Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 and Best Spots

Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2026

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a cherished symbol of spring in Japan. The sakura trees typically bloom in a geographical wave known as the "sakura front."

This season begins in the warmer climates of southern Japan, moves through the Kanto region (including Tokyo), travels up to Tohoku in the north, and finally reaches Hokkaido.

Below is the 2026 regional sakura forecast, featuring the latest insights released by Japan Meteorological Corporation on December 18, 2025.

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 by Region

Area	Start of bloom forecast	Full bloom forecast
Kagoshima	March 24	April 3
Fukuoka	March 20	March 29
Kochi	March 20	March 27
Hiroshima	March 21	March 30
Wakayama	March 26	April 2
Kyoto	March 24	March 31
Nara	March 26	April 2
Osaka	March 24	March 31
Nagoya	March 19	March 28
Tokyo	March 19	March 26
Nagano	April 6	April 11
Kanazawa	March 31	April 6
Sendai	April 5	April 10
Aomori	April 19	April 22
Sapporo	April 28	May 1

Forecast source: Japan Meteorological Corporation (retrieved on December 18, 2025)

• Table of Contents
• 1. Okinawa: Japan’s First Cherry Blossoms of the Year
• 2. Kagoshima: Late March
• 3. Fukuoka: Late March
• 4. Hiroshima: Late March
• 5. Kyoto: Blooming Peak in Late March
• 6. Osaka: Peak in Late March
• 7. Nagoya: Peak in Late March
• 8. Tokyo: Late March
• 9. Kanazawa: Early April
• 10. Sendai: Early April
• 11. Sapporo: Late April
• 12. Hakodate: Late April

1. Okinawa: Japan’s First Cherry Blossoms of the Year

Photo by Pixta

Okinawa boasts Japan's earliest cherry blossom season, typically beginning in mid-January. Unlike the pale petals found on the mainland, Okinawa is famous for the Hikanzakura variety, characterized by its vibrant, deep pink blooms.

In 2025, the first blossoms were recorded in Naha on January 5 and on Miyakojima Island on January 6 (Source: JMA).

Major cities across the islands host festivals and events through early February. If you are planning a winter getaway to see the flowers, be sure to check the latest forecasts as timing can vary each year.

Year	First Day of Blooom	Full Bloom
2024	1/13	2/4
2025	1/5	1/27
2026	1/16 (annual avg)	2/4 (annual avg)

2. Kagoshima: Late March

Sakurajima Island. Photo by Pixta

Due to its warmer southern climate, Kyushu typically welcomes the cherry blossoms earlier than Tokyo. In Kagoshima, the season usually begins around mid-March, though exact timing fluctuates each year.

A must-visit destination is the historic Sengan-en Garden. Once the site of the Shimazu clan’s villa—the feudal lords who formerly ruled the region—the garden spans a vast 50,000 square meters.

Here, visitors can admire the stunning harmony of blooming sakura against the dramatic backdrop of the active volcano, Sakurajima.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	4/1	4/10
2025	3/22	4/2
2026	3/24 (estimated)	4/3 (estimated)

3. Fukuoka: Late March

Fukuoka Maizuru Park. Photo by Pixta

While the climate varies across temperate Kyushu, the cherry blossoms in Fukuoka typically arrive well ahead of those in eastern Japan.

Maizuru Park, centered around the historic ruins of Fukuoka Castle, stands as one of the city's premier sakura destinations. During the annual Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can wander through ancient stone walls draped in soft pink petals.

While the park is a year-round haven for seasonal flora, it truly comes alive in the spring when the illuminated ruins and blossoms create a magical evening atmosphere.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/27	4/3
2025	3/22	3/31
2026	3/20 (estimated)	3/29 (estimated)

4. Hiroshima: Late March

Miyajima Island in spring. Photo by Pixta

Hiroshima typically sees its first cherry blossoms in late March.

On the island of Miyajima, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, nearly 1,900 cherry trees create a stunning contrast of pink petals against the blue sea, with evening illuminations held at the historic Komyoin Temple.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the city, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park features a beautiful riverside corridor of roughly 300 Somei Yoshino trees that offer a peaceful, glowing atmosphere when lit up at night.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/25	4/1
2025	3/22	3/31
2026	3/21 (estimated)	3/30 (estimated)

5. Kyoto: Blooming Peak in Late March

Photo by Pixta

Kyoto is a premier destination that draws crowds every spring to witness the quintessential Japanese scenery of ancient architecture framed by cherry blossoms.

At Toji Temple, approximately 200 trees create a striking display, particularly during the evening illuminations when the blossoms are in full bloom.

Other iconic viewing spots include Kodaiji Temple, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and Maruyama Park, home to the city's famous weeping cherry tree.

For a more natural spectacle, the mountainsides of Arashiyama have been a renowned sakura hotspot since ancient times; when the season peaks, the entire landscape is bathed in a soft, ethereal pink hue.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/29	4/6
2025	3/27	4/4
2026	3/24 (estimated)	3/31 (estimated)

6. Osaka: Peak in Late March

Osaka’s Okawa cherry blossoms. Photo by Pixta

The cherry blossom season in Osaka typically coincides with Kyoto’s, transforming the city’s urban landscape into a sea of pink.

A highlight of the season is cruising along the Okawa River, where passengers can glide past thousands of sakura trees lining the banks in full bloom.

Other essential viewing spots include Osaka Castle Park, home to roughly 3,000 cherry trees, and the expansive Expo '70 Commemorative Park.

For a more tranquil experience, Katsuoji Temple—renowned for its thousands of "winning luck" Daruma dolls—offers a stunning mountainside setting where the blossoms beautifully frame the temple’s historic structures.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/30	4/5
2025	3/27	4/3
2026	3/24 (estimated)	3/31 (estimated)

7. Nagoya: Peak in Late March

Photo by Pixta

The cherry blossom season in Nagoya typically aligns with the timing in Osaka and Kyoto, with blooms usually peaking in late March or early April.

One of the city's most beloved spots is Tsuruma Park, a lively destination where locals gather for "hanami" parties under hundreds of trees.

For those seeking more traditional scenery, Nagoya Castle offers a majestic backdrop of golden shachihoko (tiger-fish) roof ornaments framed by pink blossoms, while Tokugawaen Garden provides a tranquil atmosphere to admire the season within a classic Japanese landscape.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/28	4/5
2025	3/24	4/3
2026	3/19 (estimated)	3/28 (estimated)

8. Tokyo: Late March

Tokyo Meguro River Arched Bridge. Photo by Pixta

In Tokyo, the cherry blossoms typically begin blooming around March 24 (Source: JMA). Most prime viewing spots are located near train stations; however, expect parks, riverbanks, and gardens to be very crowded on weekends.

The city's most famous locations include Ueno Park, the pink-canopied Meguro River, and Chidorigafuchi Moat near the Imperial Palace. For a classic view of old and new Tokyo, Sumida Park offers a stunning stretch of sakura between the historic Asakusa district and the Tokyo Skytree.

If you are looking for a more tranquil experience away from the densest crowds, consider Edogawa Park along the Kanda River, which features beautiful evening illuminations. Asukayama Park and the sprawling Koganei Park are also excellent alternatives for a more relaxed experience.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	3/29	4/5
2025	3/24	3/31
2026	3/19 (estimated)	3/26 (estimated)

9. Kanazawa: Early April

Located in the northern part of Central Japan near the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa typically experiences a colder climate than Tokyo. As a result, the cherry blossoms here bloom slightly later, with the season usually beginning around April 3.

The city’s crowning jewel is Kenrokuen Garden, a site with centuries of history that is celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. During the peak of the season, the garden’s ancient aesthetics—including its iconic stone lanterns and winding streams—are perfectly complemented by the soft pink of the sakura.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	4/1	4/7
2025	4/2	4/8
2026	3/31 (estimated)	4/6 (estimated)

10. Sendai: Early April

Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay and cherry blossoms. Photo by Pixta

In Sendai and throughout northern Japan, the cherry blossoms bloom significantly later than in Tokyo, allowing for a breathtaking combination of flowers and lush, wild landscapes.

A unique highlight of spring in the Tohoku region is the sight of koinobori (carp streamers) fluttering in the breeze alongside the sakura—a traditional celebration of health and strength.

While the scenery is spectacular, please keep in mind that northern Japan remains quite chilly during the spring. Even if the days are sunny, temperatures drop quickly in the evening, so be sure to dress in warm layers when heading out for sunset views or nighttime illuminations.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	4/4	4/10
2025	4/7	4/13
2026	4/5 (estimated)	4/10 (estimated)

11. Sapporo: Late April

Cherry Blossom Tunnel in Hokkaido’s Matsumae Park. Photo by Pixta

As Japan’s northernmost frontier, Hokkaido hosts the country’s latest cherry blossom season. The bloom typically arrives in Hakodate around late April before reaching Sapporo in early May, offering a refreshing landscape where rows of sakura stretch across vast, emerald fields toward the horizon.

In Sapporo, the city transforms with vibrant spring colors at Odori Park, while the expansive Moerenuma Park—designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi—provides a unique architectural backdrop for the blossoms.

Maruyama Park is another local favorite, where the trees create a celebratory atmosphere for those enjoying the final stages of Japan's sakura season.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	4/18	4/24
2025	5/1	5/5
2026	4/28 (estimated)	5/1 (estimated)

12. Hakodate: Late April

Located in southwestern Hokkaido, Hakodate welcomes the cherry blossoms earlier than northern cities like Sapporo or Asahikawa. In a typical year, the first blooms appear around April 28, making it an ideal destination for those traveling through Hokkaido in late spring.

The city's most iconic landmark is Goryokaku Park, a massive, five-pointed star-shaped fort. During the season, the fort's unique geometry is outlined by over 1,500 cherry trees.

For the most breathtaking perspective, head up to the Goryokaku Tower Observatory, where you can look down upon the entire pink star surrounded by its historic moat.

Year	First Day of Bloom	Full Bloom
2024	4/18	4/24
2025	4/30	5/3
2026	4/26 (estimated)	4/30 (estimated)

Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Tokyo's Meguro River in spring. Photo by Pixta

A spring trip to Japan is incomplete without experiencing the local cherry blossom festivals. Exploring these stunning locations is a highlight of the season that will undoubtedly become a lasting memory of your journey.

Main image by Pixta