Plan to catch Japan’s iconic sakura this year? For the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan, follow the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s calendar. The JMC has released its second forecast for the 2026 sakura season, which tells you when the much-anticipated flowers will bloom. Known as hanami, the cherished tradition of basking under the pink and purple-hued clouds of cherry blossoms, the sakura season transforms Japan into a lilac wonderland, with flowering dates meticulously tracked across 1,000 viewing locations in 48 cities. This year, the first blooms are expected on 20 March in Tokyo and Nagoya in the Aichi prefacture in Central Honshu Island, with the first full bloom following shortly on 27 March in Japan’s capital.
Cherry blossoms in Hirosaki ParkYukinori Hasumi / Getty Images
According to the forecast, Japan’s wild northern region of Hokkaido will see its cherry blossoms begin to bloom around 27 April, with full bloom expected on 1 May. In the southern end of Japan, Fukuoka is set to welcome its blossoms on 21 March alongside Hiroshima and Kochi, which lies on the pacific coast of Japan. Followed by Osaka on 24 March, with its peak anticipated on 31 March. Yokohama’s blooms, located in south of Tokyo, will appear around 21 March, reaching full bloom by 29 March, while Kiki region’s sakura season in Kyoto is forecast to start on 25 March, peaking on 1 April. The final act of the season will unfold in Northern Japan in Muroran, Hokkaido, with full bloom predicted on 3 May 2026.
Cherry blossom flowering forecast mapJapan Meteorological Corporation
How they make the cherry blossom forecast
What makes the JMC forecast copper-bottomed is the meticulous research behind it. Using a combination of factors—like cherry tree growth, previous bloom dates, and autumn and winter temperatures—their predictions help visitors plan not only for the peak bloom but also for the build-up to it. To aid travellers further, the JMC also provides a flowering meter to track the progress of the blossoms.
The next forecast is slated for 22 January 2026 and with Japan now offering e-visas, planning your visit to experience this fleeting beauty has never been easier.
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AloJapan.com