Last updated: April 2026
Seasonal Guide
Cherry Blossom Season
Japan's most celebrated natural spectacle. From late January in Okinawa to mid-May in Hokkaido, the sakura front sweeps north — transforming parks, riverbanks, and castle grounds into tunnels of pink and white.
Live Sakura Status
Updated May 24Tokyo Imperial Palace
Fresh green foliage
Tokyo Tower
Fresh green foliage
Itsukushima Shrine
Fresh green foliage
Horyu-ji Temple
Fresh green foliage
Aokigahara
Greenery: Peak
Nikko Tosho-gu
Fresh green foliage
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?
The sakura front typically begins in southern Kyushu in late March and reaches northern Hokkaido by mid-May. Peak bloom (mankai) lasts about one week at each location.
Okinawa & Kyushu
Late Jan — Late Mar
Earliest blooms. Okinawa sees kanhizakura (bell-shaped cherry) from January.
Kansai & Shikoku
Late Mar — Mid Apr
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara. The classic hanami experience with temples and castles.
Kanto & Chubu
Late Mar — Mid Apr
Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area. Ueno Park and Meguro River are iconic.
Tohoku & Hokkaido
Mid Apr — Mid May
Late bloomers. Hirosaki Castle and Goryokaku Fort offer quieter hanami.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots
We've identified 165 destinations with notable cherry blossom highlights across Japan.
Less Crowded Alternatives
Prefer a quieter hanami experience? These spots offer beautiful cherry blossoms without the crowds.
Hanami Tips
Make the most of cherry blossom season with these insider tips from our Japan specialists.
Arrive Early for Prime Spots
Popular parks like Ueno and Maruyama fill up by mid-morning on weekends. For the best hanami picnic spots, arrive before 9 AM. Weekday visits are significantly less crowded.
Don’t Miss Yozakura (Night Viewing)
Many parks and temples install lanterns for nighttime cherry blossom illuminations. Meguro River in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Hirosaki Castle in Aomori are particularly spectacular after dark.
Check the Forecast, Not Just the Date
Bloom timing varies by 1-2 weeks each year depending on winter temperatures. Follow the official sakura forecast (sakura-zensen) from the Japan Meteorological Corporation for the most accurate predictions.
Bring a Blue Tarp and Convenience Store Bento
The classic hanami setup: a blue vinyl sheet (available at any 100-yen shop), convenience store bento boxes, and canned drinks. Many locals also bring portable speakers and card games.
Seasonal Reads
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