Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events. It marks the arrival of spring. The season unfolds between March and May, moving gradually from the south of Japan to the north. Japan's 2026 cherry blossom (sakura) season peaks around March 25-27 in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, lasting about 14 days. Here is a look at what you can expect.
The cherry blossom festival in Japan is a centuries-old tradition. It celebrates spring with people gathering under blooming sakura (cherry trees) for picnics, parties, and, at night, yozakura (illuminated viewing).
Running generally from March to May, it symbolises renewal and the fleeting beauty of life.
At the heart of the celebrations is hanami, a long-standing tradition that centres on coming together to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the blossoms. Families, friends and colleagues gather in parks for picnics, food and drink, while many remain into the evening to enjoy illuminated trees, a practice known as yozakura. Witness stunning landscapes, partake in hanami (picnic) parties, and see stunning nightly illuminations, with bloom predictions varying by region, beginning early in southern areas.
In 2026, cherry blossoms are expected to peak around March 25-27, a few days earlier than usual. However, timing varies by location and tree type: some bloom earlier or later, and higher altitudes can delay the season.
Tokyo’s sakura season arrived on March 19. If you’re planning a visit, try late March and the first week of April, when the trees are typically at their best.
First signs of bloom: March 19, recorded at Yasukuni Shrine
How long it lasts: Flowers can stick around into mid-April, depending on wind and rain
How it feels: You’ll see groups sitting under the trees with food and drinks, while some parks switch on lights after dark for a different view
Ueno Park: Tokyo’s most popular spot with over 1,000 trees, lively crowds, and food stalls.
Meguro River (Nakameguro): Iconic canal-side trees lined with lanterns, creating a stunning tunnel effect.
Shinjuku Gyoen: A quieter option with many varieties of sakura that bloom over a longer period.
Chidorigafuchi Moat: Located near the Imperial Palace, perfect for renting rowboats under the trees.
Sumida Park: Offers incredible views of blooming trees alongside the Tokyo Skytree.
Rikugien Garden: Famous for its stunning nighttime illumination of weeping cherry trees.
Osaka’s cherry blossom season follows close behind Tokyo, usually building towards full bloom around the turn of April. It’s a relaxed, sociable time to be in the city, with parks, riversides and even boat routes coming into their own.
First signs of bloom: Blossoms tend to appear from the third week of March
Peak timing: Around the end of March to the first few days of April
How it feels: Parks fill up with small groups eating, drinking and lingering; some areas stay open late with illuminated trees
Osaka Castle Park – Large, busy and hard to miss, with thousands of trees spread around the grounds
Kema Sakuranomiya Park – A long stretch by the river, good for a slower walk or picnic
Japan Mint – Known for its short “Sakura Passage” season with later-blooming varieties
Mount Yoshino – A bit further out, but famous for hillsides covered in blossom
Ogimachi Park – More central and casual, often with local events going on
Cherry blossom season in Fukuoka and Hiroshima lines up closely, usually running from late March into the first days of April. Fukuoka tends to get there first, with Hiroshima following soon after, so it’s quite easy to catch both in one trip if the timing works out.
Hanami: People often arrive early to mark out a spot with tarps, then spend hours eating, drinking and relaxing under the trees
Night viewing: Some parks switch on lights after dark, and the blossoms feel completely different once they’re lit up
Weather: Spring can be unpredictable—cool evenings, sudden rain, and bloom dates that shift slightly year to year
Best experience: Don’t stick to just one park; mix the busy main spots with quieter riversides or gardens
First signs of bloom: Fukuoka usually starts around mid-March, with Hiroshima just after
Peak timing: Fukuoka roughly 18–28 March, Hiroshima around 21–30 March, depending on the year
How it feels: Days are lively and social in the parks, while evenings are slower, with fewer people and a calmer atmosphere under soft lighting
Maizuru Park – The main gathering point, built around castle ruins and packed with cherry trees
Ohori Park – A wide, open park where blossoms sit right along the water
Nishi Park – Higher up, with city views and a quieter, more spread-out feel
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – A riverside area where cherry trees line walking paths through the city centre
Shukkeien Garden – A compact traditional garden with ponds, bridges and carefully placed blossoms
Hiroshima Castle – Castle grounds surrounded by trees, especially strong during peak bloom
Miyajima – A short trip out of the city where blossoms frame shrines, forest paths and the coastline
Kyoto’s cherry blossom season is one of the most atmospheric in Japan, usually peaking between late March and early April. The blend of temples, rivers and traditional streets gives it a very classic spring feel, though popular spots get very crowded.
First signs of bloom: You’ll start seeing early blossoms from mid-March, but it really begins to build after that
Peak timing: Usually the last week of March through the first few days of April
How it feels: Mornings can feel almost calm in places, but by late morning famous spots get crowded; evenings are softer, with some areas gently lit and people just sitting by the river or under trees
Philosopher’s Path – A slow canal walk where petals often float on the water
Maruyama Park – One of the main gathering spots, especially around the big weeping cherry tree at night
Arashiyama – Riverbanks, bridges and mountain views all in one area
Kiyomizu-dera – A hillside temple with wide views over a sea of blossoms
Shirakawa Canal – A quieter pocket with lanterns and traditional buildings
Kamo River – Easygoing riverside space where locals gather in small groups
Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season is the last to arrive in Japan, usually stretching from late April into mid-May. It feels cooler and quieter than the rest of the country, with flowers blooming gradually from south to north.
First signs of bloom: Late April in southern Hokkaido (Hakodate area)
Peak timing: Early May in Hakodate, moving to mid-May in Sapporo and central areas
How it feels: Less crowded than mainland Japan, with a slower pace and cooler air even during peak bloom
Goryokaku Fort – A star-shaped fortress surrounded by thousands of cherry trees, best seen from the observation tower
Matsumae Park – One of the island’s biggest sakura sites, with a huge variety of late-blooming trees
Hokkaido Shrine – A local favourite for hanami, often paired with nearby Maruyama Park
Noboribetsu Onsen – A hot spring town where cherry trees line the approach roads
Shizunai Nijukken Road – A long, straight cherry tree avenue stretching for several kilometres
Arrive Early: Popular spots get extremely crowded; go early for the best experience.
Pack a Picnic: Bring a plastic sheet (blanket), snacks, and drinks for a traditional picnic under the trees.
Try Seasonal Treats: Look for sakura-flavoured sweets, hanami dango (sweet rice dumplings), and bento boxes.
Night Viewing (Yozakura): Visit spots like Meguro River or Ueno Park after dark, when lanterns illuminate the blossoms.
Prepare for Changing Weather: Late March can still be chilly, so bring a jacket
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
It depends on the region. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Hiroshima usually peak from late March to early April, while Hokkaido blooms later, from late April to mid-May.
What is hanami?
Hanami is the tradition of picnicking under cherry blossom trees. Locals gather in parks with food, drinks and blankets to enjoy the flowers, often for hours.
What is yozakura?
Yozakura means “night cherry blossoms”. Selected parks and temples light up the trees after sunset, creating a softer, more atmospheric view.
Which city is best for cherry blossoms?
Kyoto is best for traditional scenery, Tokyo for variety and accessibility, Osaka for lively parks, and Hokkaido for fewer crowds and a later season.
Do I need to book hotels early?
Yes. Accommodation often sells out months in advance, especially in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka during peak bloom.
Can cherry blossom timing change?
Yes. Bloom dates shift slightly every year depending on winter temperatures and spring weather conditions.