Cherry blossoms are a key symbol of Japan. From March to April, you can see these beautiful flowers all over the country. Seeing the cherry blossoms has become a major factor for travelers deciding when to visit Japan. But is it worth the high costs? And how bad are the crowds? How can you plan to see the blossoms at their peak?
In the past 2 years, we have assisted over 500 travelers during the cherry blossom season. Based on our experience and customer feedback, we've put together some helpful tips to make your trip to Japan in 2025 even better.
When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in 2025?
Japan’s cherry blossom months are from late February to late April from the South to the North. The blossoms begin to bloom in early February in Okinawa and continue until early May in Hokkaido.
Japan’s cherry blossom Months by regions:
- Late January to February: Okinawa
- March: Fukuoka
- Early- Middle April: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, etc (Central region)
- Late April: Aomori
- Late April to Early May: Hokkaido
The blooming of cherry blossoms largely depends on the weather. When the temperature reaches about 15°C (59°F) for 3–7 days, cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
The full blooms usually last about 1 week, but the exact dates change each year and are difficult to predict. Fortunately, you could enjoy the beautiful scenery a few days before the full blooms disappear.
The 2025 blooming forecast has not yet been released. For a rough idea, we recommend referring to the blooming dates from 2023 and 2024. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) typically issues the forecast around February, but exact dates can be difficult to predict. For instance, in 2024, in northern Hokkaido, blooms occurred about 10 days earlier than forecast. While in central regions like Tokyo and Kyoto, they bloomed about 3 days later than expected.
Japan's Cherry Blossoms Periods 2024/2023
| Location | 2024 Bloom Period | 2023 Bloom Period | First Bloom (Average for the Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 4/18–4/30 | 4/15–4/25 | 5/1 |
| Aomori | 4/15–4/18 | 4/12–4/16 | 4/22 |
| Tokyo | 3/29–4/1 | 3/14–3/22 | 3/24 |
| Nagoya | 4/4–4/9 | N/A | 3/24 |
| Kyoto | 3/29–4/3 | 3/17–3/24 | 3/26 |
| Osaka | 3/28–4/3 | 3/19–3/27 | 3/27 |
| Fukuoka | 3/27–4/2 | 3/18–3/26 | 3/22 |
Hotels around popular attractions are always booked up quickly, So we recommend you book with us at least 3 months in advance to have the best chance of room availability and choice.
How to Plan Your Itinerary for the Best Chance to See the Full Blooms
Our clients in Japan during the cherry blossom season in 2024.We understand that you can't wait until February to book your tour. If you do, you would likely find flight prices have doubled, with 90% of hotels and most unique experiences, such as sumo wrestling, fully booked. Most travelers secure better prices and reservations by booking their tours before January 2025.
We've provided some suggestions below based on your departure date to help maximize your chances of seeing the cherry blossoms.
If you depart between March 15th and 25th:
Start your trip in Fukuoka. During this period, the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka are in full bloom. There are direct flights from the USA to Fukuoka Airport.
Fukuoka, located in the south of Japan, is famous for its gourmet food (Hakata ramen), vibrant yatai (street food stalls), and cultural heritage, such as Fukuoka Castle ruins and Shofuku-ji, Japan's first Zen temple).
Consider the following itinerary: Fukuoka → Osaka → Kyoto → Tokyo, etc.
You could take the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Osaka, which takes about 3 hours. Enjoy your cherry blossom viewing!
If you don't want to travel south to Fukuoka, you could still see some early-blooming cherry blossoms at Tokyo's Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, but not on such a large scale.
Book early for good hotels and guides. Just contact us for a tailored dream trip to Japan to see the cherry blossom in 2025.
If you depart between March 26th and April 5th:
You could either start your trip from Osaka or Tokyo. Make your choice based on the international airfare. During this period, you could see cherry blossoms in full bloom at either destination.
If you depart from April 5th to 10th:
Start your journey in Osaka and consider extending your trip to Aomori (3-4 hours' journey by Shinkansen from Tokyo) at the end (cherry blossom period: April 15–18, 2024). Aomori is famous for Hirosaki Park, a top cherry blossom viewing spot. It is also known for the stunning Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada, which are popular for hiking and sightseeing.
If you prefer not to travel as far as Aomori, you could begin your trip in either Osaka or Tokyo. Visit Mount Fuji near Tokyo and Mount Yoshino in Nara for the full bloom in mid-April.
You could also explore the Expo from April 13th (it is open from April 13th to October 13th).
Hirosaki Castle cherry blossom, AomoriIf you depart from April 11th to May 1st:
Head to Hokkaido for the cherry blossoms as they would have already faded away in the rest of the country.
Still not sure how to plan your itinerary? We are here to help! Plan your Cherry Blossom Trip 2025 Now!
Are the Crowds During the Cherry Blossom Season Really That Bad?
Yes, the cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times in Japan. You could expect traffic jams and long lines at attractions. But with good planning, you can still enjoy a wonderful journey. Here are some tips from our past experiences to help you make the most of it.
- Visit parks early: Go to city parks in the mornings for fewer crowds. If you want to enjoy the festival atmosphere, visit during the day or at night.
- Use public transport: Take the bus or metro for city sightseeing. In Tokyo and Osaka, the metro is the best choice. Taxis could be hard to find and private transfers may suffer in traffic jams. For smaller cities like Kyoto and Hakone, consider private transfers.
- Avoid weekends for traveling to places outside the cities: If you're visiting places like Mount Fuji, Hakone, or Nara, try to avoid weekends.
- Stay overnight when traveling outside the city: If you're going outside the city, plan to stay overnight. Travel times could double during the peak season. For example, a trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji usually takes 2–3 hours but could take up to 6 hours during busy times.
- Avoid scheduling activities on the day you travel: Arrive 2-3 times earlier than usual for your flight or train journey. Avoid scheduling activities on the day you travel.
- Allow for an easy itinerary: Don't pack too many things to do within a day. Three attractions each day are enough. The large crowds make you spend more time on the way, waiting to enter the attractions, and at each attraction.
How Long Should I Book in Advance?
Our customers in Arashiyama, Kyoto, 2024The cherry blossom season is the busiest travel time in Japan. You need to book your hotels, tours, attractions, and tickets in advance as the demands are huge.
Hotels & Tours: Book at least 3 months in advance for good prices and locations. Prices rise sharply by late February. Hotels around major attractions could be sold out quickly. Book early to secure good English-speaking guides. Guides are in shortage during this season. Many guides who are not good at English and aren't familiar with attractions and Japanese culture would be used.
Train tickets: Book 1 month in advance or at least the day that you arrive in Japan.
Attractions and activities: For popular activities like sumo wrestling, book tickets as soon as they are available (1–2 months in advance). Book at this site: https://sumo.pia.jp/en/ . Other popular attractions, such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Skytree, Universal Studios Japan, and the Ghibli Museum, are all available for reservation. Book them when the reservations become available.
Restaurants: High-end Michelin-starred restaurants could be booked about 1 month in advance. Other restaurants usually allow reservations 10 days in advance. Check the availability here: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/
Is It Really Worthwhile to Pay More to Visit Japan in the Cherry Blossom Season?
Himeji castle at cherry tree blossomThe answer is yes! It is true that the travel price may double and there are more crowds everywhere. But it is worthwhile.
- Admire the most spectacular scenery, which you could not see anywhere else or at any other time.
- Take the most beautiful photos ever.
- Enjoy the most romantic scene that could not be experienced anywhere else.
- It is a time to discover the real Japan and its people when you see them gathering, drinking, and sitting under the cherry blossoms.
It is true that the crowds are double in size compared with other times. But with some tips and careful planning, you would enjoy a great trip.
FAQs on Planning a Cherry Blossom Trip in 2025
What to Wear for the Cherry Blossom Season?
During the cherry blossom season in Japan, expect warm days and cool evenings, with temperatures averaging around 10–18°C (50–64°F). The weather is mostly pleasant and sunny but you are still recommended to take a jacket as it may be chilly in the evenings or when you sit under the cherry blossoms for a picnic.
For those heading to Hokkaido, remember to pack a warm jacket to shield yourself from the cooler northern weather.
To capture beautiful cherry blossom photos, consider wearing light colors and using accessories like hats or scarves.
Is It Better to See Cherry Blossoms in Spring or Red Leaves in Autumn?
It depends on your travel plans. Both are beautiful sights in Japan. The cherry blossom period is short and hard to plan for. The red leaves tend to stay longer and are easier to see.
Prices during the cherry blossom season are generally higher and the areas could be very crowded. In contrast, the autumn foliage is more predictable, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant colors at their peak.
Where to Stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka During the Cherry Blossom Season?
For a smooth experience during the cherry blossom season, it's best to stay near major attractions to avoid traffic jams. Keep in mind that popular hotels could book up quickly.
Tokyo:
- Shinjuku: Close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji Jingu, this vibrant area offers a variety of excellent hotels.
- Ueno: Home to Ueno Park, this area features many budget-friendly hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans.
Osaka:
- Umeda and Osaka Station: These areas are ideal for easy access to transportation, making it simple to explore the city.
Kyoto:
- Kyoto Station or downtown Kyoto: Staying there allows for convenient travel around the city while helping you avoid the crowds.
By selecting accommodation in these key areas, you could maximize your cherry blossom viewing experience!
Are There Any Special Festival Activities to Attend？
Cherry blossom festivals are held at many famous parks when the flowers are blooming. During the festivals, you would see locals enjoy their food and drinks under the cherry trees, watch traditional performances, and enjoy vibrant food stalls. In the evenings, the parks are illuminated by lights. The most famous festivals include those held in Ueno Park, Osaka Castle, and by the Meguro River.
Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip in 2025 with Us
Let us help you plan your cherry blossom trip to Japan. See below some of our most popular cherry blossom itineraries.
- 7-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2025: Essential Mini-Group Tour
- Private 10-Day Japan Highlights and Cherry Blossom Tour
Or you could just contact us for a unique itinerary based on your preferences.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
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