Cherry Blossom season in Japan is one of the most vibrant experiences that the country has to offer. Marking the season of change and new beginnings, however with an average bloom of only two weeks it can be shortlived. That being said... If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, where in Japan should you go and when?
The blossoming time varies from year to year and by region. For 2024, the expected to peak blossom for the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is from late March to early April. Typically you can find early blossoms in southern Japan and later blossoms in the north.
Tokyo
The cherry blossoms estimated to begin blooming on March 23 and reach full bloom one week later on March 30.
Kyoto
The first blossoms in the old capital are estimated to begin on March 23 and reach their peak a little later than Tokyo, around April 1st.
Osaka
Osaka is expected to see the first bloom a little later than both Kyoto and Tokyo on March 25. However, its peak bloom is expected to be on par with Kyoto on April 1.
Sapporo, Hokkaido
For one of Japan's most northern cities, Sapporo the bloom is expected to be much later. The first bloom is estimated to be on May 2nd with peak bloom on May 6.
Sendai
Sendai, another northern city just south of Hokkaido is expected to see its first blossoms on April 6 with peak bloom around April 11.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is expected to see its first blossoms on March 31 with peak bloom around April 6.
Nagoya
Nagoya is expected to see its first blossoms on March 20 with peak bloom around March 30
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is expected to see its first blossoms on March 22 with peak bloom around April 1
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is expected to see its first blossoms March 22 with peak bloom around March 31
City/Prefecture (Sorted by Peak Bloom) | First Bloom | Peak Bloom |
Nagoya | March 20th | March 30th |
Tokyo | March 23rd | March 30th |
Fukuoka | March 22nd | March 31st |
Hiroshima | March 22nd | April 1st |
Osaka | March 25th | April 1st |
Kyoto | March 23rd | April 1st |
Kanazawa | March 31st | April 6th |
Sendai | April 6th | April 11th |
Sapporo, Hokkaido | May 2nd | May 6th |