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Cherry Blossoms in Japan: 2024 Forecast and Best Spots
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Cherry blossom season usually starts in 2024 late March in Japan. However, cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on the region in Japan. We introduce the cherry blossom forecast from Hokkaido to Okinawa , based on the latest regional blossom forecasts.
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This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2024
Cherry blossom start of bloom forecast 2024. Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
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.
Read on to learn the cherry blossom forecast for 2024 by region. This information was released by Japan Meteorological Corporation, which uses data released by the Japan Meteorological Agency along with original empirical research. The blooming peak was estimated based on annual average dates.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2024
2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast by Region
1. Okinawa: Mid-January
2. Kagoshima: Late March
3. Fukuoka: Late March
4. Hiroshima: Late March
5. Kyoto: Late March
6. Osaka: Late March
7. Nagoya: Late March
8. Tokyo: Late March
9. Sendai: Early April
10. Hokkaido (Sapporo): Late April
The information in this article refers mainly to the Somei Yoshino variety of cherry blossoms, which is the most widely spread in Japan. Blossoming seasons differ for each variety of sakura cherry trees.
2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast by Region
- Okinawa (Naha)
- Kagoshima
- Fukuoka
- Takamatsu
- Hiroshima
- Tottori
- Kyoto
- Nara
- Osaka
- Nagoya
- Tokyo
- Nagano
- Kanazawa
- Sendai
- Aomori
- Hakodate
- Hokkaido (Sapporo)
| Area | Start of bloom | Blooming peak (estimated) |
|
|
January 13 | February 4 |
|
|
April 1 | April 10 |
|
|
March 27 | April 3 |
|
|
March 27 | April 4 |
|
|
March 25 | April 1 |
|
|
March 27 | April 3 |
|
|
March 30 | April 6 |
|
|
March 30 | April 6 |
|
|
March 31 | April 6 |
|
|
March 28 | April 5 |
|
|
March 29 | April 5 |
|
|
April 3 | April 10 |
|
|
April 2 | April 9 |
|
|
April 4 | April 10 |
|
|
April 17 | April 21 |
|
|
April 29 | May 4 |
|
|
May 1 | May 5 |
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
1. Okinawa: The Earliest Cherry Blossoms Bloom in January
Photo by Pixta
Okinawa’s cherry blossom season is the earliest in Japan, starting in mid-January. The main variety of sakura trees in Okinawa is the Hikanzakura type, which has blooms of a darker shade of pink.
In 2024, the first blooms of Hikanzakura trees were spotted on Miyakojima Island on January 5, and in Naha on January 13. (Source: JMA)
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.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 1/11 | 2/4 |
| 2023 | 1/7 | 1/30 |
| 2024 | 1/13 | 2/4 |
↑ Return to the top of article.
2. Kagoshima (Kyushu)
Sakurajima in Bloom. Photo by Pixta
In Kyushu, the cherry blossoms bloom earlier than in Tokyo due to the region's warmer climate.
Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, for example, usually sees the cherry blossoms around mid-March. However, blooming times vary each year.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/26 | 4/5 |
| 2023 | 3/24 | 4/5 |
| 2024 | 4/1 | 4/10 |
3. 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.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/22 | 3/31 |
| 2023 | 3/18 | 3/26 |
| 2024 | 3/27 | 4/3 |
↑ Return to the top of article.
4. Hiroshima
Miyajima Island in spring. Photo by Pixta
In Hiroshima and the surroundings areas in the Chugoku region, the first cherry blossoms are estimated to appear around March 20.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/18 | 3/23 |
| 2023 | 3/19 | 3/28 |
| 2024 | 3/25 | 4/1 |
5. Kyoto
Photo by Pixta
Kyoto is always bustling with visitors during the 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.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/26 | 4/4 |
| 2023 | 3/17 | 3/24 |
| 2024 | 3/30 | 4/6 |
↑ Return to the top of article.
6. Osaka
Osaka’s Okawa Cherry Blossoms. Photo by Pixta
The cherry blossom season in Osaka begins around the same time as Kyoto.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/27 | 4/4 |
| 2023 | 3/19 | 3/27 |
| 2024 | 3/31 | 4/6 |
7. Nagoya
Photo by Pixta
Often, the timing for the cherry blossom season in Nagoya is about the same as in Osaka and Kyoto.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/24 | 4/2 |
| 2023 | 3/17 | 3/27 |
| 2024 | 3/28 | 4/5 |
↑ Return to the top of article.
8. Tokyo
Tokyo Meguro River Arched Bridge. Photo by Pixta
In 2024, the first cherry blossoms are expected to appear in Tokyo around March 20, a little earlier than average years.
It is common to enjoy the blossoms at a place near a train station, and areas like parks, river banks, and gardens will be crowded with people on the weekends.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 3/24 | 3/31 |
| 2023 | 3/14 | 3/22 |
| 2024 | 3/29 | 4/5 |
Read also
9. Sendai: Cherry Blossoms Start from Early April
Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay and Cherry Blossoms Photo by Pixta
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.
Please 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.
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 4/8 | 4/13 |
| 2023 | 3/26 | 3/31 |
| 2024 | 4/4 | 4/10 |
↑ Return to the top of article.
10. 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 around mid-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.)
| Year | First Day of Blossoms | Full Bloom |
| 2022 | 5/1 | 5/6 |
| 2023 | 4/15 | 4/21 |
| 2024 | 5/1 | 5/4 |
Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan!
Tokyo's Meguro River in spring. Photo by Pixta
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.
Read also
FAQ
How long do cherry blossoms last?
The blooming period for cherry blossoms (sakura) is relatively brief, typically lasting around one to two weeks. However, this can vary depending on the specific type of cherry blossom and the local climate conditions. Once the cherry blossoms reach full bloom, the flowers usually remain at their peak for about three to seven days, after which the petals begin to fall. This period, known as "mankai," or full bloom, is eagerly anticipated and celebrated in Japan, culminating in gatherings for hanami, or flower viewing, to savor the beauty of the blossoms before they scatter.
What do you wear to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
When visiting Japan to see cherry blossoms, it's common to wear light and comfortable clothing suitable for spring weather. For women, this might include breezy and colorful dresses, skirts, or lightweight blouses with a cardigan or light jacket, along with comfortable shoes for walking. Many individuals may also choose to wear or rent a yukata, a casual summer kimono, during cherry blossom season. For men, a combination of casual shirts and light jackets, trousers, and comfortable footwear is appropriate. It's always wise to consider the specific weather conditions during your visit and dress accordingly, as spring temperatures can vary between around 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime and 10 degrees Celsius after sundown.
Is it cold during spring in Japan?
Spring temperatures in Japan vary based on the region and the particular timing within the season. March can be quite cool, especially in northern or elevated areas. As spring advances, temperatures generally become milder and more pleasant, particularly by late April and into May. On average, March temperatures range from around 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F), while in April, they typically range from 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F). By May, average temperatures generally increase to about 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F) throughout the country. It's essential to monitor specific weather forecasts for your intended destination and time of visit to pack appropriate clothing for your trip, as these averages may fluctuate yearly and vary by region.
What do cherry blossoms symbolize?
Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japan, are rich with cultural and symbolic meaning. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are emblematic of the transient nature of life, representing the concept of mono no aware, an awareness of the impermanence of all things and the appreciation of the beauty of fleeting moments. Additionally, cherry blossoms symbolize renewal, the arrival of spring, and the ephemeral nature of life and beauty. Their brief but stunning bloom serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the importance of appreciating the present moment.
Can you smell cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms generally do not have a strong scent, and many people may not notice a distinct fragrance when near them. While some cherry blossom varieties may have a subtle scent, it is not a prominent feature of these blossoms. Instead, their appeal is primarily visual, celebrated for their delicate beauty and the cultural and symbolic meaning they hold.
Main image by Pixta
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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