Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan 2023: When is the Best Time to View Sakura

Viewing beautifully blooming cherry blossoms, which is also known as Hanami or Ohanami in Japan, has been a traditional entertaining custom for a long time. It is now one of the biggest reasons for many international tourists to visit Japan in spring, especially March and April. If you plan your spring trip to Japan, it is strongly recommended to check when you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom since the best season differs depending the place and the year.

Check out the 2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan to see when is the best season to view the perfect full bloom. In addition to basic information about Japanese cherry blossoms, which are also known as Sakura, we are also sharing the best places to see cherry blossoms in each of popular destinations in Japan such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido and so on.

Plan your perfect spring trip to Japan!

This article was updated with the latest information on March 23, 2023.

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This year’s cherry blossoms started blooming in Tokyo on March 14. The next bloom was observed in Yokohama on March 15, and in Nagoya and Kyoto on March 17. On March 19, flowering was confirmed in Osaka and Hiroshima. By the end of March, cherry blossoms will bloom widely from Kyushu Region to the southern Tohoku Region, and even in the northern Tohoku Region, such as Aomori, cherry blossoms will begin to bloom by mid-April. The bloom time for 2023 is the earliest ever seen for the entire country Some cherry blossoms in Tokyo fully blooms from March 22.

When is the Best Season to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan?

If you think you can see cherry blossoms in Japan for a few months in spring, it is wrong. The best season to enjoy Sakura in full bloom in each place is for about a week. And, a peak season is different from place to place. Cherry blossoms flourish earlier in temperate regions and later in cold climates.

For example, they start blooming from late March in the southern region Kyushu and reach full bloom about a week later. On the other hand, cherry blossoms in the northernmost prefecture Hokkaido are at their peak in early May.

To capture the Japanese spring flowers in perfect condition, check the latest forecast until just before your visit.

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023: Estimated Blooming and Full Bloom Dates in Japan

In 2023, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than normal in northern and eastern Japan. The forecast for western Japan is for normal or earlier-than-normal blooms.

Here are the estimated dates for blossom opening/full bloom at popular tourist destinations in Japan. The estimated information is based on Tenki.jp served by Japan Weather Association and ALiNK Internet, INC. (Updated: March 23, 2023).

Check out our cherry blossom forecast 2023 and don’t miss the best moment to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan! Hope you will enjoy the most beautiful moment in Japan!

***NOTE***

This forecast is subject to change due to unexpected temperature changes, rain and wind, which may effect on the cherry trees to quicken or delay their blooming time.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan in 2023

Most of the popular tourist destinations in Japan including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have lots of good spots to view beautiful Japanese cherries. Some Sakura spots are also featured by other iconic things such as rivers, mountains, a castle, illuminations, etc.

Here are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other areas in Japan this year!

Tokyo

There are numbers of amazing cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful spring scenery. Some places holds cherry blossoms festivals during the season with special events and delicious food and drinks. Also Yozakura (cherry blossom night viewing) is another great way to enjoy cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

Popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo tend to get very busy during the peak season, however, there are also ways to avoid big crowds and enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in more peaceful and private atmosphere. Some restaurants and cafes in Tokyo offers exclusive views of cherry blossoms from windows that can be appreciated while dining or sipping on a cup of coffee. Cherry blossom cruising is another great option which requires reservations in advance.

Top 5 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
-1st. Shinjuku Gyoen: Tokyo’s largest national garden with 1000 cherry blossom trees
-2nd. Meguro River: 800 cherry trees and a lot of Japanese food stalls are lined up along the river
-3rd. Chidorigafuchi: Cherry blossoms flourishing around moats of the former Edo Castle
-4th. Ueno Park: The most popular nature spots to view cherry blossom in Tokyo
-5th. Sumida Park: Viewing cherry blossoms and Tokyo Skytree on a river cruise

▽More places to see cherry blossom in Tokyo!▽

Around Tokyo

If you stay in Tokyo, you may want to take side trips to neighboring prefectures in Kanto Region. Kamakura, Yokohama, Nikko and other areas are becoming more popular among tourist from abroad. Check out which area to visit around Tokyo like these:

Odawara Castle, Kamakura, Yokohama, Mt.Akagi, Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival

▽More places to see cherry blossom around Tokyo!▽

Mt. Fuji area

Mt.Fuji, one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in Japan, is also a perfect place to enjoy cherry blossoms. People also visit the Mt.Fuji area in April for Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival. These are recommended Sakura spots around Mt.Fuji:

Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, Fuji Five Lakes, Oshino Hakkai, Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, Izu Highland

▽More places to see cherry blossom near Mt.Fuji!▽

Kyoto

The old capital Kyoto is one of the best cities to view cherry blossoms in Japan while it is also known for autumn leaves. There are a lot of historical areas including temples and shrines, whose scenery matches cherry blossoms well. You can see them in some popular tourist sites like Kiyomizudera Temple and Ninnaji Temple. In addition, Kyoto contains many hidden gems where beautiful cherry blossoms bloom.

Top 5 Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
-1st. Philosopher’s Walk: Picturesque stone-paved path lined by cherry blossoms
-2nd. Daigoji Temple: Historical temple with over 1,000 cherry trees
-3rd. Maruyama Park: Vast park with 680 cherry trees and light-up at night
-4th. Ninnaji Temple: Kyoto’s best late blooming cherry blossom spot
-5th. Heian Shrine: Shinto Shrine famous for weeping cherry blossoms

▽More places to see cherry blossom in Kyoto!▽

Osaka

Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan, boasts some symbolic places featuring cherry blossoms. There are 3,000 cherry trees in Osaka Castle Park, which forms the scenic castle with the pink flowers in spring.

▽More places to see cherry blossom in Osaka!▽

Kansai Region

Besides Osaka and Kyoto, Kansai Region consists of other attractive prefectures such as Nara and Shiga. They also have famous cherry blossom viewing places like these:

Nara (Yoshinoyama, Tanzan Shrine)
Shiga (Miho Museum)
Shikoku area (Mt.Shiude)

Nagano

For those who have a plan to stay in Central Japan, Nagano is a must-visit area to enjoy magnificent cherry blossom views with the Japan Alps. Chikuma River is also a unique location with 600 cherry trees in two rows stretching along the river bank.

Tohoku Region

In Tohoku Region, the northern part of Japan’s main island, you can enjoy late blooming cherry blossoms from mid-April if you miss out the peak time. Each of the prefectures in Tohoku is less known to foreign tourist yet but is worth visiting. Just check where to go in spring:

Hirosaki Castle, Kitakami Tenshochi, Shiroishi River, Takada Castle, Hanamiyama Park, Nicchu Railway Line Memorial Cycling Pedestrians’ Path

▽More places to see cherry blossom in Tohoku Region!▽

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a well-known tourist destination for snow and fresh seafood in winter and colorful flowers in summer. At the same time, it houses nice spots to see cherry blossoms, too. Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate is known for the unique view of the star-shapes fortress colored by the pink flowers.

▽More places to see cherry blossom in Hokkaido!▽

More Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

-Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan
-Best Onsen with Cherry Blossom Views
-Top Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
-Late Blooming Cherry Blossom Spots

If you want to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms all over Japan, traveling around the country by RV is one of the best ways to move. Check the best deal of camper van rental in Japan for you unique travel experience!

For more information about travelling in Japan in spring, please check out these articles listed below!

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