JMA's 2026 bloom forecast. Best spots: Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, Hokkaido. Travel tips & timing for peak sakura season. Plan early!
Spring in Japan is a truly magical season, celebrated for its breathtaking floral beauty. Soft shades of pink and white sakura petals float through the air, framing historic castles, tranquil gardens, and riversides in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and romantic.
On January 8, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) shared its second cherry blossom forecast for the upcoming season. With this in mind, we've carefully selected some of the best locations for cherry blossom viewing to help you plan with confidence.
Resource: Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
1. Itinerary for Cherry Blossom
2. Top Destinations in Japan for Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto
Kyoto's cherry blossom season offers one of the most heart-warming travel experiences in Japan. The experience can be enjoyed by walking down the Philosopher's Path to Higashiyama Cherry Blossom spots such as Maruyama Park and Kiyomizu-dera.
After you can stroll through the mysterious Sagano Bamboo Grove and have a picnic along the banks of the Kamo River. For an unforgettable nighttime experience, visit Shinbashi-dori. The area is illuminated by lanterns that line the riverbank and the cherry trees, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Mt. Fuji
The Fuji Five Lakes and other regions around Mt. Fuji are also famous for their cherry blossoms, especially the Urui River and the Chureito Pagoda. Iyashi No Sato is an open-air museum and traditional craft village on the western shores of Lake Saiko. The main street is lined with weeping cherry trees and offers views of Mount Fuji as a background.
On the northwestern side of Oshino Hakkai, you can find the renowned Shibukusa Sengen Shrine. A popular destination for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. On clear days, you can be rewarded with a breathtaking scene as Mount Fuji gently rises in the background, perfectly framed by blooming cherry blossom trees.
Yoshino
The deer in this area are well-known among travellers, but not many foreigners are aware that the cherry blossoms in Yoshino are unparalleled in their beauty. A trail through small mountain villages and thousands of cherry blossoms will lead you to the top of Mt. Yoshino. The mountain is divided into four areas. The altitude and variety of breeds mean that as you ascend, the blossoms change appearance.
Himeji
Head to Himeji Castle to capture iconic images of cherry blossoms in Japan. In the castle, you can find over 1,000 cherry trees. During spring, the white facade of the castle is set against a backdrop of pink blossoms, creating the perfect setting for enjoying the flowers.
The castle's exterior offers unobstructed views of the blossoms, while a modest fee grants access to the inner grounds. This ticket also grants you access to explore the castle's interior.
Tokyo
Although it may not possess the natural beauty of Mt. Fuji or the historical grandeur of Kyoto, Tokyo nevertheless ranks highly on the list of many travelers. In Tokyo, you can easily enjoy the cherry blossoms either on the streets or in parks.
Popular areas such as Chidorigafuchi Moat and the Sumida River shores in Asakusa, as well as green spaces like Ueno Park and Koishikawa Koraku-en, offer great opportunities to view or picnic under the cherry blossoms.
Osaka
Osaka Castle features over 4,000 cherry trees, providing a picturesque and expansive location for you to enjoy. Nishinomaru Park near the castle offers a pleasant space for picnics along with its vast lawns and views of the castle tower.
The former site of the 1970 World Exhibition in Osaka has been transformed into a public park, boasting over 5,000 cherry trees along its walkways. Other recommended locations for you to consider include Kema Sakuranomiya Park, the Osaka Mint Bureau and Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park.
Hiroshima
The Island of Miyajima in Hiroshima is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing. This island is renowned for its iconic Torii gate and the deer that roam freely on the island.
The island boasts a variety of cherry trees, including the breed of Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, Shidare and Oshima zakura. You can overlook from higher spots to enjoy the splendid view of the Treasure Pagoda. It is surrounded by pink petals and the Great Torii Gate, which looks as if it were floating in the sea.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is renowned not only for its snow in winter but also for its cherry blossoms in spring. The star-shaped Goryokaku fort in Hakodate City offers a unique experience, where the scent of cherry blossoms and barbecue draws you in.
The park owns a star-shaped moat and observation tower, which is widely regarded as the most prominent cherry blossom viewing location in Hakodate. The park is a popular destination for friends and families at night. People gather under the illuminated trees and stroll along the lantern-lit paths, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
3. Travel Tips
Q1: Which month is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
A1: Japan's cherry blossoms begin to bloom in mid-March in Shikoku and Kyushu islands, as well as in Tokyo. By early April, the flowers reach full bloom in major tourist destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka and Kanazawa.
The optimal period for viewing cherry blossoms around Mt. Fuji and in the Tohoku region is mid-to-late April. The cherry blossom season in early May will reach Hokkaido Island in Japan's far north.
Q2: How long do cherry blossoms last in Japan?
A2: The entire life cycle of the cherry blossom takes approximately a month. However, the full bloom only lasts between one and two weeks, with the fullest and most gorgeous period of blooming sometimes just days in length. Weather conditions, including wind, rain and sudden cold snaps, can influence the duration of the sakura bloom.
Q3: Are there any special activities related to Cherry Blossoms?
A3: There are many activities related to cherry blossoms during the Japanese cherry blossom festival, and the following are some common cherry blossom-related activities: view Cherry Blossoms; light up cherry blossom lanterns; taste cherry blossom meals; hold the cherry blossom Matsuri.
Q4: When should I start to plan my trip?
A4: It is recommended to plan ahead and reserve tickets four months in advance to ensure availability. Cherry blossom is the most popular travel season for both domestic and international visitors. We advise you to book hotels and flights as soon as possible, as this is a peak season for travel around Japan, and prices may increase significantly as the date approaches.
We hope this guide has inspired you to plan a spring escape filled with beauty with your loved ones. Our team would be delighted to help you plan a truly unforgettable cherry blossom journey in Japan.
Should you need any assistance or wish to personalize your itinerary, please feel free to reach out to us on WeChat at Expatsholiday or drop us an email at [email protected].
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