Latest update: The 2025 Japan cherry blossom season has largely concluded in most regions. If you plan on visiting Japan in 2026 for cherry blossoms, we advise coming to Japan from late March to the middle of April.
We recommend you to bookmark this page for future reference. In addition, this page provides guidance for planning your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) trip, including recommendations for the best places to experience Japan’s stunning cherry blossoms.
We will keep updating this page with expected dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower across Japan.
When is the Best Time to Visit Japan for Cherry Blossoms in 2026?
Early and peak blooming dates for cherry blossoms in Japan may vary slightly from the previous year’s forecast. By using the last year’s sakura forecast as a reference, you can estimate when Japan’s cherry blossoms will bloom in 2026.
Typically, the best time to see cherry blossoms, specifically Somei Yoshino variety, in Japan (central part – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka,) is between late March and early April. However, in northern parts like Hokkaido Prefecture, the cherry blossom season usually starts in late April or early May.
It’s important to note that the blooming period can vary slightly each year in different locations across Japan. In general, the cherry blossom season in Japan lasts for a few weeks! So, plan your trip wisely by following some of our suggested itineraries.
Japan Cherry Blossom 2025 Report
January 23, 2025 – JMC has released its 2nd forecast on this day, indicating that cherry blossoms will start flowering on March 24 and will reach their full bloom by March 31.
February 6, 2025 – JMC has published its third forecast for the expected dates when cherry blossoms will begin to bloom. It says that the blossoms are expected to open up on March 29 in Kyoto, and Tokyo on March 24.
March 6, 2025 – JMC released its 7th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower. The peak of the season is expected to take place around early April in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and many other areas across Japan.
March 24, 2025 – The blossoms have opened in Tokyo. The perfect time to visit Tokyo this year for the full bloom is around early April.
March 28, 2025 – Cherry blossoms are in bloom in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, and they will reach full bloom in about a week.
April 4, 2025 – The peak of the cherry blossom season is now underway in many cities in Japan.
April 22, 2025 – Peak bloom is ongoing in Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture.
May 1, 2025 – Visitors can enjoy the vibrant pink and white blossoms in full swing in Sapporo and other cities around Hokkaido, Japan.
Japan Cherry Blossom 2024 Report
January 10, 2024 – Japan’s first official cherry blossom forecast has been published by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC).
April 4, 2024 – The peak of the season has arrived in major cities like in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Fukushima, and Nagoya.
April 12, 2024 – Estimated flowering date in Sapporo is around April 27, and full bloom is expected to arrive between late April and early May.
April 18, 2024 – Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms have opened in Sapporo and Hakodate.
April 26, 2024 – Mankai in Sapporo! Enjoy the cherry blossoms in and around Sapporo this coming weekend!
The map shown below indicates how the cherry blossom viewing season (Hanami) of Japan for 2025 goes upward (Hokkaido) from the lower elevations (Okinawa).
Every year, Japan’s first cherry blossoms appear in Okinawa (southern Japan) in late January then move northwards to Hokkaido by early May.
The dates of the first bloom and full bloom are subject to change due to the temperatures, wind, and rain. We strongly suggest you to check out the sakura forecast often so that you get the latest updates regarding this matter.
Why is it Important to keep a close eye on the official cherry blossom forecast?
The average time for cherry blossoms to appear can vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions. To ensure you don’t miss out on the beautiful display of cherry blossoms across different regions of Japan, it’s vital to keep an eye on the official cherry blossom forecast for 2026.
By staying updated with the latest information, you’ll be able to plan your trip and catch the breathtaking sakura season in full bloom.
The forecast will provide valuable insights into the expected blooming times in various parts of the country, allowing you to time your visit perfectly and immerse yourself in the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
If you happen to miss the hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season in popular destinations like Tokyo or Kyoto, don’t worry. The Tohoku and Hokkaido regions of Japan offer a fantastic alternative.
These areas typically experience a later blooming period, which means you may still have the opportunity to catch the stunning cherry blossoms in 2026.
Now take a look at the cherry blossom forecast for 2025. Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change.
We will keep updating this table in the upcoming days.
| Place | Estimated Average First Bloom | Estimated Average Full Bloom | Current State | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | Late January | First Week of February through late February | Ended | ||
| Kawazu | Mid-February | Mid-February through Mid-March | Ended | ||
| Kumamoto | March 23, 2025 (Opened) | March 28 - April 5, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Nagasaki | March 25, 2025 (Opened) | April 1-9, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Fukouka | March 25, 2025 (Opened) | April 1-9, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Matsuyama | March 25, 2025 (Opened) | April 1-9, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Hiroshima | March 26, 2025 (Opened) | April 4 - April 11, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Kochi | March 23, 2025 (Opened) | March 28 - April 12, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Tokyo | March 24, 2025 (Opened) | March 30 - April 7, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Okayama | March 28, 2025 (Opened) | April 5-12, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Yokohama | March 25, 2025 (Opened) | April 2-10, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Kanazawa | March 29, 2025 (Opened) | April 5-13, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Matsumoto | April 1, 2025 (Opened) | April 6-14, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Fuji Five Lake Areas | April 5, 2025 (Opened) | April 14-22, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Takayama | April 15, 2025 (Opened) | April 19-27, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Nagoya | March 26, 2025 (Opened) | April 1-9, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Hikone | April 2, 2025 (Opened) | April 8-16, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Kyoto | March 27, 2025 (Opened) | April 4 - April 12, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Osaka | March 27, 2025 (Opened) | April 5 - April 13, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Nara | March 28, 2025 (Opened) | April 1 - April 9, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Yoshino | April 2, 2025 (Opened) | April 8-12, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Wakayama | March 26, 2025 (Opened) | April 4 - April 11, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Shizuoka | March 25, 2025 (Opened) | April 4 - April 11, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Niigata | April 6, 2025 (Opened) | April 9-17, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Nagano | April 8, 2025 (Opened) | April 14-20, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Fukushima | April 4, 2025 (Opened) | April 8-16, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Sendai | April 4, 2025 (Opened) | April 8-16, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Aomori (Hirosaki) | April 18, 2025 (Opened) | April 22-30, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Akita (Kakunodate) | April 20, 2025 (Opened) | April 23 - May 1, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Iwate (Kitakami) | April 14, 2025 (Opened) | April 18-25, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Yamagata | April 9, 2025 (Opened) | April 14-20, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Hakodate | April 23, 2025 (Opened) | April 27 - May 3, 2025 | Ended | ||
| Sapporo | April 23, 2025 (Opened) | April 27 - May 3, 2025 | Ended |
Are you planning to visit Japan in future? Do you want to learn how to survive while traveling across Japan? Then read this recommended travel guide that tells you abut the rules of Japanese etiquette.
You can order your Japan Rail Pass now.
Pupuru WiFi keeps you connected across Japan, including Hokkaido & Okinawa without the worry of unsecured connections. The pocket-sized mobile hotspot will give you unlimited internet with no speed restriction and can be connected up to 10 devices.
This pocket wifi makes your Japan trip a lot easier. Click here to order your pocket wifi.
Do you know how to speak Japanese? Often basic Japanese phrases do not help you interact with locals. That’s why you need to have a Pocketalk (Multilingual Interactive Communication Device). It’s time to overcome your language barriers!
Please visit Weather Map and JMC to get the latest and breaking news on the 2025 cherry blossom forecast of Japan.
We appreciate your time reading this! We sincerely hope that you have a wonderful and memorable spring vacation while exploring Japan.
Discover Japan in Spring
One Day in Sapporo Spring Itinerary
Cherry Blossom in Sapporo | Visit Hokkaido
Cherry Blossom in Gifu | Visit Gifu
What to Do in Kyoto in Spring 2025 | Kyoto Travel
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Fukushima
5 Days in Tokyo Spring Itinerary (March/April)
Cherry Blossom in Kochi | Shikoku in Spring
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Shikoku
What to Do in Tokyo in Spring | Tokyo Travel
10 Days in Hokkaido and Tokyo Itinerary – March
Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) | Best Places to Visit
Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom | Fukushima
5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Ehime
Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura 2025 | Visit Gunma
8 Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan in February
10 Incredible Places to View Mt. Fuji, Japan
8 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Nara
7 Best Things to Do in Japan in March
Ashikaga Flower Park 2025 | Visit Tochigi
8 Fascinating Cherry Blossom Festivals in Tokyo
4 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Wakayama
7 Best Places to see Shibazakura in Japan
10 Best Flower Festivals around Tokyo in Spring
One Day in Kyoto Spring Itinerary
7 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Okayama
5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Yokohama
1-Day in Tokyo Spring Itinerary – Cherry Blossom
3-Day in Nagoya Spring Itinerary
6 Best Places to see Cherry Blossom in Hiroshima
10 Best Parks and Gardens to Visit in Tokyo
Spring in Sapporo | Travel Guide 2026
3-Day Sapporo Spring Itinerary
8 Best Things to do in Sapporo in Spring
Cherry Blossom in Hanamiyama Park, Fukushima
Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Japan
Cherry Blossom in Fukuoka | Visit Kyushu
3-Day Okinawa Itinerary for Cherry Blossom
5 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Sapporo
5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Hyogo
7 Days in Central Japan Spring Itinerary
Cherry Blossom in the Fuji Five Lakes Area
4 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Matsumoto
3 Days in Tokyo Spring Itinerary – Cherry Blossom
6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Sendai
4 Days in Kyoto Spring Itinerary – Cherry Blossom
5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Osaka
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Kyushu
7 Days in Japan Spring Itinerary – Cherry Blossom Tour
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido
2-Day Osaka Spring Itinerary
Cherry Blossom in Okinawa | 2026 Hanami in Japan
One Day in Tokyo: Early Spring Itinerary
Plum Blossom (Ume) in Kyoto | Travel Guide 2025
9-Day in Tohoku Spring Itinerary
10 Popular Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Varieties in Japan
Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
3 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Aomori
Takato Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 | Visit Shizuoka
10 Iconic Japanese Castles to Visit in Spring
11 Famous Sakura (Cherry) Trees in Japan
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Tohoku
How to Hanami | Sakura Viewing Party Guide
10 Best Places to See Cherry Blossom in Kyoto
2025 Cherry Blossom and Hanami in Japan
12 Best Places to See Plum Blossom in Japan
Difference Between Cherry Blossom (Sakura) and Plum Blossom (Ume)
10 Best Places to see Cherry Blossom in Tokyo
Yozakura: The Night Sakura in Japan
Copyright 2025 @ Kyuhoshi.com