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April: peak blossom and busy streets

April often brings peak cherry blossom to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and the streets are crowded. Learn how to plan around the crowds and still enjoy the flowers.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Seasons · TokyoRead the post
Filter postsSeasons · Kyoto
TypeAllGuidesFestivalsSeasonsPractical
PlaceAllTokyoKyotoOsakaFukuokaSapporo
Seasons5 min readArashiyama in autumn: how to beat the crowdsArashiyama is busy in autumn, from October to December. Here is how to plan an early visit, pick a quieter path and check the leaf forecast before you go.Seasons6 min readAutumn leaves: the timing, city by cityAutumn leaves change colour at different times in each place. Learn how to read the leaf forecast for Kyoto, Nikko and Tokyo and plan a trip with some room to spare.Seasons5 min readGolden Week: plan around the holiday runGolden Week is a run of national holidays in late April and early May. Learn how it affects trains, hotels and opening hours, and how to plan around it.Seasons6 min readKyoto in November: leaves, lights and late crowdsNovember is a strong month for Kyoto's leaves and evening lights. Learn how to plan the busy days, the cold evenings and the crowds at the best spots.Seasons5 min readMarch: early blossom in Tokyo and KyotoMarch can bring the first cherry blossom in Tokyo and Kyoto. Learn when to expect it, how to avoid the crowds and what to pack for cool evenings.Seasons5 min readMay: mild weather and the spring festival seasonMay brings mild weather, green parks and spring festivals to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Learn what to expect and how to pick the right days for a relaxed trip.Seasons5 min readReading a sakura forecast before you bookCherry blossom forecasts change often. Learn the difference between first bloom and full bloom, when forecasts appear and how to book with flexible plans.Seasons5 min readSeptember: shoulder weeks and typhoon checksSeptember can be a good month for travel, with the summer crowds gone. Learn how to use the shoulder weeks and check typhoon risk before you book.Seasons5 min readWinter in the old cities: quiet streets and short daysWinter in Kyoto and Tokyo is cold, with short days and fewer crowds. Learn how to plan the shorter light, the cold and the quieter streets.