Japan's Cherry Blossoms in 2023: Forecast and Best Spots

Regional Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2023

Cherry blossoms or sakura are the harbingers of springtime in Japan. Every year around February, you’ll start to see TV programs and web magazines giving out information about when the cherry blossoms will be in bloom.

Generally, the cherry blossom trees will bloom in order geographically in Japan: they first appear in the warm climate of southern Japan and make their way to the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, then up to Tohoku in the north, and finally to Hokkaido. Since cherry blossoms typically only stay on the trees for around ten days, or two weeks at most, everyone in Japan checks the cherry blossom forecast in springtime. That way, they can enjoy the cherry blossom season at its peak.

Meguro River, Tokyo. Photo by Pixta

According to the latest forecasts, in 2023, the cherry blossoms will bloom a little earlier than usual in some regions and a little later than average years in other regions. It is estimated that in Tokyo, the first blooms will appear around March 20. (*1)

We’ve compiled a list of the forecasts for 2023 and peak dates of 2022 and 2021 by region in Japan. The dates in the forecast are estimated dates; we will update them each month based on the latest official information available.

Take a look at this beforehand if you plan to spend some time amid the cherry blossoms this spring. The information in this article refers mainly to the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, the most popular variety in Japan. Blossoming seasons differ for each variety of sakura cherry trees.

*Please note that in 2023, cherry blossom festivals may be canceled in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 outbreaks. If you are interested in a particular event, please make sure to check their official website for the latest information.

*1 The information in this article was updated based on this article (Japanese), which cites official sources. We will update the information each month based on the latest official releases.

Book the JR Pass to Explore Japan Conveniently!

Booking.com

Okinawa: The Earliest Cherry Blossoms Bloom Here in January

Photo by Pixta

Okinawa’s cherry blossom season is the earliest in Japan, starting in mid-January. Cherry blossom festivals and events are held in major cities in the region until early February. If you plan to check out the flowers on a trip to Okinawa, check the cherry blossom forecast ahead of time.

Areas with Cherry Blossoms Starting from Late March

Kagoshima (Kyushu)

Sakurajima in Bloom. Photo by Pixta
Usually, cherry blossoms bloom earlier than in Tokyo with Kyushu's warm climate. Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, for example, usually welcomes sakura blooming around March. However, blooming times vary each year.

Fukuoka (Kyushu)

Fukuoka Maizuru Park. Photo by Pixta
In temperate Kyushu, there are slight differences between regions, but Fukuoka’s cherry blossom season is also earlier than that of eastern Japan.

Hiroshima

For the Chugoku region, which includes Hiroshima, it is estimated that the cherry blossom season will start around the same as Tokyo.

Kyoto

Photo by Pixta
Kyoto is always bustling with visitors during cherry blossom season. The scenery of ancient buildings against a backdrop of cherry blossom trees is a sight that can only be witnessed in Japan.

Osaka

Osaka’s Okawa Cherry Blossoms. Photo by Pixta
The cherry blossom season in Osaka begins around the same time as Kyoto.

Book the JR Pass to Explore Japan Conveniently!

Nagoya

Nagoya City’s Agriculture Center Cherry Blossoms. Photo by Pixta
Often, the timing for the cherry blossom season in Nagoya is about the same as in Osaka and Kyoto.

Tokyo

Tokyo Meguro River Arched Bridge. Photo by Pixta
Tokyo’s cherry blossom season starts in late March. It is common to enjoy the flowers at a place near a train station, and areas like parks, river banks, and gardens will be crowded with people on the weekends.

Sendai - Cherry Blossoms Start from Early April

Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay and Cherry Blossoms Photo courtesy of Miyagi Tourism Department
The cherry blossoms in northern Japan and Sendai, tend to bloom later compared to places like Tokyo. You can check them out along with the rich natural scenery. In the spring, koi-nobori, or carp banners, can be seen flying alongside the cherry blossoms in the parts of Tohoku outside of Sendai.

You can check the cherry blossom forecasts for other cities at this site (Japanese). Note that it’s still going to be pretty cold in the evening, even with the wonderful scenery, so dress warmly when you go to see the flowers.

Hokkaido (Sapporo) - Cherry Blossoms Start from late April

Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Hokkaido’s Matsumae Park. Photo by Pixta
Hokkaido is the northernmost region of Japan and has the latest cherry blossom season. From the end of April, you can enjoy the refreshing sight of rows of cherry blossom trees, stretching across vast grassy fields for what seems like an eternity.

Below are the estimated blooming dates for Sapporo. (*The dates for Hakodate, Asahikawa, and other cities in the region differ.)

Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan!

If you travel to Japan in spring, do travel to the beautiful cherry blossom spots and enjoy the local festivals! It's one of the charms of the season that will leave a lasting memory.

Please note that in 2023, cherry blossom festivals may be canceled in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 infections. If you are interested in a particular event, please make sure to check their official website for the latest information.

Nevertheless, do take a minute to enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly when they bloom in your region.

Booking.com

Agoda: Click here to find an accommodation!

Information is up to date as of January 12, 2023. Please refer to Cherry Blossom Forecasts (Japanese) for more information.

Main image by Pixta