It’s NO exaggeration once I say that each Japanese and (virtually) each eager traveler on the earth retains a detailed watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast firstly of yearly! After all, who wouldn’t wish to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each house within the nation is enveloped in shades of sentimental pink and white?
RELATED READ:
– Japan Itinerary
– Tokyo Itinerary
– Japan Travel Guides
Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it could actually 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 that you could get to get pleasure from them at their peak — however then once more, don’t fret: the Japan cherry blossom forecast that’s accessible 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 received to get pleasure from the great thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you just get to get pleasure from it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map under, you possibly can begin planning a profitable Japan cherry blossom journey as early as now.
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map
- DISCLAIMER: The above information is as of March 2023 and it’s based mostly on the forecast carried out by the Japan Meteorological Corporation. Take observe that sudden modifications in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay or shorten the forecast above — however you may already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Rest assured, I’ll hold this publish up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by every now and then!
Cherry blossom timber in Japan bloom in an upward course ranging from the island of Okinawa (someday in the midst of January) after which ending at Hokkaido (across the finish of April or starting of May).
So if you consider it… supplied that you just’ve received the time and the cash, you may completely bask in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!
But after all — not everybody can do such a factor, so should you solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, under is an inventory of among the finest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom season!
Best Cherry Blossom Spots
To higher streamline this part, I might be itemizing the very best cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 massive areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that each one complete to 47).
TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historical custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura timber. Nowadays, the Japanese sometimes rejoice it by having an out of doors get together or picnic beneath the timber throughout daytime or nighttime (referred to as as yozakura or “night time sakura“).
Come and take a look at this record of the high issues to do in Japan which options the very best actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!
» Kantō Region (関東地方)
Cover and high picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Tokyo
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Best Viewing)
- Chidorigafuchi: This is one among Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Castle round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats accessible for hire to raised benefit from the timber up shut! At night time, the timber are lit up and a number of other meals stands are discovered close by.
- Sumida Park: This is a superb recreation house 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 may hire in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The timber are additionally lit up at night time.
- Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in several varieties! Everyone is free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take observe that alcohol is prohibited.
- Ueno Park: This is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in terms of the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the hundreds of timber lining the road but in addition 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 bunch of meters, there are about 800 cherry blossom timber lining this river. It’s not place for doing a picnic however it’s place for taking images, for certain!
- Yoyogi Park: Located close to the buying district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom timber in its neighborhood.
TIP: Discover the great thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure points of interest by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or should you come someday round April 14 to May 27, you may participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Festival close to Mt. Fuji the place you may witness a area of distinctive pink moss!
◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 31 – First Bloom // April 4 to 12 – Best Viewing)
- Yokohama:
- Sankeien Garden: This is a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and a number of other historic buildings (thereby giving off an important conventional look).
- Mitsuike Koen (Park): Featuring 3 ponds, this park has been listed as one among Japan’s “100 best cherry blossom spots” so it’s undoubtedly value visiting.
- Kamakura:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You can get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry timber which can be numbering by a whole bunch.
◘◘ Gunma
(March 23 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Best Viewing)
- Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a singular “pink-on-pink” function given the encompassing ‘pink moss’ within the fields which can be discovered simply beside the cherry blossom timber.
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» Kansai Region (関西地方)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Kyoto
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Best Viewing)
- Tetsugaku No Michi: Dubbed because the “Philosopher’s Path”, this runs beside a canal connecting Ginkakuji to Nanzenji and it’s lined by a whole bunch of sakura timber.
- Maruyama Park: Found beside Yasaka Shrine is that this in style public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its middle. Make certain to catch it at night time when it’s lit up! While you’re there, you may benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
- Heian Shrine: Yet one other place to search out weeping cherry timber — however in additional numbers. Take observe that these weeping timber attain full bloom simply after a couple of days that the opposite regular cherry timber do.
- Arashiyama: Located within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place will not be solely recognized for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but in addition recognized for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. An superb spot would undoubtedly be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.
TIP: Ride the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s a good way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the practice’s clear glass ceiling.
Looking for different high sakura areas in Kyoto?
Check out this final information of Kyoto cherry blossom spots — from lesser-known areas to the preferred ones!
◘◘ Osaka
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Best Viewing)
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has limitless rows of sakura timber — apart from, they quantity at practically 5,000! You can get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by means of the river.
- Osaka Castle: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura timber that encompass it. And if I’ll share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western facet of the fort is nice for doing picnics because it provides nice scenic views of the tower.
- Expo 70 Commemorative Park: Yet once more, one other space with hundreds of cherry blossom timber. At night time you may get pleasure from it, much more, after they gentle all the things 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 26 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Best 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 can be planted right here! Make certain to go southeast of Todaiji’s primary corridor if you would like an enormous garden encircled by these pink timber.
- Wakakusayama: Found simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s mountain climbing path is lined with cherry blossoms, and should you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get image of all the things with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.
◘◘ Hyogo
(March 25 – First Bloom // April 1 to 10 – Best Viewing)
- Himeji Castle: Shown within the picture above, that is the well-known world heritage website fort that’s distinctive for its white facade! Without a doubt, it is a excellent spot for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer fort grounds is even free, so reap the benefits of it while you’re within the space!)
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» Chūbu Region (中部地方)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 5 – Best Viewing)
- Fuji Five Lakes: If 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: You should go to within the early mornings for the very best visibility and lightweight.
- Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly in the course of the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encompassing terrain (as you may see from the picture above!).
TIP: You can simply go to Chureito Pagoda by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or should you come someday round April to June, you may participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Festival close to Mt. Fuji the place you may witness a area of distinctive pink moss.
◘◘ Nagano
(April 3 – First Bloom // April 9 to 14 – Best Viewing)
- Matsumoto Castle: What higher option to seize and see one among Japan’s most stunning unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the a whole bunch of timber planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
- Takato Castle Ruins Park: It is included within the high 3 finest areas for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Castle and Yoshinoyama)! Plus, for the entire month of April, a competition is held right here the place many stalls are arrange and illuminations are additionally all the time held each night time from sundown to 10:00 PM.
◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 29 – First Bloom // April 5 to 10 – Best Viewing)
- Kenrokuen: This has been referred to as as one among Japan’s “3 most beautiful landscape gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has turn into an important cherry blossom viewing spot.
◘◘ Aichi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 1 – Best Viewing)
- Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of Four Seasons”) beside this river is considered one among Japan’s “100 best cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t neglect to cease right here while you’re in Nagoya.
- Nagoya Castle: Surely, you wouldn’t miss this fort while you’re within the metropolis! During spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom timber, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the fort and alongside the moats.
TIP: From Nagoya, you may go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which can be amidst pink cherry timber. (You also can learn my journey information right here).
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» Chūgoku Region (中国地方)
◘◘ Hiroshima
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Best Viewing)
- Miyajima: This is the small island discovered outdoors of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’ll anticipate, this makes for an important 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 in the course of the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).
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» Shikoku Region (四国)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Ehime
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Best Viewing)
- Matsuyama Castle: (Pictured above). This is one among Japan’s 12 “original castles” and I assure you that the views from the fort tower throughout spring is past exceptional! So when wanting on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t neglect to place this in your must-see record.
◘◘ Kagawa
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Best Viewing)
- Megijima Island: This is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and should 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 Region (九州)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 19 – First Bloom // March 27 to April 4 – Best Viewing)
- Nishi Park: (Pictured above). This is one other a kind of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 best cherry blossom spots”. As a hillside park, you’ll revel within the hundreds of sakura timber as you get pleasure from a picnic in its inexperienced areas. This can be the location of the Terumo Shrine which is the household shrine of Fukuoka’s former feudal lords.
◘◘ Kumamoto
(March 21 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Best Viewing)
- Kumamoto Castle: As one among Japan’s most spectacular castles, it actually has turn into one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. All over the terrain, there’s a hanging envelope of pink hues from the cherry timber.
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» Tōhoku Region (東北地方)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukushima
(April 5 – First Bloom // April 8 to 16 – Best Viewing)
- Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Just outdoors central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the superb factor about this park is that you just’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom timber in various hues of pink! Make certain that you just seize a map from the data sales space because it reveals the very best strolling trails and picture-taking spots.
- Shinobuyama Park: If you wish to bask your self with extra cherry tree views, head to this public park on the northern a part of town. Apart from doing hanami, it’s also possible to benefit from the commentary decks that provide you with picturesque views over Fukushima.
◘◘ Other prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early May)
Below are stated to be the highest 3 cherry blossom spots within the Tohoku area…
- Hirosaki Castle: Due to the wealthy structure of this fort, visitors can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom timber, tunnels, moats, and varied picnic areas. One may even hire a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
- Kakunodate: This fort city is totally 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 — excellent on your Instagram images!
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» Hokkaidō Region (北海道)
Photo by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 29 – First Bloom // May 1 to eight – Best Viewing)
- Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the picture above). This is a star-shaped navy citadel in-built Hakodate in direction of the tip of the Edo Period and it has since been become a public park that has over hundreds of sakura timber planted alongside its moats!
- Matsumae Park: It is known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting virtually a whole month) given the wide selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Nearby, it’s also possible to benefit from the Matsumae Castle which is the one fort on Hokkaido.
- Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other and so they entice numerous guests yearly within the spring who get pleasure from holding hanami events in its open house. You wager that it’s a good way to mingle with the locals!
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Japan Travel Guide
» Best Time to Visit
Any time and any season! May it’s spring, summer time, 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 practically 70km northeast of Tokyo. In order to get the very best flight offers to this nation from nearly wherever on the globe, I extremely recommend looking out by means of Skyscanner:
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» Visa for Japan
If you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (If you’re from the Philippines, you may learn my information on get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Check full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» Where to Stay In Japan
To seek for the very best lodge lodging in Japan at the very best costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Booking.com. But should you’re moderately all in favour of renting comfy homes or flats, it is best to search by means of AirBnB.
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» Japan Currency
Japanese yen (JPY / ¥) whereby ¥100 is the same as about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 45~ (that is as of March 2022). In the occasion that you just wish to trade your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you just do NOT trade your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there will not be aggressive.
- How to finest trade your forex? Either trade it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Tokyo’s metropolis middle. Better but, simply withdraw from an ATM together with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, it’s essential to do one massive withdrawal to reduce charges together with your financial institution. Speaking of playing cards, loads of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money readily available as a result of loads of smaller outlets do not settle for worldwide bank cards.
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» Cost of Travel in Japan
Lots of people have the misperception that Japan is an costly vacation spot; nevertheless, it’s completely doable to journey on a price range! Just take observe that lodging charges sometimes go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).
To provide you with 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, lodges, and extra. (Values under present low price range to medium price range ranges).
- Hotels: $25 to $120 USD / day
- Food: $12 to $30 USD / day
- Transport: US$1 per subway journey*
*FREE subway and bullet practice rides should you maintain a Japan Rail Pass
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» How to Get Around Central Japan
There are a number of practice passes accessible in Japan that may show you how to save on transportation prices, the very best one being the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass. And while you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’s going to present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automobile, by bus, and by practice).
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» Staying Connected in Japan
Japan has one of many quickest web connections on the earth so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Hotels and most outlets (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however as a way to keep related on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your personal pocket WiFi or a SIM Card.
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» Safety in Japan
Japan is likely one of the most secure international locations on the earth with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many instances now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the night time — nevertheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “street smart” by utilizing your frequent sense always.
Nevertheless, the Japanese individuals 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 superb nation.
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» Helpful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the crucial developed international locations on the earth, however loads of the locals don’t converse English. However, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of other than the truth that there are loads of translation apps that may show you how to perceive and converse Japanese, loads of the locals are additionally making the trouble to study and use the English language.
Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that may show you how to alongside the way in which! And even should you do encounter a Japanese who can converse English, it doesn’t harm to say a phrase or two of their language.
Hello: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thank you (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thank you (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thank you (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Yes: 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?)
Help!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)
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Overall
No matter if this might be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast publish has given you adequate information and tricks to begin planning your superb ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!
Let me know the way it goes for you. Enjoy!
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