Travel Tips: Travelling to Japan in Spring

Spring is Japan’s most talked-about travel seasons, and for good reason. As the winter fades, cities and countryside alike soften with cherry blossoms, parks fill with picnics, and the country shifts into a celebratory, outdoor rhythm.

It is also one of the busiest times of the year to visit. Trains fill quickly, accommodation books out early, and popular spots attract large crowds.

If you are planning a spring trip to Japan, understanding what to expect, when to go, and how to stay connected can make the experience smoother.

This article will provide you with a few tips to help with the process of planning and making the most out of your spring trip to Japan.

Table of Contents

• Cherry blossom season in Japan

• Why you should visit Japan in Spring

• Where to go in Japan during spring

• How crowded is Japan in spring?

• Staying connected while travelling in Japan

Cherry blossom season in Japan

So when do the cherry blossoms appear? If part of your spring planning is based on seeing the cherry blossoms, then understanding when they will appear and where is important. The timing varies each year depending on location and weather.

A rough guide is;

• Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka: late March to early April.

• Southern regions: slightly earlier, around mid to late March.

• Northern regions: early to mid-April.

The cherry blossoms will often only peak for just a week or two, which does not leave you with a big window of time, and why timing and planning matter. 

Why you should visit Japan in Spring

Cherry blossoms aside, there are many other reasons that spring is a great time to visit Japan.

• Mild daytime temperatures.

• Comfortable conditions for walking-heavy itineraries.

• Seasonal festivals and events.

• Parks, temples, and streets at their most photogenic (though I have to argue that Autumn is on par for this reason).

Spring shows Japan at its most iconic. The Japan that you see in pictures and the media. If this is your first trip to Japan, I always recommend starting in the spring.

Where to go in Japan during spring

Tokyo

Tokyo in spring blends city energy with seasonal calm. The weather is comfortable, and the days are starting to get longer.

If you are looking for cherry blossoms, you can view them right in Tokyo in the parks and along rivers.

From Tokyo, there are also a lot of great day trips you can take out to areas around Mt Fuji for flower and cherry blossom viewing, and springtime activities. I recommend the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, which is only a short bus ride away.

Kyoto

Kyoto’s temples and gardens take on an extra layer of beauty during cherry blossom season. The city has become very popular and overcrowded with tourism, but with good planning, Kyoto can still be very rewarding.

My tips are;

• Focus on walking-heavy itineraries to see the historic districts. Many key areas are connected, and the walking distance isn’t long. Plus, strolling down the little, old side streets is enjoyable.

• Get up early, and I mean early. If you are heading to Fushimi Inari (you’ll know it from the photos of the hundreds of torii gates), I recommend getting there as early as 6 am to beat the crowds. It’s an enjoyable walk and a great way to start the day.

• The evenings also tend to quiet down. You’ll find street festivals, even in the central areas of Kyoto, that are filled with locals but not so much tourists.

Osaka

Osaka is one of my favourite cities in Japan, and where I tend to set up my home base. Also, if you are a foodie, you can find it all in Osaka.

One of the best travel tips about Osaka is that the cost of staying there is significantly lower than in Kyoto, but it’s only 30 minutes away by train. If you find Kyoto to be expensive or the accommodation hard to secure, then consider basing yourself in Osaka and heading out to Kyoto, Nara, and other regions for day trips. The trains start as early as 4 am and run late into the evening, so getting around is easy and generally only costs a few dollars.

Osaka also has a lively atmosphere well into the evening, with vendors and districts open late. The crowds start to thin as the sun sets, making this an amazing time to explore Osaka.

Beyond the major cities

Springtime is great for exploring outside of the major cities, too, with spring rail passes and easy regional travel opening up lots of experiences. Some of my favourite recommendations are;

1. Himeji. Famous for the beautiful White Heron Castle. You’ll also find lots of gardens around the city, and many great eateries. This is only an hour or so from Osaka on the bullet train.

2. Nagoya. Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city, and despite much to offer, many tourists skip it entirely, labelling it boring. This makes it the perfect place to escape the busy spring crowds while still enjoying Japan's cultural aspects. You’ll find many large temples and castles here, and all the same great food options. It’s also an easy base for exploring regional areas like Kakegawa.

3. Kamakura. Honestly, Kamakura is an absolute must-visit. It’s a stunning seaside city with good hiking and walking tracks, cultural attractions and great food options. It’s only an hour from Tokyo, or even quicker from Yokohama.

How crowded is Japan in spring?

The crowds are just a part of spring travel in Japan, especially during peak blossom weeks. You’ll find a good mix of locals and tourists wherever you go.

To manage this;

1. Book your accommodation well in advance, and choose accommodation around your itinerary. Spending ages travelling on overcrowded trains can be uncomfortable.

2. Travel early in the day, where possible. You can expect midday and afternoons to be very crowded.

3. Consider less famous viewing locations. Of course, don’t skip the more popular ones, but spread out your itinerary. Go see a crowded attraction, and then have a more peaceful afternoon exploring the less busy ones.

4. Get your bullet train tickets as early as possible. Don’t expect to get a seat in the non-reserved carriages at this time of year. Try to reserve seats as early as possible. If you can’t do it online, do it as soon as you land in Japan.

5. Use navigation apps to find quieter routes and locations. Sometimes walking an extra 10 minutes is better than saving a few minutes on a completely packed train.

Staying connected while travelling in Japan

Japan is extremely organised, but it can still feel overwhelming for visitors. Having access to mobile data will make on-the-fly planning easier and general day-to-day life less overwhelming.

Mobile data will help out with;

• Google Maps and transport apps

• Translation tools

• Digital tickets and reservations

• Finding food, attractions and opening hours.

• Staying in touch while moving between cities.

Public Wi-Fi is readily available across major cities, but it isn't always consistent, especially with the high number of tourists connected, and it isn’t particularly convenient while you are out exploring.

Using an eSIM in Japan

I recommend using an eSIM for mobile data in Japan. It’s the most convenient way to stay connected without having to hunt for a SIM card at the airport or BIC camera. You’ll also save stacks compared to using your mobile provider's roaming.

With data providers like Pocket Roam, travellers can:

• Purchase and install the eSIM before leaving their home country. 

• Connect to local networks as soon as you land.

• Choose between fixed-data and unlimited plans based on usage.

If you are unsure whether fixed or unlimited data is right for you, the following comparison should help.

Fixed data plans work well if you:

• Mainly use maps and messaging

• Spend time on hotel Wi-Fi

• Want a predictable, lower-cost option

Unlimited data plans are better if you:

• Are out all day exploring

• Rely heavily on navigation and apps

• Share photos and videos regularly

• Prefer not to monitor data usage

If you have a jam-packed itinerary, I suggest going with unlimited data. Running out of data will be one less thing to worry about.

Final Thoughts

Spring is one of the most memorable times to visit Japan, but it can be overwhelming if you do not plan ahead. If you are planning a first-time trip to Japan, then I do recommend going in the spring. The weather is comfortable, the scenery is stunning, and life and culture are everywhere. You’ll want to come back over and over.

Looking for travel data options for Japan?

You can view our Japan-only data plans here.

Or if your trip is taking you to other countries within the region, our Asia regional bundle may be more suitable for you. Check it out here.