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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How to Plan Your Trip
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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Best Cherry Blossom Spots
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.
Book Japan cherry blossom tours on Klook →
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