Cherry blossom season in Japan varies by region, typically starting in late March and moving north through April. According to the latest forecast from Japan Meteorological Corporation, updated on January 8, 2026, much of Japan is expected to see blossoms open slightly earlier than average this year.

Tokyo and Nagoya are forecast to begin flowering around March 20, about four days ahead of the norm, while Osaka is expected to follow around March 24. Kyoto is projected to bloom close to its average timing, with first blossoms appearing around March 25.

Peak bloom typically follows about 5–7 days after first flowering. Based on current projections, central Japan is likely to reach full bloom from late March into early April, while northern regions can expect peak viewing from mid-April through early May.

Cherry blossoms in Japan typically last around one to two weeks from first bloom to peak, with full bloom usually arriving about 5–7 days after the flowers open, depending on weather conditions.

Based on the latest 2026 forecast, Tokyo is expected to see first blooms around March 20, with peak viewing around March 27. In Kyoto, blossoms are forecast to open around March 25, reaching full bloom around April 1. In both cities, the best viewing window generally lasts about a week, though strong rain or wind can shorten the season.

If you are not traveling during this period, early-blooming varieties can be enjoyed in southern areas such as Atami City (expected peak around February 8) and Kawazu (expected peak around February 16-22), while colder regions like Sendai and Hokkaido offer later cherry blossom viewing from April through early May.

If you want to see cherry blossoms before the main season, head south of Tokyo, where some varieties bloom as early as January.
・Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture): Located about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, about 58 Atami-zakura trees bloom along a peaceful stream in late January to early February, about a month ahead of Japan’s standard cherry blossoms.
・Kawazu (Izu Peninsula): About three hours from Tokyo, Kawazu-zakura is a unique cherry blossom variety that blooms in late Febraury to early March, nearly a month earlier than typical sakura. About 850 vibrant pink flowers line a 4km stretch of the Kawazu River, creating a stunning early spring scene.
・Miurakaigan (Kanagawa Prefecture): About 1.5 hours from Tokyo, Miurakaigan offers a smaller-scale but picturesque cherry blossom viewing experience in mid-to-late February.

For those visiting Japan later in spring, northern regions offer breathtaking late-blooming cherry blossoms.
・Blossoms in the Greater Tokyo region may bloom from March to April.
・Tohoku Region (Sendai and beyond): In Sendai, sakura usually start blooming at the end of March, slightly later than in Tokyo.
・Hokkaido (Sapporo and beyond): The last cherry blossoms in Japan typically bloom in late April to early May, making Hokkaido one of the final places to enjoy sakura season.

Use the forecast bloom dates below to plan your trip. (Tap on a city name to jump to that section.)

Japan has over 1,000 stunning cherry blossom spots, so choosing the best one can be tough. To help, we’ve listed beautiful locations by region.

・Moerenuma Park (Sapporo): Designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this artistic park has big sculptures and bursts with bright pink cherry blossoms in spring.

・Goryokaku Tower and Fort Goryokaku (Hakodate): A star-shaped, French-style fort and national historic site surrounded by famous cherry blossoms. The 107m-high Goryokaku Tower gives a unique bird’s-eye view of Hokkaido’s blooms.

・Asahigaoka Park (Furano): One of Japan’s Hundred Views, this spot offers amazing views of the Furano Basin and Tokachi mountains, with 3,000 cherry trees adding to the beauty.

・Mt. Tengu (Otaru): Named after mythical creatures, this mountain has great views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan. In spring, lighted cherry trees create a striking scene.

・Asahikawa Park (Asahikawa): With about 3,500 cherry trees, this popular Hokkaido park lights up the blossoms at night during the season.

・Hirosaki Park (Aomori): Covering 49 hectares with about 2,600 cherry trees, Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s best sakura spots. Check out more top cherry blossom spots in Aomori here.

・Mt. Iwaki (Aomori): A sacred mountain with around 6,500 cherry trees along a 20km road, Mt. Iwaki blooms beautifully from late April to early May.

・Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-dori (Akita): Famous for its preserved samurai district, Kakunodate lights up with pink weeping cherry trees in late April, contrasting with the black fences of samurai homes. See more top cherry blossom spots in Akita here.

・Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima): A national treasure and one of Japan’s Three Most Famous Cherry Blossom Trees, this 1,000-year-old weeping cherry is surrounded by a visitor path. See more top cherry blossom spots in Fukushima here.

・Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi): Spanning 8 kilometers along the Shiroishi River, this spot offers a gorgeous view of cherry trees with the snowy Zao Mountains behind. See more top cherry blossom spots in Miyagi here.

・Tsutsujigaoka Park (Sendai): Three hundred years ago, Date Tsunamura of the Date Clan planted 1,000 sakura trees here. Despite challenges over the years, replanting efforts have maintained the park's allure, now featuring over 360 diverse sakura trees. See more top cherry blossom spots in Miyagi here.

・Meguro River (Tokyo): Stretching 3.8 kilometers, this river is lined with about 800 cherry trees that bloom vibrantly in spring, enhanced by nearby cafes and restaurants for dining and drinks.

・Rikugien Gardens (Tokyo): A tranquil, historic Japanese landscape garden, recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, famous for its graceful weeping cherry trees during spring.

・Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo): Celebrated as a masterpiece of Japanese garden design, Shinjuku Gyoen boasts around 1,000 cherry trees across 65 varieties, delivering a spectacular spring display.

・Ueno Park (Tokyo): Home to roughly 1,200 cherry trees, Ueno Park is a leading spot for sakura viewing, attracting nearly 2 million visitors each spring—especially enchanting in the evening with illuminated bonbori lanterns.

・Yoyogi Park (Tokyo): One of Tokyo’s largest parks, Yoyogi Park draws crowds in spring for hanami under its sprawling cherry blossoms, perfect for gatherings.

・Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi): Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, the shores of Lake Kawaguchi become a captivating cherry blossom retreat each spring. Nearby, Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) is also a popular stop worth exploring.

・Nagoya Castle (Aichi/Nagoya): A major Nagoya attraction, this castle is encircled by about 1,000 cherry trees of 10 types, like Yoshino and Shidare, making for gorgeous spring scenery. Its annual Spring Festival, held from late March to early April, includes a light-up event that showcases the blossoms and castle, plus local Nagoya food and drinks at Shachihokodo and traditional Japanese games.

・Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa/Kanazawa): One of Japan’s three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen features around 420 cherry trees across 40 varieties, blooming in mid-April. It’s also listed among Japan’s 100 Best Sakura Spots.

・Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): Japan’s oldest five-tiered, six-story castle, Matsumoto Castle shines in spring with its cherry blossoms. The evening illumination along the outer moat creates a romantic, enchanting vibe.

・Shinshu Zenkoji Temple (Nagano): Established in 642, this historic temple is surrounded by a beautiful mix of cherry trees and weeping cherry blossoms, enhancing its spiritual charm.

・Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano): With about 1,500 cherry trees, this park ranks among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots and is a must-see during peak bloom season.

・Ueda Castle Park (Nagano): Built in 1583, Ueda Castle is famous for its surrounding area, where over 1,000 cherry trees bloom, forming a stunning spring spectacle.

・Himeji Castle (Hyogo): Known for its over 1,000 cherry trees, Himeji Castle provides a special sakura experience, including boat tours in the moat beneath pink petals during its cherry blossom festival.

・Tō-ji Temple (Kyoto): Home to Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda, Tō-ji Temple is surrounded by about 200 striking cherry trees, creating a captivating sight. Nearby Kyoto restaurants offer a chance to dine with blossom views.

・Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto): Famous for its late-blooming Omuro-zakura cherry trees, Ninna-ji pairs them with a five-story pagoda. This scenic spot is a national beauty and one of Japan’s top 100 sakura locations.

・Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kyoto): Founded in 1029, Yoshimine-dera is renowned for its lovely weeping cherry blossoms, nestled among Kyoto’s western mountains.

・Mount Yoshino (Nara): Mount Yoshino features around 30,000 white wild cherry trees across its valleys and ridges, delivering an incredible springtime sakura display.

・Matsuyama Castle (Ehime): One of Japan’s 12 pre-Edo Period castles still standing, Matsuyama Castle is a beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing. Its historic grounds are dotted with many cherry trees, blending natural splendor with historical charm during the spring bloom.

・Hijiyama Park (Hiroshima): Famous for its 1,300 cherry trees and sweeping city views, Hijiyama Park is Hiroshima’s top hanami spot. It offers great photo ops near Henry Moore’s Arch, family-friendly areas by the Manga Library, and lively evening picnics along winding paths under the blossoms.

・Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima): Surrounded by about 350 cherry trees along its grounds and moat banks, Hiroshima Castle blooms in early April, creating classic Japanese scenery.

・Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa): Celebrated for its scenic charm, Ritsurin Garden offers a peaceful setting for cherry blossom viewing. Its tidy paths and ponds are framed by delicate cherry tree blooms, making it a calm and picturesque retreat for visitors.

・Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka): At Fukuoka Castle, history meets nature during its spring cherry blossom festival. The event brings illuminations, local food, traditional performances, and a variety of fun activities.

・Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto): One of Japan’s most famous castles, Kumamoto Castle provides a striking setting for cherry blossom viewing. Its wide grounds are filled with cherry trees, offering a perfect mix of spring beauty and historic architecture.

Cherry blossom season matters so much in Japan because of its deep history and cultural meaning. Dating back to the 8th century, enjoying sakura became a beloved tradition that highlights life’s fleeting nature. Known as “mono no aware,” this idea celebrates the blossoms’ short but stunning bloom—lasting just a week to ten days. It’s shaped how Japanese people see life, reminding them to treasure every moment while it lasts!

Absolutely, Japan throws tons of cherry blossom festivals tied to “hanami,” the tradition of flower viewing! These happen during the short sakura season, lasting just a few weeks. People head to parks and sakura-lined streets for picnics and to celebrate the blooms.

The timing shifts across Japan—starting in the warmer southwest and wrapping up in the cooler north. Plus, “yozakura,” or night viewing with lighted blossoms, is a festival favorite!

Yes, you can totally join hanami events in Japan! To make the most of these cherry blossom parties, grab a few essentials: a waterproof tarp or picnic blanket (try 100 yen shops or a big plastic bag), tasty drinks and sakura-themed bentos or snacks from a convenience store, plus wet wipes, chopsticks, a garbage bag, a camera, and warm layers for chilly early spring nights. Want to level up? Rent a kimono for a fun daytime stroll and great photos!

Those wishing to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan are encouraged to start planning their spring travel at least 5 months in advance, given its popularity abroad.

Like autumn foliage season, hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto book up fast, so secure your stay as soon as you pick your dates.

Once that’s done, lock in cherry blossom tours and hot experiences like Ghibli Museum, teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya Sky—spots disappear quickly!

Visiting Japan for the cherry blossoms? Be sure to check out these important links to help make your time even more amazing!

Make your Japan trip unforgettable with these awesome cherry blossom tours! Pick one, click for details, and reserve your spot today.

Japan has a huge number of scenic train rides letting you enjoy the magic of cherry blossom season. The articles below feature some of our biggest recommendations.

We also recommend saving money and hassle by getting a Japan Rail Pass or other discount tickets via our Transport Passes section, at the link below.

Dates referenced are based on information available on the Japan Meteorological Corporation's website.