Planning a trip to Japan this spring (March to May)?
Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, sampling local spring flavors, or exploring historic castles surrounded by blooms, Nagoya in spring is an unforgettable experience.
From late March through May, the city comes alive with pink petals, pleasant mild weather, and festivities that capture both traditional and modern Japan. This season balances cool mornings with sunny afternoons, perfect for hanami picnics, cultural wandering, and day trips into charming towns nearby.
Let’s dive into why spring is one of the most magical times to visit Nagoya.
Article Contents
Reasons to Visit Nagoya in Spring
Spring in Nagoya means cherry blossoms in full display at parks and castles, mild weather ideal for sightseeing, and seasonal events that celebrate Japan’s most beloved season.
Nagoya’s large open spaces and gardens give you plenty of room for hanami (flower viewing) without the overwhelming crowds found in Tokyo or Kyoto.
The fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-see destination for spring travelers. The mix of festivals, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery makes Nagoya especially enticing at this time of year.
Tips for Traveling During Spring in Japan
These are our tips for traveling during spring in Japan.
Timing Matters: Sakura (cherry blossoms) are typically at their peak late March to early April in Nagoya, but can vary by year depending on the weather.
Plan Ahead: Spring is a high tourist season across Japan, so book accommodations and transport early. If you miss the window for cherry blossoms, consider a trip in late April or May, when flowers such as the gorgeous wisteria, azaleas, and nemophila (baby blue eyes) are in bloom.
Experience Local Culture: Join in hanami parties under the blossoms and explore seasonal markets and festival fares around the city and parks.
Nagoya Spring Weather – What to Expect and What to Pack
Nagoya spring weather transitions from early cool days in March, where temperatures can still feel crisp, to pleasantly warm in April and May. The average temperature ranges between 12 to 23 degrees Celsius (54 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit).
Depending on the month, these are our recommendations.
March: Early spring can still feel chilly, especially mornings and evenings.
April: Mild and comfortable, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and blossoms in full bloom.
May: Generally warmer and perfect for longer daytime adventures.
What to Bring
If you are worried about what to bring, here’s a handy travel checklist.
Layered Clothing: Light jacket or cardigan + long-sleeved shirts.
Rain Gear: Umbrella or light raincoat for possible April showers.
Comfortable Shoes: Essential for hanami strolls and sightseeing.
Camera or Smartphone: For capturing iconic sakura and festival moments.
Portable Charger & Small Backpack: Perfect for day trips and outdoor picnics. Consider packing a blanket to lay down on and picking up some bento or takeout for a meal beneath the cherry blossoms!
Top Spots and Things to Do in Spring in Nagoya
If you’re lucky enough to make it to Japan during the cherry blossom season, you’ll want to know the best places to see them. Luckily, Nagoya has hanami spots galore.
Nagoya Castle
Whether you visit Nagoya Castle during the day for an afternoon picnic or at night for the boozy light-up ceremonies, Nagoya Castle is an iconic destination for sakura viewing.
Nagoya Castle (名古屋城)
Best Time: From the end of March to the beginning of April
Number of Sakura trees: ~1,000
Light up: 18:00 – 20:00
Entry Fee: Adults 500 yen, children under 12 years free
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 (extended until 20:00 during event period)
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website | Google Maps
Meijo Park
Covering some 80 hectares of land, Meijo Park is dotted with enough ponds and viewing spots to spend an entire afternoon. Stroll beside the Hori River, tour the nearby university campus, or sip a sakura-themed drink at the Starbucks inside the park. Once you’re done, head to Nagoya Castle just down the street to continue the sightseeing!
Meijo Park (名城公園)
Best Time: From the end of March to the beginning of April
Number of Sakura trees: 200 approx.
Light Up: No
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Address: 1 Chome-2 Meijo, Kita Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 462-0846
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
For those wanting more activities to go with the cherry blossom viewing, we cannot recommend Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens enough. Spend the day observing your favorite animals and strolling through the nearby botanical gardens–perfect for kids and adults alike.
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (名古屋市東山動植物園)
Best Time: From early March to the end of April
Number of Sakura trees: 1,000 approx.
Light Up: April 4th to April 13th, 2024, from 18:00 until 20:30 (last admission at 20:00). Closed April 7.
Entry Fee: 500 yen per person
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 (hours extended during the light-up event). Closed on Mondays.
Address: 3-70 Motomachi, Higashiyama, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804
Access: Take the Higashiyama subway line and get off at Higashiyamakoen station. Take exit 3. From there, it is a 7-minute walk.
Website | Google Maps
Tsuruma Park
Right in front of Tsurumai Station, this easily accessible park boasts food trucks, a wine festival, a beer garden, and live music to accompany your cherry blossom viewing. The fun continues at night with light-up ceremonies.
Tsuruma Park(鶴舞公園)
Best Time: From the end of March to the beginning of April
Number of Sakura trees: 750 approx.
Light Up: March 20 to April 6, 2025 (Sunday), 18:00-22:00
Entry Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 1-1 Tsurumai, Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0064
Access: Take the Tsurumai subway line or the JR Chuo train line. 1-minute walk from Tsurumai Station.
Website (Japanese Only) | Google Maps
Top Spring Day Trips from Nagoya
If you have a little more wiggle room in your itinerary, here are a few spots outside Nagoya that are worth making the jaunt for.
Inuyama
Inuyama’s castle town vibes and riverside blossoms pair tradition with scenic views perfect for spring exploration. If you’re in the mood for some hiking, check out Mt. Tsugao or the far-flung Mt. Hasso, both accessible by bus.
Okazaki
Historic sites, cherry blossom parks, and countryside charm offer contrast to the liveliness of Nagoya proper. Add a samurai twist with our Samurai Food and History Okazaki tour.
Gujo Hachiman
This charming water town invites leisurely walks along rivers and canals with blossoms in tow. If you’re looking to get away from the city, you’ll be in luck with Gujo Hachiman’s “Castle in the Sky” and cobblestone streets.
Takayama
A slightly longer day trip, Takayama offers old town vibes, lush landscapes, and seasonal festival energy. Consider joining our original Nagoya is not boring Takayama tour to make the most of the excursion.
Now that you know where to go in and outside of the city, let’s take a look at what to eat.
Nagoya Spring Seasonal Foods
Spring in Nagoya isn’t just scenic, it’s delicious:
Sakura Mochi: aesthetic pink rice cakes wrapped in a sakura leaf and filled with sweet red bean paste, another specialty of Nagoya.
Aichi Strawberries: Juicy, sweet local strawberries. Best eaten in the form of strawberry daifuku or ichigo sando, light tea sandwiches with strawberries and whipped cream.
Tempura Shrimp Rice Ball (Tenmusu): A Nagoya favorite with a spring twist. You’ll know you’ve found them if you see onigiri with a fried shrimp tail sticking out.
Chirashizushi: This colorful, “scattered rice” dish is perfect for welcoming the spring season. Traditionally eaten for Girls’ Day (Hinamatsuri), which falls on March 3rd, you’ll find chirashizushi in most bento shops and department stores throughout the season.
Looking to try more Nagoya meshi? Consider booking our Flavors of Nagoya tour, designed to introduce you to all the delicious cuisine the city has to offer.
Once your appetite is satiated, look to Nagoya’s dazzling festivals, where you can eat, drink, and celebrate warmer days ahead.
Seasonal Spring Events and Festivals in Nagoya
And a visit to Nagoya can not be complete without visiting any of the festivals you can find during the Spring in Nagoya.
Hina Matsuri Festival
Held in the third lunar month when peach blossoms are also in bloom, the Hina Matsuri Festival was once known as the “Peach Festival.” What began in the powerful Owari Tokugawa family as a tradition of gifting a pair of male and female dolls to the wives quickly spread across Japan. Nowadays, the day and the dolls themselves are symbols of hope for healthy daughters and happy marriages for them in their future. Note that the dates below are for the exhibit at Tokugawa Art Museum, with Girls’ Day falling on March 3rd.
Hina Doll Festival of the Owari Tokugawa Family (2026)
Entry Fee: 1,400 yen for adults
Date: February 7th-April 5th, 2026
Location: 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
Website: Website | Google Maps
Nagoya Castle Spring Festival
While Nagoya Castle is a sight to see year-round, it comes to life during the Nagoya Castle Spring Festival, when the 1000 cherry blossom trees on the castle grounds are in bloom and festivities abound. Ring in the spring season with special exhibits, light displays, musical performances (and monkeys!), and seasonal treats sold by local students.
Nagoyajo Haru Matsuri (名古屋城春祭)
Entry Fee: free
Date: Approx. March 20th-April 6th, 2026 (Dates yet to be determined)
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Website: Website | Google Maps
Inuyama Festival
With origins as an offering to the guardian deity at Haritsuna Jinja Shrine, the Inuyama Festival is so impressive as to have been named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage back in 2016. During the day, thirteen yama floats tower through the old town, joined by a mechanized doll performance and the sound of flutes. Once it gets dark, no fewer than 365 lanterns are wrapped around the floats, lighting up the cherry blossoms lining the streets.
Inuyama Festival (犬山祭)
Entry Fee: free
Date: April 4th-April 5th, 2026
Location: 65-1 Inuyama Kitakoken, Inuyama City
Website: Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Kamezaki Shiohi Festival
Courtesy of Aichi Now.
Starting at Kamisaki Shrine, this lively festival involves participants hoisting five different floats down to the beach at low tide, where they are then lined up.. It is said that this tradition dates back to the 15th century, when similarly crafted wooden floats were carried through town by samurai families, spurred on by musical performances.
Kamezaki Shiohi (亀崎潮干祭)
Entry Fee: free
Date: May 3rd-May 4th, 2026
Location: 2 Chome-92 Kamezakicho, Handa, Aichi 475-0023
Website: Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Spring transforms Nagoya into a bloom-filled wonderland, where historic castles, parks awash with pink petals, seasonal foods, and meaningful festivals combine to create a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re picnicking under blossoms, exploring nearby day-trip destinations, or indulging in local spring treats, Nagoya in spring is a dream for travelers seeking both culture and natural beauty.
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