Japan’s cherry blossoms may bloom early in 2026. Here’s when and where to go

Book your flights and accommodations ahead of time—hanami season is expected to take over Japan earlier than usual.

People who are in love wth Japan would agree—any time is the right time to travel to the scenic country. But if you want to experience the best of its natural beauty, it’s best to fly during spring, when the country is at its most vibrant. Cherry blossom trees blanket the country, with their delicate pink petals creating a lovely picture against the bright blue sky, historic wooden temples, and towering skyscrapers.

Japan’s cherry blossom season offers mild weather, pleasant conditions, and a vibrant scenery unlike anywhere else. That is why it has been drawing more and more tourists to the country from March to April every year. In fact, it drew a record-breaking 3.1 million international tourists in March 2024 and surpassed it with approximately 3.5 million international tourists in March 2025.

If you’re planning to tick off “sakura viewing” or “hanami” on your 2026 bucket list, better start marking your calendars and booking your flight because flights, hotels, and trains quickly sell out—and at rapidly increasing prices too.

You can do it as early as now because the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has published its first cherry blossom forecast for 2026. In the report published on December 18, the specialized weather organization said that the trees are set to bloom earlier than normal.

Tokyo

If you’re planning to experience sakura’s charm blending with Japan’s bustling urban landscape, then head to Tokyo, where the trees will bloom first on March 19. For the best experience, wait another week to witness the flowers in full flourish on March 26. Head to less crowded spots, like the Asukayama Park, Yanaka Cemetery, Hamarikyu Gardens, or the Kanda River, for peaceful strolls away from overwhelming crowds.

Nagoya

Apart from Tokyo, the magical flowers will also bloom in Aichi Prefecture’s Nagoya on March 19, but will reach their peak only two days later, on March 28. For a quieter and more relaxing experience, try visiting less crowded spots like the Arakogawa Park, Togokusan Fruits Park, and Gojo River.

Fukuoka

From Tokyo and Nagoya, you can take a Shinkansen ride to Fukuoka, where the flowers will begin blooming on March 20. If you want to enjoy them in their beautiful pink glory, head to the city on March 29 and marvel at the stunning night illuminations at Maizuru Park or the bay views at the Nishi Park, and hop on a scenic bike ride at the spacious grounds of the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.

Kochi

Cherry blossoms are likewise taking over Kochi prefecture on the island of Shikoku on March 20. The flowers will reach their full bloom on March 27 and are best enjoyed with the night illuminations at the Kochi Castle, while taking a scenic boat ride on the Horikawa Canal, or relaxing in the serene atmosphere in Makino Botanical Garden.

Osaka and Kyoto

Following Fukuoka and Kochi, Japan’s sakura trees are set to bloom in the beloved prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto on March 24. The flowers will be in full bloom on March 31 and are best enjoyed in less crowded spots like the Daisen Park, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, and Katsuoji Temple in Osaka, as well as the Shinyo-do Temple, Kamo River, and Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

Sendai

Want to fly to Japan on April instead? Then book a flight to the northern cities, which JMC predicted to be filled with cherry blossoms that month. Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture will welcome sakura flowers by April 5, and will be in full bloom on April 10. Enjoy them best at public spaces like the Mikamine, Tsutsujigaoka, and Nishi Parks, as well as the Shiroishi Riverside, where people gather for a hanami festival complete with food stands and night illuminations.

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Aomori

While Aomori is famous for its vibrant summer Nebuta Festivals, expect it to be equally stunning during spring, with cherry blossoms bringing life to the city starting April 19. The flowers will be in full bloom just three days later, on April 22, and best captured in scenic spots like the Hirosaki Park with its historic castle and sakura tunnels, the Gappo Park for seaside views, and Azuma Park with its weeping cherries.

Sapporo

Known for its snowy winters and spectacular ice festivals, Sapporo is the place to be if you want to delight in the blooms while winding down to cool weather. This year, the city will witness sakura flowers much later on April 28, while they are expected to reach full bloom on May 1. For the picture-prefect experience, head to breathtaking spots like the Hokkaido Shrine, the Marayuma Park which also has plum blossoms, the Odori Park with its scattered trees, the Moerenuma Park with its large grove and the Nakahima Park that offers scenic boat rides.