Every year, the cherry blossom forecast is one of the most anticipated updates for both locals and tourists eager to experience Japan’s breathtaking sakura season. Travelers from around the world plan their trips around this short-lived spectacle, making it essential to stay updated on when and where the cherry blossoms will bloom. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) releases regular forecasts to help visitors time their trips perfectly, ensuring they don’t miss the stunning pink and white blossoms that transform Japan’s landscapes.
For 2025, the JMC has released its 6th cherry blossom forecast, predicting the flowering and full bloom dates for Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry) trees across Japan. These dates provide valuable insights for planning hanami (cherry blossom viewing) trips, whether in iconic cities like Tokyo and Kyoto or lesser-known yet equally stunning locations.
Prediction per city
Here’s when you can expect peak cherry blossoms across major cities in Japan:
🌸 Sapporo – Flowering: April 28 (-3 days), Full Bloom: May 2 (-4 days)
🌸 Aomori – Flowering: April 21 (-1), Full Bloom: April 25 (-1)
🌸 Sendai – Flowering: April 8 (0), Full Bloom: April 13 (0)
🌸 Tokyo – Flowering: March 24 (0), Full Bloom: April 1 (+1)
🌸 Kanazawa – Flowering: April 5 (+2), Full Bloom: April 11 (+3)
🌸 Nagano – Flowering: April 13 (+2), Full Bloom: April 18 (+2)
🌸 Nagoya – Flowering: March 26 (+2), Full Bloom: April 5 (+3)
🌸 Kyoto – Flowering: March 29 (+3), Full Bloom: April 7 (+3)
🌸 Osaka – Flowering: March 29 (+2), Full Bloom: April 6 (+2)
🌸 Wakayama – Flowering: March 28 (+4), Full Bloom: April 5 (+2)
🌸 Hiroshima – Flowering: March 28 (+3), Full Bloom: April 7 (+4)
🌸 Kochi – Flowering: March 25 (+3), Full Bloom: April 2 (+3)
🌸 Fukuoka – Flowering: March 26 (+4), Full Bloom: April 4 (+4)
🌸 Kagoshima – Flowering: March 26 (0), Full Bloom: April 6 (+1)
🌸 Plan Your Hanami Trip!
With these dates, travelers can plan the perfect hanami (flower viewing) experience in Japan. Whether you’re strolling through Tokyo’s Ueno Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, or Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, this forecast will help you catch the sakura at their peak.
For real-time updates and the best cherry blossom viewing spots, consider using a cherry blossom tracking app to make the most of your trip. REad more about it here
Stay tuned for more updates on Japan’s cherry blossom season! 🌸
