Japan's Cherry Blossoms 2025/2026 - Plan for the Full Bloom Now

Japan's cherry blossoms 2026 are expected to bloom from late March to early April in the most popular central regions. Full blooms usually last one week. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the top places to see the flowers, as they are the most popular destinations for first-time travelers.

The cherry blossom season is the busiest travel time in Japan, and costs are high. How can you plan to see the blossoms at their best? Based on our experience and feedback from our customers over the past few years, we've created tips to help you plan a great trip to Japan 2026.

When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan in 2025/2026?

The best time to see Cherry blossoms is early April in most regions, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Kanazawa, but the exact date varies each year.

However, if you can't travel during this period, you can still see cherry blossoms in other parts of Japan. Japan's cherry blossom months actually span from January to May, from the South to the North of the country.  

The Japan Meteorological Corporation will release the cherry blossom forecast each year. You can check their site for the 2025 forecast. Although the exact blooming date is hard to predict,  planning your trip around these dates will always ensure you see some cherry blossoms, even if they are not in full bloom. The forecast for 2026 will be released in January 2026. 

When are Japan's Cherry Blossom Seasons in 2025/2026?

Japan's Cherry blossom months are from January to early May, from the South to the North. Blossoms begin in late January in Okinawa, peak in early April in the central regions, and last until mid-May in Hokkaido. See Japan's Cherry Blossom months by region: 

• Okinawa: Late January to February
• Kyushu area (Fukuoka): Late March 
• Kinki region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara): Early April
• Kanto region (Tokyo, Yokohama): Late March to Early April 
• Tohoku region (Sendai, Aomori): Mid-April to Early May
• Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hakodate: Late April to Middle May

How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last in Japan?

Cherry blossoms last about two weeks. Full blooms last around one week in good weather. However, if there is heavy rain or strong winds, they can fall quickly in one or two days. Fortunately, you could enjoy the beautiful scenery a few days before the full blooms.

How to Plan Your Itinerary for the Best Chance to See the Full Blooms 2026

The full blossoms are hard to plan for. But with some planning, you can increase your chances of witnessing them. We've provided some suggestions below based on your travel time to help maximize your chances.

Start Your Trip in Osaka if You Visit Around March 20

If you're planning to visit Japan around March 20 for cherry blossoms, it's best to start in Osaka. The cherry blossom periods for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto - must-visit cities on your first trip to Japan- occur from late March to early April. However, in Tokyo, the blossoms bloom a few days earlier than in Osaka and Kyoto.

By starting your trip in Osaka and ending your trip in Tokyo, you are most likely to have a chance to see the full blossoms in Tokyo around 7-10 days later. 

Start Your Trip in Osaka or Tokyo if You Travel Between March 26- April 5

You could either start your trip from Osaka or Tokyo. Make your choice based on the international airfare. During this period, you could see cherry blossoms in full bloom at either destination.

Visit Mt Fuji If You Travel between April 5-15

You might be lucky enough to catch the last of the cherry blossoms in cities like Tokyo. If not, you can visit Mount Fuji near Tokyo or Mount Yoshino in Nara to see the full bloom in mid-April.

You could also explore the Expo 2025 Osaka, from April 13th (opens from April 13th to October 13th in Osaka, Japan).

Visit Hokkaido if You Travel between April 16 to May 1:

Head to Hokkaido for the cherry blossoms as they would have already faded away in the rest of the country.

The Top Destinations to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

If this is your first time to Japan, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are recommended as they are the most popular tourist cities in Japan. There are also many vibrant places for viewing cherry blossoms with. These cities are also connected via Shinkansen, making it easy to plan your visit. 

Tokyo

Tokyo not only has the most things to do for travelers but it also offers the most vibrant festival atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing. You won't need to visit too many, choose one or two places near your hotel for a half-day tour. 

• Ueno Park: Ueno Park is not only famous for its cherry blossom but there is a zoo and a museum worth visiting. You'll experience a vibrant atmosphere as many locals enjoy hanami in the park.
• Meguro River: Located in a lively neighborhood, Meguro River is well known for its stunning sight of illuminated cherry blossoms. You could enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river in the evening.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: A large and quiet park inside central Tokyo. Although the park is very popular, as it is vast, you can find a quiet place and won't find it crowded. With a variety of cherry tree species, it offers an extended blooming period.
• Chidorigafuchi: You could row a boat on your own to get close to the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi.

Read more on Tokyo Cherry Blossom 2025 - When and Where to See

Kyoto

Kyoto is renowned for its old-world charm and unique Japanese experiences, including the presence of geishas. The cherry blossoms here provide stunning scenery, with delicate sakura (cherry tree flowers) set against ancient buildings and historic temples. The Philosopher's Path is an ideal stroll path to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Hirano Shrine is renowned for its colorful cherry blossom parade.

In the evening, you can enjoy your food at restaurants on Shimbashi, a street running along a canal lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees. The blossoms are colorfully lit at night, creating a stunning atmosphere.

Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji's Cherry blossoms bloom one week later than cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Here you could enjoy the symbolic scenery of Japan: Mt Fuji and Cherry blossoms in one photo frame. This view lasts only a few days each year.

I recommend you to stay overnight at Mt Fuji during the cherry blossom season, even though a rushed day trip is possible. There are large crowds everywhere, and you will need to wait for photos,  for the cable car etc. There are also traffic jams on the way. Mt Fuji is more visible in the early morning or afternoon. It is very possible you can not see it during your day trip, so staying overnight will ensure you have a better chance to capture that lifetime photo. 

Osaka

Osaka Castle is one of the three famous castles of Japan and it is top of the list of places to enjoy cherry blossoms in Osaka. The square around Osaka Castle is covered with cherry trees. Not far from the square around the castle, the old town merges with modern high-rise buildings and cherry blossoms — a mixture of tradition and modernity, nature and manmade items.

As night falls, lights illuminate the cherry blossoms and the castle, making an evening trip a delight also.

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino is renowned as one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains blanketed in blossoms. As there are many different varieties of cherry blossoms, you can enjoy cherry blossoms here from early to mid-April.

You can choose to hike along the trail or take a cable car to the summit. Yoshino is a 1.5-hour train ride from Kyoto, you can easily visit it from Kyoto.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is the largest and most beautiful castle in Japan. Constructed in the 14th century, it served as an important political center during the Edo period. In spring, the white castle is beautifully framed by pink cherry blossoms, creating a spectacular scene. Himeji Castle is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Osaka by train, making it easy to extend your trip from Osaka to Himeji.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle in Nagano is one of the three best castles in Japan. The castle was built in the 16th century. In spring, the castle and its moat are surrounded by cherry blossoms. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Nagano is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and charming countryside. You can easily combine your visit to Matsumoto with a hike on the Nakasendo trail and a chance to see snow monkeys.

What are the Best Cherry Blossoms Activities in Japan? 

The cherry blossom season in Japan is a vibrant celebration of spring. For the Japanese, the cherry blossoms are symbols of life and beauty. so the cherry blossom season is a great time to embrace the arrival of spring and the joys of life. During the cherry blossom people hold a lot of activities like the hanami (flower viewing), night illuminations, food stalls, and performances. Students get their spring holiday (March 25 and April 6).  

Hanami

Hanami, also known as flowers-viewing is the most popular tradition for the cherry blossom seasons. Friends and family gather beneath the pink blossoms for picnics and parties.  They enjoy seasonal foods and traditional sweets like sakura mochi and drinks. Some people even dress in traditional clothes such as kimono. People drink, eat, and talk while enjoying the beautiful views.  This tradition is known as hanami or cherry blossom viewing.

Lantern Illuminations

Lanterns are hung in the cherry trees, creating a stunning display in the evening. The parks come alive with beautiful illuminations, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Hanami parties continue. 

Sake and Sakura Tea

Japanese people often enjoy sake or sakura tea with family and friends under the cherry blossoms while enjoying the beautiful views. Note that in some parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen Park in Tokyo, alcohol is not permitted.

Cherry Blossom Processions

The cherry blossom processions typically occur at shrines in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season. The two most renowned processions take place at Daigo-ji and Hirano Shrine in mid-April. These events showcase participants in traditional attire and feature captivating cultural performances.

Performances

The festival also features performances, including songs and dances, adding to the celebratory spirit. 

In summary, the cherry blossom festival in Japan is a joyous and romantic celebration where people fully enjoy the beauty of spring.

How to Avoid the Crowds During the Cherry Blossom Season?

The cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times in Japan. You could expect traffic jams and long lines at attractions. But with good planning, you can still enjoy a wonderful journey. Here are some tips from our past experiences to help you make the most of it.

• Visit parks early: Go to city parks in the mornings for fewer crowds. If you want to enjoy the festival atmosphere, visit during the day or at night.
• Use public transport: Take the bus or metro for city sightseeing. In Tokyo and Osaka, the metro is the best choice. Taxis could be hard to find and private transfers may suffer in traffic jams. For smaller cities like Kyoto and Hakone, consider private transfers.
• Avoid weekends for traveling to places outside the cities: If you're visiting places like Mount Fuji, Hakone, or Nara, try to avoid weekends.
• Stay overnight when traveling outside the city: If you're going outside the city, plan to stay overnight. Travel times could double during the peak season. For example, a trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji usually takes 2–3 hours but could take up to 6 hours during busy times.
• Avoid scheduling activities on the day you travel: Arrive 2-3 times earlier than usual for your flight or train journey. Avoid scheduling activities on the day you travel.
• Allow for an easy itinerary: Don't pack too many things to do within a day. Three attractions each day are enough. The large crowds make you spend more time on the way, waiting to enter the attractions, and at each attraction.

How Long Should I Book in Advance?

The cherry blossom season is the busiest travel time in Japan. You need to book your hotels, tours, attractions, and tickets in advance as the demands are huge.

Book Hotels & Tours at least 3 months in advance for good prices and locations. Prices rise sharply by late February. Hotels around major attractions could be sold out quickly. Book tours early to secure good English-speaking guides.

Book Train tickets one month in advance or at least the day that you arrive in Japan.

Book Restaurants one month in advance: High-end Michelin-starred restaurants could be booked about 1 month in advance. Other restaurants usually allow reservations 10 days in advance. Check the availability here: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/

Where to Stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka for Cherry Blossom Viewing?

It's best to stay near major attractions for early park entry and to avoid crowds.  Popular hotels could book up quickly, so you are advised to book early. 

Tokyo:

• Shinjuku: Close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji Jingu; a variety of excellent hotels
• Ueno: Home to Ueno Park; budget-friendly hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans.

Osaka:

• Umeda and Osaka Station: Easy access to transportation for exploring the city.

Kyoto:

• Kyoto Station or downtown Kyoto: Convenient for travel and avoiding crowds

 

FAQ on Japan's Cherry Blossoms 2025/2026?

What is the Weather like in Early April in Japan?

During the cherry blossom season in Japan, expect warm days and cool evenings, with temperatures averaging around 10–18°C (50–64°F). The weather is mostly pleasant and sunny but you are still recommended to take a jacket as it may be chilly in the evenings or when you sit under the cherry blossoms for a picnic.

For those heading to Hokkaido, remember to pack a warm jacket to shield yourself from the cooler northern weather.

To capture beautiful cherry blossom photos, consider wearing light colors and using accessories like hats or scarves. Read more details on the weather in Japan in April with travel tips.

Is the Forecast for the Cherry Blossom Dates Accurate?

The exact dates for the cherry blossom are hard to predict. For example, in 2024, in Hokkaido, blooms occurred about 10 days earlier than forecast, while in central areas like Tokyo and Kyoto, they were about 3 days later.

Is May too late for Japan's Cherry Blossoms? 

In early May, you can still catch the last cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, northern Japan. After that, you'll have to wait until the next year to see them again.

How Can I Predict When the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2025? 

The timing of cherry blossom blooms mainly depends on the weather. While it can change, you can make a rough prediction based on the temperatures from the previous autumn and winter:

If the autumn (especially October and November) and winter are warmer, the cherry blossoms might bloom earlier. If they are cooler, blooming could be delayed. Also, looking at the bloom dates from previous years can help you get an idea.

Can I see Cherry Blossoms in Japan in January?

January is too early for cherry blossoms in Japan, except Okinawa. Cherry Blossoms in Okinawa blossom from late January to early February. 

Can I see Cherry Blossoms in Japan in February? 

You can see the early bloom varieties in Atami and Kawazu in February. 

• Atami (40 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen): Mid-January to Early February
• Kawazu Town in Izu ( 3-hour journey from Tokyo): February or March
• Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo: Mid-February to Early March

How Can I See Some Cherry Blossoms If I Miss the Full Blossoms?

We understand that you might not want to change your travel plans even if you miss the full  blossoms. Here are some tips to help you see at least one blooming tree

If You Arrive Too Early: Look for early-blooming varieties in parks like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, Yodo Suiro Waterway in Kyoto, and Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park.

If You're a Bit Late: There are later-blooming varieties to check out  at Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo. You can also visit the mountains, where some trees may still be in bloom. For example, cherry blossoms at Mt. Fuji bloom a few days later than in Tokyo, and those at Mt. Yoshino in Nara can last until mid-April.

Join a Guided Tour: An experienced local guide will know where the cherry blossoms are blooming. If you travel with us, our guide will help you find some blooming trees

If I Can't Visit During Full Bloom? Should I Go Before or After?

Going before the peak bloom is a good choice. The pre-bloom period usually lasts longer and is easier to predict. Strong winds and rains can cause cherry blossoms to fall quickly, sometimes in just a day or two. By planning to visit before the peak, you have a better chance of seeing the flowers.

Plan Your Cherry Blossom Trip in 2025 with Us

Let us help you plan your cherry blossom trip to Japan. See below some of our most popular cherry blossom itineraries.

• 7-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2025: Essential Mini-Group Tour
• Private 10-Day Japan Highlights and Cherry Blossom Tour

Or you could just contact us for a unique itinerary based on your preferences.