The 7 Best Outdoor Spring Activities to Do in Japan

Springtime in Japan is truly unbeatable. But you may ask, just exactly when is spring in Japan? Well, with the season spanning from late March to early May, it's the perfect window to plan your out-of-town getaway. With renowned Japanese spring festivals, cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the delightful flavours of matcha and strawberries, no one celebrates spring like Japan.

Plus, the cherry blossom season is a perfect balance of the temperatures—not freezing cold like winter, so there's a range of outdoor activities that make it the best time to visit Japan. We've curated a list of the top outdoor spring activities in Japan, and trust us, you wouldn't want to miss these when you're enjoying everything that the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer!

When you're in Japan during spring, the unwritten rule is to walk, walk, and walk! Whether you're cruising through city streets or exploring the suburbs, you're in for a treat. Think tight streets, cosy ramen joints, and adorable cafes... there are a million things to explore just a hop away from Tokyo!

You might stumble upon gems like Ueno Park, the spot to be in the capital during cherry blossom season, or if you're itching to escape the hustle and bustle, the iconic Mt. Fuji is just a few hours away.

The Japanese often enjoy hanami or the cherished tradition of cherry blossom viewing, so it's a non-negotiable and a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Other than that, Japan is the perfect playground to try out things you normally wouldn't dare in chaotic cities with gridlocked traffic. So why not hop on a bike and cruise your way through some of the safest neighbourhoods around Tokyo?

If you're itching for more, buckle up because we've got even more cool outdoor activities to do in Japan lined up just for you. Get ready for the seven activities that'll make your springtime Japan adventure a blast!

Listen up—your Japan trip is not complete without a pitstop at Mt. Fuji. Travelling isn't even a hassle because you can get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo in an hour. If public transport isn't for you, don't worry, we've got your back with a day tour from the capital, care of Klook.

You'll hit the famous 5th station at 2,300m, and the views? Mind-blowing, and it's worth every penny. While Mt. Fuji is, of course, the main attraction, Oishi Park that's right by the base of the mountain steals the show in Japan spring. With cherry blossoms in full bloom and fields of lavender on peak, the park's Flower Street is the perfect place to sightsee and snap some photos for the gram with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.

You can take a stroll along Flower Street and simply appreciate the view. Oishi Park isn't just a one-season wonder that blooms in spring, but it's the go-to spot for the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival in early summer, too. If you find yourself travelling Japan in autumn, the kokia or summer cypress flower paints the town crimson red, and it's also a sight to see for the books.

This one's a no-brainer. Spring in Japan is the best time to see their national flower in full bloom because it is, after all, peak cherry blossom season, or sakura season as locals call it. Cherry blossoms deserve their afternoon; honestly, no rushing is allowed!

Take all the photos you want of the cherry blossom trees, soak in the views, and just enjoy the moment. You can simply head over to Nakameguro, one of the most famous cherry blossom spots that's just right by the station for jaw-dropping views of the famous flower. But if you're looking to appreciate the flora in full bloom more, you can check out the best cherry blossom festivals happening while you're in town.

The Hirosaki cherry blossom festival is just one, but there are several that celebrate the many cherry trees all around the nation. The tradition of cherry blossom viewing parties, or hanami, dates back to 710 – 794 AD during the Nara period. Originally a royal affair under a plum blossom tree, it evolved into the widely celebrated Cherry Blossom Festival we know today.

Klook tip: Public parks like Tokyo's Ueno Park, Nagano's Takato Castle Park, and the Hirosaki Castle Park are prime cherry blossom spots. The Shinjuku Gyoen is only 10 minutes away from Tokyo Station and has over a thousand cherry trees enough for everyone, but really, wherever you find sakura trees or cherry trees are golden!

We know you can't get enough of blossom season in Japan. But don't worry, we've got your back! Master the art of hanami with Klook's cherry blossom viewing tips. Find out the best place to see cherry blossoms in Japan during its full bloom sakura season!

Travel back to the ancient capital as you explore the charm of a traditional Japanese village at Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. This village is littered with the cutest thatched houses by Lake Saiko, just chilling beneath Mt. Fuji, where Japan spring paints the town pink with the cherry blossom trees in full bloom and its many cherry blossom tunnels!

Here, you can try out artsy activities like needlework and pottery in these traditional houses, all with instructors to guide you through these techniques! This village is like time travel, rebuilt with love after a typhoon wrecked it in the 60s.

You can take a walk and wander around by exploring over twenty houses—from exhibits on farmer life to local arts and products. Don't miss the studio where you can rock a kimono or samurai armour for a photoshoot with Mt. Fuji's stealing the spotlight in the background!

Love walking and fitness? Then a no-frills walking tour through Nagoya is something you should definitely add to your bucket list, especially during spring in Japan. Your first stop: Tokugawaen! Its 44-hectare garden was restored to its former glory in 2004 after being destroyed in World War II.

The garden's landscape is filled with hundreds of cherry blossoms, Japanese apricots, and Iris that's good for the soul (and the gram!). You'll experience the Japanese zan through the well-preserved gardens with ponds, waterfalls, tea houses, and bridges, so it's a trip worth every step!

Next, this walking tour will take you to the subway with the crew as you head to the Nagoya Castle Spring Festival. This castle, home to the Owari Tokugawa family for 260 years, is a beautifully preserved landmark. With 1,000 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Shidare-zakura, and its iconic golden killer whale on the tower, it's a visual experience that lights up come nighttime with its evening illuminations. And during the Cherry Blossom Festival, the trees light up, keeping the magic alive after sunset.

From simply admiring the cherry blossom in full bloom to participating in cherry blossom festivals, Japan in spring is truly the best, so discover the best time to go to Japan and make the most of your time abroad. Find the perfect season for your dream trip to the Land of the Rising Sun with Klook!

Explore the beauty of Tokyo and pedal your way through the country's capital! Japan's jaw-dropping skyline, combined with picturesque scenery and exemplary traffic etiquette, makes it a great place for bicycle touring! Grab three friends and join Klook's guided tour for a bike trip around Tokyo's landmarks on wheels.

You'll start your journey by cycling through the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku, then pedal your way to the serene Meiji Shrine and the iconic scramble crossing in Shibuya. From the serenity of Shinjuku Gyoen to the bustle of Kabukicho, you'll get to explore Tokyo's diverse landmarks in between, all from the comfort of your bike. The tour concludes at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building!

All-in-all, it's not just a workout, but a fun-filled trip on wheels condensed into five hours to explore the best of Tokyo yet. So, set aside a day and cycle your way through Tokyo's wonders with Klook!

Discover the charm of Oshino Hakkai, meaning "eight seas" in Japanese, nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako in the Fuji Five Lakes region. Did you know that these ponds, born from Mount Fuji's snowmelt, have the clearest water? And it's all thanks to volcanic rock filtering over decades!

A hotspot for locals and tourists from around the world, Oshino Hakkai is more than just the scenic ponds. Visitors can take a stroll through the small village-like park, where there are restaurants, souvenir shops, and food stands that you can visit. The ponds, including Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, and Sokonashi-ike, are conveniently located within walking distance of each other, so take a delightful walking tour of the location.

You can even improve your visit by exploring the open-air museum, Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, which houses ancient farming tools and military weapons in the samurai district! For lovers of the gram, don't miss out on Sokonashi-ike, which offers the best views of Mount Fuji during spring in Japan. Each pond, such as Kagami-ike and Deguchi-ike, is actually very unique in itself. For example, Kagami-ike is like a mirror that reflects the clearest image of Mount Fuji, while Deguchi-ike, the largest, sits near the village exit.

Tired of the same touristy things? Explore Nippon with a fresh eye as we've rounded up the best yet most unique Japanese adventures. From traditional tea ceremonies to futuristic wonders, these experiences will make you scream Konnichiwow!

Yamanashi is Japan's national fruit haven, where you can go all-you-can-eat on seasonal fruits! Known for its hot springs and exquisite wines, this Japanese prefecture is also a fruit lover's dream. From strawberries to blueberries, each season brings a distinct pick-your-own experience.

Spring in Japan, especially from January to mid-May, is a strawberry season—a time to pluck juicy, red gems effortlessly, thanks to the clever cultivation techniques of local farmers! And when it comes to local cuisine, the Hoto miso noodles steal the show.

These hearty noodles, cooked in a flavorful miso-based broth with veggies (and sometimes meat!) showcase the region's culinary prowess. So, whether you're filling your basket with seasonal fruits or savouring a bowl of Hoto miso noodles, a visit to Yamanashi will never be a trip wasted!