There’s a reason people plan their Japan trips around cherry blossoms.
For a few short weeks each spring, Japan turns extra cinematic than it usually is with fleeting blooms of soft pinks and whites. Miss the timing, and the window’s gone. Nail it, and you’ve got one of the most beautiful trips you’ll ever take.
We’ve gathered updates from the 1st official Cherry Blossom 2026 Forecast freshly released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) on 18 Dec 2025 to help you plan your spring trip to Japan.
Keep reading for forecasted bloom dates and the best viewing spots in each city. 🌸
Note: The JMC will continue to provide timely updates on the flowering forecast, with the next update scheduled for 8 Jan 2026.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Cherry blossom season in Japan typically runs from late March to early May, rolling gradually from the southern region to north. In 2026, most major cities are expected to see their first blooms in late March, with full bloom landing around early April. Peak bloom usually lasts about a week — sometimes less.
Here’s what to expect when it comes to the sakura blooming period:
- Day 1 – 2 (first bloom): a few flowers open but trees are generally still sparse
- Day 3 – 5: blossoms fill out quickly and parks begin to look pink
- Day 5 – 7 (peak bloom): the best time to catch the blooms in full glory 🌸
- Day 8 – 10: petals start to fall, especially if it rains
2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast (by city)
Here’s when to be in the right place at the right time as forecasted by the Japan Meteorological Corporation:
1. Tokyo
- First bloom: 19 March 2026
- Peak bloom: 26 March 2026
- Cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo: đź“Ť Shinjuku Gyoen, đź“Ť Ueno Park, đź“Ť Meguro River, đź“Ť Asukayama Park, đź“Ť Chidorigafuchi
2. Kyoto
- First bloom: 24 March 2026
- Peak bloom: 31 March 2026
- Cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto: đź“Ť Philosopher’s Path, đź“Ť Maruyama Park, đź“Ť Arashiyama, đź“Ť Heian Shrine Gardens, đź“Ť Kamogawa River
3. Osaka
- First bloom: 24 March 2026
- Peak bloom: 31 March 2026
- Cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka: đź“Ť Osaka Castle Park, đź“Ť Kema Sakuranomiya Park, đź“Ť Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, đź“Ť Shitennoji Temple grounds
4. Hiroshima
- First bloom: 21 March 2026
- Peak bloom: 30 March 2026
- Cherry blossom viewing spots in Hiroshima: đź“Ť Peace Memorial Park, đź“Ť Hiroshima Castle, đź“Ť Shukkeien Garden, đź“Ť Hijiyama Park
5. Fukuoka
- First bloom: 20 March 2026
- Peak bloom: 29 March 2026
- Cherry blossom viewing spots in Fukuoka: đź“Ť Maizuru Park, đź“Ť Nishi Park, đź“Ť Atago Shrine, đź“Ť Minami Park
6. Sapporo (Hokkaido)
- First bloom: 28 April 2026
- Peak bloom: 1 May 2026
- Cherry blossom hot spots in Sapporo: đź“Ť Maruyama Park, đź“Ť Hokkaido Shrine, đź“Ť Moerenuma Park, đź“Ť Nakajima Park, đź“Ť Asahiyama Memorial Park
When should you plan your trip to Japan?
For Australian travellers, the best windows for travelling to Japan in spring are:
- Late March – early April: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
- Mid-April – early May: Northern Japan & Hokkaido
The bloom dates vary depending on which region of Japan you intend to travel to.
Cherry blossom travel tips
🌸 Arrive before peak bloom
Aim to arrive 2–3 days before the predicted full bloom date, and consider longer trips for better chances of catching the blooms.
🌸 Keep your itinerary flexible and fluid
A multi-city route lets you follow the blossoms if timing shifts. With Japan’s convenient public transportation system, you can always hop on a train to another city when the trees bloom there!
🌸 Book early, thank yourself later
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan. Flights fill fast, accommodation prices climb, and major cities can get crowded during these weeks. If you’re thinking about catching the blooms, now’s the perfect time to start planning.
Take note also that Japan’s Golden Week (long holiday period with a bunch of national celebrations) runs from 29 April to 6 May in 2026. Crowds can get extremely overwhelming during this period.
🌸 Look out for local cherry blossom festivals
Many cities in Japan host cherry blossom festivals in spring. With food stalls selling seasonal sakura treats, pop-up performances, and sometimes night illuminations (yozakura), these festivals are bound to add charm to your blossom-chasing experience.
🌸 Plan for a picnic
Cherry blossom season isn’t just about taking photos of the blooms – what the locals actually enjoy the most is the tradition of picnicking under the trees (hanami)!
There are plenty of parks and open areas perfect for spring picnics – all you have to do is grab some snacks from the convenience store and a light picnic mat.
🌸 Look beyond the obvious
Smaller towns and regional parks often deliver the best views — minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Consider this if you prefer your hanami a little more relaxed.
🌸 Pack for unpredictable weather
Japan typically starts to warm up in spring, but the weather can be pretty unpredictable and shifting during the spring months. Be prepared for cool nights and sudden showers – we recommend packing a light jacket, cap, and small umbrella just in case.
Planning to travel to Japan in 2026?
If cherry blossoms are on your list, plan early, stay flexible, and let the petals do the rest 🌸 Have a breezy Japan trip by getting a YouTrip card before hopping on that flight.
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