The Official Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2026

Table of Contents

• Sakura Season: A Symbol of Beauty, Culture, and Celebration
• When Will the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2026?
• Top Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan
• Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways 

• Cherry blossom season in 2026 will begin earlier than usual, with Tokyo peaking by 27 March, and Kyoto in full bloom by 1 April. 

• Popular flower-viewing spots include Tokyo’s Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, and Mount Yoshino in Nara. 

• Plan your trip at least 6 months in advance, as this season is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods. 

• Weather fluctuations can cause small changes in bloom times, so monitor the forecast regularly. 

Sakura Season: A Symbol of Beauty, Culture, and Celebration

Known locally as sakura, cherry blossoms are revered in Japan for their beauty and cultural significance. Symbolising fleeting beauty (mono-no-aware) in Japanese culture, the blooming of cherry trees is celebrated nation-wide with festivals, flower-viewing parties, seasonal foods and drinks, and traditional customs.  

Covering Japan from Mount Fuji to Arashiyama, the annual blooming of these pink petals is an event that draws millions of tourists from all around the world. In this blog post, we will break down the cherry blossom forecast for 2026, give some recommendations on where to see them, and provide some useful information for planning your trip. 

When Will the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2026? 

The cherry blossom season in Japan generally takes place between late March and early April. In 2026, the sakura season is expected to happen slightly earlier than usual due to warmer weather predictions for March and April. The blooming period of cherry blossoms is typically short, lasting about one to two weeks. If you'd like to make the best of this season, it's important to time your visit according to the forecast. 

According to the latest forecast by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) provided on January 8, 2026, the cherry blossoms in 2026 are set to start blooming on 20 March in Tokyo, reaching full bloom by 27 March. Kyoto is expected to see initial bloom by 25 March, reaching full bloom by 1 April. The peak bloom period starts 5-7 days after the bloom date and lasts for about 10-14 days, when 70% of blossoms are open consequently. 

The cherry blossom front is expected to move from the southern regions of Japan to the northern regions, with blooming occurring from late March to April. Northern spots like Hokkaido will experience first blossoms from as late as 27 April in Sapporo, with full bloom on 1 May. While southern regions will likely be close to Tokyo's bloooming dates, for example in Fukuoka, the first flowers will appear around 21 March, and full bloom by 30 March. 

Below, you can find detailed information about the flowering dates and full bloom dates for 2026. 

Japan's cherry blossom forecast for 2026

Top Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan 

Japan has a plethora of places where you can go to appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Celebrating this festive period with a picnic under the Sakura flowers, also known as Hanami, is a perfect way to enjoy the season. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the top places to see cherry blossoms in Japan.  

In Tokyo, popular spots include Ueno Park, Nakameguro, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Chidorigafuchi Moat. Osaka has several famous spots, such as Osaka Castle Park and Kema Sakuranomiya Park. Kyoto also offers a variety of cherry blossom viewing spots, including the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park, and Arashiyama.  

Additionally, Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture) with its historical building and cherry tree-lined moat, Nara Park (Nara) with its free-roaming deer with a backdrop of blossoms, and Mount Yoshino (Nara Prefecture) with a whole mountain covered in 30,000 cherry trees, are among top spots to catch cherry blossoms. Other regions worth considering include Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu, which offer breathtaking scenery and plenty of cherry blossom viewing opportunities. 

Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip 

Since the cherry blossom season is a peak travel period, it's important to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible – we recommend planning approximately 6 months in advance. Accommodations, transportation, and popular attractions can get booked up quickly, so make sure to secure everything in advance. Additionally, be prepared for large crowds and long lines, especially at popular viewing spots. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast and be aware that the cherry blossoms are a natural phenomenon, so they can change depending on the temperature and other environmental factors. 

Ready to Experience Sakura Season in 2026? 

If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2026, make sure to add cherry blossom viewing to your itinerary. With the latest forecast indicating prime blooming periods and a variety of viewing locations to choose from, we hope you'll have a memorable experience. 

Here at Japanspecialist, we always offer guided tours to enjoy the Sakura time accompanied by our expert guides. If instead you prefer to tailor your trip to your needs, just remember to plan ahead, be prepared for crowds, and take advantage of all the unique opportunities that Japan has to offer. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossoms in 2026? 

The optimal time depends on your destination. For Tokyo, aim for the very end of March, while Kyoto and Osaka are ideal around the beginning of April. If you want to enjoy blossoms in Hokkaido, plan for late April to early May. 

How accurate is the cherry blossom forecast? 

Forecasts are generally reliable but can shift slightly due to temperature or rainfall. Use them as a guide and allow a few buffer days in your itinerary. 

Is it possible to see cherry blossoms even if I miss peak bloom? 

Yes! The blooming wave moves from south to north, so you can follow the “sakura front.” Also, yaezakura (a late-blooming variety) bloom about a week later than standard cherry blossoms in many regions. 

Do I need to book everything in advance? 

We strongly recommend it. Cherry blossom season is peak travel time in Japan, so booking flights and accommodations 5-6 months ahead, and shinkansen tickets and Japan Rail Passes at least a month in advance will make sure to avoid disappointment. 

What’s the difference between plum and cherry blossoms? 

Plum blossoms bloom earlier (late Feb–early March), have round petals and a fragrant scent, while cherry blossoms (late March–April) grow in clusters and have a slight notch on each petal, with less fragrance. Read our blog for all differences between plum and cherry blossoms. 

Can I enjoy cherry blossoms in less crowded areas? 

Definitely. Consider Kasama in Ibaraki for glamping under cherry trees, or Lake Biwa Canal near Kyoto for a serene experience. Northern regions like Tohoku and Hokkaido offer breathtaking views with fewer crowds. 

What should I bring for hanami (flower viewing)? 

Bring a picnic mat, warm layers (evenings can be chilly), snacks, and optionally, seasonal treats like sakura mochi or sakura-flavoured drinks. Many locals also enjoy sake or bento boxes during hanami parties. Read our blog for more tips on how to celebrate sakura season. 

Are there cherry blossom festivals I can attend? 

Yes! Most major parks and shrines host festivals with food stalls, illuminations, and performances. For example, Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, and Maruyama Park in Kyoto often have evening light-ups. 

Can I still enjoy flowers if I miss cherry blossom season? 

Yes! After the sakura petals scatter and the weather gets warmer, you can see azaleas, wisteria, and tulips in bloom through April and May. Japan’s spring continues to be colourful and magical beyond cherry blossoms.