Month guide · Kyoto · Japan
Kyoto in April
What April is really like in Kyoto: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
April is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 13 hours of daylight. Cherry blossom usually peaks in the first week; the city is at its most beautiful and its most crowded, with peak hotel prices.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in April
April is the 7th-warmest month in Kyoto: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 30 days. Compared with March (14°C (57°F)), April is warmer; by May highs climb to around 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 April)
- About 05:25
- Sunset (15 April)
- About 18:29
- Daylight
- About 13 hours
Spring (March–May). Plum blossom in March, cherry blossom in early April and fresh green maples in May; Golden Week and blossom season bring heavy crowds.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, April rates 5 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in April). Book accommodation early: April is one of the pricier months.
Events in April
- Cherry blossom along the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park and Arashiyama (usually late March to early April)
- Miyako Odori — spring dances by Gion's geiko and maiko (usually April)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in April
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Religious site · Higashiyama
Tofuku-ji
This large Zen temple complex south of the centre is famous for the Tsutenkyo covered bridge spanning a valley of maple trees, one of Kyoto's most celebrated autumn views.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Kita
Daitoku-ji
Have lunch at one of the shojin ryori vegetarian restaurants near the temple gates.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
Waterfront · Downtown Kawaramachi
Kamo River and Pontocho
The Kamo River's grassy banks are Kyoto's living room, where locals stroll, jog and sit in the evening.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Food
- Outdoors
Park · Arashiyama
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Wear good shoes for the climb and do not stare directly at the monkeys or show food outside the hut.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Views
- Nature
- Active
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 9°C and 10 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?
One of the best months to visit Kyoto, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are March, May and October–November. Compare every month.
Kyoto in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is April a good time to visit Kyoto?
It is one of the best months to visit Kyoto. Cherry blossom usually peaks in the first week; the city is at its most beautiful and its most crowded, with peak hotel prices.
+How warm is Kyoto in April?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kyoto in April?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.