JapanUnveiled.com
Every spring, millions of travelers visit Japan hoping to witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms, or sakura. But did you know that cherry blossoms don’t bloom at the same time every year—or even in every region?
If you're planning a trip to see sakura in Japan, timing is everything. Here's what you need to know to maximize your chances of seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom, even if the timing doesn't line up perfectly in one location.
In Tokyo, the average opening date for cherry blossoms can vary by as much as two weeks, depending on the weather. In recent years, Tokyo has seen blossoms open as early as March 14th and as late as March 29th.
But that’s just Tokyo. Japan stretches from subtropical islands in the south to snowy mountains in the north, and cherry blossoms bloom at different times across the country:
| Region | Major Cities | Estimated Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Japan | Fukuoka, Kagoshima | Mid to late March (March 15–25) |
| Central Japan | Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya | Late March to early April (March 20 – April 5) |
| Northern Japan | Sendai, Aomori | Mid to late April (April 10–25) |
| Hokkaido (North) | Sapporo, Hakodate | Late April to early May (April 30 – May 7) |
When most people think of cherry blossoms in Japan, they're thinking of Somei Yoshino, the most common and iconic variety with pale pink petals. But there are actually over 100 different varieties of cherry trees in Japan—and some bloom earlier or later than the famous Somei Yoshino.
Here are a few of the most popular varieties you might spot:
| Variety | Bloom Time (Typical) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Somei Yoshino | Late March – Early April | Light pink, 5 petals, most common type |
| Kanzan (Kwanzan) | Mid to Late April | Deep pink, many layered petals |
| Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry) | Late March – Mid April | Cascading branches, elegant shape |
| Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry) | Early to Mid April | Grows in the wild, white to pink petals |
| Fuyuzakura (Winter Cherry) | Late Fall – Early Spring | Rare; blooms in colder seasons |
📍 Why this matters: Even if Somei Yoshino has already bloomed or finished, you might still catch later-blooming varieties like Kanzan. This extends your chance to see sakura across a longer period.
One of the best parts of visiting Japan during spring is that you don’t have to stay in just one place to see cherry blossoms. Thanks to the country’s efficient train network, you can easily travel to another region where the sakura are still blooming—or just about to bloom.
For example:
If you arrive in late March and Tokyo’s flowers are already falling, you can head north to Tohoku or Hokkaido.
If you’re in Japan in early March, try going south to Kyushu for an early bloom.
Check the “Sakura Forecast” regularly. Japanese weather sites and tourism boards publish updates from late February through April.
Stay flexible with your travel itinerary. A rail pass can help you move easily across the country.
Consider higher elevations if you’re traveling later in spring—mountain areas often bloom later than cities.
Because cherry blossom bloom dates vary every year, it's essential to check forecasts before and during your trip. Here's how foreign visitors can easily access updated sakura predictions:
✅ Best Sources for Cherry Blossom Forecasts:
Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) – Offers English forecasts: https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php
WeatherNews Japan – Real-time updates with maps
Japan Guide – Publishes a sakura calendar and reports from major cities
JR East/Southwest websites – Often feature cherry blossom travel tips
These forecasts usually start appearing in late February and are updated weekly through April.
Search for “Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025” or “Sakura forecast + [city name]” and bookmark trusted sources. Some also offer notifications or email updates.
Cherry blossom season isn’t just about the flowers—it's a cultural experience. Here are a few ways to enjoy the moment like a local:
Cherry blossoms may be unpredictable, but that’s part of their magic. Even if you miss the full bloom in one place, there's often another location just a train ride away where sakura are in their prime. With a little flexibility and planning, your dream of experiencing Japan’s cherry blossom season can absolutely come true.
