Japan's cherry blossom season spans from late March to May from Okinawa in the south of the country to Hokkaido in the north.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is from late March to early April for the major tourist cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. However, the exact date varies each year and cannot be predicted, and the most spectacular full blooms only last for 7 days or so.
Don't worry if you miss the cherry blossoms or arrive too early. There are early-blooming varieties and late-blooming varieties. Or we can arrange your trip to travel to the south or north for their early or later cherry blossom seasons.
Japan's Cherry Blossom Season in 2025
The bloom dates for the sakura (Japanese for 'cherry flowers') change each year based on the weather conditions. The exact 2025 date is hard to predict right now. However, we have given you the previous cherry blossom dates in 2023 and 2024 to give you a general idea. See below a table showing the bloom dates 2023/2024 for major cities, for your reference:
| Cities/Regions | First Bloom (Average) | 2024 First Bloom | 2023 First Bloom |
| Tokyo | March 24 | March 29 | March 14 |
| Osaka | March 30 | March 27 | March 19 |
| Nagoya | March 28 | March 24 | March 17 |
| Kyoto | March 29 | March 29 | March 17 |
| Fukuoka | March 27 | March 22 | March 18 |
| Sapporo | April 18 | May 1 | April 15 |
| Hiroshima | March 25 | March 25 | March 19 |
| Kanazawa | April 1 |
April 3 |
March 23 |
Visiting Japan in January: Early Cherry Blossoms in the South
If you visit Japan in January and wish to see cherry blossoms, we recommend taking a day trip from Tokyo to the country's coastal region, like Atami. There, the unique winter-blooming cherry blossoms bloom as early as January. While the scenery may differ from the typical photos due to fewer trees blooming at this time, it's still a lovely sight.
Enjoy a Day Trip to See Cherry Blossom in Atami
The coastal city of Atama is about 90 kilometers (56 miles - 40 minutes via the Shinkansen) south of Tokyo, so it is very convenient to have a day trip from Tokyo to see Cherry Blossom there.
In Atama, the cherry blossoms there start to bloom from late January to early February.
One of the best spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms is along the Itogawa River, a small stream that's about a 10-minute stroll away from Atami Station. You could enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank, surrounded by cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy local snacks and drinks from the food stalls lining the area.
See Cherry Blossoms in Southern Japan's Okinawa
Located in the far south of Japan, Okinawa is Japan's earliest place for cherry blossoms to bloom from south to north. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms typically start to bloom in January. If you visit Okinawa in January, you could see cherry blossoms in full bloom there.
Visiting Japan in February to March: Early Blooms in Major Cities
If you travel in February, don't worry about missing the spectacular cherry blossom scenery. We will arrange visits for you to see early blooming sakura varieties, primarily Kawazu-sakura, in Japan's major tourist cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto.
However, for a more impressive experience, we recommend taking a day trip from Tokyo to the town of Kawazu, known for its abundance of cherry trees blooming during this time.
See Early Cherry Blossom in Tokyo
In Tokyo, you can enjoy early blooming cherry blossoms in various parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, and Chidorigafuchi. Kawazu-sakura trees typically bloom from late February to early March in Tokyo.
However, to see the most cherry blossoms during the month, you are advised to head to the Kynaka River and the Oyoko River.
The Kynaka River: With approximately 50 early blooming cherry trees, this spot offers a lovely view with Tokyo Skytree as the backdrop. A great photo opportunity awaits! Location: 15 minutes from Hirai Station in Edogawa Ward
The Oyoko River and Kiba Park: Kiba Park boasts a dense population of early-blooming cherry trees, amounting to over 100 trees in bloom. How to get there: take Exit 1 from Kiba Station and turn left along the Oyoko River.
Day Trips to Kawazu For More Impressive Views
Kawazu is home to the largest number of early-blooming cherry trees, particularly Kawazu-zakura. These trees create a beautiful spectacle around the town, village, and riverbanks.
Situated in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazu is just a 3-hour journey south of Tokyo. This makes it an ideal day trip destination from Tokyo.
Visiting Japan in March to April: the Cherry Blossom Season
If you plan to visit Japan from late March to early April, you are in for the cherry blossom season extravaganza in central Japan.
Expect to witness the spectacular scenery of cherry blossoms across renowned cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and more. There are cherry blossoms in parks, streets, waterfront areas, everywhere. You won't miss them.
However, this is also the busiest travel time in Japan. Be prepared to encounter massive crowds in popular spots, including parks and train stations. Hotel prices are typically much higher during this time and booking at least 6 months in advance is advisable to secure suitable accommodation.
Explore the cherry blossom marvels in Japan's major tourist cities:
- How to See Cherry Blossom 2025 in Tokyo
- The Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Osaka
- Kyoto Cherry Blossom 2025: when and how to enjoy it
Visiting Japan from Mid-April to May
mid-April to May seems a bit late for the peak bloom of cherry blossoms across most of Japan. However, there are later blooming varieties to behold, especially in mountainous regions and northern parts of the country, where cherry blooms are in full splendor. The best places to see the Cherry blossom in mid-April is in Mt Fuji and Mount Yoshino in Nara.
Visit Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji's cherry blossom season typically arrives about a week later than in central Tokyo. By mid-April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the Mount Fuji area. Fuji Five Lakes and serene temples offer some of the best views. Mt. Fuji is about a 2-3 hour ride away, making it convenient for a day trip from Tokyo to enjoy the cherry blossoms and natural scenery.
Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in natural surroundings. During spring, half of the mountain is blanketed with sakura trees, while small villages adorn the landscape. You could take a leisurely walk from the foot of the mountain up to the top to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Later blooming varieties in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
Even in mid-April, you could still find gardens with cherry trees in full bloom, such as Ninna-ji and Heian-Jingu Shrine in Kyoto and the Osaka Mint Bureau. The scenery is spectacular there with hundreds of cherry trees in bloom, even at the end of the season.
In May, the only place you could see cherry blossoms in Japan is in Hokkaido, located in the north of the country.
Let us Plan a Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan for You
Exploring Japan during the cherry blossom season is truly a delightful experience. When you combine the comfortable weather and gorgeous scenery, what an experience!
The 2025 cherry blossom season would arrive in late March. Now is the perfect moment to start planning your trip! Let us assist you in creating a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, schedule, budget, and favorite destinations. Contact us now!
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