Best time to enjoy cherry blossoms

The delicate and evanescent blooms of Japanese cherry blossoms evoke the resurgence and ephemeral beauty of spring. Since the peak blooming period may only last a few days, the cherry blossom season is a reminder of how fleeting time is – learn to appreciate and capture life’s beautiful moments before they too fly by like a shower of falling petals.

Whether in the romantic context of anime, incorporated into seasonal sweets or adorning traditional and contemporary art, cherry blossoms have become one of Japan’s representative patterns.

Spring is undoubtedly one of the busiest tourist seasons in Japan, with cherry blossom viewers flocking to Japan to see the cherry blossoms in person. So it’s never too early to start planning how best to get a spot Hanami Viewing spots.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMC) has released its third cherry blossom forecast, and as spring approaches, we will publish the latest cherry blossom forecast. These early forecasts, while providing a basic framework to use when planning your trip, can vary by as much as a week – keep this in mind as you read the advice below. With that said, get ready for your spring trip by diving into our 2026 cherry blossom bloom guide for dates and recommended viewing spots.

Cherry blossom bloom date

The cherry blossom forecast is divided into three blooming stages: Jue Xing (budding and awakening), Clear Zhang (to blossom) and mancay (bloom).

Temperatures are expected to remain consistent in January and February, with temperatures slightly above average in March. Based on this forecast, buds are expected to begin during normal times, but flowering may occur earlier than usual.

The Bloom Meter provides the latest information on the current progress of cherry blossoms across Japan. The agency also recommends checking Datianji Navigator website or Sakura Navigation App to get further updates on bloom rates in specific areas.

Blooms are expected to begin in Tokyo around March 19 and peak in the last few days of the month. Flowering is expected to begin on March 24 in Kyoto and Osaka. In the northern region, areas such as Aomori are expected to bloom in late April to early May.

View recommendations by region

Below, you’ll find great places to enjoy flowers Eight regions in Japan. Remember: Cherry blossoms are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and bloom times may vary from forecast based on weather and conditions in each location.

Maizuru Park

Kyushu

Late March to early April

Show off the real mountain

Shikoku

Late March to early April

miyajima

China

Late March to early April

Osaka Castle

Kansai

Late March to early April

tube

Late March to early April

Kanto

Late March to early April

Funaoka Castle Park ski lift

northeast

Early April to mid-April

Hokkaido

Late April to early May

Related posts

Updated on January 23, 2026