Planning a trip around cherry blossom season in Japan? You’re not alone.
Every spring, Japan transforms into a sea of soft pink and white blooms as sakura (cherry blossoms) signal the arrival of warmer weather — and it’s one of the most anticipated travel seasons of the year.
Cherry blossom season in Japan is famously short and highly weather-dependent, which makes timing everything. To help you plan ahead, this Cherry Blossom Season Japan 2026 guide breaks down the latest sakura forecast, the best months to visit, peak bloom periods, and the top cherry blossom spots across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 4th 2026 cherry blossom forecast on 5 Feb 2026, predicting flowering (kaika) and full bloom (mankai) dates for over 1,000 locations nationwide — from southern Kyushu to northern Hokkaido.
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⚡️ TL;DR:
- Cherry blossom season in Japan typically runs from late March to early May
- Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka: Late March to early April
- Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kagoshima): Mid to late March
- Hokkaido (Sapporo): Late April to early May
- Peak bloom (mankai) usually lasts 5–10 days
- Exact timing varies each year depending on temperatures and rainfall
📚 Table of Contents:
- How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last in Japan?
- Best Months to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
- Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 (Flowering & Full Bloom Dates)
- Where Is the Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan?
- Cherry Blossom Season Japan FAQs
How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last in Japan?
Cherry blossoms are known for their fleeting beauty. Once they reach full bloom (mankai), the flowers typically last about one week, though cooler temperatures can extend this slightly.
Wind and rain can shorten the viewing window, causing petals to fall early — a phenomenon known as “sakura fubuki”, or cherry blossom snow. To maximise your chances, aim to visit just as full bloom begins, when trees are at their most vibrant.
Best Months to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Cherry blossom season in Japan varies by region, but most travellers should plan for late March to early April. For 2026, the expected bloom pattern follows historical trends:
- Southern Japan (Kyushu): Late March
- Central Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka): Late March to early April
- Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido): April to early May
Because sakura timing changes every year, monitoring official forecasts is essential when planning flights and accommodation — especially during peak travel weeks.
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 (Flowering & Full Bloom Dates)
Below is the latest 2026 cherry blossom forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, showing estimated flowering and full bloom dates across major cities in Japan. These dates are based on historical data and seasonal temperature trends.
Forecasts may shift slightly closer to the season depending on weather conditions.
| 🇯🇵 Location | Forecasted Flowering Dates | Forecasted Full Bloom Date | Flowering Date in Average Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 26 Apr | 29 Apr | 1 May |
| Aomori | 18 Apr | 22 Apr | 22 Apr |
| Sendai | 5 Apr | 10 Apr | 8 Apr |
| Tokyo | 20 Mar | 28 Mar | 24 Mar |
| Kanazawa | 2 Apr | 8 Apr | 3 Apr |
| Nagano | 6 Apr | 11 Apr | 11 Apr |
| Nagoya | 20 Mar | 30 Mar | 24 Mar |
| Kyoto | 24 Mar | 1 Apr | 26 Mar |
| Osaka | 24 Mar | 1 Apr | 27 Mar |
| Wakayama | 27 Mar | 3 Apr | 24 Mar |
| Hiroshima | 22 Mar | 31 Mar | 25 Mar |
| Kochi | 20 Mar | 28 Mar | 22 Mar |
| Fukuoka | 21 Mar | 20 Mar | 22 Mar |
| Kagoshima | 26 Mar | 6 Apr | 26 Mar |
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
📖 Related guide: Best Time To Visit Japan: Your Ultimate 2025-2026 Guide
📍 Where is the Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan?
Japan offers cherry blossom viewing spots across every region, each with its own peak bloom period and unique scenery. From northern cities like Sapporo and Aomori to urban favourites such as Tokyo and Kanazawa, these are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan during sakura season.
1. Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Image credits: japanese cherry blossom festivals
Cherry blossom season in Sapporo typically occurs from late April to early May, making it one of the last major cities in Japan to bloom. This makes Sapporo an excellent option if you miss peak sakura season in Tokyo or Kyoto.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Sapporo:
- 🌸 Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine – One of Sapporo’s most popular hanami spots, featuring over 100 cherry trees, including Ezo-yamazakura and Somei Yoshino varieties. Expect a festive atmosphere with food stalls during peak bloom.
- 🌸 Moerenuma Park – Designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this spacious park blends modern art installations with cherry blossoms, offering a quieter and more contemporary sakura experience.
- 🌸 Nakajima Park – Located near central Sapporo, Nakajima Park is ideal for a convenient cherry blossom visit, with scenic ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese architecture.
- 🌸 Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill – Best known for its panoramic views and iconic statue of Dr. William Clark, this area also features cherry blossoms in spring, though in smaller numbers.
- 🌸 Asashiyama Memorial Park – Situated at the base of Mount Moiwa, this elevated park offers sweeping city views alongside Ezo-yamazakura trees, with vistas stretching toward the Sea of Japan on clear days.
📖 Related guide: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland Guide (2025)
2. Aomori
Image credits: Amazing AOMORI
Aomori is home to some of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Japan, with peak bloom usually occurring from mid to late April.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Aomori:
- 🌸 Hirosaki Park – Widely regarded as one of Japan’s top cherry blossom destinations, Hirosaki Park is home to around 2,600 cherry trees set against the historic Hirosaki Castle. During peak bloom, petals form a pink carpet across the castle moat, creating a signature sakura scene.
- 🌸 Ashino Park – Featuring over 1,500 cherry trees lining the Ashino River, this park offers a peaceful hanami experience and a scenic local railway passing through the blossoms.
- 🌸 Gappo Park – Located near the coast, Gappo Park combines cherry blossom-lined paths with sea views for a unique sakura backdrop.
- 🌸 Tsugaru Fujimi Lake – Surrounded by cherry trees with Mount Iwaki in the background, this spot is known for stunning reflections of sakura on calm lake waters.
- 🌸 Iwakiyama Shrine – Nestled at the base of Mount Iwaki, this shrine offers a quieter, more spiritual cherry blossom experience framed by historical architecture.
🎌 Festival to Check Out: Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Image Credits: gltjp.com
Held annually at Hirosaki Park, this festival is one of Japan’s most celebrated sakura events, offering boat rides along the castle moat, illuminated night views, and seasonal food stalls.
- Dates: Mid-April to early May (varies annually)
- Location: Hirosaki Park
- Getting there: 30-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station or 15 minutes via the 100-yen Dotemachi Loop Bus
- Admission: Adults 320 JPY | Children 100 JPY
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3. Sendai (Tohoku)
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Sendai’s cherry blossom season typically peaks in early to mid-April, offering a mix of historic sites and spacious parks.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Sendai:
- 🌸 Tsutsujigaoka Park – A popular hanami destination featuring hundreds of cherry trees, including elegant shidare-zakura (weeping cherry trees), along with seasonal food stalls.
- 🌸 Mikamine Park – Known for its open lawns and relaxed atmosphere, this park is ideal for picnics and family-friendly cherry blossom viewing.
- 🌸 Nishi Park – One of Sendai’s oldest parks, where cherry blossoms bloom alongside stone lanterns and traditional pathways.
- 🌸 Aoba Castle Ruins (Sendai Castle Ruins) – Located on a hill overlooking the city, this historic site offers sweeping views of Sendai paired with seasonal sakura.
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4. Tokyo
Image credits: GO TOKYO
Cherry blossom season in Tokyo usually peaks from late March to early April, drawing both locals and international visitors to its parks, rivers, and historic landmarks.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo:
- 🌸 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – One of Tokyo’s most popular and well-maintained cherry blossom spots, featuring over 1,000 sakura trees across multiple varieties. Timed entry helps reduce crowding during peak season.
- 🌸 Ueno Park – Famous for its lively hanami atmosphere, with long rows of cherry trees, food stalls, and evening illuminations.
- 🌸 Chidorigafuchi Moat – Located near the Imperial Palace, this spot is known for illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms and boat rentals that let you view sakura from the water.
- 🌸 Megurogawa – A trendy cherry blossom destination where sakura trees form a canopy over the river, creating iconic reflections during peak bloom.
- 🌸 Yoyogi Park – A spacious and casual hanami location popular with locals, ideal for picnics and relaxed flower viewing.
🎌 Festival To Check Out: Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Image Credits: TimeOut
Ueno Park becomes one of Tokyo’s most vibrant sakura hubs during this annual festival, with lantern-lit paths, cultural performances, and over 1,200 cherry trees in bloom.
- Dates: Mid Mar ~ Early Apr 2026 (TBC)
- Location: Ueno Onshi Park
- How to get there: 3-min walk from JR Ueno Station or Keisei Line Keisei Ueno Station, 5-min walk from Tokyo Metro Line Ueno Station
- Admission fee: Free
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5. Kanazawa
Image credits: kshouse.jp
Kanazawa’s cherry blossom season typically occurs in late March to early April, combining traditional landscapes with historic architecture.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Kanazawa:
- 🌸 Kenrokuen Garden – One of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, where cherry blossoms reflect off tranquil ponds and frame traditional teahouses for a classic hanami experience.
- 🌸 Kanazawa Castle Park – Located next to Kenrokuen, this park pairs blooming sakura with the castle’s white walls and historical structures.
- 🌸 Saigawa River – Lined with cherry trees along its banks, this riverside area offers scenic walking paths and bridge viewpoints during peak bloom.
- 🌸 Kazue-machi Chaya District – A historic geisha district where cherry blossoms soften the streetscape of wooden townhouses and lantern-lit alleys.
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6. Nagano
Image credits: GoNagano.net
Nagano is a top-tier sakura destination if you want dramatic landscapes, historic castles, and fewer crowds than Tokyo or Kyoto. Peak cherry blossom season typically falls in early to mid-April.
Best places to see cherry blossoms in Nagano
- 🌸 Takato Castle Ruins Park – One of Japan’s Top 3 cherry blossom spots, famous for over 1,500 Takato-kohigan trees. Expect dense, fluffy pink canopies, food stalls, and magical night illuminations during peak bloom.
- 🌸 Komoro Castle Ruins Kaiko-en – A photogenic mix of historic stone walls and falling sakura petals — especially stunning during peak bloom when petals carpet the grounds.
- 🌸 Ueda Castle Ruins – Home to hundreds of cherry trees and a lively spring festival featuring local food stalls and performances.
- 🌸 Matsumoto Castle – The iconic “Crow Castle” framed by 300+ cherry trees, creating one of Japan’s most striking sakura-and-castle contrasts.
- 🌸 Garyu Koen – A serene park with 600 Somei Yoshino trees, where cherry blossoms reflect beautifully off a central pond with the Hokushin Gogaku mountains in the background.
🎌 Festival To Check Out: Takato Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credits: inashi-kankoukyoukai.jp
Recognised as one of Japan’s Top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, this festival celebrates the rare Takato-kohigan sakura, found almost exclusively in this region. While you’re there, have a taste of Takato’s signature soba served with grilled miso!
- Dates: Early-Mid April every year (stay updated with the official website)
- Location: Takato Castle Park
- How to get there: From Shinjuku → Limited Express Azusa to Okaya (2.5 hrs) → Iida Line to Inashi Station (1 hr), then take a bus or walk.
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7. Nagoya
Image credits: kankomie.or.jp
Nagoya offers easy-access cherry blossom spots with fewer tourists, making it ideal for relaxed hanami sessions. Peak bloom usually hits late March to early April.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Nagoya
- 🌸 Yamazaki Riverside – A calm riverside walkway lined with cherry trees — perfect for picnics and slow strolls.
- 🌸 Nagoya Castle – A classic sakura-and-castle combo with hundreds of cherry trees surrounding the historic grounds.
- 🌸 Tsuruma Park – One of Nagoya’s most popular hanami spots, featuring 1,000+ cherry trees and open green spaces.
- 🌸 Heiwa Koen Nagoya Peace Park – Home to the Sakura no En, a peaceful cherry orchard with ponds and forested trails.
- 🌸 Nabana no Sato Botanical Garden – Slightly outside the city, but worth the trip for its expansive cherry blossom displays and seasonal illuminations.
🎌 Festival To Check Out: Nagoya Castle Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival
Image credits: Nagoya is not boring
A seasonal highlight combining cherry blossoms, traditional performances, and historic scenery.
- Dates: Late Mar – Early Apr 2026 (TBC)
- Location: Nagoya Castle
- How to get there: Subway via Higashiyama Line → Meijo Line to Shiyakusho Station
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8. Kyoto
Image credits: Travel Caffeine
Kyoto is Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom city, where sakura season transforms temples, canals, and mountainsides. Expect peak blooms from late March to mid-April.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
- 🌸 Philosopher’s Path – A scenic canal walk lined with hundreds of cherry trees — one of Kyoto’s most photographed spring spots.
- 🌸 Arashiyama – Multiple sakura viewpoints including Togetsukyo Bridge, Daikakuji Temple, and Iwatayama Monkey Park.
- 🌸 Nijo Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering evening cherry blossom illuminations during peak season.
- 🌸 Kiyomizudera – Cherry blossoms framing one of Kyoto’s most famous temple platforms = instant postcard.
- 🌸 Hirano Shrine – Known for its massive variety of cherry trees and early-blooming sakura.
🎌 Festival To Check Out: Hirano Shrine Okasai Festival
Image credits: Japan Inside
Kyoto’s longest-running cherry blossom festival, featuring 500 trees across 60 sakura species, night illuminations, and traditional performances.
- Dates: Mid-April 2026 (Keep an eye on this site for updates)
- Location: Kitano Tenmangu
- How to get there: Bus 205 or 50 from Kyoto Station → Kinugasa Komae
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9. Osaka
Image credits: Inside Osaka
Osaka’s cherry blossom spots are lively, scenic, and perfect for casual hanami with friends. Bloom season typically runs from late March to mid-April.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka
- 🌸 Osaka Castle Park – Around 300 cherry trees surround Osaka’s most famous landmark, with spring markets and night illuminations.
- 🌸 Kema Sakuranomiya Park – A riverside park stretching along the Okawa River, lined with dense cherry blossom tunnels.
- 🌸 Osaka Mint Bureau – Famous for 100+ cherry blossom varieties, including rare late-blooming yae-zakura. Open to the public for one week only each April.
- 🌸 Expo 70 Commemorative Park – Named one of Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, with staggered blooming varieties from mid-March onward.
- 🌸 Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park – A massive green space featuring cherry blossoms, gardens, and traditional tea houses.
📖 Related guide: 40 Best Things To Do In Osaka (2025): Attractions, Activities, Day Trips
10. Wakayama
Image credits: ZEKKEI Japan
Wakayama is ideal if you want dramatic cherry blossom views without the tourist chaos. Bloom season usually spans late March to early April.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Wakayama
- 🌸 Wakayama Castle – Surrounded by 600 cherry trees, with stunning daytime views and atmospheric night illuminations.
- 🌸 Negoroji Temple – A Top 100 sakura spot with 3,000 cherry trees on temple grounds and 7,000+ in the surrounding area.
- 🌸 Heisogen Park – Features 2,000 cherry trees and a 2km walking loop ideal for relaxed hanami strolls.
- 🌸 Kimii-dera Temple – Known for early-blooming cherry trees and sweeping coastal views.
🎌 Festival To Check Out: Kimiidera Temple Sakura Festival
Image credits: Drive Japan beta
Marvel at the cherry blossoms at this historic temple, which is home to 500 cherry trees!
- Dates: 20 Mar – 20 Apr 2026
- Location: Kimiidera Temple
- How to get there: 12-min walk from JR Kimiidera Station by the Kisei Main Line
- Opening Hours: 8 AM-5 PM
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11. Hiroshima
Image credits: Okayama
Hiroshima’s cherry blossom season usually peaks from late March to early April, offering a mix of riverside sakura, historic landmarks, and nighttime illuminations.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Hiroshima
- 🌸 Tamayugawa River (Tamatsukuri Onsen) – A 2km stretch lined with Somei Yoshino cherry trees, beautifully illuminated at night. Unique bonus: enjoy sakura views while soaking in nearby hot springs.
- 🌸 Hikawa River (Chugoku region) – Features 800 cherry trees forming a dramatic blossom tunnel. During the Kisuki Sakura Festival, expect fireworks, food stalls, and photo ops at the Negai Pedestrian Bridge.
- 🌸 Matsue Castle (Matsue Jozan Park) – Home to 200 cherry trees surrounding one of Japan’s remaining original castles. The annual Oshiro Matsuri includes samurai processions, live performances, lanterns, and illuminated sakura.
- 🌸 Kintaikyo Bridge (Iwakuni) – One of Japan’s most scenic bridges, framed by cherry blossoms from late March to early April. Walking around the area is free; crossing the bridge requires a small fee.
- 🌸 Asahi River Sakura Road (Okayama) – A 1km riverside stretch lined with cherry trees. During peak season, the Okayama Sakura Carnival brings food stalls and nighttime illuminations.
📖 Related guide: Autumn in Japan: Fall Foliage Forecast & Best Viewing Spots
12. Kochi
Image credits: VISIT KOCHI JAPAN
Located on Shikoku Island, Kochi is known for early cherry blossom blooms, often peaking slightly earlier than Honshu.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kochi
- 🌸 Godaisan Park – A dedicated cherry blossom park on Mount Godaisan, also home to Chikurin-ji Temple, part of a famous Buddhist pilgrimage route.
- 🌸 Kochi Castle – One of Japan’s original castles, surrounded by cherry trees and over 400 years of history — a classic sakura-meets-samurai scene.
- 🌸 Horikawa Canal – A quiet canal area where cherry trees line the banks, perfect for a low-key hanami stroll.
- 🌸 Makino Botanical Garden – Named after botanist Tomitaro Makino, this expansive garden features diverse plant species alongside seasonal cherry blossoms.
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13. Fukuoka
Image credits: Travel Japan
Fukuoka’s cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to early April, with large-scale parks and dramatic night illuminations.
Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Fukuoka
🌸 Fukuoka Castle (Maizuru Park) – Nearly 1,000 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees bloom across the castle ruins. The Fukuoka Castle Sakura Matsuri features nightly illuminations starting with a ceremonial signal gun.
🌸 Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – A massive flower park with 2,000 cherry trees, creating blossom tunnels alongside tulips and seasonal blooms from late March onward.
🌸 Nishi Park (Nishi Koen) – Home to 1,300 cherry trees, with elevated viewing platforms overlooking Fukuoka City, Hakata Bay, and nearby islands.
🌸 Atago Shrine – Perched on a hill with panoramic city and bay views, this shrine features 2,000 cherry trees, including early and late bloomers. Night illuminations add extra drama.
📖 Related guide: 16 Best Things To Do In Fukuoka, Japan: Attractions & Tips
14. Kagoshima
Image credits: DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA
Thanks to its southern location, Kagoshima often sees cherry blossoms earlier than most of Japan, usually from mid to late March.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kagoshima
🌸 Yoshino Park – A popular hanami spot with 800+ cherry trees and panoramic views of Sakurajima volcano across Kagoshima Bay.
🌸 Sengan-en Garden – A beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring cherry blossoms set within a traditional Japanese garden of ponds, bamboo groves, and historic buildings.
🌸 Kotsukigawa Riverside – A scenic riverside walkway lined with cherry trees, just a short walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station.
🌸 Sakurajima Dinosaur Park – A family-friendly park on Sakurajima island, where cherry blossoms bloom among dinosaur-themed playgrounds — chaotic, but iconic.
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Cherry Blossom Season Japan FAQs
Q: When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
A: Cherry blossom season in Japan typically occurs between late March and early May, depending on the region and annual weather patterns.
Q: How long does the cherry blossom season last?
A: In each city, peak bloom usually lasts 5–10 days, though the overall season moves northward over several weeks.
Q: What is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
A: The best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo is usually late March, when most trees reach full bloom.
Q: Does the cherry blossom season change every year?
A: Yes. Sakura blooming dates vary annually based on winter and spring temperatures, which is why official forecasts are updated multiple times.
Q: Is late March or early April better for cherry blossoms?
A: Late March is ideal for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while early April is better for northern regions and higher-altitude areas.
Experience Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
Cherry blossom season in Japan is brief, beautiful, and unforgettable — but timing is everything. With careful planning and up-to-date forecasts, you can experience sakura at its peak across Japan’s most iconic cities.
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Cherry blossoms don’t wait — and neither should your plans.
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