Blooming throughout Japan each spring, cherry blossoms are cherished for their fleeting beauty, symbolic nature and deep cultural resonance. The exact timing of the bloom varies between years and regions, making the yearly cherry blossom forecast eagerly anticipated.
2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast
Each year, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) publishes its forecast for when they expect cherry blossoms to bloom. As we move into spring, you can expect the forecast to be refined with more exact dates.
The Cherry Blossom forecast for 2026 has not been released yet, but it is expected to be similar to 2025's dates. We will update you with information as it becomes available.
As the cherry blossoms spread south to north, the earliest blooms may be found in very southern regions such as Kagoshima and Fukushima, or in the Izu Peninsula southwest of Tokyo, which is blessed with a mild climate due to being surrounded by the sea on three sides. Heading north, Sapporo in Hokkaido will see its blooms usually in early May, significantly later than other regions and offering a chance for visitors who missed the season in Tokyo.
In general, our home region of Nagano sees the blossoms blooming around early April in the cities, with peak bloom falling, on average, on April 11th. The major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all tend to reach peak around late March or very early April, as seen in the chart above.
For other regions of Japan, the blooms occurred much later at higher elevations and more northern locations. The forecasted dates for peak blooms across Japan are as follows:
- Tokyo: April 1
- Osaka: April 2
- Nagoya: April 4
- Sapporo: May 2
This past year showed an interesting regional divergence, with the blossoms blooming a little earlier than usual in the north of Japan, and a little later than usual in the south. Regardless, the north still bloomed much later than the south in absolute terms.
Weather and Packing Tips for Spring in Japan
Spring in Japan runs from mid-March to early May, offering ideal travel conditions with mild temperatures and spectacular cherry blossoms. Whether you're wandering city streets or exploring mountain trails, here’s what to expect and how to pack.
Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Spring in Japan’s major cities is one of the most popular seasons to visit, offering mild temperatures, clear skies, and spectacular cherry blossoms in late March to early April. It’s perfect for outdoor sightseeing, park picnics, and seasonal events.
- Temperatures: 10–22°C (50–72°F) depending on the month
- Conditions: Comfortable days with cool mornings and evenings
Daytime packing list: Light long sleeves or short sleeves with layers; comfortable walking shoes
Mornings/Night packing list: Light jacket or hoodie, especially in March and April
Tip from our local guides: Cherry blossoms bloom best in cool, dry weather—bring an extra layer for early morning strolls under the trees.
Mount Fuji & the Japanese Alps
Spring arrives later in the highlands, and snow may still be present at higher elevations into late April. While cherry blossoms bloom in nearby towns, the mountains remain cool and crisp—perfect for hikes and scenic views.
- Temperatures: Often 0–15°C (32–59°F), colder in higher elevations
- Conditions: Cold mornings and unpredictable mountain weather
Daytime packing list: Long sleeves and warm outer layers; waterproof hiking shoes
Mornings/Night packing list: Windproof jacket, gloves, and a warm hat
Tip from our local guides: Snow lingers at higher altitudes—check trail conditions before hiking and layer well for changing temps.
Hokkaido & Northern Japan
Spring comes late to the north, with cherry blossoms typically blooming in late April to early May. Until then, it can still feel wintry, especially in inland and mountain areas.
- Temperatures: 5–15°C (41–59°F), often lower in early spring
- Conditions: Brisk weather, with a chance of snow or frost early in the season
Daytime packing list: Warm long sleeves and thermal layers; waterproof footwear
Mornings/Night packing list: Insulated jacket, hat, gloves
Tip from our local guides: If visiting for cherry blossoms, plan for Golden Week and dress for cold mornings—even in late April.
Nagoya & Central Japan
Spring unfolds steadily in Central Japan, with cherry blossoms reaching full bloom in early April in the cities and mid-to-late April in higher elevations. The weather is generally mild and clear.
- Temperatures: 8–22°C (46–72°F) depending on location and month
- Conditions: Dry and comfortable, with cool nights
Daytime packing list: Light layers, long sleeves, or short sleeves with a light jacket
Mornings/Night packing list: Medium-weight jacket or cardigan
Tip from our local guides: In the mountains, blooms arrive later and temperatures drop quickly in the evening—pack accordingly.
Hiroshima & Chugoku Region
Mild spring days and fewer crowds make this region an ideal place to enjoy cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Coastal breezes can make it feel cooler, especially near the water.
- Temperatures: Around 10–22°C (50–72°F)
- Conditions: Mostly sunny with fresh spring air
Daytime packing list: Long sleeves, light sweaters, or a breathable jacket
Mornings/Night packing list: Light outerwear or a windbreaker
Tip from our local guides: Bring a scarf or wrap if you’re planning seaside visits—spring winds can be surprisingly chilly.
Kyushu & Okinawa
Spring in Kyushu begins early, with sakura blooming as soon as late March in many areas. Okinawa, which experiences subtropical weather, sees cherry blossoms bloom in January–February, but spring still brings warm weather and seasonal festivals.
- Temperatures:
- Kyushu: 12–24°C (54–75°F)
- Okinawa: 18–26°C (64–79°F)
- Conditions: Warm, with occasional humidity or rain
Daytime packing list: Short sleeves or light long sleeves; breathable fabrics
Mornings/Night packing list: Light jacket or cardigan, especially inland in Kyushu
Tip from our local guides: Sudden showers are common—pack a travel umbrella or light raincoat for unexpected weather.
Get Started Planning your Trip to See Japan’s Cherry Blossoms
Travel to the most photogenic and interesting locations across Japan to see the iconic cherry blossoms with out the hassle of planning your itinerary or transportation. Choose from our wide variety of guided tours across Japan and catch the spring blooms at their peak.
From the high mountains of the Japanese Alps to the historic towns and gardens of Central Japan, our guide to the Best Tours to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan lets you know the best places and the times to visit them to give you the best chance at filling your camera roll with stunning images of the spring blooms across Japan.
If you already have your itinerary planned out and are simply looking for some recommendations for were to see cherry blossoms, check out our Regional Spring Travel Guides for our local guides' favorite spots across Japan.
TOKYO | KYOTO | NAGOYA | HIROSHIMA | KANAZAWA | TAKAYAMA | NAGANO | JAPAN ALPS | MT. FUJI
Custom Charters for Cherry Blossom Viewing
If you are looking for a more personalized trip, we also offer private charter services to bring you to wherever you want to go around the region. If you need suggestions, we are always ready to help you create the perfect itinerary for your travels. And, if you would like, we can even add a guide to make it a private tour for just your group! Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
Cherry Blossom FAQ
We hope you're excited to experience the blossoms. These are some of the most common questions for visitors heading here in spring:
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
The blossoms bloom each spring with the exact timing depending to weather patterns – which vary from year-to-year – and the region of Japan you are intending to head to. The flowers will bloom in southern areas of Japan along with those on or near to the Pacific coastline first, from where the bloom will spread to the north. Expect the earliest bloom in areas including Kyushu, Shikoku and along the Pacific coast in the second-half of March with Tokyo usually flowering in the final week of March. Hokkaido is the final area to bloom, usually sometime in early-May.
Do we know the exact timing for 2026?
The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has not yet released their much-anticipated cherry blossom forecast for 2026, but the 2025 edition can be used for reference. See above for details.
Can I only see the blossoms in Japan?
Cherry blossoms exist in many countries including Japan’s neighbours Korea and China. There are some varieties that are only found in Japan and ‘hanami’ (flower-viewing) in spring to enjoy the blossoms is perhaps the quintessential Japanese experience. So while the blossoms aren’t only found here, there’s no better place to experience them.
Where can I see Cherry Blossoms?
Cherry blossoms occur throughout most regions of Japan, blooming south to north as the weather warms in spring. Some of the more popular places to see them are found in Tokyo and Kyoto with just as many fantastic and famous blossom spots found throughout Japan. So don’t feel that you have to head to the most famous spots to have the best experience and remember, if you do, you’ll be sharing those spaces and flowers with many other people. Some of the best places to see blossoms are temples, parks and around schools with many varieties also growing wild in the mountains. It’s a great reason to go local and head-out of the cities to other regions, where you’ll likely have much more space to enjoy the blossoms.
Do I have to pay for entry to blossom spots and festivals?
It depends on the location and festival. Many if not most blossom locations and festivals can be entered free of charge, however some places will have an entry fee. But in most circumstances, entry will be free.
Why are the blossoms such a big deal in Japan?
Known as 'sakura' in Japan, cherry blossoms have long held deep cultural importance for Japanese. Appreciated for their fleeting beauty, the flowers are seen as symbolic of life itself - which is beautiful, fragile and brief. Blossoms have captured the minds and hearts of Japanese - from the most celebrated artists, writers and poets to the average person on the street - for a very long time, and the yearly bloom is awaited and cherished as much each year as it was for countless generations before. For more information, see our 'The Importance of 'Hanami' & 'Sakura' in Japan' page.
Are there any rules or is there any etiquette when it comes to enjoying the blossoms?
The flowers are fragile and will fall from the tree easily if touched or shaken. For that reason, it’s considered inappropriate to touch the tree or individual flowers, and risk them falling-off and preventing others from enjoying them. Please avoid touching the tree and whatever you do, do not break-off any part of the tree. Please also be mindful of others and allow each other space to enjoy and photograph the blossoms. If you’re intending to head to a famous/popular blossom spot for ‘hanami’ (flower-viewing) and want to reserve a spot to sit, make sure to get there early to lay down your blanket/sheet and avoid taking-up unnecessary space. If you are joining someone else’s hanami, remember to take-off your shoes before stepping onto the blanket/sheet and take all rubbish with you at the end of the day.