Japan's cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful times to visit the country. Every spring, millions of sakura trees paint Japan in soft shades of pink, creating magical views that last only a few weeks.
If you're planning a trip for 2026, this guide will help you know exactly when and where to see these stunning flowers.
The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its first official forecast for 2026 in December 2025. The good news? Cherry blossoms are expected to bloom slightly earlier than usual in many parts of Japan, especially in the northern and eastern regions. This is because temperatures in March and April 2026 are predicted to be warmer than normal.
The forecast is based on temperature patterns from autumn 2025 and will be updated regularly throughout the season. The next update is scheduled for January 8, 2026, with additional updates released on a weekly basis as spring approaches.
The southern islands kick off Japan's cherry blossom season. These warm regions see the first blooms right after the spring equinox.
Fukuoka: Flowering around March 20, full bloom around March 29
Kagoshima: Flowering around March 24, full bloom around April 3
Kochi: One of the earliest, flowering around March 20, full bloom around March 27
Hiroshima: Flowering around March 21, full bloom around March 2
Best viewing window: March 24 to March 31
If you're interested in experiencing southern Japan during cherry blossom season, consider tours that combine cultural sites with sakura viewing. Many Japan cherry blossom tours include visits to historic castles, hot springs, and coastal shrines in Kyushu, giving you a complete spring experience.
This region includes Japan's most popular tourist destinations and represents the heart of cherry blossom tourism.
Tokyo: Flowering around March 19, full bloom around March 26
Kyoto: Flowering around March 24, full bloom around March 31
Osaka: Flowering around March 24, full bloom around March 31
Nagoya: Flowering around March 19, full bloom around March 28
Gifu: Flowering around March 19, full bloom around March 27
Best viewing window: March 29 to April 7
The major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka bloom right on schedule in 2026, making this period perfect for travelers who want to visit multiple famous spots. This timing also avoids Japan's Golden Week holiday crowds in early May, so you'll have a more comfortable experience.
These mountainous regions see cherry blossoms slightly later than Tokyo.
Kanazawa: Flowering around March 31, full bloom around April 6
Niigata: Flowering around April 5, full bloom around April 10
Toyama: Flowering around March 31, full bloom around April 5
Fukui: Flowering around March 29, full bloom around April 4
The contrast between snow-capped mountains and pink cherry blossoms makes this region particularly special. Many Japan travel itineraries include stops in Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps during mid-April to capture this unique scenery.
Northern Honshu offers a second chance for cherry blossom viewing.
Sendai: Flowering around April 5, full bloom around April 10
Fukushima: Flowering around April 3, full bloom around April 7
Yamagata: Flowering around April 10, full bloom around April 14
Aomori: Flowering around April 19, full bloom around April 22
Best viewing window: April 8 to April 20
The Tohoku region is perfect for travelers who can't visit in late March or want to avoid peak season crowds. The famous Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival typically takes place around April 17 and is worth planning your trip around.
If you're creating a longer Japan itinerary, consider starting in Tokyo in late March, then moving north through Sendai and Aomori in mid-April. This way, you can follow the sakura front and maximize your chances of seeing blossoms throughout your journey.
Japan's northernmost island is the last region to bloom, offering the season's grand finale.
Hakodate: Flowering around April 26, full bloom around April 30
Sapporo: Flowering around April 28, full bloom around May 1
Muroran: Flowering around April 29, full bloom around May 4
Best viewing window: April 28 to May 8
Hokkaido is ideal for travelers visiting Japan in late April or early May. The weather is cooler, crowds are smaller than in Tokyo and Kyoto, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms alongside Hokkaido's famous fresh seafood and natural hot springs.
Many specialized Hokkaido tours in spring combine cherry blossom viewing with visits to scenic spots like Goryokaku Park's star-shaped fort, Moerenuma Park, and the picturesque port town of Otaru.
This is one of the most important questions for trip planning. Cherry blossoms are famous for being fleeting and temporary.
From the first bloom to falling petals, the entire cycle takes about two weeks at each location. However, the "mankai" or full bloom period (when trees look their absolute best) lasts only 5-7 days. Strong winds, rain, or sudden temperature changes can shorten this even further.
This is why many experienced travelers plan to stay in each city for 2-3 nights. This gives you a better chance of catching the peak bloom even if the forecast shifts by a day or two.
For most travelers, the single best window is March 29 to April 7, 2026. This period covers full bloom across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and surrounding areas in central Japan, where most international visitors spend their time.
However, the "best" time also depends on your personal preferences:
Choose late March (March 25-31) if you want:
To visit Tokyo, Nagoya, and southern Japan
Warmer weather and lighter jackets
To see cherry blossoms at the beginning of their peak
Choose early April (April 1-8) if you want:
To visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara
Perfect weather for walking tours
To experience Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots
Choose mid-April (April 10-20) if you want:
To explore the Tohoku region and Japanese Alps
Fewer crowds and lower prices
Mountain scenery with cherry blossoms
Choose late April to early May (April 25-May 8) if you want:
To visit Hokkaido
Cooler weather and fresh spring air
To avoid the peak tourist season
To see cherry blossoms with snow-capped mountains
One clever strategy is to "chase" the cherry blossoms as they move north. Start your trip in southern Japan and end in Hokkaido. For example:
10-14 Day Route: Fukuoka → Hiroshima → Kyoto → Tokyo → Sendai → Sapporo
This route lets you see cherry blossoms in different stages and experience diverse landscapes, from subtropical islands to snowy mountains.
Many comprehensive Japan cherry blossom tour packages follow this north-bound pattern, ensuring you see sakura throughout your entire journey rather than risking being too early or too late in just one location.
Cherry blossom season is Japan's busiest travel period. Hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo during peak bloom (late March to early April) can sell out 6-9 months in advance. If you're planning to visit during this time, book as early as possible.
Pro tip: Consider booking tours that include accommodations, transportation, and guide services. These packages often secure room blocks early and handle the complex logistics of moving between cities during the busiest season.
March-April weather in Japan varies significantly by region:
Late March in Tokyo/Kyoto: Around 15°C (59°F) during the day. Pack light jackets, layers, and comfortable walking shoes.
Early April in Central Japan: Around 16-18°C (61-64°F). Perfect spring weather with occasional rain. Bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
Mid-April in Sendai: Around 12-15°C (54-59°F). Slightly cooler, so pack a medium-weight jacket.
Late April in Sapporo: Around 8-12°C (46-54°F). You'll need a proper coat and warmer layers.
While there are over 1,000 official cherry blossom viewing locations across Japan, here are some must-visit spots:
Ueno Park: One of Tokyo's most popular spots with 1,000+ trees
Chidorigafuchi: Beautiful moat near Imperial Palace, perfect for boat rides
Shinjuku Gyoen: Large park with multiple cherry tree varieties
Meguro River: Stunning tunnel of cherry blossoms along the river
Philosopher's Path: Peaceful canal walk lined with hundreds of trees
Maruyama Park: A historic park famous for a giant weeping cherry tree
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Cherry blossoms with stunning temple views
Arashiyama: Bamboo groves and cherry blossoms together
Osaka Castle Park: Over 3,000 cherry trees surround the castle
Kema Sakuranomiya Park: 4.2km riverside path with 4,000+ trees
Goryokaku Park (Hakodate): Star-shaped fort with spectacular aerial views
Maruyama Park (Sapporo): Popular picnic spot with 1,700 trees
Matsumae Park: 10,000 cherry trees of 250 different varieties
Many organized spring tours include visits to these famous locations, often with special access during popular times or evening illumination events that aren't easy to arrange independently.
Cherry blossom season overlaps with other beautiful experiences:
Visit traditional tea houses and gardens
Explore historic castles framed by pink blossoms
Soak in outdoor hot springs (onsen) surrounded by sakura
Attend local cherry blossom festivals with food stalls and performances
If you're looking for a well-rounded experience, consider tours that combine cherry blossom viewing with cultural activities, cooking classes, tea ceremonies, or visits to artisan workshops. This gives you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture beyond just the flowers.
Japan's 2026 cherry blossom season promises to be spectacular and well-timed for travelers. With blooms starting in mid-March in Tokyo and ending in early May in Hokkaido, you have about seven weeks of opportunities to see these beautiful flowers.
The key to a successful cherry blossom trip is understanding regional timing, building flexibility into your plans, and booking early for popular dates and locations. Whether you choose to explore on your own or join a guided tour, the magic of the sakura season will create memories that last a lifetime.
Start planning your 2026 cherry blossom adventure now, and get ready to experience one of nature's most beautiful and fleeting displays!
