Cherry blossom season is one of Japan’s most anticipated moments of the year, and if you’re planning a spring trip, it pays to get your timing right. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its official 2026 cherry blossom forecast on December 18, 2025, outlining expected bloom and full-flower dates across the country.
Sakura season is predicted to begin in late March, starting in central Japan before gradually sweeping north. As always, peak bloom is fleeting – usually lasting just a week – so these dates are key for anyone planning flights, accommodation or rail passes. But if you’re not planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, read our list of where you can see cherry blossoms in Asia.
Japan cherry blossom forecast 2026 (major cities)
Tokyo & Nagoya:
Bloom: March 19
Full bloom: March 26 (Tokyo), March 28 (Nagoya)
Fukuoka & Kochi:
Bloom: March 20
Full bloom: March 27 (Kochi), March 29 (Fukuoka)
Hiroshima:
Bloom: March 21
Full bloom: March 30
Osaka & Kyoto:
Bloom: March 24
Full bloom: March 31
Sendai:
Bloom: April 5
Full bloom: April 10
Aomori:
Bloom: April 19
Full bloom: April 22
Sapporo:
Bloom: April 28
Full bloom: May 1
Full bloom typically lasts just seven to ten days, so keep an eye on updated forecasts as your travel dates approach. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially in major cities. For classic hanami spots, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen offers a calmer experience thanks to its size and variety of trees, while Aomori’s Hirosaki Park delivers one of Japan’s most dramatic displays, with thousands of blossoms framing a historic castle. Night owls can head to Chidorigafuchi near the Imperial Palace. After dark, the lantern-lit blooms reflect softly on the water.
For more updates, visit the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) website.
AloJapan.com