Every year in the spring season, when the 30,000 Japanese Sakura cherry blossom in Yoshino Mountain are in full bloom, the Kyoto railroad tracks will be filled with the fragrance of Japanese pink flowers in the cracks, the Hokkaido stars will also light up the night cherry blossoms, and the whole of Japan are quietly dyed pink. In order to let you better go to Japan for cherry blossoms viewing, here we are to share the Japan cherry blossom forecast with you, including the Japan sakura schedule, the best time to see Japanese cherry blossoms, the cherry blossom month in Japan, Hanami spots at Japan cherry blossom dates, Sakura forecast 2024 and recommendations on Japan cherry blossom tours 2024.
★If you hope to visit iconic landmarks or historical sites, experience Kimono photography and the traditional Tea Ceremony, watch the Geisha performance, or enjoy delicious culinary delights, in addition to viewing the spectacular scene of cherry blossom, seize the time to tell us your travel date so that we can tailor the private itinerary and book the favorite hotel for you, as accommodations in Japan during the Sakura season may fill up quickly.
Table of Contents
1. Sakura Month in Japan
2. Japan Sakura Forecast in Previous Years
3. Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
4. Japan 2024 Cherry Blossom Dates
5. Where to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Japan
6. 2024 Japan Sakura Tours in Spring Time
Sakura Forecast 2024 by 日本気象株式会社
Here is the release of 2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast (1st forecast) from the 日本気象株式会社, the Japan Meteorological Corporation. It will update the prediction on the cherry blossom flowering and full bloom dates every Thursday evening from mid-February onwards. The schedule may change depending on the flowering/full bloom situation. And we will also keep updating the latest info on the cherry blossom season Japan 2024 to help you take a Sakura tour to Japan according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation cherry blossom forecast 2024.
1. Sakura Month in Japan
Japan's cherry blossom season lasts until May. Whether you want to go to enjoy the Japan Hanami festival at the Kanto or Kansai, or want to visit Okinawa and Hokkaido together at cherry blossom time in Japan, or experience the classic Sakura spots and niche secret Hanami spots, or the off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom viewing spots, there will be a suitable one for you during the cherry blossom season Japan 2024.
January: View early Japanese cherry blossom in Okinawa
Japan's first batch of blooming cherry blossoms is the Okinawa cherry blossom. In January, there will be cherry blossom trees in bloom. Yaedake Sakuranomori Park in Okinawa has more than 7,000 cherry trees, featuring red and white colors to be very romantic. If you want to go to visit the Sakura and appreciate the monuments at the same time, don't miss the Nakijin Castle Ruins, as there will be a sense of cool beauty while enjoying the Sakura flower in Japan.
February: Enjoy Sakura Hanami in Izu-Kawazu
The Sakura season Japan in Kawazu, Izu is a bit longer, and February is the full blooming cherry blossom month. There are more than 1,000 Kawazu cherry blossom planted on both sides of the river, which looks like a cherry blossom brocade. In addition, you can also go to the train station in Izu, which is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Japan during the Kawazu cherry blossom festival.
March: Full blooming cherry blossoms viewing in Kansai, Shikoku and Kyushu
The Sakura period in late March is the cherry blossom season in Japan when most of the Japanese Sakura trees are in full bloom, and they are just like the clouds on fire. You can enjoy the Kansai Sakura by visiting the Philosophy's Path and Randen's Sakura Tunnel in Arashiyama in Kyoto and Mount Yoshino in Nara.
April: Admire the Japanese cherry blossom flower in Aomori, Tokyo and Sendai
During the cherry blossom time in Japan in April, you can see cherry blossoms flowers on Mt. Fuji and on the Meguro River in Tokyo. In Chidorigafuchi, you can take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the Japan Hanami festival, and on the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade, you can see cherry blossom petals falling on the lake, which will make you feel extremely happy when you view the shimmering pink color. If you go there too late in the Sakura season, you can go all the way north to enjoy the Aomori Sakura and Kinugawa cherry blossoms viewing. The Kinugawa hot spring is very niche and very meaningful to enjoy Japan natural onsen, which is highly recommended in the spring season in Japan.
May: Appreciate the Late Bloomer in Hokkaido
The Japan Sakura period lasts till May, which coincides with Labor Day, so there is a holiday to catch the last of Japan's cherry blossoms time. Goryokaku Park in Hakodate is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots to enjoy the Hokkaido Sakura, especially when you look down on it, you can see all the cherry trees turn into a pink five-pointed star. There are also cherry blossom spots at the Hokkaido Shrine. If you go to Hokkaido at this time of year during the month for cherry blossom in Japan, you can also enjoy the fireworks festival of Lake Tōya. It will be very enjoyable to try the local seafood and take an onsen bath in Noboribetsu, one of the best onsen resorts in Japan while admiring the beautiful Sakura flower in Hokkaido.
2. Japan Sakura Forecast in Previous Years
When it comes to the cherry blossom viewing season in Japan, one of the most popular things to do is to predict the flowering date and full blooming schedule of the Japanese cherry blossoms, which is updated on all major Japanese weather websites every year in February. As a forecast, we'd better make a comprehensive comparison to get a better idea of the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan. However, the Japan Sakura Forecast 2024 has not been released yet, so we have sorted out the Japanese cherry blossom forecast in previous years, which was published by Japan Weather Map(JWM), Japan Weather Association(JWA), Japan Meteorological Corporation(JMC), and Weathernews Inc.(WN), and hope it is helpful for you to make your spring tour in Japan.
Kanto Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Kanto Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Mito | March 29 | April 1 | March 30 |
| April 5 | April 6 |
|
| Utsunomiya | March 29 | March 31 | March 30 |
| April 4 | April 6 |
|
| Kamakura | March 27 | March 30 | March 30 |
| April 3 | April 5 |
|
| Kumagaya | March 26 | March 29 | March 28 |
| April 2 | April 4 |
|
| Tokyo | March 23 | March 22 | March 23 | March 22 | March 30 | March 30 | March 30 |
| Choshi | March 29 | March 31 | April 2 |
| April 5 | April 9 |
|
| Yokohama | March 24 | March 24 | March 26 |
| April 1 | April 3 |
|
| Nagano | April 8 | April 8 | April 8 | April 4 | April 13 | April 13 | April 10 |
| Kofu | March 23 | March 26 |
|
| March 30 | April 1 |
|
Kyushu Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Kyushu Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Fukuoka | March 19 | March 19 | March 19 | March 21 | March 30 | March 29 | March 30 |
| Oita | March 23 | March 24 | March 23 | March 24 | April 4 | April 3 | April 2 |
| Nagasaki | March 23 | March 21 | March 20 | March 23 | April 1 | March 29 | March 29 |
| Sasebo | March 23 | March 21 | March 19 | March 23 | April 1 | March 28 | March 30 |
| Kumamoto | March 21 | March 19 | March 18 | March 21 | March 31 | March 28 | March 28 |
| Miyazaki | March 23 | March 24 | March 22 | March 27 | April 1 | April 1 | April 4 |
| Kagoshima | March 26 | March 27 | March 28 | March 30 | April 4 | April 7 | April 4 |
Chūgoku · Shikoku Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Chūgoku · Shikoku Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Okayama | March 25 | March 26 | March 24 | March 25 | April 1 | April 1 | April 1 |
| Hiroshima | March 23 | March 26 | March 22 | March 24 | April 1 | March 31 | March 31 |
| Matsue | March 27 | March 26 | March 24 | March 26 | April 3 | March 31 | April 1 |
| Tottori | March 26 | March 25 | March 24 | March 26 | April 2 | April 1 | March 31 |
| Takamatsu | March 26 | March 26 | March 26 |
| April 3 | April 3 |
|
| Tokushima | March 27 | March 27 | March 27 | March 26 | April 4 | April 3 | March 31 |
| Matsuyama | March 22 | March 22 | March 21 |
| April 1 | March 31 |
|
| Kochi | March 19 | March 21 | March 17 | March 22 | March 28 | March 25 | April 30 |
| Shimonoseki | March 25 | March 25 | March 24 |
| April 3 | April 2 |
|
Kansai Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Kansai Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Hakone | March 30 | March 31 | March 30 | March 31 | April 6 | April 6 | April 6 |
| Kyoto | March 25 | March 24 | March 24 | March 29 | April 2 | April 2 | April 4 |
| Osaka | March 26 | March 26 | March 26 | March 25 | April 2 | April 2 | April 1 |
| Kobe | March 27 | March 27 | March 26 |
| April 5 | April 4 |
|
| Nara | March 26 | March 25 | March 26 | March 27 | April 2 | April 2 | April 3 |
| Wakayama | March 23 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25 | April 1 | April 1 | April 1 |
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Hokkaido Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Sapporo | April 30 | May 5 | May 4 |
| May 4 | May 8 |
|
| Wakkanai | May 10 |
|
|
| May 14 |
|
|
| Asahigawa | May 4 |
|
|
| May 6 |
|
|
| Abashiri | May 9 |
|
|
| May 11 |
|
|
| Kushiro | May 14 |
|
|
| May 17 |
|
|
| Obihiro | May 2 |
|
|
| May 4 |
|
|
| Muroran | May 4 | May 6 | May 8 |
| May 9 | May 13 |
|
| Hakodate | April 29 | April 29 | May 3 | April 27 | May 2 | May 6 | May 1 |
Hokuriku Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Hokuriku Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Shizuoka | March 24 | March 27 | March 25 | March 26 | April 2 | April 3 | April 4 |
| Nagoya | March 23 | March 23 | March 22 |
| April 1 | April 1 |
|
| Gifu | March 24 | March 23 | March 23 | March 26 | April 1 | March 31 | April 2 |
| Tsu | March 27 | March 28 | March 26 |
| April 1 | March 31 |
|
| Niigata | April 7 | April 5 | April 7 | April 6 | April 12 | April 12 | April 11 |
| Toyama | April 3 | April 3 | April 1 | April 2 | April 7 | April 6 | April 6 |
| Kanazawa | April 1 | April 1 | April 2 |
| April 6 | April 8 |
|
| Fukui | March 31 | March 30 | March 31 | April 1 | April 5 | April 6 | April 5 |
Tohoku Cherry Blossom Forecast
| Tohoku Region |
City
| Predicted Flowering Date | Predicted Blooming Date |
| By JMW | By JWA | By JMC | By WN | By JWA | By JMC | By WN |
| Aomori | April 23 | April 22 | April 24 | April 21 | April 27 | April 28 | April 27 |
| Akita | April 17 | April 16 | April 20 | April 23 | April 22 | April 24 | April 26 |
| Morioka | April 20 | April 18 | April 19 |
| April 24 | April 25 |
|
| Sendai | April 10 | April 9 | April 9 |
| April 14 | April 14 |
|
| Yamagata | April 14 | April 12 | April 15 | April 12 | April 18 | April 19 | April 16 |
| Fukushima | April 8 | April 7 | April 6 | April 8 | April 12 | April 11 | April 13 |
3. Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023
Japan's terrain is long and narrow in shape, and cherry blossoms bloom sequentially from the warm southern end to the north, which is just on contrary to the autumn leaves Japan forecast that starts from Hokkaido. Generally speaking, the Japanese cherry blossom season lasts from about the beginning of March to May. It starts in mid-March around Kyushu in the southern region, and around May in Hokkaido in the north. However, the earth's climate has changed quite a bit in the last few years, and the Japanese Sakura season has almost always been affected to a small degree, so the cherry blossom time in Japan will depend on the temperature each year. Here is the Japan Sakura forecast for the year 2023 for your reference. It was announced by the Japan Meteorological Corporation on April 20, 2023.
4. Japan 2024 Cherry Blossom Dates
The Japanese take cherry blossoms very seriously and the attention is hot every year. Every year in January, major Japanese weather sites like Japan Meteorological Corporation announce the Japan cherry blossom forecast. However it is not until February that an updated and more accurate forecast schedule is issued. To help you arrange the Japan Sakura tour in advance, here is the Sakura forecast for 2024 sorted by us. It is noted that this cherry blossom season Japan 2024 forecast is not from Japan's authoritative weather company but from our experience prediction. This 2024 Japan cherry blossom schedule is for informational purposes only as the cherry blossom Japan 2024 dates may actually change due to climatic influences.
Kyushu Area
The Kyushu cherry blossom is expected to bloom at the same time or slightly earlier than in previous years, with the Sakura blossoming date starting in Fukuoka on March 20th, followed by Miyazaki on the 21st, and Kumamoto cherry blossom is also predicted to bloom on March 21st. Cherry blossoms are predicted to bloom on March 31 in Fukuoka and Kumamoto, and in full bloom on April 1 in Saga, Nagasaki, and Miyazaki.
Kansai Area
Japan cherry blossom 2024 dates in Kansai begins in Wakayama on March 23rd, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara on the 25th. Osaka Castle Park is forecasted to bloom on March 26th. Full blooming dates are then predicted to be on March 31 in Wakayama and on April 1 in Nara, which may be the same or slightly earlier than normal.
Chūgoku · Shikoku Area
2024 Sakura time in Chūgoku and Shikoku area begins on March 21st in Kochi, followed by Hiroshima on the 22nd. Cherry blossoms in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are forecasted to bloom on March 26th. It is then expected to fully bloom on April 1 in Hiroshima and Matsue and on April 2 in Tottori and Takamatsu.
Kanto Area
Japanese cherry blossoms season 2024 in the Kanto area starts on March 20 in Tokyo, then in Yokohama on March 21, and Ueno Sakura in Tokyo is also expected to bloom on March 21, and the Nagano cherry blossom on April 8 as well. Cherry blossom's full blooming dates are expected to be on March 29th in Tokyo and on March 31st in Yokohama, Kumagaya, and Kofu.
Central Japan
For the Sakura time in Japan 2024 in Central Japan, it is flowering date starts on March 22 in Nagoya, Gifu, and Tsurumai Park in Aichi Prefecture, Shizuoka on March 24, and Tsu on March 27. There are many places where Sakura starts to bloom after 10 days. And it is predicted to fully bloom on March 31 in Gifu and Tsu, and on April 1 in Nagoya.
Hokuriku Area
The cherry blossom season Japan 2024 dates in Hokuriku will begin on March 30th in Fukui and continue in Kanazawa and Toyama on March 31st. Kenroku-en, the famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Ishikawa Prefecture, is predicted to start the Sakura festival on April 2, and Niigata on April 6 as well. They are expected to be in full bloom for about five days, together with the full blooming time on April 3 in Fukui, and on April 5 in Kanazawa and Toyama.
Tohoku Region
Sakura time Japan 2024 in Tohoku begins on April 4 in Fukushima and continues on April 5 in Sendai. It is forecasted that the cherry blossom blooming area will expand to the northern part of the Tohoku region by mid-April. You may enjoy the Hirosaki cherry blossom festival in Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture on April 17th. The full bloom is expected to come about 5 days after flowering and is predicted to be in full bloom on April 8 in Fukushima and on April 11 in Sendai. There are many places where the Sakura blooming period is slightly earlier than in previous years, and Aomori cherry blossom is expected to be earlier than in previous years in cherry blossom time Japan 2024.
Hokkaido Area
The Japanese cherry blossom season reaches southern Hokkaido in late April and moves up towards northern and northeastern Hokkaido till May. Hakodate Sakura is expected to bloom on April 23 and Sapporo cherry blossom on April 25. Kushiro cherry blossom, which is the latest in the country to bloom, also begins to bloom in early May, and the Japan Sakura festival comes to an end. The Hokkaido sakura is expected to be in full bloom in about 3 days, and is forested to fully bloom on April 26 in Hakodate, April 29 in Sapporo, and Obihiro.
5. Where to Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Japan
The reason why the cherry blossom period is so touching is because it is so short, 7 days after the blossom is in full bloom; however, within 3-7 days after full bloom, the cherry blossoms begin to fade. So Japan cherry blossom forecast becomes important. And you can go to the best spots to enjoy the best cherry blossom viewing in Japan.
Best Tokyo Sakura Spots | Best Kyoto Sakura Spots | Best Osaka Sakura Spots | Best Hokkaido Sakura Spots | Best Mt. Fuji Sakura Spots | Best Nara Sakura Spots |
| Ueno Park | Philosopher's Path | Osaka Castle Park | Maruyama Park | Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko | Nara Park |
| Shinjuku Gyoen | Arashiyama | Osaka Mint Bureau | Moerenuma Park | Chureito Pagoda | Mt. Yoshino |
| Meguro River | Nijo Castle | Kema Sakuranomiya Park | Hokkaido Shrine | Oshino Hakkai | Butsuryu-Ji Temple |
| Chidorigafuchi | Kiyomizu-Dera | Shitennoji | Makomanai Park | Lake Tanuki-ko | Koriyama Castle Ruins |
| Sumida Park | Hirano Shrine | Kozugu | Goryokaku Park | Arakurayama Sengen Park | Matabezakura |
| Inokashira Park | Keage Incline | Expo '70 Commemorative Park | Hakodate Park | Urui River | Takada Senbon Sakura |
| Yoyogi Park | Shimbashi-dori, Gion | Satsukiyama Park | Otaru Park | Iyashi no Sato | Tsubosaka Temple |
| Rokugien Garden | Shirakawa Canal in Gion | Kishiwada Castle | Matsumae Park | Fuji Shibazakura Festival | Sahogawa Riverbed |
| Asukayama Park | Kamo River | Daisen Park | Kakunodate | Ubuyagasaki Peninsula | Mount Wakakusayama |
| Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens | Kyoto Gyoen National Garden | Katsuo-ji Temple | Hirosaki Park | Eastern Shores of Kawaguchiko | Heijo Palace |
6. 2024 Japan Sakura Tours in Springtime
Spreading out mats in parks and on riverbanks where cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Sakura Season in Japan 2024, you can sit on the ground with your family and friends and gather for a lively meal and chat. This has become a routine activity for Japanese people in the spring season and is the most representative scene of spring in various parts of Japan. Here are some recommendations for your 2024 Japan Sakura Tours in springtime.
Japan Sakur Tours | Destinations | Viewing Spots and Highlights |
6 Days Tokyo & Kansai Classic Tour | Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto-Nara | Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko Oishi Park, Arakura Sengen Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nara Park |
8 Days Japan Sakura Classic Tour | Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka | Meiji Jingu, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Akihabara, Tokyo national museum, Kinkaku-ji Temple, The Philosopher's Path, Kitano tenmangu, Kiyomizu-dera, Daigo-ji, Nara Park, Osaka Castle |
10 Days Japan Cherry Blossom Tour | Tokyo-Kamakura-Hakone-Osaka-Kyoto-Nara | Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Make Sushi, Kamakura, Enoden, Owakudani, Osaka Castle, Arashiyama, Uji, Nara Park, Sake District |
Get more ideas on Japan cherry blossoms tours:
>>>2-Week Japan Cherry Blossom Trips Inspirations
>>>1-Week Japan Cherry Blossom Trips Inspirations
Conclusion
For those who love spring season, visiting Japan to view cherry blossoms must be a good choice. Japan Sakura period is short and you can make your Japan tour at the best time to see Japanese cherry blossoms during March and April. However, hotels and airfare will be more expensive during the Sakura month in Japan, so it is recommended to order in advance. And preparing in advance to make your cherry blossom trip itinerary to Japan is also very essential. Let's look forward to the 2024 cherry blossom season in Japan.