When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

It moves from south to north: late March in Kyushu, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka (often peaking around late March to early April), mid to late April in Tohoku and early May in Hokkaido. Okinawa blooms in January–February.

How long does cherry blossom last?

Full bloom (mankai) lasts only about a week in any one place, and rain or wind can shorten it – so flexible plans help.

How can I check the sakura forecast?

The Japan Meteorological Corporation and Japan Weather Association publish forecasts from January, updated regularly as the season approaches.

Japan Cherry Blossom Guide (2026): Sakura Dates, Best Spots & Tips

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Few natural events are as beloved as Japan's cherry blossom, or sakura. For a week or two each spring, parks, riverbanks and castles turn pink and white, and people gather beneath the trees for hanami – blossom-viewing picnics. Timing is everything, so here is when and where to see cherry blossom in Japan, with tips for planning.

When to go

1. The cherry blossom front

The blossom moves north with spring:

Okinawa: January to February.
Kyushu and Shikoku: late March.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka: usually late March to early April.
Tohoku (northern Honshu): mid to late April.
Hokkaido: late April to early May.

Dates vary by a week or more each year. Forecasts are published from January – book flexible hotels where possible.

Where to see sakura

2. Tokyo

Boats on the Chidorigafuchi moat under cherry blossom, Tokyo — Photo: Pexels on Pixabay

Shinjuku Gyoen: a large garden with many varieties, so the season lasts longer (alcohol is not allowed).
Chidorigafuchi: rent a rowing boat on the imperial palace moat beneath the trees.
Meguro River: lanterns light up the canal at night.
Ueno Park: lively hanami parties.

3. Kyoto

Cherry blossom in Gion, Kyoto — Photo: Rulosan on Pixabay

Philosopher's Path: a canal-side walk lined with cherry trees.
Maruyama Park: famous for its weeping cherry, lit up at night.
Arashiyama: blossom on the hills by the river.
Daigo-ji: a temple whose blossom inspired a famous 16th-century party.

4. Osaka and Nara

Osaka Castle above cherry trees — Photo: nguyendinhson067 on Pixabay

Osaka Castle Park has thousands of trees around the castle; in Nara, deer wander beneath the blossom in Nara Park.

5. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle in cherry blossom season — Photo: Nick115 on Pixabay

Japan's most beautiful castle, a gleaming white UNESCO site, framed by cherry trees.

6. Hirosaki Castle, Tohoku

One of Japan's most famous spots, with more than 2,000 trees and petals covering the moat, later in April.

7. Mount Yoshino, Nara Prefecture

Tens of thousands of trees cover the mountain slopes, blooming in stages from bottom to top.

Hanami etiquette

8. How to enjoy blossom viewing

Cherry trees in full bloom — Photo: jamie_nakamura on Pixabay

Don't touch or shake branches or pick flowers.
Take your rubbish home – bins can be rare.
Arrive early to find a picnic spot at popular parks.
Check rules: some parks ban alcohol or barbecues.

Planning tips

Book accommodation months ahead: sakura season is peak season.
Get a rail pass or regional pass if you're chasing the blossom north.
Consider late-blooming regions if your dates are fixed late in April.
Plan the rest of the year: see our guide to the best destination for every month.

Cherry Blossom in Japan: When and Where to See Sakura