If you’re planning to go sightseeing, including seasonal activities unique to that time of year in your itinerary is ideal. In this issue, we introduce essential travel information for April in Hiroshima, including weather, appropriate fashion, key events, and recommended spots, catering to those interested in experiencing the uniqueness of the season.
To learn more about Hiroshima in spring, check here!
Hiroshima in April
Weather
Temperatures in Hiroshima in April are very comfortable and you can feel the warmth of spring. Average daytime temperatures are around 20°C (68°F), and nighttime temperatures are around 12°C (54°F), making April a very pleasant month with high temperatures sometimes exceeding 20°C (68°F).
Events
In April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Hiroshima, and it is the season for cherry blossom viewing. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful blossoms at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima, and other famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Many events and festivals are held to celebrate the arrival of spring in various locations, so you can experience local culture along with beautiful spring flowers.
Travel
April is the best time to visit Hiroshima. This is the month when the cherry blossoms in Hiroshima are in full bloom, so you can enjoy the best season for cherry blossom viewing. We recommend a trip to the famous cherry blossom viewing spots and visiting classic spots such as Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Memorial Park. Cruises to the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea and hiking to enjoy Hiroshima’s natural beauty are also popular. Crowds are relatively small during this time of year, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing in a relaxed atmosphere.
April Fashion
April in Hiroshima will be warmer, but mornings and evenings can still be a bit chilly. It is advisable to bring a light jacket or cardigan. Light spring-like sweaters and long-sleeved shirts also work well. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy sightseeing in comfort.
1 Festival held in April
Here are some of the festive events held throughout the city in April. This is sure to be a special opportunity to experience local culture, unique to Japan. We hope you will join them if the timing is right!
Onomichi Port Festival (尾道みなと祭り)
Held in Onomichi since 1935, this is a historic spring festival that has been held in Onomichi for the further development of the city. It is usually held over two days on a Saturday and Sunday in late April. The festival is a major event representing Onomichi in which local citizens participate in dancing, stage events, and a shopping street parade, and the entire town gets excited. The annual contest in which local elementary and junior high school students compete in dancing is famous for its high level of perfection.
3 Spots for Beautiful Sakura (cherry blossom)
In Hiroshima Prefecture, cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late March through April. Some spots hold cherry blossom festivals in accordance with the blooming of the cherry trees, so please enjoy the unique scenery of this season to the fullest.
*The best time to see cherry blossoms may vary depending on the climatic conditions of the year.
Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園)
Peace Memorial Park, located in downtown Hiroshima, was built in 1955 with the wish for world peace. The park is home to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a World Heritage Site, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and numerous monuments set up with the wish for peace, making it a spot that cannot be missed when visiting Hiroshima.
The Motoyasu River runs along the east side of the park, and approximately 300 Someiyoshino cherry trees are in full bloom mainly along the river. From the Peace Bridge, the rows of cherry trees along the river and the Atomic Bomb Dome can be seen together.
Lake Yachiyo (八千代湖)
Lake Yachiyo, formed by a dam, is located about 40 km north of downtown Hiroshima. Around the lake, approximately 3,000 cherry trees bloom. It is a perfect place for cherry blossom viewing combined with a drive and picnic, and is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan. A cherry blossom festival is also held in accordance with the blooming of the cherry trees. It is recommended to visit at night during the cherry blossom festival to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms illuminated by approximately 300 lanterns.
Sera Kozan Fureai-no-sato Park (世羅甲山ふれあいの里)
Sera Kozan Fureai-no-sato Park, located in the center of Hiroshima Prefecture, is a recreational park known for its cherry blossoms. First of all, 250 weeping cherry trees line both sides of the park road from the entrance to greet visitors. It is said to be one of the best weeping cherry tree-lined avenues in Japan, and you will be amazed at the gorgeous curtain of cherry blossoms that will turn your field of vision pink. Beyond the path is a plaza with someiyoshino and yaezakura cherry trees in full bloom, making it a perfect place for cherry blossom viewing. At night, the cherry blossoms around the pond are lit up, and their reflection on the surface of the water changes into a beautiful, magical atmosphere.
3 Flower Garden Spots
April is the month of cherry blossoms, but many other colorful flowers are also in full bloom. Here are three spots with spectacular views of tulips, poppies, moss phlox, and other flowers blooming all over the expansive garden.
Bihoku Hillside Park (国営備北丘陵公園)
Located in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, this is the only national park in the Chugoku region. The park is a complex of various experiences ranging from playground equipment to flower gardens and campgrounds. At the approximately 1.5-hectare flower plaza, visitors can encounter a spectacular view of more than 100,000 colorful tulips blooming amidst a field of violas from March to May. The view from the “Hana-no-Observatory” is especially a must-see. It is a unique sight in April, when you can view tulips and violas, two flowers at their best, together.
Flower village Kamu no Sato (Flower village 花夢の里)
Flower village Kamu no Sato is one of the four farms of the Sera Kogen Farm Group. It is one of the largest gardens in western Japan, covering an area of 40,000 square meters, and boasts 450,000 moss phlox and 1 million nemophila trees in full bloom. The vast hill is used as a campus and is vividly decorated with four different colors of moss phlox, like a carpet of flowers. The world of pink and blue flowers is a must-see.
Kozan Lavender Hill (香山ラベンダーの丘)
Located on the Sera Plateau in the central part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Kozan Lavender Hill is surrounded by green mountains and is a very natural sightseeing farm where you can fully experience the changing of the seasons. 3.4 hectares in size, it is a perfect spot for relaxation of body and mind. In April, about 500,000 red, white, orange, and yellow Icelandic poppies bloom all over the farm, creating a spectacular scene. Just looking at these vitamin-colored flowers is an enjoyable experience.
There is also a hammock place where visitors can relax while feeling the pleasant breeze, and a café where you can enjoy a menu featuring fresh herbs. We recommend this spot as a place where you can relax surrounded by nature.
Editor’s Comment
EditorHiroshima, with its mild climate, becomes even more enjoyable in spring. Come and experience the abundance of nature, feel the arrival of spring with all your senses, and refresh yourself!
For those who want to know more about Hiroshima
