When will cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
We now know when to expect the cherry blossom season to start in Tokyo.
The Japan Weather Association have released the official “2025 Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast” for Japan and have determined when cherry blossoms should start to bloom across the country.
Tokyo transforms into a pastel dreamscape each spring as cherry blossoms, or sakura, paint the city in delicate hues of pink and white.
This fleeting spectacle is a deeply ingrained part of Japanese culture, and anticipating the first bloom is a national obsession.
So, when can you expect to witness this breathtaking display in Tokyo?
Predicting the precise timing of the cherry blossom season is a delicate science, relying on a combination of weather patterns, temperature fluctuations, and the specific variety of cherry trees.
Forecasters closely monitor these factors, releasing updated predictions as spring approaches. While exact dates vary from year to year, the season in Tokyo typically begins in late March and reaches its peak in early April.
The sakura season is notoriously short, often lasting only a week or two.
Tokyo boasts numerous stunning locations to enjoy the sakura in full bloom. Here are a few of the most popular spots:
- Ueno Park: One of Tokyo’s most famous parks, Ueno Park becomes a bustling hub during sakura season. Thousands of cherry trees line the paths, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms. It’s a popular spot for hanami parties, where people gather under the trees to enjoy food, drinks, and the company of friends and family.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This tranquil oasis offers a variety of garden styles, including a traditional Japanese garden, an English landscape garden, and a French formal garden. The diverse scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for the cherry blossoms.
- Chidorigafuchi: Located near the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi offers a picturesque setting for sakura viewing. Rent a rowboat and drift along the moat, surrounded by blooming cherry trees.
- Sumida River: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Sumida River, where you can admire the cherry blossoms lining the banks.
- Meguro River: This trendy neighborhood is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms that overhang the Meguro River, creating a stunning pink canopy.
According to the official forecast, Tokyo should expect to start seeing cherry blossoms from 22nd March onwards.
Other areas of the country will see the cherry blossom season start slightly earlier or later.
Cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming in Fukuoka and Kochi on March 20th.
It is expected to start in Nagoya on the 23rd, and Osaka on the 25th with southern Japan being in full bloom by the end of March.
In April, the front will move northwards and blossoms should start appearing in Sendai from 2nd April and in Aomori from the 16th.
The season starts in Hokkaido in late April with cherry blossoms expected in Sapporo from the 23rd.
As with any forecast, it may be subject to change and the Japan Weather Association plan to issue updated forecasts if required.