The Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: When to Plan Your Trip

When to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan (YouTube link)

The timing of the cherry blossom blooming each year is heavily determined by the temperature. Warmer years see the blossoms bloom up to two weeks earlier than cooler years. Because Japan extends across many latitudes, the blossoms can bloom as early as January in the southern islands and as late as May in the far north.

At any specific location, the typical duration of the blooming period is approximately 7-10 days given ideal weather conditions. However, strong wind and rain can shorten this period by causing the petals to fall prematurely.

Click here for an interactive Cherry Blossom map on Google MyMaps

Plan Your Hanami Adventure: Japan-Guide.com's Cherry Blossom Forecast

Due to the numerous factors influencing cherry blossom bloom times, Japan-guide.com utilizes the annual average timing for each area when the trees are at their peak, as shown below.

The 2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan

Planning your dream Hanami? Find the perfect timing and location for your 2024 cherry blossom adventure in Japan by following the update from livejapan.com or similar sites!

The Japan Meteorological Corporation issued the forecast for Japan's cherry blossom season in 2024 on January 25, 2024. The dates listed below can be used as a reference for planning your trip.  This year's cherry blossom season appears to be one week later than last year's, but it remains one week earlier than the annual average timing.

Source: livejapan.com

The 2023 Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

The information below concerning the 2023 Cherry Blossom Season was provided by jrailpass.com. 

The cherry blossom season typically lasts for about two weeks, from late March to early April. However, due to warmer-than-average temperatures and less rainfall, the 2023 season was two weeks earlier than the annual average timing.  

Ranking of Popular Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots 

According to tenki.jp, the most popular 2023 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan are (see the locations on the below Google MyMaps):

1. Shibazakura Takinoue Park (芝ざくら滝上公園)
2. Bibai City Tomei Park
3. Nijukken road cherry blossom
4. Morenuma Park
5. Tentoyama Sakura Park (天都山)

Click here for an interactive Hokkaido map on Google MyMaps

See Also:

1. 桜開花・満開情報 (in Japanese)
2. 紅葉見頃情報  (tenki.jp)
3. Top Destinations in Japan
4. Mount Fuji: Full Bloom (04/09/2023)
• Chureito Pagoda: petals starting to fall
• Northern shores of Kawaguchiko: full bloom
• Oshino Hakkai: full bloom
• Additionally, there is a sakura festival from April 5 to 16, with the main festival area centered around promenade near the Kawaguchiko Enkei Hall along the northern shore. During the festival period, the promenade around the hall is illuminated in the evenings from sunset to 21:00.
5. Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring
• The tour is available from April 5th to April 17th, 2024.
6. Japan Meteorological Agency (Risk Maps)