Spring is just around the corner, and you know what that means — it's almost time for Japan to get absolutely covered in those gorgeous pink petals we all love. The 2026 cherry blossom (Somei Yoshino) forecasts are out, and we've put together everything you need to plan your perfect hanami (flower-viewing) outing. Let's dive in!
What's the Big Picture for 2026?
Here's the short version: Eastern Japan (Kanto and Tohoku) is looking a bit earlier than usual, while Western Japan is pretty much on schedule. Parts of Hokkaido and Tohoku are expecting warmer spring temperatures, so things could get going sooner than you'd think up north.
Weather experts are saying the trees had a solid cold spell over winter — enough to "wake up" the buds — and with warming temps on the way, the blossoms should come in strong and on cue. Exciting stuff!
Regional Bloom Calendar: When to Go Where
Kanto & Tokai (Tokyo Area)
| City | First Bloom | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 21 | Late March – Early April |
| Yokohama | March 22 | Late March – Early April |
| Nagoya | March 20–23 | Around March 27 |
Tokyo and Yokohama are kicking things off early — blossoms expected around March 21–22, with full bloom landing right around the start of the new school year in early April. Honestly, the timing couldn't be more perfect!
Kansai, Shikoku & Kyushu (Western Japan)
| City | First Bloom | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka | March 24–25 | Around March 31 |
| Kyoto (Arashiyama) | March 25–28 | Around April 1 |
| Fukuoka | March 21–22 | Late March |
| Kochi | March 22–24 | Late March |
Western Japan is running on its usual schedule, with peak bloom happening late March to early April. Classic spots like the sakura along Togetsu-kyo Bridge in Arashiyama and Osaka Castle Park will be as stunning as ever — totally worth fighting the crowds for.
Tohoku & Hokuriku (Northern Honshu)
| City | First Bloom | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Sendai | Early April | Mid-April |
| Aomori (Hirosaki Park) | Mid-April (~April 16) | Late April |
| Kanazawa / Fukui | Around April 11 | Mid-April |
Tohoku is trending a little earlier this year, so keep your eyes peeled! Hirosaki Park in Aomori hits full bloom in late April, when the moat gets completely surrounded by cherry trees — it's one of those scenes that'll stick with you forever. A truly special way to wrap up the sakura season.
Hokkaido (Northern Japan)
| City | First Bloom | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Hakodate (Goryokaku) | April 24 | April 28 |
| Sapporo | Late April | Around April 30 |
Big news for Hokkaido — some areas are expecting bloom more than a week earlier than usual this year! Full bloom lines up nicely with Golden Week, making it an easy add-on to any spring travel plans. The view from Goryokaku Tower, with the star-shaped fort completely painted in pink, is absolutely not to be missed.
Top Cherry Blossom Spots to Check Out
Ueno Park (Tokyo) First bloom around March 22. This is THE classic Tokyo hanami spot — food stalls, festive vibes, and thousands of cherry trees. It gets packed, but that's half the fun.
Arashiyama (Kyoto) First bloom around March 28, full bloom April 1. Sakura + Togetsu-kyo Bridge = pure magic. Stick around for the evening illuminations and thank us later.
Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto) First bloom around March 23. The ongoing restoration of this iconic castle makes for a dramatic backdrop against the blossoms. Seriously cool.
Hirosaki Park (Aomori) First bloom around April 15–16. One of Japan's greatest cherry blossom destinations — about 2,600 Somei Yoshino trees ring the moat in a jaw-dropping display.
Goryokaku Park (Hokkaido) First bloom around April 24. Combine it with a Hakodate sightseeing trip over Golden Week and you've got yourself a perfect spring getaway.
Hanami Tips — Plan Ahead and You'll Thank Yourself
Book early, seriously. With Eastern Japan blooming ahead of schedule, mid-to-late March is going to be a whirlwind. Popular spots fill up fast, so don't wait until the last minute to lock in your plans.
From first bloom to full bloom = about a week. Once the official bloom announcement drops, you've got roughly 5–10 days until peak. Keep checking the daily forecasts so you can swoop in at just the right moment.
Watch the weather. Spring rain and strong winds are the enemy of full bloom — a single stormy day can send all those petals flying way too soon. Check the forecast obsessively once the trees hit peak. It's totally worth it.
Wrapping UpÂ
The 2026 sakura season kicks off in Tokyo and Fukuoka on March 21 and sweeps all the way up to Hokkaido by early May — that's nearly two months of cherry blossom goodness rolling across the country. Eastern Japan is running a bit early, Western Japan is on schedule, and Hokkaido is your Golden Week sweet spot.
So — where are you heading for hanami this year? Whether you're spreading out a picnic mat at your neighborhood park or making a full trip to a famous spot, there's really no wrong way to enjoy sakura season. Start planning now and make the most of it!Â
