Japan’s eagerly awaited Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024 is now out. While March to April marks the peak of cherry blossom (Sakura in Japanese) season in most parts of Japan, Sakura can also be enjoyed as early as February in southern Japan, particularly in Okinawa Prefecture, and lasts up to May in the northern part of Hokkaido Prefecture.
When one thinks of Japan, the image of cherry blossoms, or sakura, often comes to mind. Indeed, the springtime bloom of these delicate pink flowers is a celebrated event across the country. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms typically begin to bloom as early as February, heralding the arrival of spring in this subtropical paradise. While Okinawa’s sakura possess a unique charm against the backdrop of turquoise seas and lush greenery. Visitors to Okinawa during this time can enjoy a more tranquil experience, free from the crowds that inundate popular sakura viewing spots elsewhere.
Sakura season begins on the island of Kyushu, southwestern Japan, in March, when daily updates begin to track the sakura front as it progresses northward. Each spring is marked by the loveliness of sakura blooms bursting to life throughout Japan, with countless opportunities available to enjoy their delicate beauty. The warmer climates of Kyushu and Shikoku in the south see the first action in early spring, with late spring viewing in mountain areas, as well as in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
Somei-Yoshino, with their abundance of pale pink blossoms, are the most common trees in Japan; the elegant shidare-zakura, weeping cherry trees, often found in parks and along riverbanks, are another must-see site.
In the northern regions, such as Hokkaido, cherry blossoms bloom later, typically in May, due to the cooler climate. However, Hokkaido offers its own enchanting floral displays, with fields of vibrant lavender and colorful tulips blanketing the landscape during the warmer months. For travelers seeking to experience Japan’s Sakura beauty without the crowds, here are the few quick links:
- Okinawa – Cherry Blossom Spots
- Hokkaido – See Them Bloom in 4 Hokkaido Spots
- Tohoku – Cherry Blossom
- Tochigi – Nikko Kaido Cherry Blossom Trail
- Nara – Yoshino Cherry Blossoms
- Hiroshima – Cherry Blossom viewing on Mt. Noro
In addition to sakura, each season offers a variety of beautiful flowers such as ume (plum blossoms) in early spring and ajisai (hydrangeas) during the rainy season. So, there is lot to see and enjoy in Japan during the spring.