Updated 22 Feb 2024: Sakura season is back! We’ve got new flowering dates from Japan Meteorological Corporation, and a fresh list of handpicked day tours that can enhance your cherry blossom experience.

For those planning to catch the sakura during the annual Hanami festivals (flower viewing) this coming spring, it’s not too late to arm yourself with the only Cherry Blossom Japan Guide you’ll EVER need.

From insider tips on maximising your chances of sakura-spotting to guided tours to the best viewing spots across Japan, here are some hacks to getting the most out of your 2024 Japan cherry blossom experience.

Kyoto Sannenzaka Path - Cherry Blossom Japan

Catching the cherry blossoms in Japan can be tricky. With an average flowering to end-of-bloom period of up to 14 days, you’d have to plan your trip really well. Even if your travel period coincides with the blooming period, there are still tons of things to consider. Not to mention jostling with locals and tourists for the best views!

Thankfully with a lot of good planning, it’s still possible to catch this once-a-year affair. After all, you can’t say you’ve truly experienced Japan until you’ve seen the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Japan Cherry Blossom Sakura Closeup - Cherry Blossom Japan

Photo credit: @ajny via Unsplash

To help you out, we’ve organised our Ultimate 2024 Cherry Blossom Japan Guide into three main sections: Pre-trip Planning, Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Pay special attention to the 2024 cherry blossom blooming dates!

Note: We’ll try our best to update this frequently as more forecasts get released.

Pre-Trip Cherry Blossom Season Planning

Step 1: Know Japan’s Cherry Blossom Forecast

While the blooming season usually starts on mainland Japan from March to April, accurate forecasts are typically only released in February. If you’re planning ahead, it’s important to use the cherry blossom blooming patterns of previous years as a guide. Regardless, here is the most updated forecast for 2024!

Latest Cherry Blossom Forecast — Updated 22 Feb 2024

Japan Cherry Blossom 5th Forecast - Japan Cherry Blossom Guide

Note: Dates shown on the map are flowering dates, not full bloom dates.

Sapporo: Flowering date 30 Apr, Full Bloom date 3 May

Aomori: Flowering date 17 April, Full Bloom date 21 April

Sendai: Flowering date 2 April, Full Bloom date 8 April

Tokyo: Flowering date 21 March, Full Bloom date 28 March

Kanazawa: Flowering date 29 March, Full Bloom date 5 April

Nagano: Flowering date 3 April, Full Bloom date 9 April

Nagoya: Flowering date 19 March, Full Bloom date 29 March

Kyoto: Flowering date 22 March, Full Bloom date 31 March

Osaka: Flowering date 24 March, Full Bloom date 1 April

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Wakayama: Flowering date 22 March, Full Bloom date 30 March

Hiroshima: Flowering date 23 March, Full Bloom date 1 April

Kochi: Flowering date 19 March, Full Bloom date 27 March

Fukuoka: Flowering date 21 March, Full Bloom date 30 March

Kagoshima: Flowering date 29 March, Full Bloom date 9 April

Weather changes can easily affect the blooming period, so despite following the general forecast, it’s important to stay updated with the latest forecast as your trip approaches. Here’s a handy cherry blossom blooming meter in Japan for monitoring.

Step 2: Decide on travel dates and locations to visit

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Pattern - Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Photo credit: Kishou

Japan’s sakura season generally follows a pattern from the south (earliest blooming) to the north (latest blooming), which means there are plenty of dates and options for Japanese cities you can visit. Here are a couple of tips!

Pro-tip 1: Skip Okinawa

Being so far south, Okinawa is the earliest Japanese region where Cherry Blossoms bloom. Often, it’s also used as an indicator for the forecasts on mainland Japan. If you really want to maximise your chances, you’d want to be in an area where you can easily move around. Flying to Okinawa means you’re stuck there for your entire vacation, as it doesn’t make sense to take another flight elsewhere to catch the sakura.

Pro-tip 2: Pick regions during the main cherry blossom season

Girl and Boy at Super Nintendo World Entrance - USJ Osaka Guide

Therefore the most flexible plan is to decide on a date and location just before the middle of the season. Based on the 2024 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast, Osaka is a pretty good entry point as the flowering is slated to start around 24 March and full bloom on 1 April.

Besides being a good hub for international flights, Osaka is very well-connected to other Japanese cities by rail. This means you can easily go cherry blossom hunting in different cities even if you miss the actual blooming period in Osaka. Sakura aside, Osaka is a pretty awesome city to explore! Check out the new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan or the new Instagram-worthy spot, teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka.

Check out our 7-Day Kansai itinerary under S$1.3k for fun things to do in and around Osaka!

Best Japanese cities and prefectures to catch the cherry blossoms

If you still can’t make up your mind, here are a couple of popular Japanese cities for sakura viewing:

Tokyo

Tokyo Tower Cherry Blossom - Cherry Blossom Japan

Tokyo Tower during springtime. Photo credit: @haroldwainwright via Unsplash

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park in Taito-ku, Inokashira Park, Megurogawa, Yoyogi Park, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Iwamotoyama Park

If you’re heading to Tokyo for this year’s hanami, don’t miss the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s home to over 1,000 cherry trees and one of the largest-scale sakura festivals in all of Japan.

Tokyo Ueno Park Cherry Blossom - Cherry Blossom Japan 2024

Photo credit: @thedlkr via Unsplash

With over a thousand cherry trees planted along Main Street that runs for 500m, Ueno Park sees about a million visitors during cherry blossom season. Stay on through the night for gorgeous lantern illuminations along the street for an even more magical sakura experience at Ueno Park.

If you’re after a mix of the traditional and new, Tokyo’s the place to be. Check out our latest 7D6N Tokyo road trip itinerary to find some of our favourite things to do, see and eat in and around Tokyo!

Mount Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes Region)

Mt Fuji sakura - Japan cherry blossoms

Mt. Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) region are gaining traction as cherry blossom viewing spots. Photo credit: Midori on Wikimedia Commons

Climbing Mount Fuji - View of Fuji and Fuji Q

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Fuji: Chureito Pagoda, Eastern and Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko, Ubuyagasaki Peninsula, Iyashi no Sato, Oshino Hakkai

The most iconic mountain in Japan becomes even more picturesque during spring when nearby cherry trees bloom. Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes region are just under two hours away from Tokyo via direct train, making it a perfect day-trip location for travellers based in Tokyo.

Another popular cherry blossom festival in the Tokyo-Fujiyoshida area is the Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival. During the blooming season, locals celebrate with food, drinks and craft stalls. Visitors can also expect night illumination that happens after sunset till 9PM.

Read also: 3D2N Road Trip Itinerary from Tokyo to Mount Fuji Itinerary Under S$570

Nagoya

Nagoya castle sakura - Japan cherry blossoms

Nagoya Castle during springtime. Photo credit: 名古屋太郎 on Wikimedia Commons

Nagoya shrine cherry blossom - Japan sakura

Cherry trees in full bloom at Nagoya Shrine. Photo credit: Gryffindor on Wikimedia Commons

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagoya: Kanazawa Castle, Yamazaki Riverside, Inuyama Castle, Tsuruma Park, Nagoya Peace Park, Nabana no Sato Botanical Garden

Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is one of Japan’s prominent castle towns. Today, it’s also home to automaking giants such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. Other than industrial products it is known for, Nagoya’s restored castle, ancient shrine and parks are also beautiful scenic spots for beautiful cherry blossom viewing.

Nagoya Weeping Plum Tree Festival Cherry Blossom - Cherry Blossom Japan 2024

Photo credit: Visit Nagoya

If you’re in Nagoya during springtime, do catch the Weeping Plum Tree Festival (17 Feb – 20 Mar 2024). Although they’re not cherry trees, there are 12 kinds of plum trees in bloom at the Nagoya City Agricultural Center dela Farm. The festival usually features a morning market and an outdoor market.

Read also: Day trips from Nagoya: Gateway to the Hidden Gems of Mie and Gifu Prefectures

Osaka

Osaka Castle Sakura - Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Osaka Castle Park. Photo credit: FastJapan

Best cherry blossom viewing spotsKema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Castle Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka Mint, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, Nagai Park, Shirokita Park, Osaka Gokoku Shrine, Settsukyo Gorge

Super Nintendo World View - USJ Osaka Guide

The unofficial food capital of Japan and home to the magnificent Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Castle, Osaka is another great place to catch the cherry blossoms due to its numerous connections to all parts of Japan.

And in Osaka itself, sakura festivals are held in multiple locations — including Osaka Castle Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park and Settsukyo Gorge. There’ll be performances, local food and drinks stalls set up, plus nightly illuminations.

Read also: Osaka Transport Guide — Maximising Your Transport Passes for Travelling In And Around Osaka

Kyoto

Kyoto Sannenzaka Cherry Blossom - Things to do in Kyoto

Sannenzaka Street in Kyoto.

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, Heian Jingu Shrine, Arashiyama area, Toji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, Kamo Shrine, Hirano Shrine, Nijo Castle

Sunset View at Fushimi Inari Shrine - Japan Itinerary

Fushimi Inari

From the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine to towering bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto is not shy of photogenic and culturally rich spots. It’s just 1 hour via express train from Kansai Airport in Osaka — so most people cover Kyoto and Osaka in one trip!

NAKED flowers Nijo Castle cherry blossom festival - Japan Cherry Blossom Guide

Night flower experience art exhibition “NAKED FLOWERS 2024 Sakura World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle” at Nijo Castle. Photo credit: NAKED, INC

Located at the heart of Kyoto, Nijo Castle hosts various festivals throughout the year. And during the sakura season, the castle offers nighttime admission for the Nijo-jo Castle Sakura Festival 2024 (8 Mar – 7 Apr 2024) which sees about 300 cherry trees illuminated against the Kara-mon Gate and other historic buildings.

Read also: 6D5N Kyoto-Based Japan Itinerary — Things to do Beyond Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara Deer Park

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Castle Sakura - Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Hiroshima Castle. Photo credit: imgur

Miyajima floating Torii gate - Japan JR Pass Budget Itinerary

Itsukushima Jinja, city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima.

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, Hijiyama, Miyajima, Senkoji Park, Kintaikyo Bridge Iwakuni, Chuo Beach

Hiroshima has come a long way since the dropping of the atomic bomb during WWII. Hiroshima today has grown to become a food haven and home to some of the best okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), with plenty of parks and memorials that make excellent cherry blossom viewing spots.

Hatsukaichi city hosts its yearly sakura festival on Sunday in early April. There’ll be food stalls and a centre stage set up where visitors can enjoy performances while admiring the sakura blooms!

Read also: 8-Day Japan Itinerary: 9 Cities in Kansai for Under S$900

Niigata and Nagano

Takato Castle Ruins Nagano Sakura - Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Takato Joshi Park, Nagano. Photo credit: GoNagao.net

Shima Lake in Gunma - JR East Niigata Nagano

Lake Okushima, Nakanojo.

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Niigata and Nagano: Takato Castle Ruins, Takada Park, Koboyama Koen, Komoro Kaikoen, Hakusan Park, Shinanogawa Yasuragitei Ryokuchi Park, Former Niigata Customs House, Shinano River Water Shuttle

Often left out of many itineraries, the underrated regions of Niigata and Nagano offer a whole different experience from Japan’s main cities. Home to the most famous Zenkoji Temple for pilgrims, there are many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Not to forget the onsen-soaking snow monkeys!

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - Japan Winter Itinerary

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano.

With over 1,500 cherry trees in bloom, the annual Takato Cherry Blossom Festival (typically April, exact dates to be announced) is one of Japan’s most popular hanami spots. If you’re in Nagano during the season, this event is not to be missed. Stay on for the light-up that happens after sunset too!

Read also: Niigata Nagano Travel Guide via the JR Pass and 5D4N Japan Itinerary — Niigata and Sado Island

Tohoku and Yamagata

Okitama Sakura Corridor - Yamagata Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Uesugi Shrine, Yamagata. Photo credit: Yamagatakanko

Mount Zao - yamagata

Mount Zao, Yamagata.

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tohoku and Yamagata: Miharu Takizakura, Kajo Castle, Hirosaki Park, Kitakami Tenshochi Park, Okitama Sakura Corridor

Blessed with surreal scenery, good food, and a chilled-out vibe, Tohoku and Yamagata are Japan’s best-kept secrets.

At Yamagata, hanami is celebrated at the famous Yamagata Cherry Festival. Yamagata is known for fresh cherries — the prefecture produces 70% of Japan’s cherries! The festival even features an all-you-can-eat cherry-picking, plus cherry-flavoured drinks and desserts. 🍒

Fox at Zao Fox Village - Japan Winter Itinerary

Zao Fox Village, Miyagi.

Read also: Yamagata Guide: Japan’s Secret Winter Wonderland

Hokkaido

Sakuragaokadori Road-Budget Hokkaido Itinerary Road Trip

Sakuragaoka Street.

Best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido: Matsumae Park, Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen Flower Tunnel, Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park, Asahiyama Park, Seiryuji Temple, Sakuragaoka Street

Goryokaku Park is one of Hokkaido’s top cherry blossom viewing spots. Not only does the park look beautiful in pink during the daytime, it’s pretty stunning when lit up with illuminations at night.

Goryokaku Park Sakura Trees-Budget Hokkaido Itinerary Road Trip

Goryokaku Park in Hakodate.

Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza Garden - Hokkaido Itinerary

Hokkaido is a stunner during the autumn months too.

Much more than a winter destination, the northernmost region of Japan is also known for its volcanos and hot springs. Hokkaido is also one of the best places in Japan to go on a road trip between spring and autumn.

Read also: 6D Hokkaido Under S$1k — Must-Eat, See and Dos in Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Biei

Still not sure where to go? Check out our full list of Japan guides for inspiration!

Step 3: Book your flights and accommodations early

Fuji View Hotel Japanese Room Layout - Japan Itinerary

Cherry blossom season is Japan’s peak travel season, so make sure you settle big-ticket items like flights and accommodation early to keep costs low. If you want more flexibility, many airlines also allow you to change your travel dates for a small fee. Of course, the earlier you decide the better, as the dates you might want to change to could be full or have a surcharge!


For accommodation, book early to secure your space but look for places with a 14 to 30-day cancellation policy in case you need to change your travel dates.

Step 4: Figure out where the special festivals and events are, and either

Avoid them at all costs

If jostling with people for space isn’t your thing, look for alternative viewing spots in the city you’re visiting. I know friends who prefer having their own space to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Simply google “[city you are visiting] cherry blossom festival”, and you can easily get the information you need.

Or go on a pre-booked tour

For those who want to visit popular spots without the fuss, consider going on a pre-booked cherry blossom viewing tour to guarantee the best experience. Book a day trip from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi beside Mount Fuji for the most iconic views of the country.

Other cherry blossom viewing day tours you might find useful or complementary to your trip:

Tokyo
1) Hitachi National Seaside Park and Ashikaga Flower Park/Mito Kairakuen Park Trip (~S$121)

Mt. Fuji (from Tokyo)
1) Mt. Fuji Flower Festival Tour with Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway Experience from Tokyo (~S$118)
2) Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour from Tokyo: (~S$92)
3) Mt. Fuji, Panoramic Ropeway and Seasonal Fruits Picking Day Tour from Tokyo (~S$107)

Osaka and Kyoto
1) Miyama Thatched Village, Ine Bay and Amanohashidate Tour from Osaka (S$121)
2) Three Sakura Viewing Spots in Kyoto One Day Tour from Osaka (currently unavailable)
3) Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari-taisha Day Tour (~S$85)

Step 5: Get a transport pass (JR Pass) and be flexible *MOST IMPORTANT*

Whole Japan JR Pass - Japan Winter Itinerary

For the ultimate flexibility to increase your chances of a cherry blossom viewing experience, consider getting a JR Pass. The JR Pass allows you unlimited travel along all JR lines — the main intercity transport throughout Japan for a fixed price.

Getting the 7D Whole Japan JR Pass gives you the flexibility to travel to almost anywhere in Japan with a JR line, while the 5D Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass will allow you to travel between Hiroshima and Kansai regions easily.

JR Rail Kansai Airport to Kyoto - Kyoto Itinerary

Based on the area selected in Step 2, pick a suitable JR Pass and plan your itinerary around the region. Be flexible once the latest forecast is out. Take note that JR pass prices have increased since Oct 2023, so do check out our Ultimate JR Pass Guide to find out more about the different passes and the best ways to use them!

Step 6: Fit in other highlights in Japan

Girl looking at flower display at teamLabs Planets Tokyo - Japan Itinerary

Snap pics at Tokyo’s teamLab exhibition!

While Cherry Blossoms are the main attraction, they’re only one of the many things Japan has to offer. From a fun-filled day out at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea to taking photos at teamLab or popular anime locations, there are tons of things to explore in Japan.

Girl with No-Face - Real life anime locations guide

Go on an anime location hunt around Japan!

Browse our list of Japanese itineraries and guides — you’re bound to find a trip you’ll love. And don’t miss out on exclusive deals for Japan travel essentials, cherry blossom tours and other must-do activities! Check out Klook’s curated list of deals and experiences to save ahead of your trip.

Cherry Blossom Viewing Day Guide

Step 7: Start the day early

And we do mean real early — 8:30AM is considered late when visiting famous tourist spots in Japan. Showing up early means you avoid the main tourist crowds (especially the tour buses) plus you get to reserve a prime viewing spot for the next few hours. Natural light for photography is also the best during the golden hour just after sunrise. Light is gentler and you get that extra softness to your photos!

Starting the day early also means you have more time to explore before nightfall — you did travel all this way, after all.

Step 8: Pack some food for a picnic

Ekibento - Guide to JR Pass in Singapore

For locals, one of their favourite cherry blossom activities is to enjoy a picnic with friends. Experience this local tradition by packing a yummy bento lunch and a mat for a fun picnic!

Step 9: Dress up in a kimono

Girl in a kimono in kyoto - Japan Cherry Blossom Guide

If you really want to get into the festive mood, rent a kimono or yukata in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka! Many kimono rental places also offer makeup and hair-styling services if you wanna go all out. ✨

Transport, WiFi and Activities

Before you leave for Japan, make sure to secure your travel essentials:

1) Tokyo Subway Ticket (~S$14 for a 72hr ticket)
2) Osaka Amazing Pass (From ~S$18 for a 1-day ticket)
3) Airport Skyliner, one-way (From ~S$21 one-way)
4) Unlimited 4G Data SIM Card (From ~S$31 for 5 days)
5) Hakone Free Pass (From ~S$56 for a 2-day pass)

Travelling in a group or with kids? Book a private car charter to save the hassle:

1) Tokyo Private Car Charter (From ~S$534 per car)
2) Mt. Fuji and Surrounding Private Car Charter (From ~S$585 per car)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Why are the cherry blossoms in Japan so popular?

More than just pretty flowers, cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japan’s history and cultural beliefs. The short flowering period reflects the fleeting nature of life and represents a time of hope and revival! While many things in Japan attract either tourists or locals, cherry blossom viewing appeals to everyone!

Cherry Blossom, Sakura or Hanami?

Often used to describe the same thing, hanami actually means ‘flower viewing’, while cherry blossoms (English) and sakura (Japanese) refer to the flower. Cherry Blossoms are flowers from any tree of the genus Prunus, but the most common one in Japan is the Japanese Cherry.

What’s a Hanami festival like?

Sakura manju- Ultimate Cherry Blossoms Japan Guide

Photo credit: Gurunavi

While they vary, expect lots of music, sakura-themed food (read: PINK), sake, and good vibes. There’ll be more people around the parks, and loads of merchants tapping on this yearly affair. As if they aren’t friendly enough, locals appear to be even friendlier during this period!

Hope you found our Ultimate Cherry Blossom Japan Guide useful. Do check back as we will continually update this page every year!

Any Japan cherry blossom tips we missed out on? Let us know in the comments below! 🙂


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1 COMMENT

  1. The Cherry Blossom during the spring is amazing.
    We took spectacular photos and enjoyed a wonderful family trip.

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