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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.
2026 Sakura (cherry blossom) blooming forecast
2026 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 | 2026 First Bloom* | 2026 Trend | Average | 2025 First Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido | Sapporo | 19-Apr | Very Early | 1-May | 23-Apr |
| Kushiro | 5-May | Very Early | 16-May | 7-May | ||
| Tohoku | Miyagi | Sendai | 31-Mar | Very Early | 8-Apr | 4-Apr |
| Akita | Akita | 6-Apr | Very Early | 17-Apr | 15-Apr | |
| Aomori | Aomori | 13-Apr | Very Early | 22-Apr | 17-Apr | |
| Hokuriku Shinetsu | Nagano | Nagano | 31-Mar | Very Early | 11-Apr | 8-Apr |
| Niigata | Niigata | 31-Mar | Very Early | 8-Apr | 6-Apr | |
| Ishikawa | Kanazawa | 29-Mar | Early | 3-Apr | 29-Mar | |
| Kanto | Tokyo | Chiyoda | 19-Mar | Early | 24-Mar | 24-Mar |
| Tokai | Aichi | Nagoya | 17-Mar | Very Early | 24-Mar | 26-Mar |
| Kansai | Osaka | Osaka | 26-Mar | Normal | 27-Mar | 27-Mar |
| Chugoku | Hiroshima | Hiroshima | 19-Mar | Early | 25-Mar | 26-Mar |
| Shikoku | Kochi | Kochi | 16-Mar | Early | 22-Mar | 23-Mar |
| Kyushu | Kagoshima | Kagoshima | 27-Mar | Normal | 26-Mar | 24-Mar |
| Fukuoka | Fukuoka | 24-Mar | Normal | 22-Mar | 25-Mar |
*The estimated date of first bloom in 2026.
Other information includes
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.
