Japan's Cherry blossom is forecasted to bloom from late March to Early April in the most popular central regions including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc. However, the exact dates change each year, and the forecast for 2025 will be released in January 2025. But you can check the dates for the previous years for reference.
Japan's Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026
Japan cherry blossoms mapThe blooming dates of cherry blossoms largely depend on weather conditions. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) issues the forecast for full blooming dates in late January. For the 2026 information, you can visit their website: JMC
Before the 2026 forecast is released, you can refer to the blooming dates from previous years below to help plan your trip:
Japan's Cherry Blossom Seasons 2024 and 2023
The 2025 blooming dates should be similar to those in 2024 and 2023. Check the dates for the previous years for 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 |
Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Japan in January
- Location: Okinawa and Atami
During this month, you could see cherry blossoms in south Japan's Okiwana and along the coastal city of Atami. Atami is ideal for cherry blossom viewing because it's close to Tokyo. Okinawa, on the other hand, is much farther south.
In Atami, cherry blossoms bloom from late January to mid-February. Atami is about just a 40-minute ride via the Shinkansen from Tokyo, so you can have a day trip to Atami from Tokyo.
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. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbank surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Okinawa is famous for its warm winter. There, cherry blossoms typically start to bloom in mid-January. Enjoy a 3-day escape to the island for its wildlife and cherry blossoms. Flights from Tokyo to Naha, the gateway to Okinawa, take about 2.5 hours.
Seeing Cherry Blossoms in Japan in February
- Location: Kawazu and Tokyo
- Features: Early blooming varieties of Kawazu-zakura
Don't miss Kawazu for its abundant early-blooming cherry blossoms this month. The town, village, and riverbanks offer a stunning spectacle.. Kawazu is about a 3-hour drive south of Tokyo, so it is easy to take a day trip there via private transfer. There is no direct transportation from Tokyo to Kawazu.
In Tokyo, you can enjoy early blooming cherry blossoms in various parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Kynaka River, and the Oyoko River. Kynaka River and the areas along Oyoko River have more blooming trees this time. Along the Kynaka River: you could get a lovely view of cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree as the backdrop.
Seeing Cherry Blossoms In March
In early March, you can enjoy early-blooming cherry blossoms in various parks in Tokyo. By late March, the cherry blossom season begins in Tokyo.
Seeing Cherry Blossoms in Early April
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:
Seeing Cherry Blossoms in Mid-April
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.
Seeing Cherry Blossoms in May in Japan
Mid-May is the final opportunity of the year to see cherry blossoms. 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 2026 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 2026 cherry blossom season will 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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