Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast (2024) + The place to Go to

It’s NO exaggeration after I say that each Japanese and (nearly) each eager traveler on this planet retains an in depth watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast initially of yearly! In spite of everything, who wouldn’t wish to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each area within the nation is enveloped in shades of soppy pink and white?

RELATED READ:
– Japan Itinerary
– Tokyo Itinerary
– Japan Journey Guides

Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it could possibly final for two weeks if the climate is ideal or lower than 10 if the climate is ghastly).

As if that doesn’t make it elusive sufficient, it’s not all the time a assure which you could get to take pleasure in them at their peak — however then once more, don’t fret: the Japan cherry blossom forecast that’s out there these days is near correct in predicting the cherry blossoms’ first opening and full bloom.

…And as such, that is the place this publish is available in!

I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I acquired to take pleasure in the fantastic thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you simply get to take pleasure in it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map under, you would begin planning a profitable Japan cherry blossom journey as early as now.

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map

DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2024 and it’s based mostly on the forecast achieved by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take notice that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind power can speed up, delay, or shorten the forecast above — however you’ll be able to already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll hold this publish up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by once in a while!

Cherry blossom timber in Japan bloom in an upward path ranging from the island of Okinawa (someday in the course of January) after which ending at Hokkaido (across the finish of April or starting of Could).

So if you concentrate on it… offered that you simply’ve acquired the time and the cash, you’ll be able to completely take pleasure in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to take pleasure in the entire pink season!

However in fact — not everybody can do such a factor, so when you solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, under is an inventory of a few of the greatest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom Japan 2024 season!

Finest Cherry Blossom Spots

To higher streamline this part, I might be itemizing one of the best cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 large areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that every one complete to 47).

TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historic custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura timber. These days, the Japanese usually have a good time it by having an outside celebration or picnic below the timber throughout daytime or nighttime (referred to as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).

» Kantō Area (関東地方)

Cowl and prime picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Tokyo
(March 21 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

• Chidorigafuchi: That is one in all Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Citadel round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats out there for lease to higher benefit from the timber up shut! At evening, the timber are lit up and several other meals stands are discovered close by.
• Sumida Park: It is a nice recreation area on condition that the timber are lined up on the perimeters of the river with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree within the distance. Like Chidorigafuchi, there are boats you’ll be able to lease in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The timber are additionally lit up at evening.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in numerous varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take notice that alcohol is prohibited.
• Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in the case of the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the 1000’s of timber lining the road but additionally due to how the timber right here typically bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
• Meguro River: For a whole lot of meters, about 800 cherry blossom timber are lining this river. It’s not place for doing a picnic however it’s place for taking pictures, for positive!
• Yoyogi Park: Situated close to the procuring district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom timber in its neighborhood.

TIP: Uncover the fantastic thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure sights by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or when you come someday round April 14 to Could 27, you’ll be able to participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you’ll be able to witness a area of distinctive pink moss!

◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 30 – First Bloom // April 3 to 11 – Finest Viewing)

• Yokohama:
  • Sankeien Backyard: It is a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and several other historic buildings (thereby giving off a fantastic conventional look).
  • Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as one in all Japan’s “100 greatest cherry blossom spots” so it’s positively price visiting.
• Kamakura:
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You may get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry timber which might be numbering by a whole lot.

◘◘ Gunma
(March 22 – First Bloom // April 1 to eight – Finest Viewing)

• Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a novel “pink-on-pink” characteristic given the encompassing ‘pink moss’ within the fields which might be discovered simply beside the cherry blossom timber.

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» Kansai Area (関西地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Kyoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

• Tetsugaku No Michi: Dubbed because the “Thinker’s Path”, this runs beside a canal connecting Ginkakuji to Nanzenji and it’s lined by a whole lot of sakura timber.
• Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this standard public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its heart. Be sure that to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! When you’re there, you’ll be able to benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
• Heian Shrine: One more place to search out weeping cherry timber — however in additional numbers. Take notice that these weeping timber attain full bloom simply after a couple of days that the opposite regular cherry timber do.
• Arashiyama: Situated within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place shouldn’t be solely identified for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but additionally identified for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. An excellent spot would positively be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.

TIP: Trip the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s an effective way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the practice’s clear glass ceiling.

◘◘ Osaka
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Finest Viewing)

• Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has countless rows of sakura timber — apart from, they quantity at almost 5,000! You may take pleasure in such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going via the river.
• Osaka Citadel: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted because of the 4,000 sakura timber that encompass it. And if I’ll share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western facet of the citadel is nice for doing picnics because it offers nice scenic views of the tower.
• Expo 70 Commemorative Park: But once more, one other space with 1000’s of cherry blossom timber. At evening you’ll be able to take pleasure in it, much more, once they mild every thing up.

TIP: From Osaka, it’s also possible to do a day tour to Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Nara’s deer park to benefit from the sakura season!

◘◘ Nara
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)

• Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll certainly be overwhelmed by the 30,000~ cherry timber that encompass this mountain.
• Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom timber which might be planted right here! Be sure that to go southeast of Todaiji’s important corridor in order for you an enormous garden encircled by these pink timber.
• Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s mountaineering path is lined with cherry blossoms, and when you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get image of every thing with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.

◘◘ Hyogo
(March 24 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)

• Himeji Citadel: Proven within the picture above, that is the well-known world heritage website citadel that’s distinctive for its white facade! Surely, it is a good spot for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer citadel grounds is even free, so benefit from it while you’re within the space!)

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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 4 – Finest Viewing)

• Fuji 5 Lakes: When you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get a powerful sight of Mount Fuji with the encompassing cherry blossoms on the lake.
  • TIP: It’s essential to go to within the early mornings for one of the best visibility and lightweight.
• Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly through the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encompassing terrain (as you’ll be able to see from the picture above!).

TIP: You may simply go to Chureito Pagoda by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or when you come someday round April to June, you’ll be able to participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you’ll be able to witness a area of distinctive pink moss.

◘◘ Nagano
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 8 to 12 – Finest Viewing)

• Matsumoto Citadel: What higher method to seize and see one in all Japan’s most stunning unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the a whole lot of timber planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
• Takato Citadel Ruins Park: It’s included within the prime 3 greatest places for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Citadel and Yoshinoyama)! Plus, for the entire month of April, a pageant is held right here the place many stalls are arrange and illuminations are additionally all the time held each evening from sundown to 10:00 PM.

◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 28 – First Bloom // April 3 to eight – Finest Viewing)

• Kenrokuen: This has been referred to as as one in all Japan’s “3 most stunning panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has turn out to be a fantastic cherry blossom viewing spot.

◘◘ Aichi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 27 to 30 – Finest Viewing)

• Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is considered one in all Japan’s “100 greatest cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t overlook to cease right here while you’re in Nagoya.
• Nagoya Citadel: Certainly, you wouldn’t miss this citadel while you’re within the metropolis! Throughout spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom timber, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the citadel and alongside the moats.

TIP: From Nagoya, you’ll be able to go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Web site of Shirakawa-go to take pleasure in its picturesque conventional homes which might be amidst pink cherry timber. (You may also learn my journey information right here).

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» Chūgoku Area (中国地方)

◘◘ Hiroshima
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)

• Miyajima: That is the small island discovered exterior of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’d anticipate, this makes for a fantastic sight within the spring! To begin off the enjoyable, there are 1,300 sakura alongside the strolling trails resulting in the torii gate.
• Hiroshima Peace Park: There are roughly 300 cherry timber round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can be discovered (the latter commemorates those that died through the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).

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» Shikoku Area (四国)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Ehime
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)

• Matsuyama Citadel: (Pictured above). That is one in all Japan’s 12 “unique castles” and I assure you that the views from the citadel tower throughout spring is past outstanding! So when wanting on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t overlook to place this in your must-see checklist.

◘◘ Kagawa
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)

• Megijima Island: That is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and when you go to the mountain-top park of the island’s tallest peak, you’ll have unimaginable views of the cherry blossom timber and the ocean.

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» Kyūshū Area (九州)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)

• Nishi Park: (Pictured above). That is one other a type of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 greatest cherry blossom spots”. As a hillside park, you’ll revel within the 1000’s of sakura timber as you take pleasure in a picnic in its inexperienced areas. That is additionally the location of the Terumo Shrine which is the household shrine of Fukuoka’s former feudal lords.

◘◘ Kumamoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Finest Viewing)

• Kumamoto Citadel: As one in all Japan’s most spectacular castles, it actually has turn out to be one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. All around the terrain, there’s a hanging envelope of pink hues from the cherry timber.

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» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukushima
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 5 to 13 – Finest Viewing)

• Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply exterior central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the wonderful factor about this park is that you simply’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom timber in various hues of pink! Just be sure you seize a map from the knowledge sales space because it exhibits one of the best strolling trails and picture-taking spots.
• Shinobuyama Park: If you wish to bask your self in additional cherry tree views, head to this public park within the northern a part of town. Other than doing hanami, it’s also possible to benefit from the commentary decks that offer you picturesque views over Fukushima.

◘◘ Different prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early Could)

Under are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom Japan 2024 spots within the Tohoku area…

• Hirosaki Citadel: Because of the wealthy structure of this citadel, company can take pleasure in an abundance of cherry blossom timber, tunnels, moats, and varied picnic areas. One might even lease a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
• Kakunodate: This citadel city is completely well-known for its weeping cherry timber that adorn town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
• Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry timber — good on your Instagram pictures!

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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 25 – First Bloom // April 27 to Could 4 – Finest Viewing)

• Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the picture above). It is a star-shaped navy citadel inbuilt Hakodate in direction of the tip of the Edo Interval and it has since been was a public park that has over 1000’s of sakura timber planted alongside its moats!
• Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting nearly a whole month) given the big selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, it’s also possible to benefit from the Matsumae Citadel which is the one citadel on Hokkaido.
• Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other they usually entice a lot of guests yearly within the spring who take pleasure in holding hanami events in its open area. You wager that it’s an effective way to mingle with the locals!

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Japan Journey Information

» Finest Time to Go to

Any time and any season! Could it’s spring, summer season, autumn, or winter, Japan has a ton of locations and experiences that may fill your journey wants.

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» Getting in to Japan

By air. Narita (IATA: NRT) is Japan’s main worldwide airport and it’s situated almost 70km northeast of Tokyo. In an effort to get one of the best flight offers to this nation from nearly anyplace on the globe, I extremely recommend looking out via Skyscanner:

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» Visa for Japan

When you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted nations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (When you’re from the Philippines, you’ll be able to learn my information on the way to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)

Verify full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.

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» The place to Keep In Japan

To seek for one of the best lodge lodging in Japan at one of the best costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However when you’re quite eager about renting comfy homes or flats, it is best to search via AirBnB.

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» Japan Foreign money

Japanese yen (JPY / ¥) whereby ¥100 is the same as about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 45~ (that is as of March 2022). Within the occasion that you simply wish to trade your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT trade your cash on the airport because the charges there will not be aggressive.

• How one can greatest trade your foreign money? Both trade it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Tokyo’s metropolis heart. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, you should do one large withdrawal to attenuate charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, plenty of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of plenty of smaller outlets do not settle for worldwide bank cards.

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» Price of Journey in Japan

Lots of people have the misperception that Japan is an costly vacation spot; nevertheless, it’s completely attainable to journey on a price range! Simply take notice that lodging charges usually go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).

To provide you an concept, it is best to anticipate to journey in Japan with a median every day price of about USD $45~ per particular person on a price range, or a minimum of $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, accommodations, and extra. (Values under present low price range to medium price range ranges).

*FREE subway and bullet practice rides when you maintain a Japan Rail Move

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» How one can Get Round Central Japan

There are a number of practice passes out there in Japan that can aid you save on transportation prices, one of the best one being the Japan Rail Move or JR Move. And while you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’ll present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by practice).

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» Staying Linked in Japan

Japan has one of many quickest web connections on this planet so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Motels and most outlets (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however with a purpose to keep linked on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your personal pocket WiFi or a SIM Card.

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» Security in Japan

Japan is without doubt one of the most secure nations on this planet with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many occasions now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the evening — nevertheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “road good” by utilizing your widespread sense always.

Nonetheless, the Japanese persons are one of many kindest and most respectful individuals I’ve ever met, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret on this wonderful nation.

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» Useful Japanese Phrases

Japan could also be one of the crucial developed nations on this planet, however plenty of the locals don’t converse English. Nonetheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of other than the truth that there are plenty of translation apps that can aid you perceive and converse Japanese, plenty of the locals are additionally making the trouble to be taught and use the English language.

Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that can aid you alongside the best way! And even when you do encounter a Japanese who can converse English, it doesn’t harm to say a phrase or two of their language.

Hey: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thanks (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thanks (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thanks (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Sure: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long run): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (casual): Ja ne (Jahh neh)

Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Assist!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)

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