Kyoto Weather in April

Season: Spring
In Short: Pleasant and warm, peak season of oriental cherry

The Kyoto weather in April is mild and warm in general, pretty suitable for traveling around. However, the temperature varies greatly between day and night, so it is advisable to bring a thick coat for cold nights. April is the time when the oriental cherry is in full bloom. The beautiful flowers and nice weather make it the best time to travel there. It also leads to the peak time of Kyoto tourism. In the case, you’d better make reservations for accommodation and transport in advance.

See also: Japan Weather in April

Sakura in Hirano Shrine, April

Temperature

In April, the temperature is gradually increasing. The highest temperature is about 19°C (66.2°F) and the lowest is about 10°C (50°F) averagely. The temperature difference between day and night reaches 9°C (48.2°F) and it may suddenly drop sometimes. Please be sure to wear enough clothes to keep warm when the temperature drops or at cold nights.
Average High Temperature: 19°C / 66.2°F

Average Low Temperature: 10°C / 50°F

Rainfall

The rain in spring is basically drizzle. It rains about 10 days in April and the monthly rainfall is about 114mm. The humidity is about 59% which is suitable for going out.
Average Rainy Days: 10 days

Average Humidity: 59%

Sunrise & Sunset

After March, the daytime gradually becomes longer than the nighttime. The sun rises early in the morning at around 05:25 slowly. After about 13h of daylight, the sun sets at 18:29. The daily sunshine hours reach 8h in this month, indicating it is sunny most of the time.
Daylight hours: about 13h
Sunshine hours: around 8h

Recommended Clothes to Wear in April

The thick clothes are no longer needed. To fit the warm weather, light and long-sleeve clothes are good choices. 

Girls

Tops: Girls can choose long-sleeve clothes like hoodie and thin sweater to adapt to the weather. Of course, a trench coat is necessary for you to prevent getting cold from the big temperature difference.

Bottoms & shoes: Sweatpants and jeans are definitely the most suitable pants in April. Wearing a pair of casual shoes, you can be very comfortable to see the sakura.

Boys

Tops: Except for the most basic clothes like hoodies and shirts, it is advisable for boys to bring another outdoor jacket to keep warm in cool mornings and nights.
Bottoms & shoes: For pants, boys can choose the jeans and sweatpants which are convenient for you to move around. Also, a pair of sneakers is more suitable when walking to see the oriental cherry.
Special Recommendation: Kimono is the traditional Japanese costume and there are many kimono rental shops in Kyoto. If you want to take perfect pictures with the sakura, you can rent and get dressed in kimono in advance.

Top Things to Do in Kyoto in April

Travel Recommendation:  

In April, the oriental cherry, called sakura in Japanese, is in full bloom. Visitors can appreciate different kinds of sakura almost everywhere in Kyoto.

1. Heian-jingū Shrine

The Heian-jingū Shrine is the most recommended place to see the sakura in Kyoto because it has 300 sakura trees and most of them are weeping oriental cherry. The beautiful Jingu surrounded by the pink sakura is an absolutely unforgettable visual feast. At night, it also has the special lights for you to appreciate the sakura in the dark. What’s more, the Heian-jingū Shrine is near many famous attractions like the Tetsugaku No Michi and the Konkai Komyoji Temple. Both of them are perfect places to appreciate the sakura.

2. Sagano Sight-Seeing Tram, Mt. Arashiyama

Another recommended place to see sakura is the Mt. Arashiyama. It has about 1,500 sakura trees on the mountain and the most popular way for visitors to appreciate the sakura is to travel with Sagano Sight-Seeing Tram. The tram offers an interesting way to view the sakura in the valley. Sitting in the train, you will feel like traveling in a pink fairy land and the sakura along the track can bring a unique visual experience. It is one of the unmissable sceneries in Kyoto.

Tip: People who is allergic to pollen should wear a mask to appreciate the sakura.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Taisha Shrine)

Kyoto has many magnificent shrines and temples. The most famous shrine is the Fushimi Inari Taisha and it will hold many activities in every month. In April, the biggest activity is the Inari Festival. On that day, the shrine holds an annual parade and it is said the Inari deity can protect the people of the Inari area after this festival. You can take part in to experience the ancient Japanese customs and peaceful lifestyle here.

Fushimi Inari Taisha in April

Girls on the Hanamikoji Street, April

4. Hanamikoji Street - Geisha Performance 

If you want to experience more ancient Japanese customs, the Geisha performance in Kyoto is also a good choice. Kyoto is the most famous place for geisha culture in Japan especially the Hanamikoji Street in Gion. It has a special place for Geisha performance at the south end of this street, named Gion corner.

Tip: It is not allowed to take photos of geisha casually and some parts of the Gion even forbid taking photos. Please check the scenic spot signs before taking a photo.

April Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

• Tokyo Weather in April
• Osaka Weather in April
• Nara Weather in April

Kyoto Weather by Month