Japan Travel Tips
Went to Japan for cherry blossom season. It was cold and raining while we were there, but we were able to see some cherry blossoms during our trip. We hit up 3 major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto) and did day trips in between.
Tokyo
- Shibuya Sky
- Shibuya Crossing
- Shopping in Ginza, Harajuku, and Shibuya
- Tokyo Skytree
- Shrines, Castles, and Palaces
- Ueno Park and Nakameguro for cherry blossoms and festivals
- Disneyland
Day Trips close to Tokyo
- Hakone for onsens. If you have tattoos, a lot of onsens will allow nowadays. I was able to go to public baths with no issues and I have sleeves on both arms. Look at the onsen rules first! I recommended staying at a ryokan. It made the experience memorable! You get a to stay in a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner, private and public baths with amazing views, and amenities like a spa and sake bar.
- Mt Fuji
Osaka:
- Nara Park to see the deer that bow. It’s so cute!
- Ōsaka Castle
- Dotonbori
- Umeda and Shinsaibashi districts for shopping
- Universal Studios
Kyoto:
- Bamboo Forest
- Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine
- Tea ceremonies
- Pontocho alley (local bars, restaurants, and casinos)
- Higashiyama District (shops and restaurants)
Day trips from Osaka:
- Nagoya
- Ghibli Park
- Kobe
- Himeji
What to bring:
- Pack light. We ended up shopping because there’s so many shopping districts with good prices. We bought extra luggages for clothing and skin care. Designer items are also lower priced and tax free compared to US
- Bring an umbrella just in case
- Get the JR Pass (worth it if you’re planning to see multiple cities. We ended up using JR lines more than we expected).
- Get a Suica card for metros and local trains
- There’s a Shinkansen (bullet train) or limited express train to get from city to city. A little more expensive than local trains, but saved us a lot of time (by more than half!)
- There’s convenience stores for bentos, other food, and drinks at the stations and almost every street corner, so just grab and go. I personally liked Family Mart over 7/11, Lawsons, or New Days
- Ship your luggage from city to city instead of bringing them with you to save time and make your travel days easier. We used Yamato Transport. It will take 1-2 days to arrive, so pack a travel bag.
- Wear shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- If you plan on having a private omakase or kaiseki dinner, book at least 1-2 months in advance.
Traveling to Japan in April offers a truly magical experience, especially with the cherry blossoms in full swing, but it also comes with its unique considerations. Beyond just visiting the major cities and attractions, here are some more in-depth travel tips I learned that can enhance your April adventure. Diving Deeper into Cherry Blossom Viewing: While Ueno Park and Nakameguro are fantastic, April can be tricky with peak bloom varying. I found that checking real-time blossom forecasts (like those from Japan Meteorological Corporation or local tourism sites) daily was crucial. Sometimes, heading to slightly higher elevations or northern regions of Japan might extend your viewing period if you miss the initial bloom in Tokyo or Kyoto. Don't forget the magic of Yozakura (night cherry blossoms)! Many parks, like Maruyama Park in Kyoto or Chidorigafuchi in Tokyo, have evening illuminations that create a completely different, ethereal atmosphere. It's truly a sight to behold, and often less crowded than daytime viewing. April Weather and Smarter Packing: My trip taught me that April weather can be quite unpredictable. While you might expect mild spring, sudden cold snaps and rain are common, just as the original article mentioned. Beyond an umbrella, I highly recommend packing layers. Think light thermal tops, a waterproof yet breathable jacket, and a comfortable sweater. Good walking shoes are non-negotiable – I averaged over 15,000 steps a day! Consider waterproof sneakers or comfortable boots, as rainy days can make sightseeing less pleasant if your feet get wet. Beyond Cherry Blossoms: Other April Festivities: While sakura gets all the fame, April also hosts other vibrant festivals. For instance, the Takayama Spring Festival (Sannō Matsuri) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, famous for its elaborate floats and traditional performances. While a day trip from Osaka/Kyoto, it’s worth considering if your dates align. Keep an eye out for local temple festivals or traditional performances, which are often less publicized but offer an authentic cultural immersion. Seasonal Food Experiences: April in Japan brings its own culinary delights. Beyond the year-round staples, look out for seasonal specialties. Takenoko (bamboo shoots) are a spring delicacy, often served grilled, steamed, or in soups. Strawberry desserts are also abundant and incredibly delicious during this season. Exploring local markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka can offer a fantastic opportunity to sample these seasonal treats. I personally loved trying the different limited-edition cherry blossom flavored sweets and drinks in convenience stores – a fun, small indulgence! Booking Ahead for Peak Season: As April is a major tourist month, especially with Golden Week sometimes falling at the end of it, booking accommodations, popular restaurants (like omakase or kaiseki mentioned in the article), and even some specific attractions well in advance is paramount. I learned that even popular train routes can get busy, so reserving your Shinkansen seats a few days prior, particularly if you have a JR Pass, is a smart move. My personal travel tips for April are to plan your must-dos and book them as soon as your dates are firm to avoid disappointment. Enjoy your incredible journey through Japan's spring wonderland!
