Typically, cherry blossoms in Japan reach their peak season between the end of March and the beginning of April, which is considered the optimal time to witness the flowers’ bloom in renowned tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
As per the official forecast of the Japan Meteorological Corporation for 2023, cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloomed on March 14.
How long do the cherry blossoms last in Japan?
Cherry blossoms in Japan reach peak bloom roughly a week after they start opening. “Peak bloom” does not mean that the trees immediately shed their blossoms. You will still be able to enjoy them for about a two-week window.
However, if you’ve already booked your trip outside these dates, fear not! You can still enjoy Japan’s famous flowers.
Where to visit for early blossoms (January-February)
There are regions located south of Tokyo where cherry blossoms begin to bloom as early as January. Among them is Kawazu town, situated on the Izu Peninsula coast, which is about three hours away from Tokyo. Kawazu boasts a distinctive type of cherry tree called Kawazu-zakura, which blooms roughly a month earlier than the typical cherry blossoms.
Another such area is Atami City, which is approximately an hour and a half away from Tokyo. Here, Atami-zakura blooms alongside a serene stream, also blooming about a month earlier than the average Japanese cherry blossoms.
Where to visit for later blossoms (April-May)
In the colder areas of Northern Japan, cherry blossom season typically occurs later than in the rest of the country. For example, sakura in Sendai (northeastern Japan) is typically forecast to open at the end of March.
The last cherry blossoms in Japan to open are typically in Hokkaido at the end of April.