The cherry blossom season in Japan does not arrive all at once. Every year, a pink wave of blooming cherry trees travels from the warm south toward the cooler north, and if you truly want to experience it, it’s worth knowing where it all begins.
The year 2026 will be no exception — quite the opposite. Thanks to a relatively stable forecast, it is an ideal year to plan this journey step by step.
Okinawa – January to February – the southernmost part of Japan
On the Okinawa archipelago, the cherry blossom season begins the earliest in the entire country. Dark pink kanhi-zakura cherries start blooming here already during the winter months.
Best time: January to February
Character: exotic, subtropical version of sakura
If you are looking for cherry blossoms outside the main season, Okinawa is a truly unique choice.
Kyūshū – mid-March – southwestern Japan
On the island of Kyūshū, real Japanese spring begins. Fukuoka: approximately March 18–20 Full bloom: very early, often even before Tokyo A great place to “jump onto” the sakura wave first on the main islands.
Chūgoku and Shikoku – second half of March – western Honshu and the island of Shikoku
Hiroshima: around March 22–24 Takamatsu (Shikoku): similar dates Less touristy regions, ideal for a calmer hanami experience.
Kansai – late March – the cultural heart of Japan
The region around Kyoto and Osaka offers some of the most iconic cherry blossom scenery in the entire country. Kyoto / Osaka: March 24–27 Full bloom: late March to early April Cherry blossoms among temples, gardens, and traditional architecture.
Kantō – late March – eastern central Japan
This is where Tokyo is located, a city that quite literally comes to a standstill during cherry blossom season. Tokyo: March 22–24 Full bloom: late March Stunning, but also the most tourists from around the world — planning ahead is absolutely crucial.
Tohoku – first half of April – northern Honshu
The Tohoku region brings a slower and calmer spring. Sendai: around April 10–12 Aomori / Hirosaki: April 15–20 One of the most beautiful, yet often overlooked regions for hanami.
Hokkaidō – late April to early May – the northernmost part of Japan
On the island of Hokkaidō, the cherry blossom season officially comes to an end. Sapporo: April 24–27 Full bloom: late April / early May Ideal for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms without crowds and in a cooler climate.
Travel tip for Japan: JR Pass
The dates listed below are based on the latest widely published forecast tables. Dates may still change depending on temperature fluctuations.
| City | Estimated start | Estimated full bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Kagoshima | March 24 | April 5 |
| Fukuoka | March 21 | March 30 |
| Kochi | March 20 | March 28 |
| Hiroshima | March 22 | March 31 |
| Tokyo | March 20 | March 28 |
| Nagoya | March 20 | March 30 |
| Wakayama | March 27 | April 3 |
| Kyoto | March 24 | April 1 |
| Osaka | March 24 | April 1 |
| Kanazawa | April 2 | April 8 |
| Sendai | April 5 | April 10 |
| Nagano | April 6 | April 11 |
| Aomori | April 18 | April 22 |
| Sapporo | April 26 | April 29 |
Source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
