The Official Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2024

Known locally as sakura, cherry blossoms are revered in Japan for their beauty and cultural significance. The annual blooming of the cherry blossoms is an event that draws millions of tourists from all around the world, and for good reason. In this blog post, we will break down the cherry blossom forecast for 2024, give some recommendations on where to see them, and provide some useful information for planning a trip.

When Will the Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

According to the latest and final forecast for spring 2024 from the Japan Meteorological Corporation, the cherry blossoms in 2024 are set to bloom March 29th in Tokyo and as late as April 26th in Hokkaido. For Kyoto, the expected bloom date is March 29th. The peak bloom period differs depending on the region and lasts for about one week to 9 days.

The latest forecast was released on the 28th of March. The next one is expected to be released in January 2025.

Below, you can find detailed information about the full bloom dates for 2024.

Japan's cherry blossom forecast 2024

Where Are the Best Places to View the Cherry Blossoms?

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. In Tokyo, popular spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Chidorigafuchi. 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. Other regions worth considering include Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu, which offer breathtaking scenery and plenty of cherry blossom viewing opportunities.

What Should You Keep In Mind When Planning a 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.

Conclusion

If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2024, 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.