Sakura, or cherry blossom season is one of the most popular times of the year in Japan. Like in many countries, the flower blossoming marks the arrival of warmer weather and the upcoming season is very much embraced by everyone. In this article, we will give you an introduction to the expected schedule for the best time and places to see cherry blossoms all around Japan in 2024!
When is the cherry blossom season?
The best time to view the beautiful pink colors in Japan is somewhere between March and May, depending on the location and the weather circumstances. On average, the blooming period only lasts for two weeks. Usually the cherry blossoms start blooming from the southern to the northern part of the country. The Kanto, Kansai and Kyushu regions tend to be the earliest to start blooming, while the Tohoku region and Hokkaido are the latest. There are also different types of sakura trees that bloom earlier than others, such as kawazu sakura in Shizuoka that usually start to bloom at the end of February.
Recommended article: 10 Best Early Blooming Sakura Viewing Spots in Japan
Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
If you’re planning on visiting Japan for the sakura season in the spring of 2024, make sure you know the exact dates so you don’t miss out on an amazing experience. However, you might be asking yourself “when and where exactly will they bloom?” and “where are the best locations to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo?”. First off, we will be giving you the most recent official forecast. Next, we have made our own list of the best locations to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Every year, at the beginning of January, the JMC (Japan Meteorological Corporation) releases their first forecast of when cherry blossoms will start to flower and reach full bloom that year. After this initial forecast, it is continuously updated to stay precise. In 2024, the 10th forecast was released on March 28. As soon as the forecast is updated, we will update this page again for you!
Cherry blossom forecast 2024 (UPDATED)
JMC has estimated the flowering and full bloom dates for Yoshino Cherry trees in approximately 1,000 cherry blossom viewing locations all over Japan from Hokkaido to Kagoshima.
| Location | Flowering date | Full Bloom date | Flowering avg. |
| Tokyo | March 29 | April 1 | March 24 |
| Kyoto | March 29 | April 3 | March 26 |
| Osaka | March 30 | April 3 | March 27 |
| Hiroshima | March 25 | April 2 | March 25 |
| Fukuoka | March 27 | April 2 | March 22 |
| Kagoshima | March 30 | April 7 | March 26 |
| Aomori | April 14 | April 18 | April 22 |
| Hokkaido | April 26 | April 30 | May 1 |
The Cherry Blossom Flowering Forecast Map below shows flowering dates but not full bloom dates.
Why are sakura so special in Japan?
In Japan, sakura viewing is immensely popular; each year millions of people set out to watch the blossoming cherry trees in full bloom and color. To Japanese people, sakura symbolize spring, hope, beauty and new life. The beautiful sakura flowers have made it into lots of different art and poetry, as well as food and drink among other things. In particular, the Japanese see the cherry blossoms’ brevity(many only bloom for a week or two) as a symbol of the impermanence and transience of life. It also marks the beginning of the school and fiscal year, both starting in April, thus spring is a season full of new meetings, activities, and liveliness. Other than these deeper meanings behind sakura, the cherry trees in full bloom are simply an amazing sight to see!
Not only do the locals enjoy viewing sakura, but many people from overseas come to Japan during the spring season just to see the cherry blossoms. Even though it is a busy time in Japan, it is definitely worth visiting and experiencing the cherry blossom season if you have the chance. However, if you aren’t one for (over)crowded spots, you might want to avoid spring time in Japan.
What are Hanami parties?
Hanami in Japanese translates into “flower watching,” but refers more specifically to observing the cherry trees in full bloom. Hanami is very easy, arguably the easiest Japanese thing to do. You can do so from afar or up close, strolling through a park or having a picnic. Hanami parties also often refer to having a picnic under the cherry blossom trees at the park, bringing bento boxes (lunch boxes) and alcohol(or non-alcoholic drinks). Sometimes this picnic style of a hanami party is held as a welcome party for new students at university or new members of a company. At the popular hanami spots, some people save the spot in the middle of the night for the next day’s party! This is just how crazy hanami parties can be among Japanese people.
If you decide you want to enjoy hanami in Japan, just remember not to touch/pull/pick the cherry blossoms and take your garbage home with you.
You can make your hanami experience more special if you wear a kimono! Take memorable pictures under the sakura trees in a beautiful kimono. You can easily try it on while a professional staff assists you at a kimono rental shop. You can find shops in popular tourist spots including Tokyo, Kyoto, and more.
Check out kimono rental shops in Japan
Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms?
From Hokkaido (northernmost prefecture) to Okinawa (southernmost prefecture), there are many great spots to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Here is a list of beautiful hanami spots throughout Japan!
Sakura viewing in Tokyo
You might think there are not all that many nature spots in places Tokyo, therefore less sakura viewing spots, but actually, that’s not the case. If you want to go to lots of different cherry blossom spots but don’t want to leave Tokyo, it is worth checking out these top 5 best cherry blossom locations in Tokyo.
- Meguro River (目黒川)
One of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in Japan is Meguro River, which features over 800 cherry trees lined up along the river bank. Nakameguro is one of the most popular spots. - Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑)
One of the largest national gardens in the area, Shinjuku Gyoen is home to around 1,000 cherry trees. - Chidorigafuchi (千鳥ヶ淵)
Known as the most picturesque cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. - Ueno Onshi Park (上野恩賜公園)
The most crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo as many visitors head there for Hanami. - Tokyo Mid Town（東京ミッドタウン）
Tokyo MidTown is an extremely popular spot to view Cherry Blossoms at night.
Hidden cherry blossom viewing spots
The above mentioned spots are especially popular in Tokyo. If you are looking for somewhere less crowded, read this article for more hidden but still amazing cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.
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Spring destinations in Japan
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Comments
Awesome content. Really liked it. I would be thrilled to see a video on this if possible like the one here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEaKq25tL5I