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This is a preview of the full content of our Japan’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
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Spring: Mar, Apr & May 春

SAKURA

Haru is one of the best times to be in Japan. It’s spring and the country is warming up and livening up after a long, cold winter; cherry blossoms are blooming, snow is receding in the mountains and there’s a positive atmosphere on the streets.

Things warm up from the south. March may see spring erratically show both its warm and cold sides, while early April will see Japanese celebrating under cherry trees throughout Japan.

Remember, latitudes count - temperatures will be determined by where you are in the country - while swimmers may be at the beach in Okinawa in May, late snow may be falling in Hokkaidō.

Try to avoid peak travel times such as Golden Week; bring some extra layers of clothing in case temperatures drop; and if you suffer from allergies, remember that pollen and blooming flowers can bring on cases of hay fever in Japan too. Come prepared.

Practical Info Practical Info icon

Spring in Japan

Cherry Blossom Viewing 花見

Check the blossom forecast! (late-Mar to late-Apr)

Golden Week

4 national holidays in 7 days! (late-Apr/early-May)

Hina Matsuri 雛祭り

Girls’ Day / Doll Festival (3 Mar)

Ryōgoku Kokugikan

Key sumo wrestling area & bouts (Jan, May & Sep)

Sanja Matsuri 三社祭

Popular Tōkyō festival (mid-May)

Takayama Matsuri 高山祭

Mountain town festival (14 & 15 April; 9 & 10 Oct)

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by raneko