If you are going to go sightseeing, you may want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in April in Tokyo for those who are interested in such things.
*The events introduced here are subject to cancellation, so please check the official website before heading out.
To learn more about Tokyo in spring, check here!
About Tokyo in April
April in Tokyo is the season when the warmth of spring is in full swing and new life begins. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the city is filled with a festive atmosphere. This is the month when the fresh greenery is beautiful and just walking outside is a pleasant experience.
Below is some general information about the characteristics and weather in Tokyo in April.
Weather
In April, spring is in full swing and the days are pleasant and comfortable. Average daytime temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal climate for going outside. However, the mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and a light jacket or cardigan may be necessary.
Cherry blossom viewing season
Early April is the best time to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Many parks and riverside areas are crowded with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing as the cherry trees are in full bloom. Some famous cherry blossom viewing spots, such as Yoyogi Park, Ueno Park, and Chidorigafuchi, even have special stalls set up, making it the perfect time to enjoy the arrival of spring.
In recent years, however, global warming has caused the blooming of the cherry blossoms to come earlier. Since the cherry blossom season is short, only about a week or so, it can be difficult to decide on an itinerary that coincides with the cherry blossoms.
Events
April is the season not only for cherry blossoms, but also for a variety of other flowers. Various flower-related events such as spring festivals and flower festivals are held in Tokyo and its suburbs. In addition, from the end of April to the beginning of May, there is a major Japanese national holiday, and a variety of events are held in various places in Tokyo to coincide with this holiday.
Travel
April is a busy month for travelers visiting Tokyo and other parts of Japan, as the weather is pleasant and the cherry blossoms and other flowers are in beautiful bloom. The cherry blossom season is especially popular, so much so that early reservations are recommended.
Spring Fashion
In Tokyo in April, one can enjoy light, spring-like fashion. Brightly colored clothing and flowery items are often seen in the streets. Daytime temperatures are warm, but it is a good idea to have something to wrap yourself in in case the mornings and evenings get chilly.
From famous places to hidden spots! Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots
The best time to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo is usually from late March to early April. Many cherry trees are planted in Tokyo, and many cherry blossoms can be seen throughout the city during the season. In particular, at famous cherry blossom viewing spots where many cherry trees line the streets, the entire street is tinged with pink, providing a very beautiful sight.
Meguro River
Meguro River is one of the most notable cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The best time to view the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April each year. About 800 cherry trees are planted on both banks of the river, lining a 4-km stretch. A popular walking course is from Nakameguro Station to Ikejiri-Ohashi Station on the upper reaches of the Meguro River.
The “Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival” is held during the cherry blossom viewing season. During the festival, many food stalls line the cherry tree-lined streets, so you can stroll around with food in hand. However, it is always crowded during the cherry blossom season, so you may not be able to enjoy hanami at your leisure. The most exciting time is after evening. Many people gather on the bridge for the nighttime cherry blossoms. We recommend visiting in the morning if you want to spend a relaxing time, as it is relatively uncrowded during the daytime.
Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park has about 1,500 cherry trees of 31 different species with different blooming times, so visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for a relatively long period of time from mid-March to late April every year. In the “Cherry Blossom Garden” of the park, many large Yoshino cherry blossoms, 40 to 50 years old, can be seen. Some of the branches hang down close to the ground, allowing visitors to sit and enjoy them right in front of them.
Since Showa Kinen Park is located a little far from the city center, it is a relatively relaxing spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms. It is especially recommended for those who wish to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace.
Chidorigafuchi Greenway
Chidorigafuchi Greenway , a promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace, is a recommended spot to experience Tokyo’s typical spring season. During the “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival,” the path is illuminated at night, making hanami even more romantic.
Boat rides are available from the boat ramp on the promenade. During the festival, boats can be boarded until 8:30 p.m. (boat tickets are available until 8:00 p.m.) and are recommended for those who wish to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms up close and personal.
Not Just Cherry Blossoms! Spring Flower Spots in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms are not the only flowers to be enjoyed in spring in Tokyo. In addition to cherry blossoms, there are many other attractive spring flower spots in Tokyo.
Nezu Jinja Shrine（根津神社）
During the Bunkyo Azalea Festival, held annually from early April to early May at Nezu Shrine, visitors can enjoy the azalea garden, which is open only during this period.
The azalea garden is home to 3,000 azalea plants of about 100 varieties. There are many rare species of azalea that are not easily seen, making it worth seeing. During the festival, the precincts of the shrine will be decorated with colorful events such as an amazake (sweet sake) tea house, a plant market, and stalls.
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
The Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is one of the great gardens of the early Edo period. It is a special Japanese garden in the center of the city, just a minute’s walk from Hamamatsucho Station, yet it is still a relaxing and peaceful place to spend time.
Azaleas and wisteria bloom in the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden from mid-April to mid-May. The azaleas blooming around the pond and the wisteria trellis more than 200 years old are soothing just to look at.
Showa Kinen Park
For those who wish to enjoy various kinds of spring flowers, “Showa Kinen Park” is recommended. Rape blossoms (early April to early May) and poppies (mid-April to late May) bloom in the flower fields located on the east and west sides of “Open Field”. Poppies also bloom all over the “Flower Hill”.
At the “Serpentine area” located on the west side of “Open Field,” visitors can enjoy the tulips, which are at their best from late March to late April. The sight of colorful tulips blooming along the mountain stream is fantastic. In addition, wisteria and nemophila will also be at their best, making this the perfect time to stroll through the entire park.
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