Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Forecast for Japan 2019

Cherry blossom forecast 2019 started by Weathermap, a Japanese weather forecast company! This is the 6th year for Tokyo Direct Guide to translate & talk about it. Let’s count down to Japan’s most beautiful season with me!

First Forecast Released on January 24

(The forecast has been updated! Please go down for the latest information.)

Tokyo: Start to open on 23 March / Reach to peak on 30 March

Osaka: 26 March / 3 April

Kyoto: 26 March / 3 April

Nara: 27 March / 3 April

Nagoya: 25 March / 2 April

Hiroshima: 25 March / 2 April

Fukuoka: 22 March / 1 April

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

According to the first forecast, the sakura season 2019 will be relatively early, especially in Tokyo. Japanese locals consider that, if peak comes before April, it’s early. But it isn’t extremely early like last year, so I don’t think you’ll regret your flight ticket. You are relieved, aren’t you? I am, too!

The forecast changes from time to time. I’ll keep the first forecast written here and update the latest information in the following so that you can see how it changed.

Top Places for Sakura Viewing in Tokyo

The following articles are the top places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Every article contains practical guides as well as beautiful photos, so you can plan your trip perfectly!

Best of Bests in Tokyo

Ueno Park

Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival – Why You Shouldn’t Miss Shinobazu Pond!

My all-time favorite.

If you are visiting there in the evening, read Perfect Guide to Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival IN THE EVENING. If you are staying in Tokyo in early April, learn Buddha’s Birthday as well!

World’s Easiest Ueno Sightseeing Guide

Asakusa

Perfect Guide of Asakusa Sumida River Cherry Blossom Festival

Another favorite of mine. Loved by Tokyo locals for hundreds of years.

World’s Easiest Asakusa Sightseeing Guide

Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace (Chidorigafuchi) Cherry Blossom Festival

Definitely one of the most beautiful sakura spots in Japan.

Japanese Gardens & More

The Huge Weeping Cherry Tree in Rikugien Garden – Rikugien is a large Japanese garden originated from samurais’ mansion. Generally, weeping cherry blossoms bloom earlier than standard kinds.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden – One of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – Remember that Shinjuku Gyoen is the largest garden in Tokyo City. In case you are too early or late, go there and you’ll see some blossoms!

Yoyogi Park, Harajuku – It’s a place for picnicking beside the most popular street in Japan. Read Harajuku Sightseeing Guide as well!

Guides, Reviews & Facts of Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival – A NEW cherry blossom spot in Tokyo.

Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower – It may not be called a cherry blossom spot, but you’ll love the view of Tokyo Tower with cherry blossoms.

Forecast & Report in the Past Years

You came to my site to get some predictions when cherry blossoms bloom, didn’t you? I suppose you want some examples in the past years. I’ve written cherry blossom forecast for 6 year.

• 2018 – In fact, 2018 was heartbreaking for travelers because the peak came late March… I published an emergency update for travelers in tragedy.
• 2017 – The sakura season came average, but the forecasters failed to report in 2017. I wrote locals’ real voices.
• 2016 – An average year. I visited many places, took many photos and wrote many new articles in 2016.
• 2015 – Average or a little early.
• (2014) – The article of the first year is a little different. Honestly, I wasn’t used to blogging at that time – everyone has a history!

Just as I did in the past years, I’ll update THIS article whenever the forecast is updated. I’ll tell you any update on Facebook, so if you are new on my sites, follow me to catch up. Stay tuned to Tokyo-Direct-Guide.com!

Update on 7 February

Tokyo: Start to open on 23 March / Reach to peak on 30 March

Osaka: 26 March / 2 April

Kyoto: 25 March / 2 April

Nara: 26 March / 2 April

Nagoya: 23 March / 1 April

Hiroshima: 23 March / 1 April

Fukuoka: 19 March / 30 March

Sapporo: 30 April / 4 May

Who got relieved? The forecast did not change so much, especially for Tokyo. According to the forecasters, the sakura season won’t be extremely early because it is relatively warm this winter, which lets the buds sleep long. (…But it’s snowing outside at this moment! It’s February.)

I remember the tragedy of last year, so my only wish is that the best season is in the range of average. So actually, it’s me who got relieved to see their update.

Update on 21 February

Tokyo: Start to open on 23 March / Reach to peak on 30 March

Osaka: 25 March / 1 April

Kyoto: 23 March / 1 April

Nara: 24 March / 31 March

Nagoya: 21 March / 31 March

Hiroshima: 22 March / 31 March

Fukuoka: 17 March / 28 March

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

The forecast for Tokyo did not change at all, but it’s getting early and early in West Japan. I know it’s so scary for travelers…

According to the forecasters, even if it becomes warm in March, cherry buds will not hurry to open because of the deep sleep in the warm winter (Generally, they suddenly wake up to open if it was cold in winter.).

So as long as I trust the forecasters, I don’t need to be so scared. Anyway, it seems it won’t be as extreme as last year. I strongly wish this year will be in the range of average. From a local’s point of view, every flower is blooming early these years. I once write that it’s so rare that plum blossoms and nanohana flowers bloom at the same time, but it’s happening this year AGAIN! I don’t know what to say about this… Tokyo’s views and the nature may be changing from what we used to know.

Useful Links

6 Rare Photos! Plum (Ume) Blossoms AND Nanohana Flowers in Hamarikyu Garden, Japan – So this is what’s happening now again. But they are definitely BEAUTIFUL!!

Perfect Guide to Hamarikyu Garden – Spring Flowers, Matcha & Travel Information – Looking for travel information to go to Hamarikyu Garden? this will do!

Update on 28 February

Tokyo: Start to open on 22 March / Reach to peak on 30 March

Osaka: 25 March / 2 April

Kyoto: 23 March / 1 April

Nara: 25 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 21 March / 30 March

Hiroshima: 22 March / 31 March

Fukuoka: 17 March / 29 March

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

It’s good new that the peak became a little late in West Japan. I’m relieved to type “April” again!

The forecasters keep saying the season will be earlier than average, but it won’t be as extreme as last year.

I think I should doubt the “average”. Japanese locals like me consider that the sakura season is early if they reach to peak in March. But… since I started sakura forecast on Tokyo Direct Guide, I declared the peak in March almost every year, didn’t I?? Maybe it’s time for us to throw away our assumption. 30 March may be average today.

Update on 7 March

Tokyo: Start to open on 21 March / Reach to peak on 29 March

Osaka: 25 March / 3 April

Kyoto: 23 March / 2 April

Nara: 24 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 20 March / 30 March

Hiroshima: 23 March / 1 April

Fukuoka: 19 March / 31 March

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

This time, cherry trees in West Japan made us happy. I always said they were hurrying to open, hurrying to flourish and hurrying to leave almost every year, so it relieves me that they are walking to spring slowly. Especially, the forecast for Osaka and Kyoto is what I think is the sakura season.

On the other hand, cherry trees in Tokyo are hurrying up a little. Just a little. I don’t think the change is a big problem. The forecasters keep saying that the sakura season will not be extremely early like last year. I was scared to see the updated forecast after the heartbreaking experience of last year, but I feel fine now. Maybe it’s time to be excited!

Update on 15 March

Tokyo: Start to open on 21 March / Reach to peak on 29 March

Osaka: 25 March / 2 April

Kyoto: 24 March / 2 April

Nara: 24 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 21 March / 30 March

Hiroshima: 22 March / 1 April

Fukuoka: 20 March / 31 March

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

This time, the forecaster says, “the sakura season will be early, but not remarkably early like last year.” The change in connotation made my fear come back… But the forecast itself is very stable this year, so I can trust it.

Early spring is the season of pollen allergy as well as beautiful plum blossoms, so most locals wear a mask and glasses to prevent the tiny invisible enemies causing sneezes and runny nose. If you are traveling in Japan now and feel you’ve got a cold, it’s highly possible it’s just pollen allergy. Learn from locals’ behaviors. Masks are available at any convenience stores. Early spring is perfect if it’s without pollen. Have a nice trip!

Update on 21 March

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reach to peak on 30 March

Osaka: 26 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 24 March / 3 April

Nara: 24 March / 2 April

Nagoya: 21 March / 1 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 2 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 2 April

Sapporo: 29 April / 3 May

Everyone, the forecasters announced that cherry blossoms started to open in Tokyo on 21 March!!

Want to know the guideline? They do so when they find 5 blossoms open on the specific cherry tree in Yasukuni Shrine in Chidorigafuchi.

Actually, they went there yesterday, too. There were people expecting that they’d announce the beginning of spring. Surrounded by the audience, the forecasters stared at the tree AT THE FULL POWER, but they managed to find only TWO open blossoms… Can you imagine that scene?? It’s a little funny!

It was warm enough today, so the rest THREE blossoms (and more!) opened. Amazing, the forecast was exact this year.

It’s a moment of joy, but some of you with a flight ticket in April might be worried that you’ll be late. Straight to the point, don’t worry. At this moment, most buds are still buds except the 5 top runners. I haven’t seen any blossoms around me yet. The peak is forecast to start on 30 March (1 day later than the last update!) and will last for 7 – 10 days.

It seems 2019 will be an average year for cherry blossoms – I’m so relieved. I’ll tell you on Facebook and Twitter whenever the forecast & report get updated, so STAY TUNED!!

Updated on 28 March

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reach to peak on 27 March

Osaka: 27 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 27 March / 5 April

Nara: 26 March / 4 April

Nagoya: 22 March / 3 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 3 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 3 April

Sapporo: 30 April / 4 May

The forecasters announced that cherry blossoms reached peak in Tokyo on 27 March! Tokyo is the first city in Japan that welcomed the sakura season. On the other hand, cherry blossoms seem to be slowing down in other cities.

TV stations suddenly got excited on the previous evening that the peak would come soon. Honestly, I wasn’t ready at all! I prepared my camera at night and hurried to Ueno Park, which is a very convenient place in Tokyo and also my favorite sakura spot, on the next day.

As far as I see it, cherry blossoms are at 60 – 70% – a little early to say they are blooming fully.

I’ll upload pics as soon as possible. Please wait a moment!

Photo Album of Ueno Park (27 March)

Ueno Park is my all-time favorite. You’ll agree with me.

I especially love the views along the pond. You’ve come to my sites, so you NEVER return before going there.

I luckily saw some early kinds of cherry blossom, too! The vivid ones are the late kind.

When I come here, I feel spring has come. So beautiful…

Hopefully I’ll upload some more photos on Facebook. Stay tuned!!

TDG’s Articles about Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival

• Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival – Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Pond!
• A Perfect Guide to Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival IN THE EVENING
• Another Must-See in Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: Hana Matsuri, Buddha’s Birthday Festival
• 3 Reasons to Visit Ueno Park AFTER Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival
• World’s Easiest Ueno Travel Guide

Updated on 4 April

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reached to peak on 27 March

Osaka: 27 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 27 March / 5 April

Nara: 26 March / 6 April

Nagoya: 22 March / 4 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 3 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 29 March

Sapporo: 1 May / 5 May

The forecasters announced that cherry blossoms reached peak in Osaka and Nagoya today, and will in Kyoto and Nara soon!

In Tokyo, they are BLOOMING FULLY now!! I took many photos in Yoyogi Park, Harajuku. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!

I saw some petals started to fall little by little. As far as I see it, we can enjoy sakura viewing until this weekend. I think the sakura season will be leaving next week.

It was cold like winter this week, which helped us enjoy cherry blossoms longer than average years. The cold weather slowed them down to bloom and fall. It was rather lucky for us to spend a cold spring!

Among many cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park is known as a place for picnicking. People were having lunch under fully blooming cherry blossoms. If you wish to have a beautiful time like that, Yoyogi Park is the right place.

Hopefully I’ll upload some more photos on Facebook. Stay tuned!!

TDG’s Articles about Harajuku

• Tokyo’s Cherry Blossom Spot – Yoyogi Park, Harajuku
• World’s Easiest Guide of Harajuku

Updated on 15 April

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reached to peak on 27 March

Osaka: 27 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 27 March / 6 April

Nara: 26 March / 5 April

Nagoya: 22 March / 4 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 3 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 29 March

Sapporo: 26 April / 1 May

Have you enjoyed standard kinds of cherry blossoms well? They finally fell in Tokyo last weekend.

But it’s too early to get disappointed. Tokyo Direct Guide followers know that late kinds of cherry blossoms exist on the earth!

I went to Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden to check them out, and YES!!

They have started to bloom!

Late kinds have rounder shapes, more petals and more color variations than standard kinds. Some people say they like late kinds better. How about you?

And did you know that there are green cherry blossoms?

Although standard kinds of cherry blossoms left, a new sakura season has just begun. Japan’s most beautiful days last until early May.

TDD’s Articles about Late Kinds of Cherry Blossoms

• Cherry Blossoms for Travelers Visiting Japan Later than Standard Sakura – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is the very best place for late kinds of cherry blossoms.
• 3 Reasons to Visit Ueno Park AFTER Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival – Even if the festival ends, the sakura season has NOT ended.
• Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden in Hamamatsucho – This is the Japanese garden I took the photos. It’s a very good place to book a hotel as well.

Updated on 22 April

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reached to peak on 27 March

Osaka: 27 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 27 March / 6 April

Nara: 26 March / 5 April

Nagoya: 22 March / 4 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 3 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 29 March

Sapporo: 24 April / 29 April

Cherry blossoms just reached peak in North East Japan. In Hokkaido, it’s almost there.

In Tokyo, even late kinds of cherry blossoms are gradually leaving. They last much longer than the standard kinds, but I see some petals are falling in local streets. If you are traveling in Tokyo or other cities in East and West Japan, hurry up to catch them up! Remember – the best place in Tokyo is Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.

If you visit Japan for cherry blossoms now, Aomori (reached peak on 22 April) Iwate (22 April) and Akita (20 April) are right places to travel. I must say North East Japan is really FASCINATING to explore!

TDD’s Articles about North Japan

• A Trip to Hiraizumi: Heaven in Northern Japan – A beautiful World Heritage Site in Iwate Prefecture.
• A Guide to Aomori – 8 Things to See in Japan in 3000 B.C. – A super original culture existed there in ancient times.
• Perfect Guide of Aomori City, Japan – Have you seen “neputa (also, nebuta)” things on your Japan guidebook? This is the place.

Updated on 7 May – Last Update of 2019

Tokyo: Started to open on 21 March / Reached to peak on 27 March

Osaka: 27 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 27 March / 6 April

Nara: 26 March / 5 April

Nagoya: 22 March / 4 April

Hiroshima: 22 March / 3 April

Fukuoka: 21 March / 29 March

Sapporo: 24 April / 29 April

Cherry blossoms have left and a new season has begun in Tokyo. This is the last update of Cherry Blossom Forecast 2019.

According to Weathermap, cherry buds grew slowly because it was a warm winter, which let cherry buds keep sleeping. On the other hand, it was warm in late Februay to mid March, so they hurried up to open.

As far as I see it, cherry blossoms of this year lasted longer than average years. When the forecasters announced that they reached peak on 27 March, I had to prepare my camera immediately. But as I updated this article on 4 April (8 days later), cherry blossoms were still PERFECT! They are normally being falling in 8 days, so I was so impressed to see them still blooming fully!

What is remarkable is that the peak starts on 4, 5 or 6 April in many cities – I say this is the very classic cherry blossom season. Most school entrance ceremonies are held on 6 – 8 April in Japan, and people wish children would enter school under fully blooming cherry blossoms – it’s so picturesque, isn’t it? But the reality is not so tender to humans… If you’ve been following Tokyo Direct Guide for some years, you know that cherry blossoms reach peak before March ends these years, which means they’ve fallen when fresh students go to school! So I think the ideal sakura season came ture this year.

I’m looking back the sakura season now and I really feel that this year was a very good year for sakura viewing. After the travelers’ tragedy in 2018, I wish the coming years will be like 2019.

Thank you very much for following Cherry Blossom Forecast 2019 – Tokyo Direct Guide is a completely independent project without being affiliated by travel agencies and government’s tourism bureau, so it’s people who visit my sites and use the ads (like YOU!) who help me keep going.

See you in Cherry Blossom Forecast 2020 coming in January!

Keep in touch with Tokyo Direct Guide!

• Tokyo Direct Guide main site – World’s Easiest Travel Guide Site by a local blogger (it’s me!). Although cherry blossoms have left, some super exciting traditional festivals are scheduled in May. Never miss them!
• Facebook – Every time I update Cherry Blossom Forecast, I tell you on Facebook. Follow me to keep in touch!
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