Cherry BlossomSeason in Japan
Japan's most celebrated natural event. Live forecasts, top viewing spots, and everything you need to plan your perfect hanami trip.
Cherry blossom season is currently in progress! Check the forecast for the best viewing times.
Live Sakura Forecast
Current bloom status across Japan's major cherry blossom cities.
kyushu
Start
Mar 15
Peak
Mar 22
End
Mar 29
chugoku
Start
Mar 20
Peak
Mar 28
End
Apr 4
kansai
Start
Mar 25
Peak
Apr 2
End
Apr 9
shikoku
Start
Mar 18
Peak
Mar 26
End
Apr 2
chubu
Start
Mar 22
Peak
Mar 30
End
Apr 6
okinawa
Start
Jan 15
Peak
Jan 22
End
Jan 29
kansai
Start
Mar 27
Peak
Apr 3
End
Apr 10
hokkaido
Start
Apr 25
Peak
May 3
End
May 10
tohoku
Start
Apr 10
Peak
Apr 17
End
Apr 24
kanto
Start
Mar 21
Peak
Mar 29
End
Apr 5
Interactive Data Explorer
Forecast Explorer
Follow the sakura front across Japan, visualise bloom windows city by city, and explore years of historical data to time your visit perfectly.
Sakura Front 桜前線 — Blossoms open first in the warmer south and advance northward through spring. Cities are ordered by peak bloom date. Click any row to reveal the full bloom window.
Top Cherry Blossom Spots
Japan's most celebrated hanami locations, from famous castle parks to serene riverside paths.
Kyoto · Late March – Early April
Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom spot, home to a magnificent weeping cherry tree that is lit up at night. Lively picnic atmosphere.
💡 Tip
Arrive early to secure a spot under the weeping cherry. Night illuminations run until 11 pm.
Kyoto · Late March – Early April
A stone path along a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. One of Japan's most romantic walks.
💡 Tip
Best on weekday mornings. Connects Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples.
Tokyo · Late March – Mid April
A large national garden with over 1,000 cherry trees of various species, giving one of the longest bloom windows in Tokyo.
💡 Tip
Alcohol is prohibited. Entry fee applies. Opens at 9 am — arrive early on weekends.
Tokyo · Late March – Early April
Tokyo's most iconic hanami location. Nearly 1,000 cherry trees create a spectacular canopy above the park's central avenue.
💡 Tip
Extremely crowded on weekends. Great for the full hanami picnic experience.
Aomori · Late April – Early May
Home to over 2,600 cherry trees surrounding a historic castle. One of Japan's top three cherry blossom spots.
💡 Tip
Blooms later than Tokyo/Kyoto, making it a great option if you miss peak bloom farther south.
Osaka · Late March – Early April
Over 3,000 cherry trees surround Japan's most iconic castle. Night illuminations make for stunning photography.
💡 Tip
Visit on weekday evenings for dramatic night shots with fewer crowds.
Plan Your Hanami Trip
Practical advice for making the most of cherry blossom season.
- Book accommodations 3–6 months in advance for peak season (late March–mid April)
- Shinkansen tickets sell out fast — reserve as early as possible
- Mid-week stays are significantly cheaper than weekends
- Consider northern cities (Hirosaki, Sendai) for late April blooms if Tokyo is fully booked
- Layers — spring mornings can be cool (5–15°C) even when afternoons are warm
- A picnic blanket or portable mat for hanami parties
- Rain jacket — spring showers are common and can trigger petal fall
- Comfortable walking shoes for extended park visits
- Do not climb or shake cherry blossom trees — it damages delicate branches
- Take all rubbish home with you; bins in parks are often removed during peak season
- Reserve your picnic spot early — locals often lay out mats before dawn
- Be considerate of others — parties can get lively, but excessive noise is frowned upon
Explore More
Planning a broader Japan trip?
Cherry blossom season is just one reason to visit Japan. Explore autumn foliage, summer festivals, winter snow, and more in our complete seasonal guide.
View Full Seasonal Guide →