GUIDE Spring in Japan A time of rebirth, with verdant greenery and perfect weather

As the mountain snows begin to recede and the bare trees start producing leaves, an exciting sense of tension takes over cities and towns across the country. By late March, the Japanese flock outside to reign in the season with the incoming cherry blossom.

During this period, most of Japan rests at a pleasant 12 degrees Celsius, meaning you can travel comfortably in light outerwear and sweaters. Moving into the mountains and up the northern island of Hokkaido, you'll find chillier weather, and many Hokkaido ski resorts remain open well past March.

While much of Japan begins warming up in the early months of spring, the northernmost island of Hokkaido remains relatively frigid. Skiers and snowboarders looking for fresh powder should head up north to the trails in Niseko , Furano , or Rusutsu .

Niseko is home to four connected resorts, making it a popular ski destination. Located a two-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the resorts are easily accessible and great for both quick trips or extended stays.

Just over a 30-minute drive from Niseko is Rusutsu , an expansive resort with skiing, an amusement park, and onsen hot springs.

Further inland is Furano . In addition to great skiing, you'll also find other thrilling activities, like snow rafting and snowmobiling.

Cherry blossom blooms begin from the southern tip of Kyushu in late-March and gradually extend northwards through Honshu and Hokkaido into April. A deluge of pink and white descends across cities, towns, parks, and mountains, creating ample opportunity for outdoor fun and revelry. Locals gather at parks to celebrate with beer, food, and camaraderie. Bring a picnic blanket (or blue tarp, as is typical among local Japanese) and join the fun.

The cherries first bloom in southern cities such as Fukuoka. If you're in the area in late March and early April, head to Nishi Park , Shiranoe Botanical Gardens, or Katsuyama Park.

In the Kansai region, Kyoto and Nara offer some awe-inspiring sights. Ancient temples on the hillsides overlook the city, framed beautifully by white and pink cherry trees.

Tokyo's cherry blossoms bloom across parks like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park , but you'll also find some inspiring urban views on the Meguro River in Nakameguro and in Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace .

No matter where you are in Japan, the cherry blossom season is full of spectacular sights and immense natural beauty.

While cherry blossoms reign as Japan's most iconic flower, the country is also home to many other flower varieties thanks to centuries of botany and traditional arts like ikebana. Visit any Japanese garden or temple ground to view well-curated selections of flowers and plant life.

Among the many springtime botanical attractions in the country, the annual wisteria blooms in Tochigi's Ashikaga Flower Park and Fukuoka's Kawachi Wisteria Garden rank among the best. Likewise, the nemophila in Ibaraki and the azalea in Nara provide some beautiful views in the country.

While many travelers may think of Switzerland or Italy when considering the best mountain views, Japan has its very own alps. Stretching across the center of the island of Honshu, hikers, and trekkers will come across awe-inspiring views, snow-capped peaks, charming villages, and scenic lakes and rivers.

One of the most popular treks is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a 37.2-kilometer-long trail traversing Mt. Tateyama and Mt. Akazawadake in Toyama and Nagano prefectures. The trail opens in mid-April.