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Updated: March 15, 2024

Is April a good time to visit Tokyo?

April is one of the best times to visit Tokyo. There are many festivals to enjoy in April, including those that celebrate nature and the glorious coming of spring.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in April?

The average temperature is around 19.4°C (66.9°F) during the day, and 9.8°C (49.6°F) at night. With the cold days of winter over, the weather is mild, and perfect for outdoor activities. April may have some windy days, so it's good to carry scarves and a parka with you.

Best events, festivals, and other things to do in April

Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry blossoms are a top highlight of Tokyo in early April. Hugely popular events include Ueno Park's Ueno Sakura Matsuri, the Sumida Park Sakura Festival, and the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place along the Chidorigafuchi walkway to the west of the Imperial Palace. Petals dance in the air as they fall like snow, and float on the surface of rivers, creating quintessential spring scenes.

Photo courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association

 

Meiji Jingu Shrine Spring Grand Festival

Meiji Jingu Shrine, in Harajuku, honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who oversaw the modernization of Japan in the 19th century. Its annual Spring Grand Festival, held in late April or early May, features various traditional performances. Bugaku (a type of dance first performed at the ancient imperial court), noh and kyogen theater, and sankyoku chamber music, and more, are performed by Japan's top artists in their fields.

 

Asakusa Yabusame (Horseback archery)

Asakusa Yabusame is a traditional event that takes place in Sumida Park. It's a great opportunity to see an exciting ancient tradition in action. Archers on horseback, dressed in traditional hunting attire, strike a series of targets with arrows as they gallop past.

 

Mt. Takao Annual Spring Festival

Mt. Takao is one of Tokyo's most popular natural retreats. Its annual spring festival is held at Takao-san Yakuo-in, a Buddhist temple located halfway up the mountain. You can see a goma fire ritual and a parade of children in fancy dress.

 

Japan Hobby Show

Japan Hobby Show is an annual showcase of world-class handmade objects that is held at Tokyo Big Sight in late April. Craft-loving hobbyists can browse a wide range of materials and tools for sewing, knitting, and more. Many creators display and sell their work at the show, so it's the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind item. Visitors can also choose from over 100 hands-on workshops.

 

Daidai Kagura Ritual

Daidai Kagura, a designated Intangible Cultural Property of Tokyo, is a traditional ritual performed at Shinagawa-jinja Shrine. It is said to have originated with an offering made by military leader Tokugawa Ieyasu in the year 1600. At that time, he came to pray for victory at the crucial Battle of Sekigahara. Four performances of Daidai Kagura are held each year, in conjunction with various festivals. Six dance numbers are presented during Shinagawa-jinja Shrine's Spring Festival in April—that's the highest number of these dances performed in a single festival.

 

Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival

Many people think of Kameido Tenjin Shrine as the best place to view wisteria in the whole of Tokyo. The wisteria begins to bloom in early to mid-April, while the shrine's wisteria festival runs throughout April. Beautiful lavender-colored flowers swaying in the spring breeze make for great memories.

 

Tsutsuji Matsuri (Bunkyo Azalea Festival)

Nezu-jinja Shrine is said to date back 1,900 years. Its 300-year-old azalea garden, which covers 6,600 square meters, features about 3,000 azalea plants in 100 varieties. Rare examples include fuji-tsutsuji (tiny flowers), hanaguruma (pinwheel-like flowers), and karafune ("black" azaleas). You can also enjoy a plant fair, an antique fair, and many outdoor stalls.

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