A Stylish & Comfortable Guide for Early to Mid-April
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
The Most Beautiful—and Most Popular—Time of the Year
Early to mid-April marks peak cherry blossom season in most of Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto and Hiroshima, parks are full, riversides are pink, and travelers from around the world come to experience the fleeting beauty of hanami (flower viewing).
But even in this magical season, one mistake can ruin your trip: dressing too lightly.
Spring may be blooming—but mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and unexpected rain is common.
Let’s make sure you’re dressed for beauty and comfort.
What Kind of Weather to Expect During Sakura Season
🌸 Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
- Temps: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
- Sunny and pleasant during the day
- Cool air in the morning and evening
- Light rain and wind possible
🌺 Fukuoka, Kyushu
- Temps: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
- Generally warmer—feels like proper spring
🏔 Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori)
- Temps: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
- Later blooming, still cool—prepare for layers
🌦️ Note: Even in Tokyo, the temperature can drop quickly once the sun goes down—especially near rivers or under trees during hanami.
What to Pack for Peak Spring (Stylish but Sensible)
This is a photogenic season, so many travelers want to look nice in pictures. Fortunately, you can stay stylish and warm with a few smart choices:
🎒 Essential Clothing Items:
- 1 light to medium-weight coat: Trench coat, spring wool coat, or bomber jacket
- 1–2 cardigans or light sweaters
- 2–3 long-sleeve shirts or blouses
- 1 set of thin base layers (optional, for mornings or northern regions)
- 2 pairs of pants: Wide-leg, denim, or midi skirts with tights
- Comfortable walking shoes (fashion sneakers or boots)
- 1 scarf: Light but effective in the morning chill
- Socks (3–5 pairs): Avoid no-show styles—exposed ankles = cold
🧳 Packing Tip: Choose coordinated layers you can mix and match for different photos and days.
How to Layer for Hanami and Day Trips
You’ll likely be outdoors a lot during sakura season—walking through parks, sitting on tarps, or exploring temples.
Suggested daily layering:
- Morning: Long-sleeve shirt + sweater + coat + scarf
- Afternoon: Remove scarf or coat if it gets sunny
- Evening: Add layers back as temps drop
🎒 Bring a foldable tote or light daypack to carry your outerwear and hanami snacks.
What NOT to Wear During Sakura Season
Avoid these common missteps:
- ❌ Short skirts or bare legs (you’ll get cold sitting during hanami)
- ❌ Thin tops without outer layers
- ❌ Heels or slippery shoes (especially in parks or on gravel paths)
- ❌ Overly thick winterwear—you’ll be sweaty by 2 PM
Traveler Profiles: What to Prioritize
📷 Photographers & Instagrammers
Pastels and light tones look great with cherry blossoms.
Avoid bright reds or neons—they clash with sakura.
🧍Sightseers & Walkers
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes—expect 15,000+ steps a day.
Bring a raincoat or compact umbrella just in case.
👨👩👧 Family Travelers
Layer kids well. Mornings are colder than they look!
Pack wet wipes and blankets for hanami time on the ground.
Spring Shopping in Japan (Great Timing!)
This is the best season to pick up Japanese spring fashion:
- 🧥 Light jackets: Affordable and stylish at GU or UNIQLO
- 🧦 Cute socks and accessories: Add color without weight
- ☂️ Transparent umbrellas: Sold at conbini for sudden showers
- 👜 Foldable picnic mats or blankets: Available at Daiso and Don Quijote
🛍 Pro Tip: Check out local department stores—many offer sakura-themed items and spring collections.
Conclusion: Blossom Season Is for Layered Beauty
Sakura season is short, sweet, and full of photo opportunities. But it’s also a weather wildcard, and travelers who underdress often regret it by nightfall.
Dress in layers, choose comfort-first shoes, and stay flexible.
That way, you’ll be warm enough to admire every last petal—and stylish enough to look great doing it.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
