When to visit Japan to see cherry blossoms

The cherry blossom (sakura) season in Japan sees an increasing number of visitors worldwide, as springtime in the country is closely associated with the blooming of sakura. However, experiencing this phenomenon requires thoughtful planning due to its short-lived nature, lasting just one to two weeks. When the sakura trees bloom is hard to predict, as weather conditions play a big role.

From south to north, according to statistics from the last decade, here are the most likely blossoming times. These times correspond to when the bud begins to bloom and when they're in full bloom.

Kagoshima (Kyushu): end of March/beginning of April

Nagasaki (Kyushu): late March/early April

Fukuoka (Kyushu): end of March

Takamatsu (Shikoku): late March/early April

Matsuyama (Shikoku): late March/early April

Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture): end of March/beginning of April

Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture): end of March/beginning of April

Osaka (Osaka Prefecture): late March/early April

Nara (Nara prefecture): beginning of April

Shizuoka (Shizuoka Prefecture): end of March

Nagoya (Aichi prefecture): end of March/beginning of April

Takayama (Gifu Prefecture): mid-April

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture): mid-April

Tokyo: late March/early April

Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture): mid-April

Niigata (Niigata Prefecture): mid-April

Aomori (Aomori Prefecture): late April/early May

Sapporo (Hokkaido): early May

It's important to note that spring is an incredibly popular time to travel to Japan. In order to secure accommodation and ensure a smooth travel experience, we recommend that you plan your trip well in advance, ideally 8-10 months ahead of time.

To learn more about cherry blossoms in Japan, have a look at our article:
Where and when to see cherry blossoms in Japan