Japan’s cherry blossom, or Sakura, is one of the most iconic symbols with deep cultural significance. Every spring, cherry trees across Japan burst into beautiful pink and white blooms, creating stunning landscapes known as “Sakura season”.
In 2024, like every year, the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom will draw crowds of locals and tourists worldwide. Follow us to find out the best time and place to see cherry blossoms in Japan.
✨Tips for planning your cherry blossom vacation in Japan 2024
It’s recommended to book accommodations and transportation well in advance, as hotels and trains can fill up quickly during cherry blossom season.
Keep an eye on weather forecasts and cherry blossom reports to help plan your itinerary. You can also join an in-depth cherry blossom tour to savor the Sakura season of Japan.
Table of Contents
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 2024?
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Significance of Cherry Blossom (Sakura) in Japan
Tips for Sakura Viewing in Japan
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 2024?
If you ask when do cherry blossoms bloom, the exact time will vary depending on the region and the specific weather conditions each year, but the flower season is usually between late March to early May.
You may have heard the word Sakura Zensen (桜前線, or cherry blossom front) – it refers to the progression of Sakura blooming across Japan during spring.
As the temperatures gradually rise, cherry trees across Japan will start to bloom, starting from the southern regions and moving northward. During this time, parks, gardens, and streets all over Japan will be adorned with delicate pink and white cherry blossoms.
Many traditional Hanami (Sakura viewing) parties will be held under the cherry blossom trees, where friends, families, and colleagues gather to enjoy food, drinks, and the beauty of nature.
Here’s your Sakura season calendar:
🌸Early Blossoms (January-February)
The Sakura season doesn’t start and end at the same time across the country. In the southern regions, such as Kawazu town and Atami City, you might see cherry blossoms as early as January.
🌸Peak Blossoms (Late March-Early April)
In 2024, cherry blossom season is expected to be at its most vibrant from the end of March to the beginning of April, especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
🌸Later Blossoms (April-May)
In the colder northern regions, the Sakura season starts a bit later. In Sendai, the blossoms usually start to open at the end of March. And in Hokkaido, the last place in Japan to see the cherry blossoms, they typically don’t start to bloom until the end of April.
Cherry blossom flowering forecast 2024
The following data comes from the 6th forecast of Japan Meteorological Corporation, which was released on February 29, 2024
| Location | Forecasted flowering date | Flowering deviation (days) | Forecasted full bloom date | Full bloom deviation (days) | Flowering date in average year |
| Sapporo | 4/30 | -1 | 5/4 | -2 | 5/1 |
| Aomori | 4/17 | -5 | 4/22 | -4 | 4/22 |
| Sendai | 4/3 | -5 | 4/9 | -4 | 4/8 |
| Tokyo | 3/22 | -2 | 3/29 | -2 | 3/24 |
| Kanazawa | 3/30 | -4 | 4/6 | -2 | 4/3 |
| Nagano | 4/4 | -7 | 4/10 | -6 | 4/11 |
| Nagoya | 3/19 | -5 | 3/29 | -4 | 3/24 |
| Kyoto | 3/22 | -4 | 3/31 | -4 | 3/26 |
| Osaka | 3/24 | -3 | 4/1 | -3 | 3/27 |
| Wakayama | 3/22 | -2 | 3/30 | -4 | 3/24 |
| Hiroshima | 3/22 | -3 | 4/1 | -2 | 3/25 |
| Kochi | 3/18 | -4 | 3/27 | -3 | 3/22 |
| Fukuoka | 3/21 | -1 | 3/30 | -1 | 3/22 |
| Kagoshima | 3/30 | 4 | 4/9 | 4 | 3/26 |
You can also refer to the Cherry Blossom Flowering Forecast Map.
How long do cherry blossoms last in Japan
Cherry blossoms usually last approximately two weeks from the start of their bloom to peak bloom.
If you’re traveling outside of peak times, consider visiting southern regions like Kawazu (on the Izu Peninsula) and Atami City from January to February for early blossoms.
For later blooms, explore colder areas such as Sendai and Hokkaido from April to May.
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Here are some of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan:
Tokyo | Late March to Early April
Meguro River: Imagine strolling along a river, flanked by 800 cherry trees in full bloom. The petals fall like snowflakes, blanketing the river in a soft pink hue. Cafes and shops line the streets, offering a perfect break from your walk.
Ueno Park: A lively festival atmosphere takes over Ueno Park during cherry blossom season. The trees are lit up at night, creating a magical, almost surreal landscape.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This garden offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The cherry trees here bloom in various shades of pink and white, creating a stunning contrast against the garden’s green backdrop.
Kyoto | Late March to Early April
Maruyama Park: The park’s centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree that looks absolutely breathtaking when lit up at night. The sight of cherry blossoms reflecting off the pond adds to the park’s serene beauty.
Daigoji Temple: The temple grounds turn into a sea of pink during cherry blossom season. The sight of cherry blossoms reflected in the temple’s pond is truly a sight to behold.
Arashiyama: This historic district offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience. The cherry trees lining the streets are lit up at night, adding to the district’s scenic beauty.
Osaka | Late March to Early April
Nara Park: The sight of deer roaming freely among cherry trees in full bloom makes for an unforgettable experience. The park offers spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Osaka Castle: The castle grounds turn into a vibrant display of pink during cherry blossom season. The sight of the castle, surrounded by cherry trees and lit up at night, is truly mesmerizing.
Sendai | Late April
Nishi Park: This park is known for its late-blooming cherry trees. The park offers a stunning view of the city and the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.
Hokkaido | Late April to Early May
Matsumae Park: This park is home to over 10,000 cherry trees of 250 different varieties, some of which bloom later in the season. The park’s castle, Matsumae Castle, adds to the scenic beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Goryokaku Tower: The star-shaped fort is surrounded by more than 1,600 cherry trees. When they are in full bloom, the fort looks like it’s floating on a sea of pink.
Moerenuma Park: Designed by the renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, this park features about 2,300 cherry trees. The park’s modern art sculptures provide a unique backdrop to the cherry blossoms.
Significance of Cherry Blossom (Sakura) in Japan
We all know that the cherry blossom has a very important place in Japanese culture, so what is its symbolic meaning?
The tradition of Hanami, which translates to flower viewing, is a cherished practice in Japan with a history that traces back to the Nara period (710-794), when the Japanese imperial court adopted various customs from China, including the cultivation and appreciation of plum trees.
Plum blossoms were particularly cherished by the nobility for their beauty and symbolism, often depicted in art, poetry, and literature as a symbol of elegance, purity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Over time, the practice of Hanami expanded beyond the aristocracy to include the general population
However, as the tradition evolved, the allure of Sakura, the cherry blossoms, began to captivate the hearts of the Japanese people. By the Heian Period (794–1185), cherry blossoms gradually became associated with the samurai class, and the practice of Hanami had become almost exclusively linked with cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms are seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral beauty of living, primarily because they bloom briefly. This transience is a reflection of the Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept of ‘mono no aware’, which is the poignant awareness of the impermanence of things.
Whether through poems, songs, or personal reflection, the falling petals of the Sakura serve as a reminder that life is short and must be savored.
In contemporary times, Hanami continues to be a time when friends and families gather to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms. But it’s not just about food and drink. It’s also a time for reflection on the fleeting beauty of nature and life, as mirrored in the cherry blossoms.
The timing of Hanami is also significant as it marks a season of transition, with students beginning their new school year, and recent graduates transitioning to careers.
Tips for Sakura Viewing in Japan
💮Avoid weekends and national holidays to escape crowds. Early mornings offer serene views. Arrive early to popular cherry blossom viewing spots to secure a prime viewing spot and avoid crowds.
💮Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on Japan’s extensive rail network, allowing you to explore multiple destinations conveniently.
💮Bring along a picnic blanket and some snacks to enjoy a Hanami picnic beneath the cherry trees.
💮Be respectful of the cherry blossoms and the natural environment. Avoid picking the blossoms or causing any damage to the trees.
💮Consider joining a guided cherry blossom tour for insider tips and local insights into the best viewing spots and cultural experiences.
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