Let's discover when the Sakura season in Japan begins! Explore stunning cherry blossom sites in Japan with Traveloka. Begin planning your enchanting journey now!

Sakura season in Japan never fails to captivate with the exquisite allure of cherry blossoms. The enchanting charm of spring, adorned with an abundance of vibrant cherry blossoms scattered throughout the country, elevates the tourist experience to a truly special level.

This article provides meticulous details about the Sakura season in Japan, enabling tourists to easily plan their trips and immerse themselves in the mesmerising beauty of this distinctive natural phenomenon.

Cherry blossoms generally unfurl their delicate petals in early January. However, the peak period typically occurs in late March, starting from the southern regions of Kyushu, where the milder temperatures prompt an earlier bloom. This blossoming spectacle gracefully progresses northward, reaching Hokkaido by early May.

The timing of cherry blossoms' average bloom varies significantly across different geographic locations, influenced by winter climates. Warmer areas experience an earlier bloom, initiating in the south and advancing northward. Wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations can alter the usual bloom schedule, either hastening or delaying the flowering season.

The official forecast for Japan's 2024 cherry blossom season anticipates a peak from late March to early April, notably in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as the Japan Meteorological Corporation updated on January 25, 2024.

In regions south of Tokyo, cherry blossoms unveil their delicate beauty as early as late January due to the warm climate. One such locale is the coastal city of Kawazu, situated on the Izu Peninsula, approximately three hours away from the capital by car. Kawazu is home to a unique variety of cherry trees known as Kawazu-zakura, which bloom in February, about a month earlier than conventional cherry blossoms.

In Kawazu, the cherry blossoms last for a month, with the optimal viewing time spanning two weeks, from late February to early March. For the best experience, visit Kawazu during the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is typically held from February 1 to February 29. Kawazu's proximity to Tokyo makes it a convenient destination for people eager to see cherry blossoms early.

Atami City, located 2 hours 30 minutes by train ride from Tokyo, is home to the enchanting Atami-zakura along the tranquil banks of a meandering stream. This particular cherry blossom variant also graces the landscape a month earlier than the typical bloom seen across Japan, usually from late January to early February, similar to Kawazu.

Atami provides a small-scale bloom of Sakura, which lasts around 10 days. Atami City's scenic beauty, coupled with the early bloom of Atami-zakura, provides a tranquil setting for contemplative walks and leisurely appreciation of the blossoms.

The Sakura season in Tokyo typically runs from late March to early April, depending on the weather conditions. During this period, this city is awash with hues of pink and white as cherry blossoms fill parks, streets, and riverbanks. In 2024, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming between March 22 and 23, reaching full bloom from March 29 to March 30.

Shinjuku Gyoen is a grand park in Tokyo, home to various cherry tree species, a perfect place to enjoy the sakura season in Japan. You can also rent a rowboat at Chidorigafuchi and paddle around the Imperial Palace’s moat surrounded by cherry blossoms. Another place to enjoy the sakura season in Tokyo is Ueno Park, a haven for over 1,000 cherry trees, making it the perfect spot for hanami parties or a peaceful walk. Get your Singapore to Tokyo flight at Traveloka!

In Nagoya, the Sakura season typically begins at the end of March, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom around March 25 and continuing until March 30. This central Japanese city boasts various charming spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. The Yamazaki River is a beautiful spot adorned with the delicate pink hues of cherry blossom trees.

You can also enjoy the sakura blooming at Tsuruma Park, which stands out as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the bustling city of Nagoya. This park features over 1,000 cherry trees, each contributing to the spectacular display of blossoms in the spring. While at Nagoya Castle, you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the historical castle grounds.

The Sakura season in Osaka is a spectacle worth seeing. The flowering starts on March 25, with full bloom on April 1. The city has numerous cherry blossom viewing spots you surely cannot miss. The first spot is Osaka Castle Park, where hundreds of cherry trees surround the majestic castle, creating a breathtaking sight.

Not only that, you can also take a leisurely walk under the cherry blossoms along the wide riverside paths of Kema Sakuranomiya Park, located by the Okawa River. You may also want to take a visit to the Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park. It’s a large area featuring various cherry tree species, offering a unique and unforgettable sakura-viewing experience.

In Kyoto, the Sakura season typically happens at the same time as Tokyo’s, starting around March 22 and reaching full bloom by March 29. This ancient capital of Japan provides an enchanting backdrop for cherry blossom viewing. You can’t miss the Philosopher’s Path Walk (Tetsugako No Michi) while enjoying the Sakura season in Kyoto. This stone path runs along a canal, cuddled by cherry trees on either side of the path.

Another great spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in Kyoto is Maruyama Park. This place has a grand weeping cherry tree and a vibrant atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing. Let’s not forget about Kiyomizu-dera Temple too. Here, you can admire the cherry blossoms against one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks.

Exploring Tohoku, in Northeast Japan, is especially enchanting during the late sakura season. The blossoms usually start blooming from April 2 or 3 and continue until May 5 or 6. To make your trip to Tohoku more enjoyable, consider checking out the JR East Pass Tohoku on Traveloka.

Notably, Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima, a national natural treasure, stands as one of Japan's Three Most Famous Cherry Trees, aged over 1,000 years. This majestic weeping cherry tree, surrounded by a scenic walking path, offers an enchanting experience.

Moving to Miyagi, Hitome Senbonzakura unfolds 8 kilometres along the Shiroishi River, presenting breathtaking views of cherry trees against the snow-capped Zao Mountains. Lastly, Hirosaki Park in Aomori, spanning 49 hectares and hosting around 2,500 cherry trees, earns acclaim as a prominent cherry blossom viewing destination in Japan.

Hokkaido experiences the late bloom of cherry blossoms from around April 2 or 3 to early May around 5 to 6, similar to Tohoku. Noteworthy sites in this region include Moerenuma Park in Sapporo, crafted by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

This artistic haven boasts imposing sculptures and is adorned with vibrant pink cherry blossoms each spring. Goryokaku Tower and Castle in Hakodate present a unique experience within a star-shaped French-style fortress surrounded by many cherry blossoms.The adjacent 107-metre-high Goryokaku Tower provides a distinctive vantage point for observing Hokkaido's cherry blossoms.

The Sakura season in Japan unfolds its exquisite beauty, commencing in the south in January and culminating in Hokkaido by late April. Noteworthy destinations like Kawazu, Atami, Miharu Takizakura, Hitome Senbonzakura, and Hirosaki Park offer diverse cherry blossom experiences.

Planning your visit during this enchanting period promises a unique encounter with nature's ephemeral masterpiece. To witness these breathtaking scenes, seize the opportunity to explore Japan's captivating landscapes during the Sakura season in Japan.

Start your Sakura journey by planning with your Singapore to Sapporo flight at Traveloka, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the timeless charm of cherry blossoms. Book your trip today and immerse yourself in the splendor of Japan's Sakura season.