In Japan, the appearance of cherry blossoms, known as sakura, signals the beginning of spring. The arrival of these flowers is an annual event so significant, that there are forecasts pinpointing exactly when and where the flowers are expected to bloom.

From an outsider's perspective, this may seem excessive. However, when taking into account the fact that sakura are only in bloom for a maximum of about two weeks, it's understandable that people would want to find out both the ‘kaika’ (blooming) and ‘mankai’ (full bloom) predictions in order to make the most out of the ‘hanami’ (flower viewing) season.

Tokyo's 2020 cherry blossom season officially began on March 14, when flowers opened on a Someiyoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine. This is the earliest ever bloom in Tokyo. While the dates in this article are for 2020's season, they can serve as a reference for 2021 as well.

These dates were provided by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC)'s cherry blossom forecast. The forecast is based on various factors, such as the low temperatures during autumn and winter, cumulative temperatures, past area data, and cherry tree growth status.

Though the forecast dates may change with each update, they serve as an excellent guide for planning your Japan trip!

Early blooming sakura?
If you are expected to be visiting Japan in February, you might still be able to catch some of the blossoms in a few spots near Tokyo.

One is the town of Kawazu, which is about 3 hours south of Tokyo along the Izu Peninsula coast. Kawazu is known for a unique variety of cherry tree, known as Kawazu-zakura, which blooms around a month earlier than typical blossoms.

Another area is in the city of Atami, roughly 90 minutes south of Tokyo, where Atami-zakura bloom along a peaceful stream. These, too, bloom approximately a month earlier than typical Japanese cherry blossoms.

Also, be sure to check out the More Articles on Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2021 section below for additional helpful information.

In the colder areas of Northern Japan, cherry blossom season typically occurs later than the rest of the country. Sakura in Sendai in the Tohoku Region were forecast to open March 28.

The last cherry blossoms in Japan 2021 to open are expected to be in Hokkaido: Hakodate around April 26, Sapporo around April 30.

As a result, if you find yourself looking at the 2021 Japan cherry blossom forecast and are getting anxious, don't. The blooming beauties will wait for you just a little further north.

5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido
・Sapporo: Moerenuma Park
・Hakodate: Goryokaku Tower and Fort Goryokaku
・Furano: Asahigaoka Park
・Otaru: Mt. Tengu
・Asahikawa: Asahikawa Park

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

17 Commonly Asked Questions About Japanese Cherry Blossoms
Can I still enjoy cherry blossoms in Japan ever after peak bloom? How long do the cherry blossoms last in Japan? Find the answer to these and other questions!

10 of the Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Japanese cherry blossoms in Tokyo in full bloom are an incredible sight!

10 Japanese Cherry Tree Types You'll Fall in Love With
It may be surprising to learn that 'sakura' does not refer to a single type of flower, but rather, several cherry blossom tree types!

Complete Hanami Guide: How to Enjoy a Cherry Blossom Party in Japan
You might wonder how it all quite works, like what you should take, how you should find a picnic spot, etc., so we have put together the perfect guide!

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