It’s NO exaggeration after I say that each Japanese and (virtually) each eager traveler on the earth retains an in depth watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast at first of yearly! In spite of everything, who wouldn’t wish to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each house within the nation is enveloped in shades of soppy pink and white?
RELATED READ:
– Japan Itinerary
– Tokyo Itinerary
– Japan Journey Guides
Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it may well final for two weeks if the climate is ideal or lower than 10 if the climate is ghastly).
As if that doesn’t make it elusive sufficient, it’s not all the time a assure which you can get to take pleasure in them at their peak — however then once more, don’t fret: the Japan cherry blossom forecast that’s accessible these days is near correct in predicting the cherry blossoms’ first opening and full bloom.
…And as such, that is the place this put up is available in!
I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I received to take pleasure in the fantastic thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you just get to take pleasure in it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map under, you may begin planning a profitable Japan cherry blossom journey as early as now.
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map
- DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2024 and it’s based mostly on the forecast achieved by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take word that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind power can speed up, delay, or shorten the forecast above — however you may already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll preserve this put up up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by every so often!
Cherry blossom bushes in Japan bloom in an upward course ranging from the island of Okinawa (someday in the midst of January) after which ending at Hokkaido (across the finish of April or starting of Could).
So if you consider it… supplied that you just’ve received the time and the cash, you may completely take pleasure in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to take pleasure in the entire pink season!
However after all — not everybody can do such a factor, so in case you solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, under is an inventory of among the finest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom Japan 2024 season!
Greatest Cherry Blossom Spots
To raised streamline this part, I shall be itemizing one of the best cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 huge areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that each one whole to 47).
TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historical custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura bushes. These days, the Japanese sometimes have fun it by having an out of doors occasion or picnic underneath the bushes throughout daytime or nighttime (known as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).
Come and take a look at this checklist of the prime issues to do in Japan which options one of the best actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!
» Kantō Area (関東地方)
Cowl and prime picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Tokyo
(March 21 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Greatest Viewing)
- Chidorigafuchi: That is considered one of Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Citadel round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats accessible for lease to raised benefit from the bushes up shut! At evening, the bushes are lit up and several other meals stands are discovered close by.
- Sumida Park: It is a nice recreation house provided that the bushes are lined up on the edges of the river with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree within the distance. Like Chidorigafuchi, there are boats you may lease in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The bushes are additionally lit up at evening.
- Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in numerous varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take word that alcohol is prohibited.
- Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot with regards to the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the hundreds of bushes lining the road but in addition due to how the bushes right here typically bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
- Meguro River: For lots of of meters, about 800 cherry blossom bushes are lining this river. It’s not place for doing a picnic but it surely’s place for taking photographs, for certain!
- Yoyogi Park: Situated close to the procuring district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom bushes in its neighborhood.
TIP: Uncover the fantastic thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure sights by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or in case you come someday round April 14 to Could 27, you may participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you may witness a area of distinctive pink moss!
◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 30 – First Bloom // April 3 to 11 – Greatest Viewing)
- Yokohama:
- Sankeien Backyard: It is a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and several other historic buildings (thereby giving off an important conventional look).
- Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as considered one of Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots” so it’s undoubtedly value visiting.
- Kamakura:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You will get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry bushes which can be numbering by lots of.
◘◘ Gunma
(March 22 – First Bloom // April 1 to eight – Greatest Viewing)
- Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a novel “pink-on-pink” characteristic given the encircling ‘pink moss’ within the fields which can be discovered simply beside the cherry blossom bushes.
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» Kansai Area (関西地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Kyoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Greatest Viewing)
- Tetsugaku No Michi: Dubbed because the “Thinker’s Path”, this runs beside a canal connecting Ginkakuji to Nanzenji and it’s lined by lots of of sakura bushes.
- Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this standard public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its heart. Make sure that to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! Whilst you’re there, you may benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
- Heian Shrine: One more place to seek out weeping cherry bushes — however in additional numbers. Take word that these weeping bushes attain full bloom simply after just a few days that the opposite regular cherry bushes do.
- Arashiyama: Situated within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place just isn’t solely recognized for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but in addition recognized for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A perfect spot would undoubtedly be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.
TIP: Trip the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s a good way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the prepare’s clear glass ceiling.
Searching for different prime sakura places in Kyoto?
Take a look at this final information of Kyoto cherry blossom spots — from lesser-known places to the most well-liked ones!
◘◘ Osaka
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Greatest Viewing)
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has countless rows of sakura bushes — in addition to, they quantity at practically 5,000! You may take pleasure in such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by way of the river.
- Osaka Citadel: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura bushes that encompass it. And if I could share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western aspect of the citadel is nice for doing picnics because it offers nice scenic views of the tower.
- Expo 70 Commemorative Park: But once more, one other space with hundreds of cherry blossom bushes. At evening you may take pleasure in it, much more, once they mild all the pieces up.
TIP: From Osaka, you can too do a day tour to Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Nara’s deer park to benefit from the sakura season!
◘◘ Nara
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Greatest Viewing)
- Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll certainly be overwhelmed by the 30,000~ cherry bushes that encompass this mountain.
- Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom bushes which can be planted right here! Make sure that to go southeast of Todaiji’s essential corridor in order for you an enormous garden encircled by these pink bushes.
- Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s mountain climbing path is lined with cherry blossoms, and in case you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get image of all the pieces with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.
◘◘ Hyogo
(March 24 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Greatest Viewing)
- Himeji Citadel: Proven within the picture above, that is the well-known world heritage web site citadel that’s distinctive for its white facade! No doubt, this can be a excellent place for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer citadel grounds is even free, so reap the benefits of it if you’re within the space!)
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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 4 – Greatest Viewing)
- Fuji 5 Lakes: Should you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get a powerful sight of Mount Fuji with the encircling cherry blossoms on the lake.
- TIP: You could go to within the early mornings for one of the best visibility and lightweight.
- Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly through the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encircling terrain (as you may see from the picture above!).
TIP: You may simply go to Chureito Pagoda by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or in case you come someday round April to June, you may participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Competition close to Mt. Fuji the place you may witness a area of distinctive pink moss.
◘◘ Nagano
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 8 to 12 – Greatest Viewing)
- Matsumoto Citadel: What higher strategy to seize and see considered one of Japan’s most lovely unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the lots of of bushes planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
- Takato Citadel Ruins Park: It’s included within the prime 3 finest places for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Citadel and Yoshinoyama)! Plus, for the entire month of April, a competition is held right here the place many stalls are arrange and illuminations are additionally all the time held each evening from sundown to 10:00 PM.
◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 28 – First Bloom // April 3 to eight – Greatest Viewing)
- Kenrokuen: This has been known as as considered one of Japan’s “3 most lovely panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has develop into an important cherry blossom viewing spot.
◘◘ Aichi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 27 to 30 – Greatest Viewing)
- Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is thought to be considered one of Japan’s “100 finest cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t neglect to cease right here if you’re in Nagoya.
- Nagoya Citadel: Absolutely, you wouldn’t miss this citadel if you’re within the metropolis! Throughout spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom bushes, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the citadel and alongside the moats.
TIP: From Nagoya, you may go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Web site of Shirakawa-go to take pleasure in its picturesque conventional homes which can be amidst pink cherry bushes. (It’s also possible to learn my journey information right here).
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» Chūgoku Area (中国地方)
◘◘ Hiroshima
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Greatest Viewing)
- Miyajima: That is the small island discovered outdoors of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’ll anticipate, this makes for an important sight within the spring! To start out off the enjoyable, there are 1,300 sakura alongside the strolling trails resulting in the torii gate.
- Hiroshima Peace Park: There are roughly 300 cherry bushes round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can also be discovered (the latter commemorates those that died through the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).
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» Shikoku Area (四国)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Ehime
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Greatest Viewing)
- Matsuyama Citadel: (Pictured above). That is considered one of Japan’s 12 “unique castles” and I assure you that the views from the citadel tower throughout spring is past outstanding! So when wanting on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t neglect to place this in your must-see checklist.
◘◘ Kagawa
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Greatest Viewing)
- Megijima Island: That is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and in case you go to the mountain-top park of the island’s tallest peak, you’ll have unimaginable views of the cherry blossom bushes and the ocean.
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» Kyūshū Area (九州)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Greatest Viewing)
- Nishi Park: (Pictured above). That is one other a kind of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots”. As a hillside park, you’ll revel within the hundreds of sakura bushes as you take pleasure in a picnic in its inexperienced areas. That is additionally the location of the Terumo Shrine which is the household shrine of Fukuoka’s former feudal lords.
◘◘ Kumamoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Greatest Viewing)
- Kumamoto Citadel: As considered one of Japan’s most spectacular castles, it definitely has develop into one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. Everywhere in the terrain, there’s a hanging envelope of pink hues from the cherry bushes.
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» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukushima
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 5 to 13 – Greatest Viewing)
- Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply outdoors central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the wonderful factor about this park is that you just’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom bushes in various hues of pink! Just remember to seize a map from the data sales space because it reveals one of the best strolling trails and picture-taking spots.
- Shinobuyama Park: If you wish to bask your self in additional cherry tree views, head to this public park within the northern a part of town. Other than doing hanami, you can too benefit from the commentary decks that provide you with picturesque views over Fukushima.
◘◘ Different prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early Could)
Beneath are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom Japan 2024 spots within the Tohoku area…
- Hirosaki Citadel: As a result of wealthy structure of this citadel, friends can take pleasure in an abundance of cherry blossom bushes, tunnels, moats, and numerous picnic areas. One might even lease a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
- Kakunodate: This citadel city is completely well-known for its weeping cherry bushes that adorn town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
- Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry bushes — excellent in your Instagram photographs!
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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 25 – First Bloom // April 27 to Could 4 – Greatest Viewing)
- Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the picture above). It is a star-shaped navy citadel in-built Hakodate in direction of the tip of the Edo Interval and it has since been become a public park that has over hundreds of sakura bushes planted alongside its moats!
- Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting virtually a complete month) given the big selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, you can too benefit from the Matsumae Citadel which is the one citadel on Hokkaido.
- Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other they usually entice numerous guests yearly within the spring who take pleasure in holding hanami events in its open house. You wager that it’s a good way to mingle with the locals!
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Japan Journey Information
» Greatest Time to Go to
Any time and any season! Could or not it’s spring, summer season, autumn, or winter, Japan has a ton of locations and experiences that may fill your journey wants.
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» Getting in to Japan
By air. Narita (IATA: NRT) is Japan’s main worldwide airport and it’s situated practically 70km northeast of Tokyo. With a view to get one of the best flight offers to this nation from nearly wherever on the globe, I extremely counsel looking by way of Skyscanner:
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» Visa for Japan
Should you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (Should you’re from the Philippines, you may learn my information on the right way to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» The place to Keep In Japan
To seek for one of the best resort lodging in Japan at one of the best costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However in case you’re moderately fascinated by renting snug homes or flats, you must search by way of AirBnB.
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» Japan Forex
Japanese yen (JPY / ¥) whereby ¥100 is the same as about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 45~ (that is as of March 2022). Within the occasion that you just wish to alternate your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you just do NOT alternate your cash on the airport because the charges there should not aggressive.
- The right way to finest alternate your forex? Both alternate it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Tokyo’s metropolis heart. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nonetheless, you have to do one huge withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, a whole lot of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of a whole lot of smaller outlets do not settle for worldwide bank cards.
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» Price of Journey in Japan
Lots of people have the misperception that Japan is an costly vacation spot; nonetheless, it’s completely potential to journey on a funds! Simply take word that lodging charges sometimes go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).
To provide you an concept, you must anticipate to journey in Japan with a median each day price of about USD $45~ per particular person on a funds, or at the least $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, accommodations, and extra. (Values under present low funds to medium funds ranges).
*FREE subway and bullet prepare rides in case you maintain a Japan Rail Go
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» The right way to Get Round Central Japan
There are a number of prepare passes accessible in Japan that can provide help to save on transportation prices, one of the best one being the Japan Rail Go or JR Go. And if you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it is going to present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).
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» Staying Linked in Japan
Japan has one of many quickest web connections on the earth so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Resorts and most outlets (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however with a purpose to keep linked on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your individual pocket WiFi or a SIM Card.
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» Security in Japan
Japan is likely one of the most secure international locations on the earth with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many occasions now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the evening — nonetheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “road sensible” by utilizing your widespread sense always.
However, the Japanese individuals are one of many kindest and most respectful individuals I’ve ever met, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret on this wonderful nation.
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» Useful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the crucial developed international locations on the earth, however a whole lot of the locals don’t communicate English. Nevertheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of aside from the truth that there are a whole lot of translation apps that can provide help to perceive and communicate Japanese, a whole lot of the locals are additionally making the trouble to study and use the English language.
Anyhow, under are some useful Japanese phrases that can provide help to alongside the way in which! And even in case you do encounter a Japanese who can communicate English, it doesn’t damage to say a phrase or two of their language.
Howdy: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thanks (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thanks (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thanks (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Sure: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long run): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (casual): Ja ne (Jahh neh)
Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Assist!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)
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Total
Regardless of if this shall be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast put up has given you adequate data and tricks to begin planning your wonderful ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!
Let me know the way it goes for you. Get pleasure from!
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