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Things to do in Japan: April 2026

Mar. 31. 2026

Welcome to April! The height of spring in Japan is here, with cherry blossoms in full bloom and the country coming alive with seasonal energy, making it the perfect time to get out and explore.

From cultural performances to open-air markets, the month offers a wide range of experiences that invite you to step outside and make the most of the warmer days. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply looking for ways to enjoy the season, here are some of the events worth adding to your April itinerary.

Tokyo

Baker’s Marche

Tokyo is home to countless bakeries scattered across its many neighborhoods. Baker’s Marché, a market dedicated to baked goods and bread, periodically brings together a variety of bakeries so visitors can sample different pastries all in one place. This time, the market will take place in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, a neighborhood known for its abundance of stylish coffee shops, as well as landmarks such as Kiyosumi Gardens and the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. If you haven’t explored Kiyosumi-Shirakawa yet, this event is a great excuse to visit the neighborhood while tasting baked goods from a variety of bakeries.

Image courtesy of Baker’s Marche.

📍 Takabashi Shopping Street

📅 April 29

💰 Free entry

For full details of the event, please check their official Instagram.

Spring Comes to the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo: Blossoms in Japanese Art

Celebrate the arrival of spring through a special display of masterpieces inspired by cherry blossoms. The exhibition features works such as Kawai Gyokudō’s Parting Spring, a National Important Cultural Property depicting petals drifting across the water, as well as elegant folding screens by artists including Kikuchi Hōbun and Funada Gyokuju. After viewing the exhibition, visitors can also take scenic strolls to nearby cherry blossom spots such as the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Greenway, and Kitanomaru Park. The exhibition offers the chance to experience cherry blossoms in two ways: through the artists’ interpretations in paintings and scrolls inside the museum, and in full bloom at nearby cherry blossom sites.

Image courtesy of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Image taken by Ken Kato).

📍 The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

📅 until April 12

💰 ￥500

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

Tochigi

Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair 2026

First held in 1966, the Mashiko Pottery Fair takes place twice a year, during Golden Week in spring and around November 3 in autumn. The event features around 50 shops and more than 700 booths, offering everything from traditional Mashiko ware to everyday tableware and fine art pieces. Visitors can browse a wide selection while meeting and speaking directly with potters and craftsmen. In addition to ceramics, local produce and regional specialties are also sold.

Image courtesy of the Mashiko Pottery Fair Committee.

📍 Various locations in Mashiko Town

📅 April 29 ~ May 6

💰 Free entry

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

Kyoto

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

DRUM TAO, renowned for bringing the dynamic art of taiko drumming to audiences around the world, now opens an exclusive theater in Kyoto. Designed to fully immerse the audience, every seat is positioned for maximum impact, making you feel as though you are right in the heart of the performance. The show delivers explosive energy through powerful drumming, movement, and theatrical expression, offering a vivid glimpse into Japanese taiko culture. The theater offers two performances, HIBIKI and YUME, each with its own story and style. Guests can attend either or both, with each ticket including a complimentary drink. For more details, visit the official DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO website.

Image courtesy of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO.

📍 DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

📅 April 9 Onward

💰 ￥10,000 (Standard seat) & ￥15,000 (Premium seat)

For full details of the event, please check the official website.

Kyoto Gojo Yakimonomichi

The Kiyomizu-Gojo area has long been a hub for pottery since the Edo period. This event was created to highlight the neighborhood’s ceramic heritage while connecting it with the many restaurants and hotels that have recently opened in the area. During the event, local and emerging ceramic artists collaborate with participating shops and restaurants, creating tableware that is both used and sold at these venues. If you’re a pottery collector, this is a great opportunity to explore the Kiyomizu-Gojo neighborhood and discover works by local and emerging potters.

Image courtesy of Kyoto Gojo Yakimonomichi.

📍 Various locations on Gojo Street

📅 until April 5

💰 Free entry

For full details of the event, please check the official website or Instagram.

Osaka

Yozakura Lantern Fes 2026

Enjoy cherry blossoms lanterns at night at the Yozakura Lantern Festival 2026. The event features a lively lineup of food stalls, classic festival games such as target shooting games and ring toss, and an omikuji corner. Visitors can also browse stalls selling festival masks to get into the festive spirit while taking photos beneath the illuminated cherry blossoms. The evening concludes with a lantern release, creating a magical finale to this nighttime spring celebration.