Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026: Dates by City

2026 Forecast Dates

Cherry blossom dates vary by 2–3 weeks each year based on winter temperatures. Warmer winters = earlier blooms.

City	First Bloom	Full Bloom	End
Fukuoka	Mar 16	Mar 25	Apr 3
Tokyo	Mar 22	Mar 29	Apr 7
Osaka	Mar 24	Apr 1	Apr 9
Kyoto	Mar 26	Apr 2	Apr 11
Nagoya	Mar 24	Apr 1	Apr 9
Hiroshima	Mar 20	Mar 28	Apr 6
Sendai	Apr 7	Apr 14	Apr 23
Sapporo	Apr 24	May 1	May 9

Check sakura.weathermap.jp from January for official annual forecasts.

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Peak bloom lasts 7–10 days. Build in 3–4 days of flexibility if possible.

Best strategy: Arrive 2 days before predicted full bloom in your first city. Move north or east as the season progresses.

Tokyo → Kyoto: Blooms within days of each other — both achievable in one trip.

Tokyo → Sapporo: A 5-week window lets you chase the cherry blossom front northward.

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Tokyo: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River (night illumination), Chidorigafuchi moat.

Kyoto: Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera.

Osaka: Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park.

Beyond the big cities: Hirosaki Castle (Aomori) — often cited as Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom spot.

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Cherry blossom season accommodation and tours sell out months in advance. Book as early as possible for March–April travel.

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