When and Where to See the Best Cherry Blossoms in Japan This Year
The 2025 cherry blossom season in Japan is set to be longer than usual, providing travelers with an extended opportunity to witness the breathtaking sakura bloom. According to the latest cherry blossom forecast by Weather News, Tokyo will be the first to see the sakura bloom on March 21, with full bloom expected by March 28. The blooming period will gradually move north, concluding in Hokkaido in early May.
This year’s forecast shows earlier blooming dates in most parts of Japan, except for the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions, where the cherry blossoms will bloom a few days later than last year. This timing difference means travelers can experience cherry blossoms for a longer period, starting in the southwest and moving up to the northeast.
Cherry Blossom Blooming Schedule Across Japan
🌸 Major Cities and Their Sakura Bloom Dates
📍 Tokyo – March 21 (Full Bloom: March 28)
📍 Osaka – March 26 (Full Bloom: April 3)
📍 Kyoto – March 28 (Full Bloom: April 3)
📍 Nagoya – March 24 (Full Bloom: April 3)
📍 Fukuoka – March 22 (Full Bloom: March 31)
📍 Sapporo – April 24 (Full Bloom: April 28)
With such wide-ranging bloom periods, visitors can plan their trips strategically to experience peak cherry blossom beauty.
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan (2025 Edition)
1️⃣ Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
📍 Ueno Park – Bloom: March 22
📍 Shinjuku Gyoen – Bloom: March 23
📍 Chidorigafuchi – Bloom: March 24
2️⃣ Kyoto’s Must-Visit Sakura Spots
📍 Arashiyama – Bloom: March 28
📍 Kiyomizu Temple – Bloom: March 29
📍 Maruyama Park – Bloom: March 30
3️⃣ Osaka’s Stunning Cherry Blossom Views
📍 Osaka Castle Park – Bloom: March 26
📍 Kema Sakuranomiya Park – Bloom: March 27
4️⃣ Other Iconic Cherry Blossom Destinations
📍 Hirosaki Park (Aomori) – Bloom: April 18
📍 Takato Castle Park (Nagano) – Bloom: April 4
📍 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – Bloom: March 26
Why the 2025 Sakura Season Will Last Longer
🔹 Earlier blooming in most of Japan – Most regions will see sakura appear a few days earlier than last year, extending the viewing period.
🔹 Later blooming in Tohoku and Hokkaido – The northern regions will experience cherry blossoms later than usual, adding extra weeks to the season.
🔹 Ideal weather conditions – A mild winter and stable spring temperatures contribute to a longer and more vibrant bloom period.
This extended timeline means travelers can chase cherry blossoms across Japan, starting in Tokyo and moving north over several weeks.
Best Time to Visit Japan for Cherry Blossom Viewing
For the best sakura experience in Japan, plan your visit based on these peak bloom periods:
🌸 March 20 – April 5 – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka
🌸 April 5 – April 20 – Sendai, Nagano, Hiroshima, Niigata
🌸 April 20 – May 10 – Aomori, Sapporo, Hakodate
Tips for Enjoying Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season
✔ Book hotels in advance – Cherry blossom season is one of Japan’s busiest travel periods. Secure accommodation early.
✔ Visit early in the morning – Popular viewing spots get crowded. Arriving early ensures a peaceful experience.
✔ Check live sakura reports – Websites and apps provide real-time cherry blossom updates, helping you plan your visits efficiently.
✔ Pack a picnic – Enjoy a traditional hanami (flower viewing picnic) under the blooming sakura.
Conclusion: A Longer and More Beautiful Cherry Blossom Season Awaits
With Japan’s cherry blossom season lasting longer in 2025, visitors have an excellent chance to witness the iconic pink blooms at different locations. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s parks, Kyoto’s temples, or Hokkaido’s scenic landscapes, the 2025 sakura forecast ensures an unforgettable hanami experience.
Plan your Japan cherry blossom trip now and enjoy the beauty of sakura across the country!
