Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Forecast for Japan 2024

Tokyo Direct Guide became 10 years old in 2023, so this is the 11th year of the Cherry Blossom Forecast!

Whenever there is an update on the forecast, I’ll tell you on my Facebook and X (former Twitter). Follow me to catch up with the latest forecast!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 25 January)

Tokyo: Start to open on 20 March / Reach peak on 29 March

Osaka: 22 March / 30 March

Kyoto: 23 March / 31 March

Nara: 26 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 21 March / 30 March

Fukuoka: 18 March / 28 March

Hiroshima: 20 March /31 March

Sendai: 4 April / 9 April

Sapporo: 25 April / 29 April

(Sourced from Weathermap)

According to the forecasters, the cherry blossom season will be 4 to 7 days earlier than average years in Japan in 2024.

From my point of view, it’s surprisingly early. Japanese people consider cherry blossoms as the symbol of April, not March. But now I wonder I may write it in the past tense someday because I’ve been saying “earlier than the average” on this blog almost every year… The forecasters, too.

Anyway, I’ll keep updating the latest forecast that will be released every Thursday. Beside the forecast, I hope to share my REAL feelings as well. Stay tuned!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 1 February) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 20 March / Reach peak on 29 March

Osaka: 23 March / 31 March

Kyoto: 24 March / 31 March

Nara: 25 March / 31 March

Nagoya: 21 March / 30 March

Fukuoka: 18 March / 28 March

Hiroshima: 20 March /31 March

Sendai: 3 April / 9 April

Sapporo: 26 April / 29 April

The forecast changed a little. Personally, reaching to the peak on 31 March is acceptable.

It’s a warm winter in Japan this year. The weather in March has a strong influence on cherry buds, so I wish it will not too warm next month!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 8 February) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 17 March / Reach peak on 28 March

Osaka: 22 March / 30 March

Kyoto: 21 March / 29 March

Nara: 23 March / 31 March

Nagoya: 19 March / 29 March

Fukuoka: 16 March / 27 March

Hiroshima: 17 March / 28 March

Sendai: 31 March / 5 April

Sapporo: 25 April / 28 April

I can imagine Sendai locals blacked out; cherry blossoms NEVER open in March in North Japan!

From my point of view, the cherry blossom season has been changing. Japanese people would consider cherry blossoms as the symbol of April, but I have seen many travelers saying that they were too late.

It’s true that cherry blossoms don’t last long. Also, Japanese people often whispered, “We see many illustrations of an entrance ceremony under cherry blossoms, but they are not very realistic.” (Typically, school entrance ceremonies are held on 6 – 8 April.) But now I’m wondering if I should say the best season is late March…

Anyway, if you have a flight ticket to Tokyo or a city in West Japan, I don’t think you’ll regret it so much. And always remember – if you are too early or late for the standard cherry blossoms, go to Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 15 February) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 17 March / Reach peak on 28 March

Osaka: 23 March / 1 April

Kyoto: 21 March / 30 March

Nara: 24 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 19 March / 29 March

Fukuoka: 18 March / 30 March

Hiroshima: 19 March / 30 March

Sendai: 28 March / 4 April

Sapporo: 24 April / 28 April

It’s so warm like April in Tokyo today… People are wondering what to ware. I put on a coat because it’s still February and found that I was terribly wrong later!

The warm winter has been lasting in Tokyo, but look at the forecast for West Japan. In my opinion, Osaka and Nara are the ideal cherry blossom schedule. So, if you think that you are too late, it may be a good idea to plan a trip to the west.

On the contrary, this year will be way too bad for North Japan! It’s unbelievably early… If you have a plan to go there for cherry blossoms, I advise you to stay in Tokyo and enjoy late kinds of cherry blossoms!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 22 February) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 17 March / Reach peak on 28 March

Osaka: 23 March / 1 April

Kyoto: 21 March / 30 March

Nara: 24 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 18 March / 29 March

Fukuoka: 19 March / 31 March

Hiroshima: 18 March / 29 March

Sendai: 27 March / 2 April

Sapporo: 25 April / 28 April

The weather is like a roller coaster in Tokyo this week. It was as warm as spring or early summer on Tuesday, but the temperature rapidly dropped. I’m writing this on Thursday and I’m shivering!

But I’m sure that spring is approaching. I saw the early kind of cherry blossoms in the park nearby!

So beautiful, aren’t they? The tree was not as big as the standard kinds, but I think the blossoms are beautiful enough. You may see them in a street, park, or somewhere now!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 29 February) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 17 March / Reach peak on 27 March

Osaka: 22 March / 31 March

Kyoto: 21 March / 29 March

Nara: 23 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 18 March / 29 March

Fukuoka: 18 March / 29 March

Hiroshima: 18 March / 29 March

Sendai: 27 March / 1 April

Sapporo: 26 April / 30 April

The forecasters say that the forecast didn’t change so much, but it got a little earlier than ever, didn’t it? The “a little” means a lot to us!

In fact, I have a delicious story related to cherry blossoms, but I was pretty busy to talk about it this week. I’ll show it to you in the next update!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 7 March)

Tokyo: Start to open on 18 March / Reach peak on 27 March

Osaka: 24 March / 1 April

Kyoto: 21 March / 29 March

Nara: 25 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 19 March / 30 March

Fukuoka: 19 March / 30 March

Hiroshima: 19 March / 29 March

Sendai: 27 March / 1 April

Sapporo: 27 April / 1 May

The forecasters say that the cherry blossom season will be 4 – 7 days earlier than average years.

As far as I see it, the forecast above is OK. Although it’s a little early in Tokyo, but not to the point to be annoying. If they reach peak on 27 March, I think they will last until 2 or 3 April. It’s so normal and many travelers won’t be too late.

By the way, I have a delicious story. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!

A sakura mochi is a traditional sweet made of rice and sweat bean filling. Amazingly, the leaf is a salty cherry leaf. All EATABLE. I can’t start spring without eating a sakura mochi. If you see some of them somewhere, I strongly advise you to have it!!

Read more >> Eatable Cherry Blossoms! – Sakura Mochi, the Traditional Japanese Confection

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 14 March) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 22 March / Reach peak on 31 March

Osaka: 25 March / 3 April

Kyoto: 24 March / 31 March

Nara: 27 March / 2 April

Nagoya: 21 March / 1 April

Fukuoka: 22 March / 2 April

Hiroshima: 21 March / 1 April

Sendai: 29 March / 2 April

Sapporo: 28 April / 1 May

The forecasters say that the temperature won’t rise so much in the coming weeks, so the forecast got later than the previous one.

From my point of view, this is an ideal cherry blossom season! No one will be too early nor too late. I wish this forecast will come true!

The cherry blossom season is approaching. I see weather forecasters on TV referring to cherry blossom viewing. I’m wondering where to go this year now. Happy White Day!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 21 March) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 25 March / Reach peak on 3 April

Osaka: 25 March / 2 April

Kyoto: 24 March / 30 March

Nara: 27 March / 1 April

Nagoya: 23 March / 1 April

Fukuoka: 23 March / 31 March

Hiroshima: 22 March / 31 March

Sendai: 29 March / 2 April

Sapporo: 27 April / 30 April

I thought spring was coming, but the reality became so different. It’s as cold as winter in Tokyo this week, so I had to wear the warmest closing in my closet again! That’s why the forecast for Tokyo changed dramatically. Cherry buds don’t open in this cold air.

What’s more, winds are so strong this week, too! They brought some additional coldness. I wanted to make my plans to go to see cherry blossoms, but I can’t imagine a warm spring in this weather now.

What I’m wishing now is that the winds blow now and leave before cherry blossoms flourish. Since ancient times, Japanese people have deplored that strong winds blow away beautiful cherry blossoms. But this year, they hit Tokyo early. They SHOULD leave soon. If my wish comes true, it will be a great year for cherry blossom viewing!!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 28 March) 

Tokyo: Start to open on 29 March / Reach peak on 5 April

Osaka: 29 March / 4 April

Kyoto: 29 March / 3 April

Nara: 29 March / 4 April

Nagoya: 28 March / 4 April

Fukuoka: 27 March / 5 April

Hiroshima: 25 March / 3 April

Sendai: 1 April / 5 April

Sapporo: 25 April / 29 April

I can’t believe that cherry blossoms haven’t opened yet on 28 March. If you are under cherry trees, you have some chances to find a few blossoms, but they are all at this moment. Not only big festivals like Ueno Park, many towns and local communities hold cherry blossom viewing in Japan, but some of them had to reschedule it! I planed a trip to a NEW place next weekend, but I’m not sure I can see what I expect…

People are waiting for Japan Meteorological Agency’s announcement that cherry blossoms started to open. I think it will come tomorrow. I’m waiting.

[NEWS FLASH] Cherry Blossoms Started to Open in Tokyo!

Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms started to open in Tokyo on 29 March!

It is 5 days later than average years and 15 days later than last year.

My Sakura Report on 31 March: Inokashira Park

I went to Inokashira Park, a large park neighboring to Ghibli Museum, to view cherry blossoms!

Mmm… not perfect yet. But I DID see cherry blossoms along the large pond.

Maybe some travelers think they were too early. But I think it’s too early to give up. Look at this.

When I entered Inokashira Park Zoo in the park, I was so amazed to see some cherry blossoms blooming fully!!

When to bloom highly depends on the individual tree. And I’m feeling that it’s particularly so this year.

When you find some perfect cherry trees, I assure you that they are more beautiful and stunning than my photos above.

It was a wonderful trip. I hope to write about this beautiful park soon!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 4 April) 

Tokyo: Started to open on 29 March / Reach peak on 4 April

Osaka: 30 March / 6 April

Kyoto: 29 March / 5 April

Nara: 31 March / 6 April

Nagoya: 28 March / 5 April

Fukuoka: 27 March / 2 April

Hiroshima: 25 March / 5 April

Sendai: 2 April / 7 April

Sapporo: 26 April / 29 April

[NEWS FLASH] Cherry Blossoms Reached Peak in Tokyo!

Japan Meteorological Agency announced that cherry blossoms reached peak in Tokyo on 4 April!

It is 4 days later than average years and 13 days later than last year.

My Sakura Report on 7 April: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku

I went to Yoyogi Park in Harajuku. Cherry blossoms were definitely at the peak there!!

It was a sunny Sunday. Moreover, cherry blossoms kept people in suspense for long this year, so it seemed that everyone jumped out of their houses!

Harajuku is an exciting place every day, but I was surprised to see many people like THIS!!

Although it was crowded, I was able to find enough space to enjoy cherry blossoms. They were so beautiful…

I still found some buds, so I think the beautiful days will last for some more days.

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 11 April)

Tokyo: Started to open on 29 March / Reached peak on 4 April

Osaka: 30 March / 6 April

Kyoto: 29 March / 5 April

Nara: 31 March / 8 April

Nagoya: 28 March / 7 April

Fukuoka: 27 March / 2 April

Hiroshima: 25 March / 5 April

Sendai: 2 April / 9 April

Sapporo: 23 April / 26 April

Cherry blossoms finally reached peak throughout Japan except Northern cities.

It rained this week, so some people say that the rain blew away some blossoms. But I think they are still beautiful enough. Honestly, it’s surprising to me that I can still see them fully blooming!

My Sakura Report on 17 April: a local street in Tokyo

The standard cherry blossoms (somei yoshino) have almost left in Tokyo.

Instead, the late kinds of cherry blossoms are blooming fully now! I saw them in a local street nearby and they were so beautiful!!

What’s interesting about late kinds of cherry blossoms is that there are many different kinds among them. For example, we can see two colors in one tree! Amazing, aren’t they?

I love to see them with fresh green leaves, too.

The season of the standard kind is late March to early April, and I felt the breezes of May from the late kinds.

I recommend Shinjuku Gyoen Garden best for late kinds of cherry blossoms. The beautiful season still lasts!

Cherry Blossom Forecast (Released on 18 April) [LATEST]

Tokyo: Started to open on 29 March / Reached peak on 4 April

Osaka: 30 March / 6 April

Kyoto: 29 March / 5 April

Nara: 31 March / 8 April

Nagoya: 28 March / 7 April

Fukuoka: 27 March / 2 April

Hiroshima: 25 March / 5 April

Sendai: 2 April / 9 April

Sapporo: 18 April / 26 April

Finally, the sakura front reached Sapporo, Hokkaido! According to the forecasters, it’s 13 days earlier than average years, so I’m sure that Sapporo locals are so surprised.

Top Places for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo

Asakusa (Sumida River)

Most travelers visit Asakusa, the iconic tourist spot in Tokyo. Good news is that Asakusa (Sumida Riverside) is a famous cherry blossom spot in Tokyo that has been loved by Tokyo locals for hundreds of years! Today, we can see beautiful cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree.

Perfect Guide of Asakusa Sumida River Cherry Blossom Festival

World’s Easiest Asakusa Sightseeing Guide

Ueno Park

Undoubtedly, Ueno Park is one of the best spots in Tokyo. It’s my favorite, too.

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

Perfect Guide to Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival IN THE EVENING

3 Reasons to Visit Ueno Park AFTER Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival

World’s Easiest Ueno Travel Guide

Imperial Palace (Chidorigafuchi)

I personally call Asakusa, Ueno Park and Imperial Palace “Big 3”. I’m thinking of visiting Imperial Palace this year.

Imperial Palace (Chidorigafuchi) Cherry Blossom Festival

Japanese Gardens

Talking about cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, I don’t think the Big 3 are the only beautiful place. There are some Japanese gardens that are originated from samurai mansions in Tokyo and I believe they are great for cherry blossom viewing.

In case you are too early or late for the peak(I see some travelers moaning that way every year), I always advise you to choose Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. It is the largest garden in Tokyo, so you can see early or late kinds of cherry blossoms.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The Huge Weeping Cherry Tree in Rikugien Garden

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Yoyogi Park, Harajuku

Other Popular Places

I’ve written some other places for cherry blossoms on this blog.

Guides, Reviews & Facts of Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival

Zojoji Temple & Tokyo Tower

Cherry Blossom Viewing at Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa