Japan, Asia

Tokyo in April

Early April usually catches peak or falling petals. Book months ahead, and note Golden Week begins in the final days of the month.

BestMild and lovely, highs near 66F (19C)

Tokyo skyline, Japan — TokyoPhoto: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo. Early April usually catches peak or falling petals. Book months ahead, and note Golden Week begins in the final days of the month.

Weather: Mild and lovely, highs near 66F (19C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What April is like in Tokyo

April is mild and lovely, with highs near 66F (19C). Early April usually catches peak or falling petals, and it is one of the busiest times of the year. Book months ahead. Golden Week starts in the last days of the month, when much of Japan travels at once, trains sell out and sights hit peak domestic crowds.

It suits blossom lovers, first-timers and anyone who wants perfect walking weather. Families should aim for the first half of the month and avoid Golden Week. If you want fewer crowds and the same pleasant weather, mid May is a strong alternative.

Make the most of April

What is especially good about Tokyo this month.

Late blossoms

Early April often brings peak bloom or a snowfall of petals along the Meguro River and in Shinjuku Gyoen.

Perfect walking weather

Mild days make it easy to walk from Asakusa to Ueno or explore Shinjuku after dark.

Meiji Jingu in spring green

The forest around the shrine is fresh and green, and early mornings are quiet.

What to pack for April

Light layers for mild days and cool nights
A light rain jacket
Good walking shoes
A small bag for shoes when visiting temples

Our timing tip

Do not plan intercity travel in late April without reserved seats, because Golden Week sells out the Shinkansen.

Book Tokyo for April.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tokyo
Opens a hotel search for Tokyo in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for April
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Vacation rentals in Tokyo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tokyo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in April

Cherry blossom season

Typically late March to early April, varies year to year

Ueno Park, Meguro River, and Shinjuku Gyoen are the classic viewing spots. Hotels book out months ahead; petals last roughly a week once peak hits.

Golden Week

Late April into the first week of May

A run of national holidays when much of Japan travels at once. Shinkansen seats and hotels sell out; sights are at maximum domestic crowd.

Things to do in Tokyo

Full guide

Senso-ji and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Meiji Jingu

A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

teamLab Planets

The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shinjuku after dark

Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.

Tokyo in April, quick answers

Is April a good time to visit Tokyo?

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Tokyo. Early April usually catches peak or falling petals. Book months ahead, and note Golden Week begins in the final days of the month.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in April?

Mild and lovely, highs near 66F (19C).

Is Tokyo crowded in April?

April is peak crowd season in Tokyo; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Tokyo in April?

Cherry blossom season (typically late march to early april, varies year to year); Golden Week (late april into the first week of may).