Cherry blossom season is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year in Japan, attracting millions of visitors eager to witness the country transform into a sea of pink. With the latest 2025 cherry blossom forecast released, it’s time to start planning your perfect hanami (cherry blossom viewing) experience. Here’s everything you need to know about when and where to see Japan’s sakura in full bloom.
2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast Overview
This year’s cherry blossom season is expected to unfold at a slightly delayed pace in many regions due to lower-than-average temperatures in February. However, northern Japan, including Hokkaido and Tohoku, is likely to experience an earlier bloom compared to past years.
Key Takeaways:
- Tokyo is expected to see its first blossoms around March 25, with full bloom projected by April 1.
- Kyoto and Osaka will likely see cherry blossoms start around March 30, reaching full bloom by April 6-7.
- Northern Japan, including Sapporo, will see earlier-than-average blooming, with blossoms expected to appear around April 28.
- Southern regions such as Fukuoka and Kagoshima will experience blossoms at a standard pace, starting around March 26.
Expected Bloom Dates by Prefecture
| Prefecture | First Bloom | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Aichi (Nagoya) | 3/27 | 4/5 |
| Akita | 4/16 | 4/20 |
| Aomori | 4/20 | 4/24 |
| Chiba | 4/2 | 4/9 |
| Ehime | 3/30 | 4/8 |
| Fukui | 4/4 | 4/9 |
| Fukuoka | 3/26 | 4/4 |
| Fukushima | 4/6 | 4/10 |
| Gifu (Shirakawa-go) | 3/27 | 4/4 |
| Gunma | 3/31 | 4/6 |
| Hiroshima | 3/29 | 4/6 |
| Hokkaido | 4/28 | 5/2 |
| Hyogo (Kobe) | 3/31 | 4/7 |
| Ibaraki | 4/2 | 4/9 |
| Ishikawa (Kanazawa) | 4/4 | 4/10 |
| Iwate | 4/17 | 4/22 |
| Kagawa | 3/30 | 4/7 |
| Kagoshima | 3/26 | 4/5 |
| Kanagawa (Yokohama) | 3/27 | 4/4 |
| Kochi | 3/26 | 4/2 |
| Kumamoto | 3/28 | 4/6 |
| Kyoto | 3/30 | 4/7 |
| Mie | 4/1 | 4/6 |
| Miyagi (Sendai) | 4/7 | 4/12 |
| Miyazaki | 3/28 | 4/6 |
| Nagano | 4/11 | 4/16 |
| Nagasaki | 3/27 | 4/5 |
| Nara | 4/2 | 4/8 |
| Niigata | 4/9 | 4/14 |
| Oita | 3/28 | 4/7 |
| Okayama | 4/1 | 4/8 |
| Okinawa | 1/6 | 2/4 |
| Osaka | 3/30 | 4/6 |
| Saga | 3/30 | 4/6 |
| Saitama | 3/29 | 4/5 |
| Shiga | 4/3 | 4/9 |
| Shimane | 4/1 | 4/8 |
| Shizuoka | 3/28 | 4/6 |
| Tochigi (Nikko) | 4/1 | 4/9 |
| Tokushima | 4/1 | 4/8 |
| Tokyo | 3/25 | 4/1 |
| Tottori | 4/2 | 4/8 |
| Toyama | 4/5 | 4/10 |
| Wakayama | 3/29 | 4/5 |
| Yamagata | 4/12 | 4/16 |
| Yamaguchi | 3/29 | 4/7 |
| Yamanashi | 3/26 | 4/3 |
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in 2025
1. Tokyo: Urban Sakura Magic
- Best Time: March 25 – April 1
- Top Spots: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park
- What to Expect: Tokyo’s parks and riverbanks offer a mix of traditional and modern hanami experiences. Boat rides along the Chidorigafuchi Moat provide stunning reflections of pink blossoms against the Imperial Palace backdrop.
2. Kyoto: Historical Beauty Under the Blossoms
- Best Time: March 30 – April 7
- Top Spots: Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, Kiyomizudera Temple
- What to Expect: Kyoto’s ancient temples and shrines create an ethereal setting for cherry blossoms. The Philosopher’s Path, lined with hundreds of cherry trees, offers one of the most picturesque walks in Japan.
3. Osaka: Vibrant City Blooms
- Best Time: March 30 – April 6
- Top Spots: Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park
- What to Expect: Osaka Castle Park is one of Japan’s most iconic sakura spots, where over 3,000 cherry trees frame the majestic castle.
4. Hokkaido: Late Blooms in the North
- Best Time: April 28 – May 2
- Top Spots: Goryokaku Park (Hakodate), Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
- What to Expect: For those who miss the cherry blossoms in central Japan, Hokkaido offers a second chance. The star-shaped Goryokaku Park is especially stunning during full bloom.
5. Fukuoka: First Blooms in the South
- Best Time: March 26 – April 4
- Top Spots: Maizuru Park, Nishi Park
- What to Expect: Fukuoka’s cherry blossom season kicks off early, making it an excellent destination for travelers who want to catch the season before heading north.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Tips
Happy Hanami!
With this year’s cherry blossoms arriving slightly later in some areas but earlier in others, planning ahead is crucial. Whether you’re strolling through Kyoto’s historic temples or admiring the blossoms along Tokyo’s Sumida River, Japan’s sakura season is a breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss.
So mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most iconic natural wonders. Happy hanami!
