April is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo, and anywhere in Japan for that matter, to see the cherry trees blossom. Be careful when visiting for the cherry blossoms as it is very popular with people all over the world and Japan sees many visitors during this time. Taking a day trip outside of the city to lesser traveled areas will give you a chance to break away from the crowds and enjoy your time at your pace.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in April. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the area without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of Japan's largest city.
Weather in April
April days in Tokyo are when it normally starts warming up in, just in time for the 'hanami' picnics. The average temperature high is around 18°C (65°F) and average lows of around 14°C (57°F). The cherry blossoms will start blooming in western Japan around the same time as Tokyo and then slowly move up towards Hokkaido. The blossom duration is usually around 2 weeks from opening to falling, but this is dependent on weather. Strong winds and rain could make the petals fall faster leaving the viewing window really short.
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in April that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Cherry Blossoms
Dates: end of March - end of April
Location: Countrywide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Meguro River
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Advance reservations necessary for certain dates during cherry blossom season
- Chidorigafuchi
- Inokashira Park
- Showa Memorial Park
- Yanaka Cemetery Sakura Street
- Kawagoe
The end of March brings out the world-famous cherry blossoms here in Japan. The above-mentioned locations are popular scenic areas in Tokyo to see the trees, but that also means they will be crowded. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden requires advance reservations on March 22, 23, 29, 30th, and April 5th and 6th during the hours of 10:00 - 16:00. Chidorigafuchi is popular for having pedal boats that you can rent and ride around the moats of the imperial palace. The Showa Memorial Park is a little further out of the city to the west, but it boasts over 1,000 cherry trees spread throughout the park. Feel free to rent a bicycle and cycle around the expansive area while enjoying the "sakura fubuki" (lit. cherry blossom blizzard). Also consider checking out Kawagoe and taking a river boat ride to see the cherry blossoms along the Shingashi River
Check out our tour that takes you right through Yanaka Sakura Street and stops at a tea house for a traditional tea ceremony!
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Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Kanamara Penis Festival
Dates: April 4-5th starting at 10:00
Location: Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
The history of Kanayama Shrine is that sex workers from local tea houses would often pray at this shrine to the Gods of mining and blacksmiths. Those seemingly unrelated Gods were worshipped because it was them who healed the Goddess Izanami after she gave birth to a fire God. This then connected them to being the Gods of safe childbirth and protection from sexually transmitted infections. Another story is that they enshrined a demon who hid inside a woman's vagina and repeatedly bit off her husband's penis. He was eventually driven out by a metal phallus before being enshrined.
The day before the big parade, they have a daikon radish sculpting event where they sculpt the radishes into a phallus shape. You can watch this being done free of charge, or be one of the lucky participants for a fee.
Wisteria Flowers
Dates: April
Location: Countrywide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Ashikaga Flower Park
- Hamarikyu Garden
- Kameido Tenjin
- Kokuryo Shrine
April marks the blooming of the popular wisteria flower. This flower has seen increased popularity due to the series "Demon Slayer" which features this flower as a way to protect against demons. Though not in Tokyo prefecture, one of the most popular places to see this flower is the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture. It is highly recommended if you have a day to spare and want to see a less travelled area, but still be able to get back to Toyko for dinner.
There are many other places to see this wonderful flower inside of the city as well! Some of those places include Hamarikyu Garden, Kameido Tenjin, and Kokuryo Shrine. Kameido Tenjin illuminates their wisteria flowers from the beginning of April until the end of the month. Kokuryo Shrine has a festival on April 18-19th where you can enjoy some food, performances, and a night illumination.
Want to see the wisteria and enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets? Come join our Tokyo Highlights tour as we spend the day walking around hitting some of the major locations within the city!
April Azaleas
Dates: April - May
Location: Countrywide
Continuing with the flower theme, April also brings out the azaleas! Two locations that we recommend to visit are Nezu Shrine and Shiofune Kannon Temple. While Nezu Shrine is on the smaller side, it has a wonderful Inari Shrine on the grounds that is like a miniature version of the famous Kyoto Inari Shrine. If you can't make it all the way down to Kyoto, be sure to check this one out! Shiofune Kannon Temple has a wonderful garden and massive hillside that transforms during this time. It's located on the outskirts of Tokyo, but definitely worth the trip!
Looking for something to do around Nezu Shrine? Check out our tour where we walk around the neighborhood, go to a local museum, and get matcha before stopping at Nezu Shrine!
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Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Food Festivals
Dates: April - May
Location: Tokyo and Yokohama
- Craft Sake Week - April 17-29th - Roppongi Hills Arena
- Tokyo Vegan Gourmet Festival - April 19th - Kiba Park
- Whisky and Spirits Festival - April 25-26th - Minatomirai
- Craft Gyoza Festival 2026 - April 29-May 6th - Komazawa Olympic Park
April is shaping up to be a great time to visit if you want to try the best Japan has to offer without deviating from your plans. Check out these four food / drink festivals that are going on during the month of April! The Craft Sake Week is a celebrating their 10-year anniversary, and each day has a certain theme. Be sure to check out their website so you can find the day that best aligns with you. Check out the vegan festival if you are having trouble finding vegan friendly options to eat at during the day, and the whisky festival if you find yourself in Yokohama. The gyoza festival has free entry with each plate of gyoza costing around ¥700 each.
Featured Tours in April
1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Highlights:
- The opportunity to have a traditional matcha and Japanese sweet experience in a Bamboo forest and temple!
- Feed Japanese Koi in a beautiful Japanese garden and pond!
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura and go inside this amazing statue!
- Ride the iconic ’Enoden’ train through the picturesque streets and alongside the sea!
- Go to the top of Enoshima Island’s observatory and take in panoramic views of the sea of Japan and the coastline!
Kamakura is a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it’s only just over 60 minutes away from Shinjuku station. This tour is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city!
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Highlights:
- Learn all about ’Yanesen’ old Tokyo and Shitamachi style with a local guide
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony and drink from antique tea bowls!
- The opportunity to explore historic hidden gems and trendy neighbourhoods in Tokyo!
- Visit a popular art museum and enjoy views of Tokyo from its rooftop terrace
Take in the sights and experiences of traditional and old Tokyo on this walking tour. Known as ’Yanesen’ in Tokyo, the trio of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi make up this area and have retained their old ‘Shitamachi’ (lower city) style, architecture and charm, despite being a stone’s throw away from some of the well-known metropolis areas of Tokyo. If on your trip to Tokyo you want a chance to step off the tourist trail and see a different side to this amazing city, then ’Yanesen’ must be added to your Tokyo itinerary!
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Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Mount Fuji Day Trip: Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji with an English speaking guide!
- Visit three popular vantage points to see Mount Fuji from different perspectives!
- Visit a unique museum and get up close to beautiful kimono!
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Hakone Highlights: Explore Japan’s Mountainous Region
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip to experience Hakone from Tokyo!
- Enjoy a relaxing pirate ship boat cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko!
- Visit the beautiful and picturesque Hakone Shrine and see its famous Red Torii Gate in Lake Ashinoko!
- Experience the volcanic valley of Owakudani and try an outdoor footbath!
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! Due to the elevation in Hakone, the foliage starts changing colors a little earlier than in Tokyo, so this spot is perfect from late October onwards!
Mount Takao Adventure: Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo
Highlights:
- Climb one of Japan’s most popular mountains!
- See and feed Japanese Snow Monkeys, walk across a suspension bridge and marvel at ancient Cedar trees!
- Try the traditional Japanese snack of Dango freshly made on the mountain!
- Visit one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and learn all about mountain worship!
- The opportunity to escape the metropolis of Tokyo’s city centre and experience being immersed in nature for the day!
When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and green landscapes. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in April
- Large crowds - April is the end of the ski season and the non-ski resort areas start gaining steam again so be ready for big crowds when the cherry blossoms come out. Make sure to reserve your train tickets in advance, if possible, if you are taking the bullet train or any of the express trains like the Tobu SpaciaX. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – April days in Tokyo warm up considerably but a jacket may still be necessary. The average temperature ranges from around 18°C (65°F) and average lows of around 14°C (57°F) at night.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting locations on weekdays so you don't also collide with local tourists.
Where to Stay
Not sure where to stay during your visit to Tokyo? Check out our article that covers the major areas of the city and what they have to offer.
Plan Your Visit
April is one of the best times of the year to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets or take in the rows of plum and cherry blossoms on the trees. Don't forget to take a day or two to rest and slow down while exploring a neighborhood or two!
With crowds expected and express trains like the bullet train often selling out, planning ahead is essential. If you're planning on getting out of Tokyo to experience more of Japan, why not check out some of our articles explaining April in other regions on our News page!
