In April, the weather in Osaka is mild and pleasant. During the day, temperatures are warm when the sun is out, but mornings and evenings could be quite chilly. The skies are mostly sunny or partly cloudy.
April is also the cherry blossom season in Osaka, making it one of the best months to visit.
Let's explore April's temperatures, what to wear, and the top activities to enjoy during this month.
What Is the Weather Like in April in Osaka?
In April, the weather in Osaka is warm and pleasant, with a gentle breeze and little rain.
Warm Days and Cool Nights
It is warm during the day and cool at night.
Daytime temperatures range from 61°F (16°C) to 71°F (22°C), and on sunny days, it could reach up to 78°F (25°C). Light jackets or long sleeves are a good choice.
However, mornings and evenings could be cool, dropping to 46°F (8°C) to 55°F (13°C). If it's windy or rainy, you might want a heavier coat for those times.
Some Rainfall
Expect about 10 rainy days in April although the rain doesn't usually last long. You might experience light rain or short showers that last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Sometimes, there may be a few rainy days in a row.
While rain could be a hassle, it also offers a unique experience. The city looks different in the rain and tourist spots are often less crowded. For instance, at Universal Studios Japan, many attractions have no lines and everything usually runs smoothly. Parks like Osaka Castle Park feel fresh and inviting, making it a nice time for a stroll.
Most hotels provide umbrellas but it's a good idea to take a raincoat. You could buy raincoats at attractions but they tend to be pricier than those in regular stores.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Osaka?
April is the best month in spring in Osaka. The weather is warmer than in March and cooler than in May. It's also the cherry blossom season in Japan. Plus, World Expo 2025 starts in mid-April.
In March, it's still quite cold, with daytime temperatures of about 59°F (15°C) and chilly nights at about 41°F (5°C).
By May, Osaka begins its rainy season, with humidity rising from 10% to 40% (compared to 0% in March). It gets hot during the day, reaching about 77°F (25°C), making it feel sticky.
April is the peak cherry blossom season. If you visit before mid-April, you could enjoy the beautiful sakura in various parks.
The World Expo in Osaka opens on April 12, 2025. During this time, you could attend the opening ceremony and explore pavilions from different countries.
Is April a Good Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka?
Early April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Osaka. At this time, the streets and parks are filled with beautiful blooms.
By mid-April, many blossoms may start to wilt but you could still find late-blooming trees at the Osaka Mint Bureau and Mount Yoshino, which is about 2 hours away by car or train.
By late April, the cherry blossoms may be gone in Osaka and Tokyo. If you want to see them, you would need to travel to Hokkaido.
What to Wear in April in Osaka
In April, the weather could change frequently, so it's best to wear layers. During the day, a thin long-sleeved shirt is usually enough. However, you should add an extra layer for the evening. It's a good idea to take both a lightweight jacket and a heavier one to stay comfortable and warm.
Top Things to Do in Osaka in April
1. Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms
April is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Osaka. Two popular spots are Osaka Castle Park and the Okawa River. Both places are spacious, so even when they are crowded, the space doesn't feel too restricted.
At Osaka Castle Park, you could enjoy various festive activities during the cherry blossom season. At the Okawa River, you could take a boat ride to see the blossoms from the water.
Keep in mind that the blooming period could change each year, so catching the cherry blossoms at their peak could be a bit of luck. Usually, the beginning of April is the best time to see them in full bloom.
2. Explore the World Expo 2025
World Expo 2025 is set to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This international event will feature exciting displays of advanced technology, innovative architecture, and diverse cultures from around the world.
In April 2025, you'll have the unique chance to attend the opening ceremony of the expo.
Tickets can be bought on the official website and foreign credit cards are accepted.
3. Enjoy Spring Activities at Universal Studios Japan
In April, Universal Studios Japan hosts special spring events and festivals, with cherry blossom-themed decorations and performances.
The pleasant weather in April is also ideal for enjoying the park's outdoor attractions and rides.
Universal Studios Japan could be quite crowded during this month, particularly in early April, on weekends, and during the 3-day weekends at the end of the month. Entrance lines often exceed a 1-hour wait time. To minimize your wait time, it's advisable to arrive by 7am or even earlier.
Tips for Visiting Osaka in April
April is a busy time in Osaka due to the cherry blossom season, Japan's spring vacation, and World Expo 2025. This means there would be heavy traffic, large crowds, and higher travel costs. We have listed some tips based on our experience for you to have an enjoyable trip.
1. Book in advance
Hotels: Reserve your hotel at least 3 months before your stay. Upscale hotels may be hard to book as some may be requisitioned by the government. Booking early would give you the best chance.
Metro: Buy your Shinkansen tickets 1 month in advance or on the day you arrive in Japan.
Restaurants: Make reservations about a month in advance for popular places (like Michelin-starred restaurants) and around 10 days in advance for other dining options.
Universal Studios Japan: If you plan to visit, buy your tickets at least 1 month in advance.
2. Plan a relaxed itinerary: Avoid cramming too many attractions into one day. Visiting 2–3 attractions is usually enough.
3. Skip this month if you are interested in geisha performances: There may not be any geisha performances during this month as they are employed by the government.
4. Allow extra time for travel: Give yourself plenty of time to catch trains or flights — usually 2–3 times longer than normal. If you have a train journey or flight on the same day, try not to schedule other activities.
5. Avoid April 25–30: This period coincides with Japan's consecutive holidays, leading to larger crowds.
6. Book your tours 3 months in advance to ensure you have good guides: Good English-speaking guides are in shortage. Some guides with poor English-speaking skills or Chinese guides with little knowledge of Japanese culture would be used.
If you find this overwhelming, feel free to contact us for help with your itinerary or to explore other options.
FAQs for Traveling to Osaka in April
1. Is April a Good Time to Visit Osaka for World Expo 2025?
Absolutely! April is an excellent time to visit Osaka for World Expo 2025. The weather is generally mild and you would get to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. However, be prepared for larger crowds due to both the expo and the cherry blossom festival.
2. How Warm is Osaka in April?
In April, the weather in Osaka is typically mild and pleasant, with daytime average temperatures above 68°F (20°C). It's a great time for outdoor activities. During sunny days, you might only need to wear a light long-sleeved shirt or even a short-sleeved shirt.
3. Where to Stay to View Cherry Blossoms and Visit World Expo 2025?
For the best experience, consider staying in Namba, Umeda, or Shinsaibashi. These areas offer easy access to the expo venue (about 30–40 minutes) and are close to cherry blossom spots.
- Namba: A vibrant area near Dotonbori, it's perfect for nightlife and entertainment.
- Umeda: Known for excellent transport links, it's the closest area to the expo venue, with a subway ride taking just 20–30 minutes.
- Shinsaibashi: It offers a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a convenient choice.
These neighborhoods would enhance your visit to both the cherry blossoms and the expo!
4. Is it Suitable for Allergy Sufferers to View Cherry Blossoms?
Be mindful of pollen allergies. If you have pollen allergies, it's important to take precautions as cherry blossoms could trigger allergic reactions during this time. Consider wearing a mask and taking allergy medicine before planning your cherry blossom outings.
Let Us Help You Plan Your 2025 Cherry Blossom Trip
Osaka's cherry blossom season will arrive at the end of March 2025. Are you expecting to travel to Japan in spring 2025? See below for some of our most popular Japan tour itineraries:
- 7-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Mini-Group Tour 2025
- 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tour
Contact us and we'll help you to plan your own Japan itinerary based on your personal preferences.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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