Planning a trip to Japan in spring to see the famous cherry blossoms? You might be wondering, what should I wear in Japan in April? The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack wisely to stay comfortable and stylish while exploring.

I recently spent three weeks travelling across Japan, from its serene beaches to bustling cities and, of course, the amazing Mount Fuji. Using my experience and fashion expertise, I’m here to share the ultimate capsule wardrobe for your trip.

This guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear in Japan in April, helping you craft the perfect packing list for your trip.

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What is the weather in Japan in April?

April is one of the best times to visit Japan. Especially in the first two weeks when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom across cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. As the month progresses, crowds increase due to Golden Week. This is a national holiday period when transport, tourist hotspots and accommodation can be busier, so it’s best avoided.

Japan’s spring weather can be unpredictable, ranging from sunshine to rain, so packing for varying conditions is essential. Average daytime highs in most parts of Japan reach 19°C/66°F, while mornings and evenings can dip to around 10.5°C/51°F.

This means layering your clothing is key. Start with a light jacket or jumper in the morning. You can tie around your waist as the day warms up, and add layers again in the evening.

If you’re heading north to Hokkaido, expect colder weather. It has highs of around 10°C/50°F during the day and near-freezing temperatures at night. In contrast, the subtropical Okinawa islands enjoy warmer temperatures, from the low to mid-20s/70s, making it ideal for beach visits.

Book a unique private tour of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo with a local guide here.

Where to go in Japan in April

April in Japan offers endless travel opportunities, with stunning landscapes and inspiring cities to explore. We spent three weeks in the country and it still wasn’t enough to see everything on our list!

Here are some of the best places to visit in Japan in April:

  • Tokyo: Experience its bustling streets, towering temples, and famous neighbourhoods. Don’t miss a day trip to see Mount Fuji.
  • Kyoto: Wander through tranquil gardens and historical temples. This former capital of Japan is steeped in tradition, with elegant streets that showcase Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Osaka: Famous for its neon-lit Dotonbori district, street food and Osaka Castle, this city is a must-visit for foodies and culture lovers.
  • Okinawa: Known for its beautiful beaches, sacred sites and subtropical climate, Okinawa offers a unique, relaxing contrast to mainland Japan.
  • Hiroshima and Miyajima Island: These historical sites are moving and fascinating, offering insights into Japan’s wartime past and its stunning Shinto architecture.

If you’re a fan of festivals, don’t miss Japan’s spring flower festivals, particularly in northern regions where cherry blossoms bloom into May.

Browse and book the latest deals for hotels across Japan here.

How to create the perfect Japan packing list

Creating a capsule wardrobe for Japan in April is the best way to stay comfortable and stylish while navigating the country’s changeable spring weather.

Start by choosing a colour palette of 2-3 colours and 2-3 neutrals that complements your personal style. If you need inspiration, check out the Pantone Colour of the Year palette for guidance.

Here is the Pantone colour of the year palette I referred to when I was planning my Japan outfits a few years ago. As you can see, I could choose from a mix of corals, pinks, khakis, blues, yellows and neutrals – perfect for creating versatile outfits that can be layered.

Photo: Pantone

Key Packing Tips

  • Layers: Think light jumpers, jackets, cardigans and long-sleeved tops that you can easily add or remove throughout the day – this jacket is perfect.
  • Comfortable footwear: You’ll likely do a lot of walking, so bring comfortable trainers or slip-on shoes, especially for temple visits where you’ll need to remove your shoes.
  • Accessories: A lightweight scarf, sunglasses and a hat will come in handy for changeable weather.
  • Packing Cubes: Seriously, these are a game-changer. They will keep your suitcase organised as you move between cities, making packing and unpacking a breeze.

Inspired by the cherry blossoms and Japan’s silk heritage, I included floral prints and soft, drapey fabrics in my wardrobe. Packing smart means you’ll always be prepared for Japan’s diverse weather conditions.

Buy your packing cubes here – trust me, they will make packing for your trip so much easier!

What to wear in Japan in April

When considering what to wear in Japan in spring, it’s essential to balance comfort, style, and respect for local culture. Japanese street fashion is fairly modest, so mid-length skirts, casual trousers, and tops that don’t reveal too much are a good choice.

Although you’ll see some women wearing shorter skirts or more revealing outfits, it’s advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. I found jumpsuits, maxi dresses, and cargo pants ideal for both comfort and style while sightseeing.

Cargo pants are both super stylish and practical as they have so many pockets – buy yours here.

Full packing list for Japan in April

When visiting Japan in April, you’ll want a versatile wardrobe that keeps you comfortable throughout the day, from cool mornings to warmer afternoons. Here’s a complete packing list, including all the essential clothing, accessories and other items I mention in this article.

Clothing

  • Layers for changeable weather:
    • Light jacket (for cool mornings and evenings)
    • Jumpers or cardigans
    • Long-sleeved tops
    • Vest tops and t-shirts (for warmer afternoons)
  • Trousers:
  • Dresses/Skirts:
    • Maxi dresses or skirts (modest length)
    • Mid-length skirts
    • Patterned or floral satin midi or maxi dress – this one is lovely if you wear a vest or t-shirt underneath for modesty
  • Shoes:
    • Comfortable trainers for walking
    • Slip-on shoes (easy to remove for temple visits)
    • Sneakers (especially for exploring cities and casual outings)
    • Boots (for cooler days or hiking areas like Mount Fuji)
  • Nightwear:
    • Pyjamas (although most ryokan and some hotels provide these)
  • Swimwear:
    • Swimsuit (if visiting beaches like those in Okinawa)

Accessories

  • Scarves:
    • Lightweight scarf (useful to cover up if you’re entering a temple)
  • Hats & Sunglasses:
    • Sunhat and sunglasses for sunny days
  • Belt:
    • For cinching jackets or adding interest to your outfit
  • Tights:
    • Opaque tights (for layering under skirts or dresses)

Packing Essentials

  • Packing cubes:
    • Great for organising your clothing and making packing/unpacking more efficient. Try these ones.

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Sunscreen:
    • Even in spring, protection from the sun is essential, especially in warmer regions like Okinawa.
  • Moisturiser:
    • For keeping your skin hydrated, particularly if you’re travelling between colder and warmer areas.

Technology & Miscellaneous

  • Power bank:
    • Essential for keeping your phone charged during long days of sightseeing. Try this one.
  • Travel adapter:

Optional

  • Kimono or Yukata:
    • If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Japanese culture, Kyoto is an ideal place to rent traditional clothing. However, many ryokans also provide a yukata for guests. Otherwise, you can find kimonos online, like this pretty one.

What to wear in Tokyo

Like many people visiting Japan from abroad, we arrived by flight to Tokyo. In this city, the weather in April is mild, but mornings and evenings can still be a bit chilly.

My go-to outfit was a navy polka dot jumpsuit paired with a light cardigan, perfect for transitioning between the city’s quiet temples and bustling streets like Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing.

Book a full day Tokyo sightseeing bus tour here – it’s highly rated.

For exploring Odaiba’s high-tech entertainment hub, I opted for a spotted slip dress with sneakers (because 90s fashion is back), layered under a leather jacket to guard against the sea breeze.

Try this satin slip dress that I found online, it’s pretty and also not too low-cut.

Visiting this cool cat cafe in Akihabara, I wore a lightweight, crepey long-sleeved top I found in Zara. It was in Pantone’s colour of the year, called ‘living coral’. As Miranda Priestly says in The Devil Wears Prada movie, fashion tastemakers like her really do choose the colours of our clothes, long before we pick them off the racks.

Enjoy a private tour of Tokyo’s highlights with a local guide here.

What to wear to Mount Fuji

A day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo is a must-do! The journey takes around 2.5 hours, and it’s worth being prepared for slightly cooler weather at higher elevations.

On our visit, I wore a simple blue vest top with khaki cargo pants —comfortable for walking and ideal for layering

Book your day tour from Tokyo to the magical Mount Fuji here.

What to wear in Kyoto

Kyoto is 450 km southwest of Tokyo and takes 3.5 hours on the bullet train. This ancient city is a great place to go clothes shopping, as it has many stylish street fashion stores.

Its history as a centre of Japan’s weaving industry means it has a proud tradition of producing kimonos. If you are interested to try one on, Kyoto is the place to go. There are many kimono rental shops here and you will see locals and tourists alike wearing them.

Book a traditional tea ceremony at a temple in Kyoto here.

Kyoto’s serene gardens and historic temples make it one of Japan’s most picturesque cities. In April, the weather can be cooler, especially in the mornings.

I wore a knitted jumper, cargo pants, boots and a light scarf while exploring the city’s famous bamboo forests and temples.

Book your trip to Kyoto’s wonderful bamboo forest here.

What to wear in Osaka

One hour south of Kyoto is Osaka. Here you will find the 16th century Osaka castle, as well as tasty street food and enormous neon signs at night.

Osaka’s vibrant nightlife and cultural sites call for stylish but comfortable outfits. Here, I wore a floral satin maxi dress, which I layered up with a sweater and scarf. When asking myself what should I wear in Japan, I was inspired to pack this dress, as it resembles a kimono.

I wore opaque tights underneath, as I was also self-conscious about the high split of this wrap dress. Otherwise it was suitably modest in length and comfortable to walk around in. When a Japanese passerby approached me to say how much they liked my outfit, it made me feel more confident wearing it.

You can reserve your guided tour of Osaka’s hotspots and hidden gems here.

What to wear in Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s poignant history is balanced by its modern, peaceful cityscape. In April, the weather was mild, so I wore a vest top with cargo pants and a cardigan while visiting Hiroshima Castle and the Peace Memorial Park.

Nearby Miyajima Island offers beautiful views and the famous ‘floating’ torii gate. Although it was sunny during our visit, the sea breeze made it feel cooler, so packing layers is recommended.

There’s a popular one-day bus tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, which you can book here.

What to wear in Okinawa

The subtropical Okinawa islands are a paradise in April, with warm temperatures perfect for exploring beaches and cultural sites.

I wore light, casual clothing like t-shirts, shorts and a swimsuit for days spent by the ocean. Don’t forget a light jacket, as evenings can still be breezy.

Don’t miss out on these islands – book your flights from Tokyo to Okinawa.

What to wear in traditional Japanese accommodation

When we visited the city of Nagasaki, we stayed in a ryokan, a type of traditional Japanese accommodation.

With basic decor, there are tatami mats on the floor and a folded up futon to sleep on. Here, you are provided with a yukata to wear.

Literally translating as ‘bathing clothes’, the yukata is a lighter and more casual cotton kimono-style robe. Intended as both as a bathrobe and as loungewear, it can be worn at all times during your stay, even to bed.

Nisshokan Bettei Koyotei is a superb ryokan in Nagasaki – book it here.

Even when you are not staying in a ryokan, one thing you don’t necessarily need to bring to Japan is nightwear. Many hotels provide cotton pyjamas or nightrobes, so you can sleep and relax in comfort.

If your accommodation has a public Japanese bath, called an onsen, they will often also provide guests with a yukata and slippers for you to wear to the onsen.

Final thoughts on April in Japan and what to wear

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Japan, offering mild weather and gorgeous cherry blossoms.

The key to dressing for Japan in April is layering. Bring versatile clothing that will keep you comfortable from morning to evening.

Comfortable shoes are also essential for long days of sightseeing, and don’t miss the chance to wear traditional Japanese clothing like a kimono or yukata.

Ready for your trip? Check out my recommended itinerary for an incredible 3 weeks in Japan.