Best Time to Visit Japan for Cherry Blossom Season
Kyoto, Japan
The best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom season is from mid-March to early April and unveils a charming friendliness that you can witness during your Japan trip.
The colors of cherry blossoms reflect springtime across the country and fill cities and the countryside with a majestic ambiance that is focused on simple pleasures. Each new destination can bring delightful views of a different side of Japanese culture, from parks to gardens, riverbanks to narrow canals, each covered in pink.
Find the best time for your visit to see how the blossoms add an ephemeral grace to the tranquil ambiance of temples, shrines, and gardens.
Overview
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms Bloom
Kyoto, Japan
Japanese cherry blossoms typically start blooming in late January or early February in the southern part of Japan, across islands like Okinawa. The season grows later along the northern areas of Japan due to the weather in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where blossoms abound around early April. The cherry trees of Hokkaido often bloom in May.
The cherry blossom season begins in Japan at different intervals, with the south beginning between January and February, with mid-Japan generally starting between March and April, and northern Japan experiencing the season in May.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms at Full Bloom
Osaka in Japan
The cherry blossoms most commonly reach full bloom between March and April during the peak of the spring season in Japan.
The best opportunity for finding the white and pink flowers at their most prominent is often four to seven days after their peak bloom, with some blossoms lasting up to 14 days under ideal weather conditions.
Best Time to See the End of Cherry Blossom Season
Chureito Pagoda, Japan
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically ends around late April. The earlier the cherry blossoms bloom, the sooner the flowers will wilt and fall from the trees.
Okinawa’s season in 2019 ended by the first week of February, while that year's Sakura season did not end until early May.
Ready to Book Your Cherry Blossom Trip to Japan?
Hyogo in Japan
The cherry blossom season in Japan encapsulates the beauty of spring, the rebirth of nature, and a rekindling of the community. Finding the best time to witness the cherry blossoms can depend on where you wish to visit, but exploring Japan during the season can result in unforgettable experiences.
Our Japan Cherry Blossom Tours can give you more inspiration for your trip and our Japan Travel Guide can offer great insight into your travel plans.
If you are ready to plan your trip, connect with a Japan travel specialist by completing a Trip Request or by calling us on 1-888-265-9707.
