Best destinations to visit in April in Asia
Best destinations to visit in April in Asia
April brings some of the hottest weather of the year to parts of Asia, along with one of the region's biggest celebrations.
Thailand and several neighboring countries mark their New Year with Songkran in mid April, a water festival celebrated with citywide water fights and family gatherings. Southeast Asia as a whole reaches its hottest stretch of the year this month, with humidity building alongside rising temperatures. South Asia heats up too, pushing many travelers toward cooler hill towns rather than the lowland cities. East Asia stays milder, with cherry blossom season wrapping up in parts of Japan during the first half of the month. Ski season in the region's colder mountains has largely come to an end by this point.
The destinations on our list for Asia reflect that same range, from festival energy in the heat to the last of the season's blossoms.
Lists by region
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
Elegant and old, this former capital has more than a thousand temples and shrines. Cherry blossoms are the highlight of April along the Philosopher's Path and in Maruyama Park. Geisha in the Gion district perform the Miyako Odori dance in spring. Book hotels months ahead because crowds are large.
City in Japan
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
The Maeda clan ruled this city for centuries and built Kenroku-en, one of the three great gardens of Japan. Cherry blossoms are at their peak there in early April. The Higashi Chaya district has wooden teahouses from the Edo period. Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan is served in the markets.
City in Japan
Sendai
Tohoku's biggest city with samurai roots
Blossoms in this city usually peak in mid April, later than in Tokyo. Nishi Park and Aoba Castle are good places to see them. A statue of the lord Date Masamune stands at the castle site. Matsushima Bay, a short train ride away, has pine covered islands. Grilled beef tongue is the local dish.
Lake in Japan
Lake Kawaguchi
Mirror-like lake with the best Fuji views
Calm and scenic, this lake at the foot of Mount Fuji is one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Cherry trees bloom around the shore in mid April, later than in Tokyo. The mountain is still capped with snow. A ropeway climbs Mount Tenjo for wide views of the lake and Fuji.
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