How is the weather in April in Tokyo and Kyoto? I've heard high sixties during the day and not humid? Not too warm but, not too cold?

Its spring so the weather can be highly variable, but usually is mild. it snowed in Tokyo one april when I was not prepared.

Early April or late April? I was in both places at the very end of March last year and it was quite cool on some days, esp. in Kyoto. I needed the lightweight jacket w/fleece lining every evening I was in Kyoto, and I used it during most of the days also.

And if you plan to go north of Kyoto to Ohara or Kurama areas, or into the other moutnainous areas just outside of Kyoto, it was colder there at end of March.

It actually sleeted my last day in Kyoto at end of March, and was snowing in Ohara when I got there. I used gloves and ear muffs that day.

Of course, late April is warmer.

And of course it is the lovely cherry blossom season.

We are planning the trip around April 16 for eight days. We'd prefer to travel when it is a little on the cool side rather than hot and especially humid.
When you say April is warmer do you think light weight jackets, or sweaters are still appropriate, especially at night or would summer clothes be better? Is Kyoto cooler than Tokyo? I guess what I'm trying to find out is what you're wearing at that time of year!

I can't imagine it would be summer clothes time, as it will be just 2 to 3 weeks after I was there last year.

I am planning on taking the same kind of clothes I did last year. I took outfits that had a pair of midweight pants, sleveless kint top and a matching long sleevee knit top. I had two of those mix-match outfits, in two different dark colors. They formed the basis of my wardrobe, along w/a few long sleeved lightweight stretch tops (Old Navy style, which I could also layer as above). Then I am taking a fleece zip jacket I can put over those if needed. I may take a pair of jeans also this time. I took a pair of thin silk long john bottoms and wore those 5 nights, so I will probably throw those in also, since they do not take up much room (and I can sleep in them w/a T shirt too). There was only one day when I got somewhat warm in a long sleeve shirt - a sunny market day at Toji temple in Kyoto. But I was not hot.
My teen son, who is very warm blooded, wore short sleeved T shirts (his usual uniform) but he has his jean jacket on in every picture we have. And he also took a hoodie sweatshirt that he wore at night.

redd: I am topping another post for you called "Japan: Outerwear for March" - it was my question last year to this board regarding what I should wear in March. But during that thread, another person asked what she shoudl take for mid-April. Check that post for the replies.

Thanks for all the info!

EMD....can't find the post you sent on outerwear.

I'll top it again right now, but all you have to do is look down the list - right now it is at #13 post.