Japan Cherry Blossom 2026 Forecast: When and Where to See the Sakura

Every Spring, Japan transforms into a wonderland of pink and white during the cherry blossom season, known as sakura season. Visitors from around the world flock to Japan to see the blossoms in full bloom, and if you want to join them, you’ll have to plan carefully. Thankfully, this guide can tell you everything you need to know about cherry blossom season in Japan, including when it is, how long it lasts, and the best places to visit to appreciate the natural beauty.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Table of contents
How long is the cherry blossom season in Japan? When is cherry blossom season in Japan? What to look out for when planning your trip Top 7 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan Tokyo Kyoto Nagano Hakodate Sapporo Osaka Hiroshima Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your SGD to JPY conversions

How long is the cherry blossom season in Japan?

Typically, several weeks, moving from south to north as temperatures get warmer.

The blossoms first start to appear in the warmer southern regions like Okinawa and Kyushu in January¹ and February, and then progress through Honshu (Japan’s largest island, home to cities like Tokyo and Osaka) and northern areas like Hokkaido by late April to early May.²

However, if you’re asking when the peak cherry blossom season in Japan is, the answer changes. Peak sakura season in Japan is usually quite short in each city, about one week from full bloom to when petals begin falling. Since weather patterns vary from year to year, the exact timing of peak bloom can be unpredictable.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan? 2026 forecast

If you want to know when the cherry blossom season is in Japan, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a forecast of first bloom and peak bloom dates for different cities across Japan in 2026.² However, these are just predictions, and they may shift due to weather conditions.

City	Forecasted first bloom	Forecasted peak bloom
Okinawa	January 24 - January 31³	February 5⁴
Nagoya	March 21 - March 25	March 26 - April 1
Tokyo	March 21 - March 25	March 31 - April 3
Fukuoka	March 21 - March 25	March 31 - April 3
Mt. Fuji	March 21 - March 25	April 15
Kyoto	March 26 - March 31	March 25 - April 9
Osaka	March 26 - March 31	March 28 - April 4
Nagano	April 6 - April 10	April 11 - April 16
Aomori	April 16 - April 20	April 19 - April 23
Sapporo	April 21 - May 5	April 28 - May 2

What to look out for when planning your trip

Planning a trip during cherry blossom season in Japan takes more than just knowing the forecast. Here are some key factors to keep in mind to make the most out of your visit.

Understanding the blooms: first bloom vs peak bloom

The first bloom marks when the cherry blossoms are just starting to open, while the peak bloom is when the trees are in full flower. This peak usually lasts only about a week or less, depending on the weather.

How the weather affects the blossoms

Cold spells can delay the blossoms, while warm weather may speed them up. Rain and wind are the biggest threats to these delicate flowers, often cutting the full bloom window even shorter.

Elevation and latitude also play a big role in when blossoms appear during sakura season in Japan because higher elevations and latitudes stay cooler for longer, delaying blooming.

Tips for booking flights and accommodation in advance

Flights and hotels in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto sell out quickly once the official cherry blossom season forecast is released by the Japan Meteorological Agency. This means you may want to book a hotel at least 6–10 months before the cherry blossom season in Japan starts. Try to stay flexible with your schedule in case blooms arrive earlier or later than expected.

Consider transportation options

If you want to see cherry blossoms in different cities across Japan, you may want to buy the Japan Rail Pass. It’s a special rail pass for tourists that allows unlimited travel on most trains operated by Japan Railways (JR) for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.

What to wear in Japan during cherry blossom season

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan's cherry blossom season, the answer is to pack layers. Temperatures vary drastically by region, with average daytime highs of 4°C in Sapporo to 21°C in Naha in March,⁵ so bring a mix of light jackets, sweaters, and long-sleeve shirts that you can add or remove as needed.

A waterproof layer or umbrella is also useful, since spring showers can be frequent, and comfortable walking shoes are essential to get you to different viewing spots.

Top 7 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan

1. Tokyo

Blooming period: Late March to early April⁶
Best viewing time: March 31 - April 3²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Ueno Park: One of Tokyo’s largest and most famous parks, lined with over a thousand Somei Yoshino cherry trees
• Shinjuku Gyoen: A serene garden featuring early- and late-blooming cherry varieties
• Meguro River: A scenic riverside walk where cherry trees form a canopy over the water
• Chidorigafuchi: A moat around the Imperial Palace filled with cherry trees

Local festivals/cultural events: Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival, evening illuminations at Meguro River
Practical tips: Stay in central wards like Shinjuku or Chiyoda for early access and use the metro to reach multiple parks in a day

2. Kyoto

Blooming period: Late March to early April⁶
Best viewing time: March 25 - April 9²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Philosopher’s Path: Canal-side walkway lined with Somei Yoshino cherry trees
• Maruyama Park: Famous for its giant weeping cherry tree
• Heian Shrine: Surrounded by gardens with early and late-blooming varieties
• Kiyomizu-dera: Temple offering scenic blossom views

Local festivals/cultural events: Temple and castle illuminations at venues like Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera
Practical tips: Accommodation in popular districts like Gion is limited, so book early. Many international visitors arrive via Kansai International Airport (KIX), so planning your transport from Kansai Airport to Kyoto in advance is a smart way to ensure a smooth start to your trip.

3. Nagano

Blooming period: Early March to late March⁶
Best viewing time: April 11 - April 16²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Zenko-ji: Temple with rows of cherry trees in its grounds
• Matsumoto Castle: Cherry trees surround the castle moat
• Mountain towns: Smaller alpine villages nearby have later-blooming cherry trees and fewer crowds

Local festivals/cultural events: Ueda Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Practical tips: Dress in layers, as mountain regions can still be chilly

4. Hakodate

Blooming period: Late April to early May⁷
Best viewing time: May 3⁷
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Goryōkaku Park: Star-shaped fort surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees—climb the observation tower for a bird’s eye view
• Motomachi District: Hillside streets scattered with cherry trees and historic architecture
• Waterfront areas: Cherry-lined promenades perfect for evening walks by the sea

Local festivals/cultural events: Picnic opportunities and local food vendors at Hakodate Park
Practical tips: Check ferry or tram schedules for convenient access to different viewing spots

5. Sapporo

Blooming period: Mid March to late March⁶
Best viewing time: April 28 - March 2²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Maruyama Park: Expansive park with early- and late-blooming varieties
• Moerenuma Park: Another beautiful park with cherry groves and open spaces for picnics
• Odori Park: Central park with cherry-lined pathways and festivals

Local festivals/cultural events: No major cherry blossom events, but the Sapporo Lilac Festival in mid-May draws visitors
Practical tips: Nights can be cold, so bring layers

6. Osaka

Blooming period: late March to early April⁶
Best viewing time: March 28 - April 4²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Osaka Castle Park: Hundreds of cherry trees surrounding the castle moat
• Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Riverside park with long stretches of cherry trees
• Okawa River: Nearly 5,000 cherry trees along the river, perfect for a cruise

Local festivals/cultural events: The Osaka Mint Bureau opens for one week during cherry blossom season to showcase rare cherry tree varieties (requires a reservation)
Practical tips: Stay near Osaka Castle or Umeda for convenience

7. Hiroshima

Blooming period: Late March to early April⁶
Best viewing time: March 25 - April 5²
Top spots to see cherry blossoms:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Cherry trees line the park paths
• Shukkeien Garden: Traditional Japanese garden with Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees
• Mount Futaba: Elevated area offering panoramic city views with cherry blossoms in the foreground

Local festivals/cultural events: Hatsukaichi Sakura Festival and Shobara Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival, offering food stalls, illuminated trees, and live performances
Practical tips: Peak bloom can be short here, so check forecasts carefully

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Sources used:

1. Black Tomato: A guide to Japan’s cherry blossom season
2. Japan Highlights: Japan’s Cherry Blossoms 2026
3. UME Travel: Okinawa Sakura 2026
4. Odynovo: Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast
5. Japan Guide: When to travel
6. UME Travel: Cherry Blossom Season Japan 2026
7. Japan Starts Here: How to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan