Cherry Blossom Forecast in Japan 2025

Viewing beautifully blooming cherry blossoms, called 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 2025 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!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

What is Cherry Blossoms in Japan

As much as we love Japanese cherry blossoms, how well do we know about it? Here are facts and brief history about cherry blossoms in Japan.

Cherry blossoms have been a symbol of Japan and considered as the national flower for many centuries. Accordingly, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), the traditional way to celebrate cherry blossoms, started in Nara period (710-794) as people started to admire the flower, then during Heian period (794-1185), cherry blossoms attracted more attention and people produced many varieties by by selecting superior and mutant trees that were created through natural cross-breeding of wild cherry trees.

Since then, the Japanese’s obsession with those pretty pink flower kept growing and Hanami has become one of the biggest seasonal customs in Japan.

Hanami is not only about watching beautiful flowers blooming but also gathering with friends, families and colleagues, and having a good time together. Many Japanese enjoy a picnic under cherry blossoms with food and drinks as well as viewing flowers at night (“Yozakura” in Japanese).

You can read more about Hanami in Japan ▶ What is Hanami?

Types of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

There are considerably over 200 varieties of cherry trees existing in Japan. The most common one is called “Somei Yoshino”, which most of us would consider as Japanese cherry blossom that has pale pink petals. “Yaezakura” has thick bright pink petals and blooms few weeks later than Somei Yoshino.  “Shidarezakura” is a weeping cherry blossoms.

There are also some early blooming cherry trees including Kawazu Cherry Blossoms (Kawazu Zakura) which typically starts blooming in late winter around early February and can be enjoyed until early March.

Shibazakura (pink moss) is another popular spring flower, which is not exactly kind of cherry blossoms but often described as “lawn cherry blossoms” and blooms in April to May.

Check more varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan ▶ 10 Different Types of Cherry Blossoms in Japan

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

Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in Japan only for a couple of weeks in spring, especially in full bloom in each place is for about a week. The peak season of cherry blossoms is different from place to place as  cherry blossoms flourish earlier in temperate regions and later in cold climates.

Cherry blossoms in Japan typically 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.

It largely depends on the climate in each year, but the cherry blossoms generally begin to bloom in Tokyo from late March, and full bloom can be enjoyed until early April. In popular touristic cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, they also start around the same time. In Central Japan, they begin to bloom from early to mid-April. By late April, you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Tohoku, and in Hokkaido from early May.

As I mentioned earlier, the specific timing varies depending on the location and weather condition, so the best viewing time varies every year. To know more precise cherry blossom information, it’s recommended to check the forecast in February and March.

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025: Estimated Blooming and Full Bloom Dates in Japan

Let’s check the following cherry blossom forecast for the spring trip in 2025.

The first cherry blossom forecast for 2025 was released in early January. The estimated blooming time of cherry blossoms will be according to the temperature and the growth of cherry trees.

Due to the high temperatures from October to November this season, the cherry blossoms are expected to break of dormancy later than the average year nationwide. However, after the dormancy is broken, higher than normal temperatures are expected, which will allow the flower buds to grow and produce average-sized blooms. Cherry blossoms are expected to first start on 24 March in Tokyo, followed by the Kyushu, Shikoku and Tokai regions.

Here is the 2025 cherry blossom forecast map.

Here are the blooming dates for blossom opening/full bloom at popular tourist destinations in Japan from the past year. The estimated information is based on Japan Meteorological Corporation. (Updated: April 2025).

Check out our cherry blossom forecast 2025 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.

Want to go see Cherry Blossom in Japan? Buy your train ticket in advance!

During cherry blossom season, popular spots attracts both tourists and locals, and express and bullet trains operate with a reserved seat system, meaning they can quickly become fully booked. So make sure to book your tickets ahead of time to secure your seat.

▶︎Buy your train tickets here!

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan in 2025

Most of the popular tourist destinations in Japan including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto have lots of good spots to view beautiful Japanese cherries. At Some Sakura spots, you can admire cherry blossoms with other iconic landmarks such as rivers, mountains, Japanese castles, illuminations, etc.

▶ Best Place to View Cherry Blossoms in Japan

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:

▶ Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

▶ Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo

Kanto Region

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, Satte Gongendo Park, Miura Kaigan Cherry Blossom Festival

More places to see cherry blossom around Tokyo:

▶ Best Cherry Blossom Spots around Tokyo

▶ Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kanagawa

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: Best Cherry Blossom Spots around 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: Best Cherry Blossom Spots 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: Best Cherry Blossom Spots 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: Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tohoku

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: Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido

Kyushu Region

Cherry blossoms in the Kyushu region of Japan typically bloom from late March to early April, depending on the specific location and weather conditions. Kyushu, being the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, experiences a slightly earlier bloom than other regions like Tohoku or Hokkaido. The region offers many places to enjoy beautiful cherry blossom views, both in the city and in nature.

Check places to see cherry blossom in Kyushu: Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyushu

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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