Hiroshima in spring is full of mild weather and beautiful nature, attracting travelers from all over the world. It is the best travel season because it is extremely pleasant.
This article details the highlights of spring travel, from a description of the weather and best clothing for spring travel to the best places to visit in Hiroshima in spring.
To learn more about Hiroshima, check here.
Hiroshima in Spring
Weather
In spring, Hiroshima has a very pleasant climate, gradually warming up from March to May, with average temperatures of 10-15°C in March, 15-20°C in April, and 20-25°C in May. Morning and evening temperatures can still be chilly, so a light jacket is necessary, but daytime temperatures are comfortable.
Highlights
In spring, visitors to Hiroshima can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Cherry blossoms in full bloom can be seen at tourist spots such as Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima, Shukkeien Garden, and Hiroshima Castle, which attract many tourists, especially during the cherry blossom viewing season. Along with the spring scenery, visitors can also enjoy history and culture.
Fashion
In Hiroshima in spring, layered clothing is the rule: in March, it is still cold, so a light jacket, cardigan, or sweater is necessary; in April, the days are warmer, but the mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a jacket or cardigan in addition to a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt. In May, light shirts and blouses are comfortable during the daytime, but a light jacket will be helpful at night and on windy days.
Things to do in Hiroshima in Spring
Enjoy Japanese cherry blossoms
In Hiroshima, cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late March to early April, and many people enjoy viewing them at various locations. In particular, the unique spots in Hiroshima where you can see the collaboration of cherry blossoms and the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea are very popular and attract many tourists every year. Bring your own takeout food, drink, or bento box to enjoy a picnic or a stroll.
For a more colorful experience of the tasteful Japanese culture, we recommend the cherry blossom viewing spots at the castle. Some locations are lit up at night, so be sure to enjoy the different atmosphere day and night.
*The best time to see the cherry blossoms depends on the climatic conditions of the year.
Hiroshima Castle (広島城)
Hiroshima Castle is known for its beautiful castle walls as well as for its cherry blossoms. In spring, approximately 450 cherry trees bloom around the castle, creating a beautiful contrast between the castle and the cherry blossoms. The best time to visit is usually from late March to early April. It is located only a 30-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, so be sure to visit.
Hijiyama Park (比治山公園)
Hijiyama Park is located on a small hill. The park commands a panoramic view of Hiroshima City and the Seto Inland Sea, and is a spot where visitors can feel the richness of nature even though it is located in the center of the city. In spring, the park is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the city, with 1,300 cherry trees in full bloom. There is also an art museum and a manga library in the neighborhood, so visitors can experience not only cherry blossoms but also art and history. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. This spot is also only a 30-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, so be sure to stop by during your sightseeing tour of Hiroshima City.
Visit spring flower garden spots
When one thinks of spring, the first thing that comes to mind is cherry blossoms, but cherry blossoms are not the only thing that adds color to spring in Hiroshima. In addition to cherry blossoms, there are many other attractive flower spots that are in season in spring. Flower festivals are also held in conjunction with the blooming of the flowers, so enjoy a variety of activities, shopping, and dining while taking in the colorful scenery.
Participate in a traditional festival in Hiroshima
Having come to Hiroshima, you definitely want to experience the unique culture of Hiroshima. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in local events in Hiroshima. Throughout Japan, there are various seasonal customs and events, and festivals and events are often held to celebrate them. Hiroshima Prefecture is no exception to this rule, with local people holding large, city-wide festivals and events related to traditional Japanese customs.
From watching dances, parades, and traditional performances to enjoying gourmet food made from delicious local ingredients, these events are a great opportunity to experience the unique characteristics and culture of the area. Below are two events that we particularly recommend. We hope you will join us if the timing is right.
Hiroshima Flower Festival (ひろしまフラワーフェスティバル)
This is a large-scale flower festival held annually in May in Hiroshima City. The city is decorated with colorful flowers and visitors can enjoy parades and stage shows.
Takehara Machinami Hina Doll Tour (たけはら町並み雛めぐり)
One of the most typical Japanese spring customs is a traditional event called Hinamatsuri, which falls on March 3. It is a festival to pray for the growth and happiness of girls, and families with girl children decorate hina dolls according to the time of the festival.
Takehara Machinami Hina Meguri is an event associated with the Doll Festival. The event will be held in the Takehara Machinami Preservation District, where the streetscape from the Edo period still remains. About 200 pairs of hina dolls made from the Edo period to the early Showa period will be displayed in historic buildings, allowing visitors to take a tour of the hina dolls while strolling through the town. Please take this opportunity to enjoy this uniquely Japanese scenery.
Hiking Mt. Misen at Miyajima
In spring, Miyajima attracts visitors with its beautiful cherry blossoms and mild climate. One of the best places to visit is to climb Mt. Misen is a 535-meter-high mountain and a symbol of Miyajima.
Hiking in the warm spring weather is very pleasant, and the trails are surrounded by fresh greenery. There are several climbing routes, with courses available for both beginners and advanced hikers. A ropeway is available for those who wish to use it.
As you follow the trail, you will see cherry trees in many places, and beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. In springtime, the view of the cherry blossoms from the top of the mountain is also wonderful, and the combination of the cherry blossoms, the sea, and the islands is well worth seeing.
Spring is the perfect season, neither too hot nor too cold like midsummer. In summer, it is too hot, but it can be hard to take the ropeway. In addition, since the rainy season starts in June, there will be many rainy days for a while. Therefore, for those who want to fully enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, we recommend spring, when the weather is comfortable and pleasant.
Enjoy a Spring Cruise
A spring cruise is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the calm waters and beautiful scenery. The Seto Inland Sea is one of the most beautiful areas in Japan with many islands of various sizes. In spring, fresh greenery and budding cherry blossoms make the scenery look like a painting. Spending time on the deck in the soft spring sunlight while feeling the breeze will refresh your body and mind.
While the most popular cruise locations include Miyajima, Onomichi, Tomonoura, and other tourist attractions, there are also places outside the Seto Inland Sea where cruises can be enjoyed! That is the city of Hiroshima. Hiroshima City is a river-rich metropolis with six rivers flowing through it. River cruises with views of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the city of Hiroshima are available, as well as sightseeing boats that take passengers around the moat of Hiroshima Castle. In spring, it is recommended to enjoy the cherry blossoms that decorate the riverbeds and around the moat.
Hiroshima in March
March is the season of spring in Hiroshima. Average daytime temperatures range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, gradually warming up, but mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Especially in the latter half of March, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, creating beautiful scenery. It is advisable to bring a light jacket or cardigan during this season.
Check here for more details in March.
Hiroshima in April
In April, the weather in Hiroshima becomes even warmer, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Cherry blossoms will be in full bloom, marking the peak of the cherry blossom viewing season. At Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima City and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, visitors can enjoy the harmony of cherry blossoms and historical buildings. Light sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and light jackets are in use at this time of year.
Check here for more details in April.
Hiroshima in May
May in Hiroshima is like early summer, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is the season of beautiful fresh greenery, and outdoor activities and hiking are popular. Visitors can enjoy cruises around Miyajima and other islands in the Seto Inland Sea, stroll around Hiroshima Castle and Peace Memorial Park, etc. Events such as the Hiroshima Flower Festival are held in May, offering a variety of flowers, parades, and stage shows. During the daytime, a light shirt or blouse will keep you comfortable, but it can get a little chilly at night, so bring a light jacket for peace of mind. May is also the month of the big holiday weekend known as Golden Week. Popular tourist spots are expected to be crowded every day.
Check here for more details in May.
