Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Kyoto, Japan
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is from mid-March to early April, a period that unveils charming friendliness you can enjoy during your trip.
The colors of cherry blossoms reflect springtime across the country and fill cities and the countryside with a majestic ambiance 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 cherry blossoms add an ephemeral grace to the tranquil ambiance of temples, shrines, and gardens.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms Bloom
Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo, 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 the country due to the weather in cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms. In these regions, the blossoms abound around early April, while the trees of Hokkaido often bloom in May.
Cherry blossom season begins in Japan at different intervals, with that in the south starting between January and February. In mid-Japan it generally begins between March and April, while northern Japan experiences the season in May.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms at Full Bloom
Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Japan
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.
Japan hosts many cherry blossom festivals during the time the flowers are in full bloom and you can use our ideas on the top things to do during Japan cherry blossom festivals to inspire your custom tour.
Best Time to See the End of Cherry Blossom Season
Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida, Japan
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically ends around late April. The earlier the trees bloom, the sooner the flowers will wilt and fall from them.
Okinawa’s season in 2019 ended by the first week of February, while that year's Sakura season did not end until early May.
When planning with a travel specialist, you can learn more about Japan’s cherry blossom forecast with the intention of booking for the end of the season. These experts can also share more insight and top tips for your Japan cherry blossom trip.
Book for the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Himeji, 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 cherry blossom travel guide can offer great insight with which to plan.
