If you’re planning to visit Japan in spring, make sure to choose the most romantic time – when the sakura is blooming. In Japan, admiring the cherry blossoms is called “hanami”. The airy appearance of millions of pink flowers is associated with clouds. Cherry blossom is considered as Japan’s national symbol with festivals, picnics, tea ceremonies taking place all over the country.
For those looking for the best cherry blossom experience in Japan we recommend to check this guide; you’ll get all the details to plan your perfect trip, including Japanese sakura festival 2024 forecast with dates, places to visit, best day tours and other useful tips for first timers.
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan in 2024?
Depending on the region cherry blossom season may vary from late March to early May. The weather influence greatly and all forecasts are presented for information only. Japan Meteorological Corporation usually presents expected full bloom forecasts, so you can check the link to get more details.
There are ways to see sakura in Japan even in January and February. If you’re visiting Japan during this time, go ahead to Izu peninsula where you can find the following type of cherry tree, known as Kawazu. Atami sakura is another type of cherry tree that usually starts to bloom several months earlier.
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How Long Does Cherry Blossom Season Last in Japan?
On average it takes about two weeks from the beginning to the peak of the cherry blossom. But, as it was mentioned above, due to different climatic conditions you can enjoy it sakura in Japan for quite a long period of time by traveling to different parts of the country, for example on Okinawa island you can enjoy cherry blossom already in late January.
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
Below you can find cherry blossom forecast in different Japanese cities for 2024. Please note that this information is for reference, the actual dates of full bloom can differ depending on weather condition.
| Location | Start date | Full Blooming | Day Tour |
| Kyoto | March 23 | March 31 | Half-Day Walking Tour |
| Osaka | March 25 | April 1 | Day Tour from Osaka to Nara Park |
| Tokyo | March 22 | March 29 | Day tour to Mt Fuji and other places from Tokyo |
| Hiroshima | March 22 | April 1 | |
| Fukuoka | March 22 | March 31 | Cherry Blossom Walking Tour |
| Okinawa | late Jan | early Feb |
Places to Visit During Sakura Season in Japan
Cherry blossom festivals, known as “hanami” in Japanese, are celebrated throughout Japan during the springtime when the cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are in full bloom. These festivals typically include outdoor picnics, gatherings under cherry blossom trees, food stalls, performances, and various cultural events. Some of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Japan include:
Tokyo
- Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots, featuring over 1,000 cherry blossom trees. The festival usually includes food vendors, performances, and illuminations in the evening.
- Chidorigafuchi park is located near the Imperial Palace and is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms, especially when illuminated in the evenings.
- Sumida Park: Another famous area of the sakura festival in Tokyo. Along the banks of the river there are 600 lush sakura trees in bloom.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty. As the former imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is steeped in history and tradition, boasting countless temples, shrines, gardens, and palaces. During sakura season, Kyoto’s streets, parks, and historic sites are transformed into ethereal wonderlands as countless cherry trees burst into flower, painting the landscape with shades of pink and white.
- Maruyama Park Cherry Blossom Festival: Maruyama Park, located in the heart of Kyoto, is known for its massive weeping cherry tree and lively hanami parties.
- Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi): This scenic path along the canal is lined with cherry trees and is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
Osaka:
- Osaka Mint Bureau: It opens its gates to the public for one week during the cherry blossom season, allowing visitors to stroll along a path lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
- Osaka Castle Park is a popular spot for hanami during sakura season. The park is adorned with numerous cherry trees, creating a picturesque backdrop around the iconic Osaka Castle. Many visitors come here to enjoy hanami picnics and take photographs.
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: Located along the Okawa River, Kema Sakuranomiya Park is one of Osaka’s most scenic spots for cherry blossom viewing. The park features thousands of cherry trees lining the riverbank, offering stunning views during the blooming season. There are walking paths, boat cruises, and rental boats available for visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms from different perspectives.
Check our guide on best places to see cherry blossom in Osaka.
Hiroshima
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen): This park, located near the epicenter of the atomic bombing, is not only a place for reflection but also a beautiful spot for cherry blossom viewing.
- Shukkeien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located near Hiroshima Castle. The garden features a central pond surrounded by various trees, including sakura. Visitors can stroll along winding paths and admire cherry blossoms in a serene atmosphere.
- Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima-jō) is another popular hanami spot in the city. The castle grounds are adorned with cherry trees, and visitors can enjoy views of the blossoms against the backdrop of the castle’s historic architecture.
Fukuoka
- Maizuru Park, located near Fukuoka Castle, features over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom beautifully during spring.
- Nishi Park is another popular hanami spot in Fukuoka. The park is located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the Naka River. During cherry blossom season, the park’s cherry trees burst into bloom, creating a stunning sight.
- Ohori Park is located in the center of Fukuoka city. The park features a large pond surrounded by walking paths and greenery, including cherry trees. During cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy hanami along the shores of the pond.
How to behave?
Travelers planning to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival should remember the following rules of conduct:
- Do not pluck the flowering branches.
- In sakura gardens it is forbidden to burn fires, barbecues.
- It’s bad form to shake the tree to cause the petals to crumble.
- In some parks you cannot drink alcohol during the sakura festival.
- You can’t throw trash. Not every park has garbage cans; so it’s best to carry a bag with you.
Tips for Visitors
The bright sun sometimes misleads travelers going to the cherry blossom festival. Dressing too lightly will cause you to freeze. Remember that, after all, this period belongs to early spring, and therefore it is better to dress warmer. When it rains, it is better to stay indoors. When it rains, the petals fall off in huge quantities, and then it takes a long time to unhook them from your clothes.
