Here’s when and where to see Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom this spring

These nine cities offer a fairytale-like experience of cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

Perhaps it is the beauty of the delicate pink petals that create a lovely picture against the bright blue skies, or how it becomes the first sign of spring after a cold winter. Perhaps it is also in how they create the perfect photo-op station when they are all lined up in a park.

There are many reasons why we all love Japan’s cherry blossoms or sakura, but there’s certainly one thing we can all agree on—seeing them, especially up close, feels like pure romance. That is why if you’re planning to tick off “sakura viewing” or “hanami” on your bucket list this year, start getting your Japan visas ready, as the official cherry blossom forecast for 2025 is finally here.

The forecast, issued by the Japan Meteorological Corporation on Jan. 9, states that the country’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom around the average time nationwide this year. It forecasts that the flowers will blossom first in the prefectures of Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kochi around March 22. This will be followed by Tokyo, which is expected to see the flowering of cherry blossoms on March 24, as well as Kyoto on March 27.

The cherry blossom front will head up into Kanazawa and Sendai in early April and reach the southern tip of Hokkaido at the end of the month. Meanwhile, those who want to celebrate hanami but can’t fly to Japan in March or April should head to Sapporo instead, where the flowers are predicted to start blossoming on May 1.

Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast for 2025. Photo from Japan Meteorological Corporation

And when you’re traveling to see the highly coveted flowers, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Not only because accommodations and viewing spots book up quickly during this peak travel season, but more so because the flowering period of cherry blossoms is relatively short. They only last for seven to 10 days or a maximum of two weeks, depending on weather conditions such as wind, rain, and high temperatures that could cause their delicate petals to fall off prematurely.

In Japan, the flowers’ short lifespan is a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. So, start writing down your itineraries and bookmark this page, as The POST has listed down when and where you should go for a magical cherry blossom experience this year, based on Japan Meteorological Corporation’s latest forecast.

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Fukuoka

One of the earliest cities to bloom, Fukuoka is welcoming spring with the flowering of its cherry blossoms on March 22. To make the most of your travel, set your trip to March 31 instead, when the flowers are in full bloom.

Among tourists’ favorite spots for hanami is the Fukuoka Castle, which features a magical fusion of history and nature with the blossoming of its cherry blossom trees. The famous tourist spot also holds cherry blossom festivals that feature various activities, illuminations, local cuisine, and traditional performances.

Besides the castle, you can enjoy more of Fukuoka’s cherry blossoms at the Maizuru Park, which is home to Fukuoka Castle ruins, as well as the Nishi Park, which offers a picture-postcard view of sakura trees blossoming along the Hirose River.

Tokyo

Witness the bustling city of Tokyo transform into a vibrant pink landscape when its cherry blossom trees start to flower on March 24 and when they reach full bloom on March 31. The flowers are set to add a fairytale charm to its popular tourist destinations, such as the Ueno Park which has approximately 1,200 cherry blossom trees. The garden becomes even more enchanting in the evening when bonbori lanterns illuminate its rows of dainty pink trees.

If you prefer a more tranquil setting, take a stroll at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden which offers a stunning display of around 1,000 cherry blossom trees. There’s also the Rikugien Gardens and Yoyogi Park that draw in crowds for their sweeping cherry trees during spring. 

Meanwhile, the 800 cherry blossom trees at the Meguro River are sure to bring magic as you dine or drink in nearby cafes and restaurants at the park. For a more fairytale-like experience, head to the Chidorigafuchi Park, where you can marvel at illuminated cherry blossoms from a boat traversing along Tokyo’s waters during nighttime.

Nagoya

Like Tokyo, Nagoya’s cherry blossoms are set to enchant tourists and locals alike starting March 24. The flowers are predicted to reach full bloom a little later than Tokyo’s, on April 3.

Popular viewing spots like the Tsuruma Park offer a romantic hanami experience, with the trees being illuminated at night. Another must-visit attraction is the Nagoya Castle, whose grandeur is complemented by approximately 1,000 cherry trees that are lit up during the castle’s annual spring festival from late March to early April of every year.

Hiroshima

Sakura is bringing vibrancy to the peaceful prefecture of Hiroshima, when its flowers start to bloom on March 24 and reach their peak on April 3. Visit the Hijiyama Park, which has 1,300 cherry trees adding more beauty to its panoramic city views. The park is a popular location for evening cherry blossom viewing, with guests having picnics along its winding paths.

You can also chase Japan’s lovely cherry blossoms in the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, as well as the Shukkeien Garden, which offers an enchanting view of sakura trees reflected on its tranquil ponds.

Kyoto

Cherry blossoms will transform the ancient city of Kyoto into a land of timeless beauty when the flowers start to bloom on March 27 and peak on April 4. Yoshimine-dera Temple offers breathtaking views of sweeping cherry blossoms, with the western mountains of Kyoto as the backdrop. There’s also the Philosopher’s Path, where you can take a picturesque stroll along a 2-kilometer cobblestone walkway adorned with around 450 cherry blossom trees.  

For a poetic cherry blossom viewing, head to Maruyama Park, where massive cherry trees are illuminated at night. And, of course, what’s a visit to Kyoto without experiencing its temples? Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a veranda famous for offering a majestic view of 1,000 cherry blossom trees over a sea of clouds and Kyoto’s cityscape. 

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Osaka

Japan’s brightest and tastiest city is also one of the best places to enjoy the elegant cherry blossoms of the country. Expect to see trees that are beginning to bloom on March 27 and reach their peak on April 3

Osaka Castle is a famous hanami site, as the historic castle is surrounded by 3,000 cherry blossom trees. For a riverside experience, head to the Kema Sakuranomiya Park where you can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms on a boat ride along the Okawa River. Meanwhile, the Expo 70 Commemorative Park features over 5,000 cherry trees across the 264-hectare property. Tourists say the park is best enjoyed from the southeastern plazas.

Kanazawa

If you’re traveling in April, make sure to include Kanazawa in your itinerary as the city’s cherry blossoms will start flowering on April 2 and fully bloom on April 8. The charm of cherry blossoms blends perfectly with the historic city’s beauty, especially in Kenrokuen Garden, which is one of Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, with 420 cherry trees of twenty varieties that bloom during spring. 

After Kenrokuen Garden, enjoy a stroll along the Asanogawa River, where the delicate pink flowers line up the water’s edge, as well as the Ipponmatsu Park, which has 980 cherry blossom trees adding color to the area filled with Japanese cypresses and azaleas.

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Sendai

Known as the city of forests and lush surroundings, Sendai is set to welcome spring with vibrant colors through its cherry blossom trees that will start flowering on April 7 and fully bloom on April 13

Among the best places to enjoy the pink-filled season is in Mikamine Park, which has 750 cherry blossom trees of 48 types, as well as in Tsutsujigaoka Park that has been frequented by locals and tourists alike for its collection of 360 sakura trees. For a historical touch, visit the Sendai Castle Ruins which offers panoramic views of the city amidst cherry blossom trees. 

Sapporo

Those traveling in May can still get a stunning cherry blossom experience in Sapporo, where trees will start to flower on May 1 and fully bloom on May 5. Visit the Moerenuma Park, which features large sculptures surrounded by bright pink cherry blossoms. The Maruyama Park is the perfect spot for having a picnic under the trees, while the Hokkaido Shrine is where you’ll witness the stunning fusion of history and nature with the pink trees surrounding the historic site.

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Associate Editor

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