Worried about missing Japan’s magical cherry blossom season? Planning a trip without knowing exact bloom dates could mean arriving too early (bare trees) or too late (fallen petals). This comprehensive 2025 sakura forecast will help you experience this fleeting natural wonder at its peak, whether you’re heading to popular spots like Tokyo and Kyoto or seeking hidden gems across the country.
Japan Cherry Blossom 2025 Forecast
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s March 13, 2025 forecast, this year’s cherry blossom season will follow historical averages nationwide. Here’s when and where to see sakura throughout Japan:
2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast by Region
| City | Flowering | Full Bloom |
| Sapporo (Hokkaido) | April 27 | May 14 |
| Aomori (Tohoku) | April 20 | April 24 |
| Sendai (Tohoku) | April 6 | April 11 |
| Tokyo (Kanto-Koshin) | March 26 | April 2 |
| Nagano (Kanto-Koshin) | April 12 | April 17 |
| Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) (Kanto-Koshin) | April 14 | April 20 |
| Kanazawa (Hokuriku) | April 5 | April 11 |
| Nagoya (Tokai) | March 28 | April 5 |
| Kyoto (Kansai) | March 30 | April 7 |
| Osaka (Kansai) | March 30 | April 6 |
| Wakayama (Kansai) | March 29 | April 5 |
| Hiroshima (Chugoku) | March 29 | April 7 |
| Kochi (Shikoku) | March 26 | April 2 |
| Fukuoka (Kyushu) | March 27 | April 4 |
| Kagoshima (Kyushu) | March 27 | April 6 |
How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last?
Cherry blossoms typically remain in bloom for approximately two weeks from initial flowering to peak bloom. Plan your visit accordingly to maximize your viewing experience.
Where to See Early Cherry Blossoms (January-February)
Can’t wait until March? Visit these southern locations for early sakura:
- Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture): 58 Atami-zakura trees bloom along a stream in late January to early February, about 1.5 hours from Tokyo
- Kawazu (Izu Peninsula): 850 vibrant pink Kawazu-zakura flowers line a 4km stretch of the Kawazu River in late February to early March
- Miurakaigan (Kanagawa Prefecture): Offers picturesque cherry blossom viewing in mid-to-late February, approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo
Where to See Late Cherry Blossoms (April-May)
Missed the main season? Northern regions offer spectacular late-blooming opportunities:
- Tohoku Region: Sendai and surrounding areas bloom from late March through April
- Hokkaido: Japan’s final cherry blossoms appear in late April to early May
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan
Northern Japan: Hokkaido
- Moerenuma Park (Sapporo): Artistic park with sculptures and vibrant pink blossoms
- Goryokaku Tower and Fort (Hakodate): Star-shaped fort with 107m tower offering panoramic views
- Asahigaoka Park (Furano): One of Japan’s Hundred Views with 3,000 cherry trees and mountain vistas
- Mt. Tengu (Otaru): Mountain with illuminated cherry trees and views of the Sea of Japan
- Asahikawa Park: Features approximately 3,500 cherry trees with nighttime illumination
2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Major Tourist Destinations
| City | Flowering | Full Bloom |
| Tokyo | March 23 | March 31 |
| Mt. Fuji Area (Lake Kawaguchi) | April 14 | April 20 |
| Sapporo | April 27 | May 1 |
| Sendai | April 6 | April 11 |
| Kanazawa | April 5 | April 11 |
| Nagoya | March 28 | April 5 |
| Kyoto | March 30 | April 7 |
| Osaka | March 30 | April 6 |
| Hiroshima | March 29 | April 7 |
| Fukuoka | March 27 | April 4 |
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan by Region (2025)
Northeastern Japan: Tohoku Region
Hirosaki Park (Aomori)
- Features 49 hectares with approximately 2,600 cherry trees
- One of Japan’s most renowned sakura viewing destinations
- Best viewing time: Late April
Mt. Iwaki (Aomori)
- Boasts around 6,500 cherry trees along a 20km scenic road
- Sacred mountain offering spectacular natural scenery
- Best viewing time: Late April to early May
Kakunodate Bukeyashiki-dori (Akita)
- Famous for pink weeping cherry trees contrasting with black samurai residence fences
- Historic preserved samurai district with evening illuminations
- Best viewing time: Late April
Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima)
- 1,000-year-old weeping cherry tree designated as a National Treasure
- One of Japan’s Three Most Famous Cherry Blossom Trees
- Visitor path surrounds this magnificent natural monument
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Hitome Senbonzakura (Miyagi)
- Spectacular 8km stretch along the Shiroishi River
- Features cherry trees with snowy Zao Mountains as backdrop
- Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Tsutsujigaoka Park (Sendai)
- Home to over 360 diverse sakura trees with 300-year history
- Originally planted by Date Tsunamura of the Date Clan
- Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Eastern Japan: Kanto-Koshin Region
Meguro River (Tokyo)
- 3.8km stretch lined with approximately 800 cherry trees
- Riverside cafes and restaurants perfect for sakura dining
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Rikugien Gardens (Tokyo)
- Tranquil historic Japanese landscape garden designated as Special Place of Scenic Beauty
- Famous for graceful weeping cherry trees
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)
- Masterpiece of Japanese garden design featuring 1,000 cherry trees across 65 varieties
- Spectacular spring display in central Tokyo
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
- Houses approximately 1,200 cherry trees
- Attracts nearly 2 million visitors during sakura season
- Evening viewing enhanced by illuminated bonbori lanterns
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Yoyogi Park (Tokyo)
- One of Tokyo’s largest parks and prime hanami gathering spot
- Sprawling cherry blossoms perfect for picnics
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi)
- Cherry blossoms with stunning Mount Fuji backdrop
- Nearby Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) offers iconic views
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Central Japan: Hokuriku and Tokai Region
Nagoya Castle (Aichi/Nagoya)
- Surrounded by approximately 1,000 cherry trees of 10 varieties
- Annual Spring Festival features illuminated nighttime viewing
- Local Nagoya food and drinks available at Shachihokodo
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa/Kanazawa)
- One of Japan’s three most famous gardens
- Features around 420 cherry trees across 40 varieties
- Listed among Japan’s 100 Best Sakura Spots
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
- Japan’s oldest five-tiered, six-story castle
- Evening illumination along outer moat creates romantic atmosphere
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Shinshu Zenkoji Temple (Nagano)
- Historic temple established in 642
- Beautiful mixture of standard and weeping cherry blossoms
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Takato Castle Ruins Park (Nagano)
- Houses approximately 1,500 cherry trees
- Ranked among Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Ueda Castle Park (Nagano)
- 16th-century castle surrounded by over 1,000 cherry trees
- Stunning spring spectacle against historical backdrop
- Best viewing time: Mid-April
Mid-Western Japan: Kansai/Kinki Region
Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
- Features over 1,000 cherry trees around the iconic white castle
- Special boat tours available in moat beneath pink petals
- Cherry blossom festival during peak bloom
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Tō-ji Temple (Kyoto)
- Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda surrounded by 200 striking cherry trees
- Nearby Kyoto restaurants offer dining with blossom views
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto)
- Famous for late-blooming Omuro-zakura cherry trees
- Five-story pagoda creates perfect composition with blossoms
- Listed as one of Japan’s top 100 sakura locations
- Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kyoto)
- 11th-century temple renowned for lovely weeping cherry blossoms
- Nestled among Kyoto’s western mountains
- Best viewing time: Early April
Mount Yoshino (Nara)
- Features approximately 30,000 white wild cherry trees
- Trees spread across valleys and ridges for incredible display
- Best viewing time: Early to mid-April
Southwestern Japan: Chugoku and Shikoku Region
Matsuyama Castle (Ehime)
- One of Japan’s 12 surviving pre-Edo Period castles
- Historic grounds dotted with numerous cherry trees
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Hijiyama Park (Hiroshima)
- Famous for 1,300 cherry trees and sweeping city views
- Photo opportunities near Henry Moore’s Arch
- Family-friendly areas near the Manga Library
- Evening picnics along blossom-lined paths
- Best viewing time: Early April
Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima)
- Surrounded by approximately 350 cherry trees along grounds and moat
- Classic Japanese scenery with historical significance
- Best viewing time: Early April
Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa)
- Celebrated scenic garden with peaceful setting
- Paths and ponds framed by delicate cherry blossoms
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
West Japan: Kyushu Region
Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka)
- Historic castle ruins with spring cherry blossom festival
- Features illuminations, local food, and traditional performances
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)
- One of Japan’s most famous castles
- Wide grounds filled with cherry trees
- Perfect blend of spring beauty and historic architecture
- Best viewing time: Late March to early April
Cherry Blossom Culture in Japan
Why Cherry Blossom Season Matters
- Tradition dates back to 8th century
- Represents mono no aware (awareness of impermanence)
- Celebrates life’s fleeting beauty
- Blossoms typically last only 7-10 days
Cherry Blossom Festivals
- Numerous festivals throughout Japan during sakura season
- “Hanami” (flower viewing) tradition central to celebrations
- Festival timing varies by region (southwest to north)
- “Yozakura” (night viewing) features illuminated blossoms
Joining Hanami Events
- Essential items: waterproof tarp/picnic blanket, drinks, sakura-themed bentos
- Also bring: wet wipes, chopsticks, garbage bag, camera, warm layers
- Consider renting a kimono for daytime strolls and photos
- Everyone welcome to participate in this beloved tradition