Planning your dream trip to Japan for cherry blossom season? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide unveiled the best places and times to witness the enchanting beauty of cherry blossoms. Here you can find information about cherry blossom forecast in Japan for 2024, resources to stay updated on the sakura blooming forecast, etc.
Cherry blossom season: what is the best time to visit Japan
The best time to watch cherry blossoms, known as sakura in Japan, varies depending on the region and the specific type of cherry tree. However, a general rule of thumb is to plan your visit during the springtime, typically from late March to early April.
In Japan, cherry blossoms typically bloom first in the southern regions, such as Okinawa, and gradually progress northward. This phenomenon, known as the cherry blossom front «桜前線» (sakura zensen), marks the gradual blooming of cherry blossoms across the country.
To catch the cherry blossoms at their peak, it’s essential to keep an eye on sakura forecasts provided by meteorological agencies and local authorities. These forecasts predict the expected blooming dates and full bloom «満開» (mankai) for various regions and specific cherry blossom spots.
The best resources to stay updated on the cherry blossom forecast in Japan
- Online Websites: Many websites provide cherry blossom forecasts for various regions in Japan. Websites such as Japan Meteorological Corporation, Weathernews, and Weathermap offer detailed forecasts, including predicted blooming dates and peak viewing times.
- Mobile Apps: There are several mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices that provide cherry blossom forecasts. Apps like Japan Sakura Navi (Android, IOS) Weathernews Japan (Android, IOS) offer real-time updates and notifications about cherry blossom conditions.
- Social Media: Follow official social media accounts of local tourism boards, weather agencies, and cherry blossom festivals in Japan. They often share updates and photos of cherry blossoms in bloom, as well as forecasts for upcoming weeks.
Cherry blossom forecast for 2024 in Japan
| Location | Forecasted flowering date | Forecasted full bloom date |
| Tokyo | 3/22 | 3/29 |
| Kyoto | 3/24 | 3/31 |
| Osaka | 3/25 | 4/1 |
| Nagoya | 3/21 | 3/30 |
| Sapporo | 4/29 | 5/2 |
| Aomori | 4/15 | 4/19 |
| Sendai | 4/3 | 4/7 |
| Kanazawa | 3/30 | 4/5 |
| Nagano | 4/4 | 4/9 |
| Wakayama | 3/23 | 3/30 |
| Hiroshima | 3/25 | 3/31 |
| Kochi | 3/23 | 3/27 |
| Fukuoka | 3/27 | 3/30 |
| Kagoshima | 3/29 | 4/8 |