It’s NO exaggeration after I say that each Japanese and (nearly) each eager traveler on the earth retains an in depth watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast initially of yearly! In any case, who wouldn’t need 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 may 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 may 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 submit is available in!
I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I acquired 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 performed by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take be aware that sudden modifications in temperature, rainfall, and wind power can speed up, delay or shorten the forecast above — however you’ll be able to already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll hold this submit up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by sometimes!
Cherry blossom bushes in Japan bloom in an upward route 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 Could).
So if you concentrate on it… supplied that you just’ve acquired the time and the cash, you’ll be able to completely take pleasure in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!
However after all — 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 few of the finest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom season!
Greatest Cherry Blossom Spots
To raised streamline this part, I might be itemizing one of the best cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 large areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that every one whole to 47).
TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historic custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura bushes. These days, the Japanese sometimes have fun it by having an out of doors celebration or picnic underneath the bushes throughout daytime or nighttime (referred to as as yozakura or “night time sakura“).
Come and take a look at this checklist of the high issues to do in Japan which options one of the best actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!
» Kantō Area (関東地方)
Cowl and high photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Tokyo
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Greatest Viewing)
- Chidorigafuchi: That is one in every of 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 raised benefit from the bushes up shut! At night time, 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 on condition 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’ll be able to hire in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The bushes 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 seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take be aware that alcohol is prohibited.
- Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in relation to the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the 1000’s of bushes lining the road but additionally 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 pictures, for positive!
- Yoyogi Park: Situated close to the purchasing district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom bushes in its neighborhood.
TIP: Uncover the great 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 Could 27, you’ll be able to participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you’ll be able to witness a discipline of distinctive pink moss!
◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 31 – First Bloom // April 4 to 12 – Greatest 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 a fantastic conventional look).
- Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as one in every of Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots” so it’s positively value visiting.
- Kamakura:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You may get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry bushes which are numbering by lots of.
◘◘ Gunma
(March 23 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Greatest 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)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Kyoto
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Greatest 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 night time when it’s lit up! When you’re there, you’ll be able to benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
- Heian Shrine: Yet one more place to search out weeping cherry bushes — however in additional numbers. Take be aware that these weeping bushes attain full bloom simply after a number of days that the opposite regular cherry bushes do.
- Arashiyama: Situated within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place is just not solely identified for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but additionally identified for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A super spot would positively be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.
TIP: Trip 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 prepare’s clear glass ceiling.
Searching for different high 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 – Greatest Viewing)
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has infinite rows of sakura bushes — in addition to, they quantity at practically 5,000! You may get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by means of the river.
- Osaka Citadel: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted because of the 4,000 sakura bushes that encompass it. And if I could share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western aspect of the fortress 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 night time you’ll be able to get pleasure from it, much more, once they mild every part 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 – Greatest Viewing)
- Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll absolutely 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 fundamental corridor if you need 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 part with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.
◘◘ Hyogo
(March 25 – First Bloom // April 1 to 10 – Greatest Viewing)
- Himeji Citadel: Proven within the photograph above, that is the well-known world heritage website fortress that’s distinctive for its white facade! Indisputably, this can be a excellent spot for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in spite of everything, admission to the outer fortress grounds is even free, so make the most of it once you’re within the space!)
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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 5 – Greatest Viewing)
- Fuji 5 Lakes: For those who head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get an impressive sight of Mount Fuji with the encircling cherry blossoms on the lake. TIP: You will need to go to within the early mornings for one of the best 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’ll be able to see from the photograph above!).
TIP: You may simply go to Chureito Pagoda by happening a day tour from Tokyo! Or in the event you come someday round April to June, you’ll be able to participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you’ll be able to witness a discipline of distinctive pink moss.
◘◘ Nagano
(April 3 – First Bloom // April 9 to 14 – Greatest Viewing)
- Matsumoto Citadel: What higher technique to seize and see one in every of Japan’s most stunning authentic 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 high 3 finest 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 night time from sundown to 10:00 PM.
◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 29 – First Bloom // April 5 to 10 – Greatest Viewing)
- Kenrokuen: This has been referred to as as one in every of Japan’s “3 most stunning panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has grow to be a fantastic cherry blossom viewing spot.
◘◘ Aichi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 1 – Greatest Viewing)
- Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is thought to be one in every of Japan’s “100 finest cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t overlook to cease right here once you’re in Nagoya.
- Nagoya Citadel: Certainly, you wouldn’t miss this fortress once 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 fortress and alongside the moats.
TIP: From Nagoya, you’ll be able to go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Website of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which are amidst pink cherry bushes. (You can too 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 – Greatest Viewing)
- Miyajima: That is the small island discovered exterior of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’ll count on, this makes for a fantastic 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 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)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Ehime
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Greatest Viewing)
- Matsuyama Citadel: (Pictured above). That is one in every of Japan’s 12 “authentic castles” and I assure you that the views from the fortress tower throughout spring is past exceptional! So when wanting on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t overlook to place this in your must-see checklist.
◘◘ Kagawa
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Greatest 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)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 19 – First Bloom // March 27 to April 4 – Greatest Viewing)
- Nishi Park: (Pictured above). That is one other a type of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 finest 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 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 – Greatest Viewing)
- Kumamoto Citadel: As one in every of Japan’s most spectacular castles, it definitely has grow to be one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. Everywhere in the terrain, there’s a putting envelope of pink hues from the cherry bushes.
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» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukushima
(April 5 – First Bloom // April 8 to 16 – Greatest Viewing)
- Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply exterior 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 bushes in various hues of pink! Just remember to seize a map from the data sales space because it reveals one of the 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 the town. Other than doing hanami, you can even benefit from the commentary decks that offer you picturesque views over Fukushima.
◘◘ Different prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early Could)
Under are stated to be the highest 3 cherry blossom spots within the Tohoku area…
- Hirosaki Citadel: As a result of wealthy structure of this fortress, friends can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom bushes, tunnels, moats, and numerous picnic areas. One might even hire a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
- Kakunodate: This fortress city is completely 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 — good to your Instagram pictures!
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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 29 – First Bloom // Could 1 to eight – Greatest Viewing)
- Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the photograph above). This can be a star-shaped army citadel in-built Hakodate in direction of the tip 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 nearly a complete month) given the big selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, you can even benefit from the Matsumae Citadel which is the one fortress on Hokkaido.
- Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other they usually appeal to numerous 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!
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Japan Journey Information
» Greatest Time to Go to
Any time and any season! Could 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 positioned practically 70km northeast of Tokyo. So as to get one of the best flight offers to this nation from nearly anyplace on the globe, I extremely counsel looking by means of Skyscanner:
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» Visa for Japan
For those who’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted nations, you might be then required to avail a visa beforehand. (For those who’re from the Philippines, you’ll be able to learn my information on easy methods to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Test full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» The place to Keep In Japan
To seek for one of the best resort lodging in Japan at one of the best costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However in the event you’re moderately focused on renting snug homes or flats, you must search by means of AirBnB.
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» Japan Forex
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 just need to change your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you just do NOT change your cash on the airport because the charges there are usually not aggressive.
- How you can finest change your forex? 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 — nonetheless, you should do one large withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, quite a lot of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money readily available as a result of quite a lot 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; nonetheless, it’s completely doable to journey on a funds! Simply take be aware that lodging charges sometimes go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).
To provide you an thought, you must count on to journey in Japan with a mean each day price of about USD $45~ per particular person on a funds, or not less than $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, motels, and extra. (Values under present low funds to medium funds ranges).
- Inns: $25 to $120 USD / day
- Meals: $12 to $30 USD / day
- Transport: US$1 per subway journey*
*FREE subway and bullet prepare rides in the event you maintain a Japan Rail Go
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» How you can Get Round Central Japan
There are a number of prepare passes accessible in Japan that may aid you save on transportation prices, one of the best one being the Japan Rail Go or JR Go. And once you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it should present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).
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» Staying Linked in Japan
Japan has one of many quickest web connections on the earth so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Inns and most retailers (even comfort shops) supply FREE WiFi connections — however as a way 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 among the most secure nations 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 — nonetheless, 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 individuals 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 superb nation.
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» Useful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the crucial developed nations on the earth, however quite a lot of the locals don’t converse English. Nonetheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of aside from the truth that there are quite a lot of translation apps that may aid you perceive and converse Japanese, quite a lot of the locals are additionally making the hassle to be taught and use the English language.
Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that may aid you alongside the best way! And even in the event you do encounter a Japanese who can converse English, it doesn’t harm 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!)
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General
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 submit 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. Take pleasure in!
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