Japan Cherry Blossom 2026: When and Where
Travellagio · 5 min read
Cherry blossom (sakura) season is Japan’s most iconic event. The bloom moves from south to north over about 6 weeks, and the peak at any given location lasts only 5–10 days. Timing is everything.
Typical bloom dates (varies by year)
| City | First bloom | Full bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka (Kyushu) | ~March 19 | ~March 28 |
| Tokyo | ~March 22 | ~March 30 |
| Kyoto | ~March 25 | ~April 2 |
| Osaka | ~March 26 | ~April 3 |
| Sapporo (Hokkaido) | ~May 1 | ~May 5 |
Best viewing spots
- Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen (garden, paid entry = fewer crowds), Ueno Park, Meguro River
- Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, Arashiyama
- Osaka: Osaka Castle Park
- Mount Yoshino: 30,000 cherry trees on a mountainside (1 hour from Osaka)
Trip planning tips
- Book accommodation 3–4 months ahead. Sakura season is Japan’s busiest tourist period. Hotels sell out.
- Flights are 40–60% more expensive during peak cherry blossom weeks compared to other spring dates.
- Plan for Kyoto + Tokyo — their peaks are a few days apart, so a 10-day trip can catch both.
- Hanami (flower viewing) picnic: Buy a bento box, a bottle of sake, and a blue tarp from any convenience store. Sit under the trees. This is what locals do.
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