The Japanese cherry blossom, or sakura, has long been adored by people across the globe. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty. During the spring season of each year, thousands travel to Japan to view the wondrous spectacle of these white or pink flowers blooming en masse.
Update (April 17, 2023): Check below for the details, including our map with the best viewing spots.
Cherry blossom in Japan
Japanese families also eagerly await this time. Many attend cherry blossom festivals or simply enjoy hanami, the tradition of viewing and enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossom. Many people indulge in picnics beneath the blooming cherry trees.
A Japanese hanami is an experience of a lifetime, especially if you must travel from afar!
If you are planning a trip to see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms in 2023, there are two things to consider – where and when to visit. There are many prime locations with a variety of features – some have the oldest trees, others the most trees, and some are close to historic areas or other sites of interest. You can quickly and easily travel between many locations by train using your Japan Rail Pass.
Japan cherry blossom season
The cherry blossom usually start from the south, at the end of March, in Kyushu, where the temperature begins to rise earlier, and the cherry blossoms bloom northward until early May in Hokkaido.
Keep in mind: most flowers usually take a week to reach full bloom once flowering has begun and that full bloom also lasts around a week.
The sakura (cherry blossom in japanese) average blooming time can vary widely based on the geographical location within the country. Areas with milder winter climates produce earlier bloom times. Blooms usually open first in the southern region, and blooming progresses northward. Wind, rain, and temperature can cause the blossoms to appear either earlier or later than average and can lengthen or shorten the blooming season.
Take a look at the current dates, but don’t forget to check back later to get the latest and most recent forecasts.
Japan major cities 2023 forecast
Find below the 2023 forecast for cherry blossom in Japan’s major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Yokohama.
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 14 | March 21 |
| Kyoto | March 17 | March 27 |
| Osaka | March 21 | March 28 |
| Nagoya | March 17 | March 27 |
| Yokohama | March 15 | March 23 |
| Fukuoka | March 18 | March 26 |
As you can see, the estimated opening of the cherry blossom season and approximate best viewing time for 2023 all fall within a similar period of time across the major cities in Japan, although cities in the south experience sakura slightly earlier than those in the north.
2023 forecast by regions
Below you’ll find a map of the 2023 cherry blossom forecast for Japan by region, as well as a complete list of the estimated opening dates and best viewing times for the major cities within each region.
As it is linked to the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere and the resulting increase in temperatures, the cherry blossom season in Japan usually starts at the bottom of the archipelago and moves from south to north across the regions. As you can see from the map above, this year will be no different.
Check out the region-by-region forecasts in the tables below, starting with Kyushu, to the south, and ending in Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan.
Kyushu region
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka | March 18 | March 26 |
| Saga | March 20 | March 28 |
| Nagasaki | March 20 | March 29 |
| Kumamoto | March 20 | March 29 |
| Oita | March 20 | March 31 |
| Miyazaki | March 22 | April 1 |
| Kagoshima | March 26 | April 6 |
Chugoku & Shikoku regions
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima | March 21 | March 30 |
| Tottori | March 19 | March 27 |
| Matsue | March 20 | March 27 |
| Okayama | March 22 | March 29 |
| Shimonoseki | March 18 | March 27 |
| Tokushima | March 24 | April 1 |
| Takamatsu | March 23 | March 31 |
| Matsuyama | March 19 | March 29 |
| Kochi | March 17 | March 26 |
Kansai region
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka | March 21 | March 28 |
| Kyoto | March 17 | March 27 |
| Hikone | March 25 | April 1 |
| Kobe | March 22 | March 30 |
| Nara | March 20 | March 27 |
| Wakayama | March 20 | March 28 |
Chubu region
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Niigata | March 30 | April 4 |
| Toyama | March 23 | March 28 |
| Kanazawa | March 24 | March 30 |
| Fukui | March 23 | March 29 |
| Nagoya | March 21 | April 1 |
| Gifu | March 16 | March 26 |
| Shizuoka | March 19 | March 27 |
| Tsu | March 25 | March 29 |
| Kofu | March 17 | March 25 |
| Nagano | March 29 | April 4 |
Kanto region
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 14 | March 21 |
| Mito | March 20 | March 27 |
| Utsunomiya | March 19 | March 26 |
| Maebashi | March 20 | March 26 |
| Kumagaya | March 17 | March 24 |
| Choshi | March 21 | March 28 |
| Yokohama | March 15 | March 23 |
Tohoku & Hokkaido regions
| City | Est. Opening | Est. Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Aomori | April 13 | April 17 |
| Morioka | April 7 | April 13 |
| Sendai | March 28 | April 2 |
| Akita | April 8 | April 12 |
| Yamagata | April 4 | April 8 |
| Fukushima | March 28 | April 1 |
| Sapporo | April 25 | April 28 |
| Muroran | April 27 | May 2 |
| Hakodate | April 21 | April 25 |
Once you’ve decided on which of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan (or just in Tokyo or in Kyoto) you will visit for Hanami, you will want to time your stay so that you will get the most from your cherry blossom experience. Why? Because not every location experiences full bloom at the same time.
Don’t forget to check out our sakura travel tips: you are sure to have a trip to remember with your Japan Rail Pass.
Hello,
I’m traveling to OSAKA Japan from April 30 to May 5, 2020…
About the CHERRY BLOSSOM in OSAKA. in the forecast its show March 27 to April 4
Hopefully, I can see some cherry blossom on that date on my visit 🙁
It is one of my WISHLIST and DREAM to see the BEAUTIFUL CHERRY BLOSSOM.
However, the date I visit that’s only my available 🙁
Thanks for updating us ?
right now it’s not a good idea to visit Japan because of COVID-19
Hi! I will be in Japan April 13-22. Will I be able to catch any cherry blossoms? If so, where will they still be in bloom? I’m hoping somewhere near Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka
Hi Mary! Please check carefuly this article to assess: it is constantly updated with the latest forecast 😉
Hi!
I am traveling to Tokyo this coming April 18-24, which will be the best place to find cherry blossoms at that time?
Thanks,
Yhe
Hi Yhe! As you will see in this article, your best option is expected to be Fukushima. Happy travels!
Hi Syeda Arina Parveen! The expected full bloom dates are detailed in this article 😉 As you will see, expected flowering date in the Tohoku Region is within your trip dates. Happy travels!
Hi I am planning to travel to Tokyo between APril 5 to April 9. Would I be able to see cherry blossom in Tokyo. If not which area should I be heading to?
Hi Vikash! Please check the forecast we detail in this article, it will be of help in case you need to consider alternatives to your original plans 😉 Happy travels!
Hello!
I will be in Tokyo from April 5-10, and then Kyoto/Osaka from 10-14th. Will I still be able to see full bloom cherry blossoms be at Mount Yoshino somewhere during that time I am in Kyoto/Osaka, or will it be too late?
It seems I will be just a tad too late for Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
Hi. I already have a flexible ticket for 10 days from March 9-April 10. I wish to visit Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Can you recommend me the perfect dates to visit with cherry blossoms in full bloom? Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi LoveLove! Dates’ forecast is displayed in this article, we recommend you to carefully check to draw your itinerary 😉
Is there a 6th forecast?
Hi LoveLove! The details you see today correspond to the seventh forecast for 2019, which was released on 03/14/2019.
Hi I will be visiting osaka April 6th
It says that the full bloom date is April 1st, will I still be able to see the full bloom because it lasts a week?
Hi Robert! A week after full bloom, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. Please note dates in this article are forecasted since nature is not an exact science 😉
Hi! I’ll be travelling to Osaka around 10-13 March, may I even expect to see even a few trees budding? Thanks xD
Hi Ebi! Flowering date in Osakais expected to be on March 25th as stated in this article. Happy travels!
Hello,
We are going to visit Kyoto from March 29 to April 5. Will it be possible to see full bloom of cherry trees?
Thank you!
Hi Ai! Cherry blossom’s bloom is not exact science. According to the last forecast full bloom in Kyoto is expected to be around March 31st so most probably you will be able to enjoy the amazing bloom. Happy travels!
Hello i will be travelling to Tokyo Osaka Kyoto and Nara from April 4-10. May I know any good suggestions where we can go first just to catch the Cherry Blossoms? Is it okay to avail the JR pass for 7days?
Hi Frances, we recommend you to keep checking this article since we update it with the latest forecast. In the dates you’ll be travelling you will likely be able to see blooming trees in Osaka and Nara during your trip.
If I fly into Tokyo on April 25th will I get a good viewing of the cherry blossoms?
Annie
Hi Annie! According to the last forecast, April 25th will be too far from the full bloom date in Tokyo. However we recommend you to keep checking our article to be aware of the latest news! Happy travels!
Hi, I have book flight to Tokyo from 19/4/19 to 2/5/19, please suggest places to visit.
Thank you.
Hi Tan SB! We recommend you to check our recommended itineraries, you will for sure find the best way of making the most out of your Japan Rail Pass! Happy travels!
Keeping my fingers crossed… already booked my flight March 26-30 to Tokyo.
Can’t wait…
Hello,
I heard earliest bloom of Sakura is in Kawazu, usually end of Feb/early March. Will the bloom be delayed for this area as well?
Hi Hira! As stated in this article, the 2019 sakura season has arrived earlier than the past year, both in central and southern Japan. Happy travels!
Hi,
We will be in Kansai region from the 30/3 to the 12/4. I was thinking of paying a visit to Mont Yoshino on the 7/4. Wondering when would the full bloom dates be for Mont Yoshino?
Hi Wendy,
The cherry blossom trees in the Mount Yoshino area are expected to start flowering around April 2 and the full bloom around April 9, so your dates are spot on 🙂
Happy travels!
Hello.
We are a family of four adults and keen to see the Japanese cherry blossom 2019. We can only visit Japan (Tokyo) around 9th or 10th April.
I followed your first 2019 forecast but like to know how soon next update available.
WBR
Luckesh
Hi Luckesh! Next update will be announced Thursday February 7th – stay tuned! Since you’ll be spotting the sakura from Tokyo, we recommed you to check our article Cherry blossoms in Tokyo: Best spots and guide for the best tips 😉 Happy travels!
Is there any indication for 2019’s Fuji & Hakone forecast? I need to book my room immediately and any indication would be really helpful.
P.S- You guys are the most reliable source for forecasting the cherry blossom so keep up the good work!! I will make sure i take my 2 x 14 day pass from here.
Hi Nazeef! Thank you for your kind message! As you will see in the last release of the forecast, Chureito Pagoda, which is within Fuji Five Lakes area, is expected to be in its full bloom by April 3rd. However we recommend you to come back and check again since forecast is redefined as soon as further information is released. Happy travels 🙂
We are going to be there from the 11th April, it looks like we are 1 week too late. We are planning to go to Shibazakura festival on the 13th April, hopefully that would be a good option for us with Mt Fuji as the backdrop.
I have planned to be at Sapporo in April 2019 for a month. I would like to go to Hirosaki Park, Aomori. How is to be there by train? Do you have the train schedule?
Thank you.
Hi Charan! Hirosaki Park is only a short bus ride from JR Lines Hirosaki Station. For the most updated train schedules and routes we recommend you to check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. Happy travels!
Hi,
I going to Japan on 20 Mar to 4 Apr. We are hoping to see the Cherry blossom in these place.
21-24 Mar: Tokyo
24-27 Mar: Osaka
27-29 Mar: Kyoto
29-31 Mar: Hakone
31 Mar to 4 Apr: Tokyo
I noticed this is the first forecast. Is there a 2nd or 3rd that will become more accurate?
Hi Raymond! You’re right – first 2019’s forecast is now available. Of course further updates are yet to come so make sure not to miss them!