2024 Coto Travel Guide: What To Do In Japan In April

Spring paints Japan with a breathtaking palette of vibrant colors, and April sits right at the heart of this enchanting transformation. From the delicate dance of cherry blossoms (sakura) to invigorating outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences, Japan offers something for every traveler in April.

A Quick Jump To…

• Chasing Cherry Blossoms
• Springtime Adventures
• Cultural Delights
• Planning Your April Trip in Japan

Chasing Cherry Blossoms

Undoubtedly, April’s star attraction in Japan is still the Sakura season. Witnessing these ethereal flowers unfurl their delicate petals is a cultural and aesthetic phenomenon. Here’s how to make the most of it:

目黒川 Meguro River

• Location: 東京都目黒区大橋～目黒区下目黒
• Opening Hours: 24 Hours
• Fees: Free
• Sakura Festival ✓
• Sakura Light-up ✓
• Parking ✖

上野恩賜公園 Ueno Park

• Location: 東京都台東区 上野公園
• Opening Hours: 5:00～23:00 
• Fees: Free
• Sakura Festival ✓
• Sakura Light-up ✖
• Parking ✖

西平畑公園

• Location: 神奈川県足柄上郡松田町松田惣領2951
• Opening Hours: 9:00～16:00 
• Fees: Free
• Sakura Festival ✓
• Sakura Light-up ✖
• Parking ✓

Want to know more recommended places? Check out this blog: Your Guide to 花見 Hanami in Tokyo 2024: Stay Under the Pink Canopy.

While Sakura steals the show, April offers a vibrant display of other spring blooms. Wisteria tunnels create a fairytale-like atmosphere, while vibrant pink moss (shibazakura) carpets the slopes of some regions.

For Wisteria viewing

亀戸天神社

• Location: 東京都江東区亀戸 3-6-1
• Opening Hours: 6:00～17:00 
• Fees: Free
• Parking ✓

日枝神社

• Location: 東京都千代田区永田町 2-10-5
• Opening Hours: 6:00～17:00 
• Fees: Free
• Parking ✓

小石川後楽園

• Location: 東京都文京区後楽 1-6-6
• Opening Hours: 9:00～17:00 
• Fees: Free
• Parking ✓

國領神社

• Location: 東京都調布市国領町1-7-1
• Opening Hours: 9:00～12:00 | 13:00～16:00
• Fees: Free
• Parking ✓

旧芝離宮恩賜庭園

• Location: 東京都港区海岸 1丁目
• Opening Hours: 9:00～17:00 
• Fees: Free
• Parking ✓

For Shibazakura viewing

羊山公園

• Location: 埼玉県秩父市大宮6360
• Opening Hours: 8:00～17:00
• Fees: 300 yen
• Parking ✓

東京ドイツ村

• Location: 千葉県袖ケ浦市永吉419
• Opening Hours: 9:30～17:00
• Fees: 1000 yen
• Parking ✓

富田さとにわ耕園

• Location: 千葉市若葉区富田町711-1
• Opening Hours: 9:00～17:00
• Fees: free
• Parking ✓

みさと芝桜公園

• Location: 群馬県高崎市箕郷町松之沢12-1
• Opening Hours: 9:00~16:00
• Fees: 310 yen
• Parking ✓

市貝町芝ざくら公園

• Location: 栃木県市貝町見上614-1
• Opening Hours: 7:00～18:00
• Fees: 500 yen
• Parking ✓

Springtime Adventures

April’s pleasant weather beckons outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some exciting options:

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

This historic route offers a scenic journey through the Japanese Alps. Accessible from mid-April, it offers breathtaking mountain vistas and unique flora.

立山黒部アルペンルート

• Location: 富山県中新川郡立山町千寿ヶ原
• Timetable
• Parking ✓

Cultural Delights

Spring Festivals

Immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of spring festivals like the Takayama Spring Festival, known for its elaborate floats and vibrant parades. Beppu Hot Spring Festival offers a unique experience – free entry to various hot springs alongside a ceremonial mountain fire.

別府八湯温泉まつり

• Date: 2024/04/01 to 2024/04/07
• Location: 大分県別府市松原町（松原公園）
• Opening Hours: 9:30~16:00
• Parking ✓

高山祭 Takayama Spring Festival

• Date: 2024/04/14 to 2024/04/15
• Location: 岐阜県高山市神明町178
• Opening Hours: 9:30~16:00
• Parking ✓

Japanese Baseball

Experience the fervor of Japanese professional baseball. Catch a lively game and soak up the enthusiastic atmosphere at iconic stadiums like the Tokyo Dome.

甲子園 Koshien

• Location: 兵庫県西宮市甲子園町1-82
• Match Schedule
• Buy Tickets Here

Planning Your April Trip in Japan

• Weather: April experiences mild temperatures with occasional rain showers. Pack light layers and a rain jacket for adaptable comfort.
• Accommodation: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak sakura season. Consider traditional ryokan stays for a truly immersive experience.
• Transportation: Japan boasts an efficient public transportation network. Invest in a Japan Rail Pass for seamless travel between major cities.

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