It’s NO exaggeration once I say that each Japanese and (virtually) each eager traveler on this planet retains a detailed watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast in the beginning of yearly! In any case, 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 Journey Guides

Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it will 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 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 put up is available in!

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

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map

(For a Pinterest-sized model of this Japan cherry blossom forecast map, scroll to the underside of this put up)
  • DISCLAIMER: The above information is as of March 2023 and it’s primarily based on the forecast carried out by the Japan Meteorological Corporation. Take word that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay or shorten the forecast above — however you possibly can already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll preserve this put up up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by infrequently!

Cherry blossom bushes in Japan bloom in an upward path 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 Might).

So if you consider it… supplied that you simply’ve obtained the time and the cash, you possibly can completely bask in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!

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

Finest Cherry Blossom Spots

To raised streamline this part, I might be itemizing the most effective cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 large areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that each one whole 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 bushes. These days, the Japanese usually rejoice it by having an outside celebration or picnic below the bushes throughout daytime or nighttime (known as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).

Come and take a look at this listing of the top things to do in Japan which options the most effective actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!

» Kantō Area (関東地方)

Cowl and prime photograph by: Shutterstock

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

  • Chidorigafuchi: That is one among 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 accessible for hire to higher benefit from the bushes up shut! At evening, the bushes are lit up and a number of other meals stands are discovered close by.
  • Sumida Park: This can be a nice recreation house provided that the bushes are lined up on the edges of the river with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree within the distance. Like Chidorigafuchi, there are boats you possibly can hire in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The bushes are additionally lit up at evening.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in several varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take word that alcohol is prohibited.
  • Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in terms of the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the 1000’s of bushes lining the road but in addition due to how the bushes right here usually bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
  • Meguro River: For lots of of meters, there are about 800 cherry blossom bushes lining this river. It’s not place for doing a picnic however it’s place for taking photographs, for positive!
  • Yoyogi Park: Positioned close to the buying district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom bushes in its neighborhood.

TIP: Uncover the fantastic thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure points of interest by happening a day tour from Tokyo! Or in the event you come someday round April 14 to Might 27, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Festival close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss!

◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 31 – First Bloom // April 4 to 12 – Finest Viewing)

  • Yokohama:
    • Sankeien Backyard: This can be 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): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as one among Japan’s “100 greatest cherry blossom spots” so it’s positively value visiting.
  • Kamakura:
    • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You may get some nice pictures of this shrine with the close by cherry bushes which are numbering by lots of.

◘◘ Gunma
(March 23 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)

  • Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a novel “pink-on-pink” function given the encircling ‘pink moss’ within the fields which are discovered simply beside the cherry blossom bushes.

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» Kansai Area (関西地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Kyoto
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – 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 lots of of sakura bushes.
  • Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this well-liked public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its heart. Be sure to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! Whilst you’re there, you possibly can benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
  • Heian Shrine: Yet one more place to seek out weeping cherry bushes — however in additional numbers. Take word that these weeping bushes attain full bloom simply after just a few days that the opposite regular cherry bushes do.
  • Arashiyama: Positioned within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place shouldn’t be solely recognized for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but in addition recognized for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A great spot would positively be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.

TIP: Journey 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.

On the lookout for different prime sakura areas in Kyoto?

Try 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 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has limitless rows of sakura bushes — apart from, they quantity at almost 5,000! You’ll be able to get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by the river.
  • Osaka Citadel: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura bushes that encompass it. And if I could share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western facet of the fort 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 bushes. At evening you possibly can get pleasure from it, much more, after they mild every little thing up.

TIP: From Osaka, you can even 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 – 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 bushes that encompass this mountain.
  • Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom bushes which are planted right here! Be sure to go southeast of Todaiji’s primary corridor in order for you an enormous garden encircled by these pink bushes.
  • Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s climbing path is lined with cherry blossoms, and in the event you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get image of every little thing with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.

◘◘ Hyogo
(March 25 – First Bloom // April 1 to 10 – Finest Viewing)

  • Himeji Citadel: Proven within the photograph above, that is the well-known world heritage website fort that’s distinctive for its white facade! Definitely, this can be a excellent place for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer fort grounds is even free, so make the most of it if you’re within the space!)

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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

  • Fuji 5 Lakes: Should you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get a powerful sight of Mount Fuji with the encircling cherry blossoms on the lake. TIP: You could go to within the early mornings for the most effective visibility and light-weight.
  • 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 encircling terrain (as you possibly can see from the photograph above!).

TIP: You’ll be able to simply go to Chureito Pagoda by happening a day tour from Tokyo! Or in the event you come someday round April to June, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Festival close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss.

◘◘ Nagano
(April 3 – First Bloom // April 9 to 14 – Finest Viewing)

  • Matsumoto Citadel: What higher technique to seize and see one among Japan’s most lovely unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the lots of of bushes planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
  • Takato Citadel Ruins Park: It’s included within the prime 3 greatest areas for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Citadel 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 evening from sundown to 10:00 PM.

◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 29 – First Bloom // April 5 to 10 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kenrokuen: This has been known as as one among Japan’s “3 most lovely panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has grow to be an important cherry blossom viewing spot.

◘◘ Aichi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 1 – Finest Viewing)

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

TIP: From Nagoya, you possibly can go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Web site of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which are amidst pink cherry bushes. (You can even learn my journey information right here).

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» Chūgoku Area (中国地方)

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

  • Miyajima: That is the small island discovered exterior of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’d count on, 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 bushes round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can also 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 Area (四国)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Ehime
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

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

◘◘ Kagawa
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

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

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» Kyūshū Area (九州)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 19 – First Bloom // March 27 to April 4 – 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 bushes as you get pleasure from a picnic in its inexperienced areas. That is additionally the positioning 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 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kumamoto Citadel: As one among Japan’s most spectacular castles, it definitely has grow to be one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. All around the terrain, there’s a placing envelope of pink hues from the cherry bushes.

– – –

» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukushima
(April 5 – First Bloom // April 8 to 16 – 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 bushes in various hues of pink! Just remember to seize a map from the data sales space because it exhibits the most effective 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 the town. Other than doing hanami, you can even benefit from the remark decks that provide you with picturesque views over Fukushima.

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

Beneath are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom spots within the Tohoku area…

  • Hirosaki Citadel: As a result of wealthy format of this fort, friends can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom bushes, 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 bushes that adorn the town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
  • Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry bushes — excellent to your Instagram photographs!

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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)

Picture by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 29 – First Bloom // Might 1 to eight – Finest Viewing)

  • Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the photograph above). This can be a star-shaped army citadel inbuilt Hakodate in direction of the top of the Edo Interval and it has since been was a public park that has over 1000’s of sakura bushes planted alongside its moats!
  • Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting virtually a complete month) given the wide selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, you can even benefit from the Matsumae Citadel which is the one fort on Hokkaido.
  • Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other and so they entice a lot of guests yearly within the spring who get pleasure from holding hanami events in its open house. You wager that it’s an effective way to mingle with the locals!

• • •

Japan Journey Information

» Finest Time to Go to

Any time and any season! Might or not 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 positioned almost 70km northeast of Tokyo. With a purpose to get the most effective flight offers to this nation from nearly anyplace on the globe, I extremely recommend looking out by Skyscanner:

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» Visa for Japan

Should you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted countries, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (Should you’re from the Philippines, you possibly can learn my information on the right way to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)

  • Verify full visa necessities here as per your nationality.

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» The place to Keep In Japan

To seek for the most effective lodge lodging in Japan at the most effective costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Booking.com. However in the event you’re slightly all in favour of renting comfy homes or residences, it is best to search by 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 change your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT change your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there are usually not aggressive.

  • Methods to greatest change your foreign money? Both change 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 have to do one large withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, loads of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of loads of smaller retailers do not settle for worldwide bank cards.

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» Price of Journey in Japan

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

To present you an thought, it is best to count on to journey in Japan with a median each day price of about USD $45~ per particular person on a funds, or at the very least $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, accommodations, and extra. (Values under present low funds to medium funds ranges).

  • Motels: $25 to $120 USD / day
  • Meals: $12 to $30 USD / day
  • Transport: US$1 per subway experience*

*FREE subway and bullet practice rides in the event you maintain a Japan Rail Go

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» Methods to Get Round Central Japan

There are a number of practice passes accessible in Japan that may enable you to save on transportation prices, the most effective one being the Japan Rail Go or JR Go. And if you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it is 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 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 retailers (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however in an effort to keep linked on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your individual 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 instances 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 sensible” by utilizing your frequent sense always.

Nonetheless, the Japanese persons are one of many kindest and most respectful folks 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 developed nations on this planet, however loads of the locals don’t communicate English. Nonetheless, 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 enable you to perceive and communicate Japanese, loads of the locals are additionally making the trouble to be taught and use the English language.

Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that may enable you to alongside the way in which! And even in the event you do encounter a Japanese who can communicate English, it doesn’t damage to say a phrase or two of their language.

Hiya: 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!)

• • •

Total

Irrespective of if this might be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast put up has given you sufficient information and tricks to begin planning your wonderful ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!

Let me know the way it goes for you. Get pleasure from!

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