Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami in Japanese, is a beloved tradition for locals and one of the most popular activities for visitors during a spring trip to Japan. With a wide variety of sakura species and different blooming periods across regions, we’ve put together this comprehensive cherry blossom viewing guide to help you plan the perfect hanami experience, including blooming forecasts, the best spots to enjoy the flowers, and more.
Why See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Japan, a country where the cherry blossom is a common sight from south to north, boasts one of the highest densities of sakura trees in the world. Whether in parks, mountains or along the streets, the ubiquitous pink blossoms offer easy sightseeing and countless opportunities to capture their delicate beauty.
Also thanks to the wide distribution, the flowering season spans from late January to May, giving you ample time and choices to enjoy the blossoms as you prefer.
What’s more, cherry blossom viewing in Japan is more than just admiring the flowers – it’s a cultural experience. The sakura festivals, complete with traditional performances and dances set against the backdrop of blooming trees, with the soft melodies of the past accompanying the falling petals, will immerse you in the emotional beauty and timeless spirit of the season.
When Is Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season 2026
Traditionally, Japan’s cherry blossom season runs from late March to early April, when the sakura trees across Honshu are in full bloom. For example, Tokyo comes alive with lively cherry blossom festivals, while Kyoto offers enchanting night-time illuminations to enjoy the beauty of the flowers under the stars.
Before the peak season, from late January to March, the subtropical islands of Okinawa and places such as Kawazu and Atami on the south coast of Tokyo display early cherry blossoms. For those traveling later, from mid-April to May, Hokkaido and Tohoku offer the chance to experience the later sakura season in the cooler northern regions.
Note: most of the sakura blossoms usually take about a week to reach full bloom, and also take about a week to wither, which means that there are still chances to capture those fancy blossoms after the full bloom date. Having no idea when and where to trace the pink spring colors? From the best spots to see to the late-blooming blossoms, feel free to contact Odynovo for your carefree Japan sakura trip planning.
Best Time to See Japan Cherry Blossoms 2026
Japan’s peak cherry blossom season is from late March to early April, and is widely regarded as the best time to see sakura in Japan. However, the exact flowering dates can vary from region to region. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the latest 2026 cherry blossom forecast to find the estimated bloom dates for each city.
| City | Flowering Date | Full Bloom |
| Sapporo | April 27 | May 1 |
| Aomori | April 20 | April 24 |
| Sendai | April 6 | April 11 |
| Nagano | April 12 | April 17 |
| Tokyo | March 23 | March 31 |
| Kyoto | March 29 | April 6 |
| Osaka | March 30 | April 6 |
| Hiroshima | March 29 | April 7 |
| Fukuoka | March 26 | April 4 |
| Okinawa | January 24 | February 17 |
Types of Cherry Blossom Trees in Japan
Japan is home to around 100 native cherry blossom species that grow naturally, the most common and iconic being the Someiyoshino (Yoshino Cherry). Here are some popular cherry tree varieties you may come across during your visit to Japan.
- Someiyoshino (Yoshino Cherry): This classic cherry blossom, with delicate five-petalled flowers in a pale pink (almost white) hue, is widely planted in parks, gardens and along roads, creating a beautiful canopy when in full bloom.
- Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry): A wild species found in mountainous areas, Yamazakura also has five pale pink petals but produces both leaves and flowers at the same time, making it visually distinct from Yoshino Cherry.
- Yaezakura (Double Cherry Blossom): Known for its abundant layers of petals, ranging from 10 to 100, Yaezakura flowers come in a variety of shades from deep to light pink and stay on the tree longer than other varieties, making it a highlight of the cherry blossom season.
- Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry): This variety resembles a willow tree with its cascading branches. Beloved for its poetic beauty, Shidarezakura creates long flowering tunnels and “blossom waterfalls”, providing a breathtaking experience for spring visitors.
Tips for Japan Cherry Blossom Trip Planning
Book in Advance
To make your sakura trip to Japan as smooth as possible, it’s highly recommended to plan ahead. Cherry blossom season draws both international and local tourists, so popular hotels and transportation options like the Shinkansen tend to book up well in advance. For visitors planning to stay in Kyoto, it’s best to reserve accommodations 8 to 9 months early.
Choose Your Ideal Time
Budget is another important factor when planning your cherry blossom trip. As this is one of Japan’s peak travel times, so hotel rates can surge to nearly triple the usual price.
If you’re looking to cut costs, consider visiting Japan’s early bloomers in February or the late blossoms in Hokkaido in May, when prices are typically lower.