the markets at a relaxed pace, offering an easy way to experience local life while enjoying the gradual arrival of spring in the city.
Seasonal Highlights in April
Cherry Blossoms in Takayama
April is the peak season for cherry blossoms in Takayama, with blooms typically appearing from early to mid month, depending on weather conditions. Due to Takayama’s higher elevation, flowering occurs later than in cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto, making April an ideal time to enjoy sakura in the Japanese Alps.
Popular viewing areas include riverside paths along the Miyagawa River, Shiroyama Park, and temple grounds around the historic centre. During peak bloom, cherry trees soften the townscape and create scenic walking routes that are especially appealing in mild spring weather.
Spring Scenery in the Surrounding Mountains
As snow retreats from lower elevations, April brings visible seasonal change to the hills and mountains around Takayama. Forests begin to show fresh greenery, while higher peaks may still retain snow, creating contrasting spring landscapes.
This transitional scenery is particularly noticeable on clear days, offering scenic views from walking routes and viewpoints around the city. While full alpine access is still limited earlier in the month, the gradual shift toward spring adds visual interest across the region.
Onsen in Early Spring
April remains a good time to enjoy hot springs, especially during cooler mornings and evenings. Open-air baths can be particularly pleasant in early spring, offering a contrast between warm water and crisp air.
Onsen towns such as Hirayu and Okuhida continue to attract visitors during this period, providing a relaxing option after sightseeing or festival activities, especially earlier in the month before temperatures fully warm.
Featured Tours in April
Seasonal 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor – Shinhotaka Ropeway & Kamikochi
April marks the gradual reopening of the Northern Alps, making this a rewarding time to experience mountain scenery as winter transitions into spring. Snow remains on higher peaks, while lower elevations begin to thaw, creating dramatic contrasts across the landscape.
Highlights:
- Ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway for panoramic alpine views
- Visit Kamikochi as it reopens for the season, conditions permitting
- Enjoy crisp mountain air and quieter trails earlier in the spring season
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama & Shirakawa-go
April offers comfortable conditions for exploring Takayama’s historic streets and the thatched roof farmhouses of Shirakawa-go. Spring scenery and mild temperatures make this an ideal time for walking and sightseeing without the heat of summer.
Highlights:
- Walk Takayama’s Old Town during the festive season.
- Explore Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses amid autumn colours.
- Take in views from the Shirakawa-go lookout point.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman – History, Traditions & Crafts
April is a pleasant time to visit Gujo Hachiman, a historic castle town known for its canals, traditional streets, and craft culture. Mild spring weather makes walking through the town comfortable, while seasonal scenery adds to the atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Explore Gujo Hachiman’s historic streets and waterways
- Learn about traditional crafts and local culture
- Enjoy a relaxed pace in a lesser-visited regional town
More Ways to Visit Takayama
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer charters and other travel options to Takayama. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of Takayama and surrounding region.
Local News & Travel Updates
- Festival Crowds and Travel Planning: Mid April is one of the busiest periods of the year in Takayama due to the Spring Festival. Accommodation fills quickly, and central areas around the Old Town and Hie Shrine experience heavy foot traffic. Visitors travelling during this period should plan transport and sightseeing carefully.
- Transport Services: Bus and train services operate normally throughout April, including routes connecting Takayama with Shirakawa-go, Gero Onsen, and other nearby destinations. During the Spring Festival, temporary traffic controls and minor delays may occur in the city centre.
- Seasonal Openings: April marks the gradual reopening of mountain areas as winter road closures are lifted. Kamikochi typically becomes accessible in the second half of the month, while higher elevation routes may still have limited access earlier in April depending on weather conditions.
- Weather and Road Conditions: Snow usually clears from Takayama itself during April, but higher elevation roads can still experience lingering snow or early spring weather. Visitors planning day trips into the mountains should check conditions in advance and allow extra travel time where needed.
Where to Stay in April
April is a popular time to visit Takayama due to spring festivals and cherry blossom season, and choosing the right base can help shape your overall experience. While the city becomes busier around mid April, there are still a range of accommodation options that suit different travel styles, from central city stays to quieter countryside locations.
- Takayama City – The most convenient base for most visitors, particularly if you plan to attend the Spring Festival, explore the Old Town, or visit the morning markets. Staying in the city provides easy access to cultural sites, dining options, and public transport.
- Shirakawa-go – A good choice for travellers seeking a quieter village atmosphere. Staying overnight allows you to experience the gassho-zukuri farmhouses outside peak daytime hours, with early spring offering a calm and scenic setting.
- Onsen Towns (Gero, Okuhida) – Well suited for travellers prioritising relaxation. Traditional ryokan and open-air baths are particularly appealing in April’s cooler mornings and evenings.
- Mountain Access Areas (Kamikochi region) – From mid to late April, accommodation near alpine access points begins to reopen. These areas are suitable for travellers planning early season visits to the mountains, though access and availability remain dependent on weather conditions.
April can be busy around festival dates, so booking accommodation well in advance is recommended, especially in Takayama City during the Spring Festival period. For more guidance, see our Best Places to Stay in Takayama.
Plan Your April Visit
April in Takayama and the wider Hida region marks the arrival of spring, bringing milder weather, seasonal colour, and some of the area’s most important annual events. From the Takayama Spring Festival and cherry blossoms to the reopening of alpine destinations such as Kamikochi, the month offers a varied mix of cultural and natural highlights.
This period combines busy peak days around mid April with quieter intervals before and after the festival, making planning particularly important. Booking accommodation and transport early is recommended if travelling during the Spring Festival, while visitors outside those dates can enjoy a more relaxed pace with improving weather and fewer crowds.
If you are visiting in April, consider combining sightseeing in Takayama with day trips to nearby towns or early season mountain scenery. Whether you prefer guided tours or independent travel, planning ahead will help you make the most of the seasonal highlights and changing conditions that define spring in the region.
If you’re visiting this April, explore our seasonal tours and let us help you experience the highlights of Takayama with ease and comfort.