Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025

The first week of April is the best chance to see Japanese cherry trees in full bloom!

Best time: late March–late April

There are a few reasons why spring is a great time for traveling in Japan. One of the most popular attractions is Japanese cherry (sakura) blossoms. The beauty of the flowers is widely known and a variety excursions are arranged just for their beauty. If you want to admire their glory, it's best to plan thoroughly beforehand.

Generally, in Japan, sakura trees bloom starting from late March, but it can also vary regionally. For example, sakura usually blooms in Tokyo in late March, but in Sapporo only in late April! You will need to follow the weather and bloom forecasts not to miss anything! Our advice would be to come in the beginning of April and you'll be able to catch sakura in bloom in most cities! If not, you can always take a flower safari to other cities and watch them bloom at other dates during this time!

Practical info

When should one plan a cherry blossom trip to Japan and ensure they do not miss the peak blooming period?

Visiting Japan for the cherry blossom season is best done from late March to late April. As for the peak blossoming period, it is important to check weather conditions and bloom forecasts as the exact dates vary depending on the region. It's best to plan your trip around the estimated peak blooming period and be flexible enough to accommodate any changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

Which locations in Japan offer picturesque cherry blossom displays apart from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima?

Japan offers many beautiful regions and cities for cherry blossom sightings apart from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. These include places like Hokkaido, Aomori, Nagano, and Okinawa. To ensure the best experience possible, researching and planning ahead is recommended to determine which locations to visit and when to visit them.

Which regions in Japan have early blossoming cherry trees?

Cherry blossom seasons in Japan usually begin from late March to late April, but the exact dates vary with region and climatic factors. For example, Kyoto and Tokyo have earlier blooms compared to Hokkaido, which has one of the latest blooming seasons. By keeping track of bloom forecasts and doing thorough research, travelers can ensure that they don't miss the peak blooming period in their chosen region.

What sources can one use to track cherry blossom bloom forecasts in different regions in Japan?

Numerous sources like Japan Weather Association, Japan National Tourism Organization, and Weathernews provide updates on cherry blossom bloom forecasts through their websites, social media pages, and apps. Travelers could also check out various cherry blossom webcam sites. To ensure the most up-to-date information, it's best to check multiple sources and track the forecasts closely.

Are there any unique events or festivals during the cherry blossom season in Japan? What should one do to attend these events?

The cherry blossom season in Japan is accompanied by numerous events and festivals. For instance, the Sakura Matsuri festival in Tokyo is famous for its food, music, and cultural performances, while the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori attracts visitors with its lanterns and nightly illuminations. Proper research and planning would help those interested in these events determine the timings and include them in their schedules.