What to do in Japan in spring (a whistlestop itinerary for the discerning traveler)
The scenery steals the show this season
Source: TokudAw Inc
Spring in Japan doesn’t just arrive; it takes over. The entire country turns into a sakura-soaked spectacle, with pink petals drifting through temple gardens, rivers reflecting endless blooms, and convenience stores going all-in on cherry blossom-themed everything[1] (yes, even a Starbucks coffee).
But seeing the season isn’t enough. You want to experience it. That means slipping into a kimono in Kyoto, sipping matcha in Uji, and rowing beneath illuminated blossoms in Tokyo. This itinerary is designed for travelers who don’t chase the obvious spots but want the full, immersive spring experience.
Day 1: Kyoto
Morning
Gion & Higashiyama
There’s something about wearing a kimono in Kyoto that just makes sense. Maybe it’s the way the flowing silk matches the slow pace of the city, or how every street looks like a movie set. Either way, if you’re going to do it anywhere, this is the place.
Start your day by renting a kimono from a reputable shop in Gion or Higashiyama. Choose a soft pastel shade for that perfect spring aesthetic, or go bold with deep reds and intricate floral patterns. Once you’re dressed, wander through the narrow, wooden-lined streets, where Kyoto’s old-world charm is still very much alive.
More to see
● Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A UNESCO-listed temple with panoramic sakura views.
● Yasaka Shrine: Kyoto’s guardian shrine, surrounded by cherry blossoms and traditional tea houses.
Afternoon
Maruyama Park
Spring in Kyoto has a main event: hanami in Maruyama Park. This is Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spot, and for good reason—its massive weeping sakura tree (shidarezakura) is the stuff of postcards. Arrive early to claim a spot beneath the blossoms, or simply stroll past groups of locals sharing sake and seasonal sweets under the pink canopy.
How to make it extra special? Step away from the crowds and slip into a traditional tea ceremony. At spots like Camellia Tea House or Jotokuji Temple, you’ll experience the art of matcha in a setting that feels straight out of another century.
Evening
Yawaragi Road
As the day winds down, swap the tourist hotspots for something quieter: Yawaragi Road. This hidden walking path near Kodaiji Temple is pure magic—especially at dusk. Stone lanterns cast a soft glow, cherry blossoms frame every turn, and the whole street feels untouched by time. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in Kyoto, soak in the stillness, and see the city as it was meant to be experienced.
The best way to enjoy it? Walk slow. Take it all in. Maybe stop at a cozy teahouse along the way. Kyoto has a way of making you want to linger.
Day 2: Nara & Uji
Morning
Nara Park & Tōdai-ji
Nara is where ancient Japan meets adorable chaos. Step off the train, and you’ll know exactly why—hundreds of bowing deer waiting to hustle you for crackers. These four-legged locals aren’t just uber-cute; they’re considered sacred messengers of the gods, roaming freely around Nara Park beneath the blooming cherry trees.
Once you’ve had your fill of deer antics, head toward Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a 15-meter bronze giant that’s been watching over Japan since the 8th century. The temple itself is an architectural marvel, but seeing it framed by pink sakura? Next-level.
Make it extra special
● Bring deer crackers (shika senbei), but hold them behind your back unless you want to be mobbed.
● Rent a kimono in Naramachi for a quieter, more traditional backdrop (less touristy than Kyoto, but just as scenic).
Afternoon
Uji
From Nara, it’s a short trip to Uji, Japan’s matcha mecca. This town isn’t just about drinking green tea—it’s about stepping into the birthplace of Japan’s finest matcha, where tea culture runs centuries deep.
What’s on the agenda?
● Byodo-in Temple: A UNESCO-listed masterpiece with cherry blossoms reflecting in the temple’s pond—one of the most photogenic spots in Uji.
● Uji Tea Festival (if you’re visiting in spring): Expect matcha tastings, traditional tea-making demonstrations, and performances celebrating Uji’s tea heritage.
● Tea houses and specialty shops: From hand-whisked matcha to matcha-infused soba noodles, every corner of Uji is a love letter to green tea.
Evening
Riverside Kaiseki
As the sun sets, slow things down with a kaiseki dinner by the Uji River. This multi-course meal is a seasonal showcase, blending delicate flavors with precision plating. Expect fresh Kyoto vegetables, sashimi, and a subtle nod to matcha in everything from soups to desserts.
The best way to end the night? Try a riverside tea house experience where you can sip on high-grade gyokuro tea and watch the lanterns reflect on the water. Or perhaps a slow walk along the Uji Bridge, where the breeze carries hints of tea leaves and spring blossoms, would suit you.
Day 3: Tokyo
Morning
Asakusa & Sensō-ji
If Kyoto is all quiet elegance, Tokyo is energy in overdrive. But Asakusa is where the city slows down—just enough to let you soak in its old-world charm.
Start the morning by renting a kimono (because if you did it in Kyoto, you might as well go for round two). The streets around Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, are lined with vermilion lanterns, traditional shops, and—most importantly—sakura trees in full bloom.
What to do while you’re here
● Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street, a historic market selling everything from hand fans to freshly grilled rice crackers.
● Snack on sakura-themed treats like sakura mochi, matcha soft serve, and pink-hued taiyaki filled with cherry blossom-infused sweet bean paste.
Afternoon
Hanami & Rowboats
Tokyo’s cherry blossom scene is tricky. It’s beautiful, but the crowds are relentless. For a more serene experience, head to Shinjuku Gyoen, a vast garden where sakura trees bloom in near silence, free from the madness of Ueno Park.
Or, if you’re after that cinematic, rowboat-under-the-cherry-blossoms moment, make your way to Chidorigafuchi Park. Rent a boat, float beneath the blossoms, and watch the petals drift onto the water. Just know that you won’t be the only one with this idea—get there early.
That said, if you're after more breathtaking, less crowded hanami spots, Tokyo isn’t always the best bet. We’d recommend heading beyond the city, some of Japan’s most spectacular sakura moments happen in places most travelers overlook. Check out our top picks outside Tokyo[2] for the best hidden gems.
Evening
Nighttime illuminations
Cherry blossoms don’t disappear after sunset—in Tokyo, they glow. As the evening sets in, head to Meguro River, where thousands of lantern-lit sakura trees line the water, turning the entire stretch into a pink, dreamlike tunnel.
If Meguro gets too packed, opt for Roppongi Midtown’s cherry blossom display, where modern architecture meets glowing sakura trees in a way that feels effortlessly Tokyo.
How to end the night? Grab a matcha cocktail or sakura-infused sake at a stylish bar in Roppongi or Shibuya. Or, go all out and find a rooftop with a view—Tokyo looks even better when it’s sparkling beneath you.
Take-away travel tips
Japan in spring moves fast, so a little planning goes a long way. Here are some things to bear in mind:
● Sakura doesn’t bloom all at once; it travels north, starting in Kyushu in mid-March and reaching Hokkaido by early May. For most major spots like Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo, late March to early April is your best bet, but it really does vary depending on the year and location. You can rely on Hanami Walker to find the best blooms in real-time!
● Advance bookings are a must. Spring is Japan’s busiest travel season—which means if you want to rent a kimono, book a tea ceremony, or snag a rowboat at Chidorigafuchi, plan ahead. Many experiences book out weeks in advance, so reserve early. Don’t forget that TokudAw can help you lock in these hard-to-secure reservations.
● Stick to the local hanami (cherry blossom viewing) etiquette. Bring your own picnic mat and stay within your space—hanami is all about enjoying the moment without disrupting others. Leave no trace, taking your trash with you or disposing of it properly. Remember to respect temple and shrine rules: no loud music, and if you’re in a kimono, avoid sitting on the ground at sacred sites.
The best experience of spring in Japan depends on where you are, when you go, and what your interests are. TokudAw builds hyper-personalized itineraries, matching your pace and interests to the season’s most breathtaking moments. Get in touch today to start planning your dream springtime getaway.
