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Springtime in Japan is a tableau of dreamlike scenes. From the latter half of March to as late as early May, the blossoms of Japan's iconic sakura (cherry blossoms) captivate visitors and locals alike, as they light up the length and breadth of Japan in subtle shades of pink splendor
Sakura season begins on the island of Kyushu, southwestern Japan, in March, when daily updates begin to track the sakura front as it progresses northward.
Somei-Yoshino, with their abundance of pale pink blossoms, are the most common trees in Japan; the elegant shidare-zakura, weeping cherry trees, often found in parks and along riverbanks, are another must-see site.
2023 Sakura (cherry blossom) blooming forecast
2023 Sakura (cherry blossom) blooming forecast
Source: Japan Weather Association (http://tenki.jp)
Note: The forecast is subject to change due to weather conditions.
Where to see the blooms
Each spring is marked by the loveliness of sakura blooms bursting to life throughout Japan, with countless opportunities available to enjoy their delicate beauty. The warmer climates of Kyushu and Shikoku in the south see the first action in early spring, with late spring viewing in mountain areas, as well as in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
| Region | Prefecture | City | 2023 First Bloom* | 2023 Trend | Average | 2022 First Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido | Sapporo | April 15 | Very Early | May 1 | April 23 |
| Kushiro | May 4 | Very Early | May 16 | May 8 | ||
| Tohoku | Miyagi | Sendai | March 26 | Very Early | April 8 | April 8 |
| Akita | Akita | April 4 | Very Early | April 17 | April 12 | |
| Aomori | Aomori | April 7 | Very Early | April 22 | April 16 | |
| Hokuriku Shinetsu | Nagano | Nagano | March 28 | Very Early | April 11 | April 9 |
| Niigata | Niigata | March 27 | Very Early | April 8 | April 8 | |
| Ishikawa | Kanazawa | March 23 | Very Early | April 3 | March 30 | |
| Kanto | Tokyo | Chiyoda | March 14 | Very Early | March 24 | March 20 |
| Tokai | Aichi | Nagoya | March 17 | Very Early | March 24 | March 22 |
| Kansai | Osaka | Osaka | March 19 | Very Early | March 27 | March 23 |
| Chugoku | Hiroshima | Hiroshima | March 19 | Early | March 25 | March 21 |
| Shikoku | Kochi | Kochi | March 17 | Early | March 22 | March 19 |
| Kyushu | Kagoshima | Kagoshima | March 24 | Normal | March 26 | March 20 |
| Fukuoka | Fukuoka | March 18 | Early | March 22 | March 17 |
*The estimated date of first bloom in 2023.
Other information includes
See here for more handy sakura information. This includes details of where and when the sakura are in full bloom; lists of locations such as ancient Japanese castles and moats ideal for sakura viewing parties; and rankings of popular viewing spots throughout Japan - Japan Travel and Tourism Association ”miru-navi/SAKURA”
In addition to sakura, each season offers a variety of beautiful flowers such as ume (plum blossoms) in early spring and ajisai (hydrangeas) during the rainy season. For more information click here: Seasonal flowers in Japan throughout the year.
