Planning a trip to Japan for its world-famous cherry blossom season?
You’re in the right place. The first official forecast for 2026 is out, and it’s essential for planning your visit.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the 2026 sakura season, from the first bloom in Tokyo to the final petals in Hokkaido, based on the initial forecast released on January 8, 2026.
This year, the cherry blossom front is expected to start in Tokyo around March 21st, with blooming dates across the country ranging from average to slightly earlier than usual.
Use this guide to find the perfect time and place for your hanami (cherry blossom viewing) adventure.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts: 2026 Cherry Blossom Season
Here are the key takeaways from the first 2026 forecast.
| Feature | Details |
| First Expected Bloom | Tokyo, around March 21, 2026 |
| Peak Season (Honshu) | Late March to Early April |
| Hokkaido Arrival | Late April (Hakodate: April 23) |
| Overall Trend | Average to slightly early bloom in most areas; significantly early in Northern Japan. |
| Primary Source | Weathernews Inc. (Forecast released Jan 8, 2026) |
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map 2026
This map provides a nationwide overview of the expected first blooming dates for major cities across Japan. The sakura front typically moves from the southwest to the northeast.
Regional Forecasts
Japan’s long archipelago means the cherry blossom season spans nearly two months. Here’s a breakdown by region.
Kyushu Region
Blooming in Kyushu is expected to be average for the season, starting in late March.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Fukuoka | March 23 |
| Kumamoto | March 23 |
| Nagasaki | March 24 |
| Saga | March 24 |
| Miyazaki | March 24 |
| Oita | March 25 |
| Kagoshima | March 26 |
Chugoku & Shikoku Regions
These regions are also expecting an average bloom time, starting in the last week of March.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Kochi | March 24 |
| Hiroshima | March 25 |
| Matsuyama | March 25 |
| Takamatsu | March 27 |
| Okayama | March 28 |
| Tokushima | March 28 |
| Matsue | March 29 |
| Tottori | March 29 |
Kinki (Kansai) Region
Expect blossoms to appear in line with average years, starting around March 25th.
Tokai Region
The Tokai region’s forecast is also for an average season, starting in late March.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Nagoya | March 23 |
| Gifu | March 23 |
| Shizuoka | March 24 |
| Tsu | March 27 |
Kanto-Koshin Region
Tokyo is predicted to be the first city in Japan to see cherry blossoms in 2026. The region is expecting blooms on par with or slightly earlier than average.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Tokyo | March 21 (Earliest in Japan) |
| Yokohama | March 22 |
| Kofu | March 23 |
| Maebashi | March 27 |
| Utsunomiya | March 27 |
| Nagano | April 8 |
Hokuriku Region
This region is expecting blooms to be average or slightly early.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Kanazawa | March 31 |
| Fukui | March 31 |
| Toyama | March 31 |
| Niigata | April 5 |
Tohoku Region
The forecast for Tohoku is for an early bloom, especially in the northern parts of the region.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Fukushima | April 3 |
| Sendai | April 4 |
| Yamagata | April 9 |
| Akita | April 12 |
| Morioka | April 14 |
| Aomori | April 17 |
Hokkaido Region
Japan’s final cherry blossoms will bloom in Hokkaido, with a forecast for a significantly earlier-than-average season.
| City | Forecasted Bloom Date |
| Hakodate | April 23 |
| Sapporo | April 25 |
| Muroran | April 26 |
| Obihiro | April 28 |
| Asahikawa | April 30 |
| Kushiro | May 7 |
Best Time to Visit for Cherry Blossoms in 2026
•Late March: Best for southern and western Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima. This is often the most popular time for tourists.
•Early to Mid-April: Ideal for the Hokuriku region (Kanazawa) and the southern half of Tohoku (Sendai).
•Late April to Early May: The perfect window for northern Tohoku (Aomori) and southern Hokkaido (Hakodate, Sapporo).
Remember that “full bloom” (mankai) typically occurs about 5-7 days after the first bloom and lasts for about a week. This is generally considered the most beautiful time to see the blossoms.
Klook.comPractical Tips for Your Visit
•Book Accommodation Early: The cherry blossom season is Japan’s peak travel period. Book your hotels and flights months in advance, especially for popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
•Forecasts Change: This is the first forecast. Updates will be released weekly or bi-weekly as the season gets closer. Check for new information before your trip.
•Be Prepared for Crowds: Famous hanami spots will be very crowded. Consider visiting on a weekday or early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan in 2026?
A1: For major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the last week of March and the first week of April is predicted to be the best time. However, the season moves across the country, so the best time depends entirely on where you go.
Q2: How accurate is the cherry blossom forecast?
A2: The initial forecasts are based on historical data and temperature models. They become more accurate as the season approaches. The forecasts released in late February and March will provide a much clearer picture.
Q3: What does “full bloom” (mankai) mean?
A3: Full bloom refers to the point when over 80% of the blossoms on a tree have opened. It is widely considered the peak viewing period and typically lasts for about one week.
Q4: Can I see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido in May?
A4: Yes, the 2026 forecast predicts that cherry blossoms in cities like Kushiro and Wakkanai will bloom in early May, making it a great late-season destination.
Sources
[1] Weathernews Inc. “First Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026.” Weathernews.jp, 8 Jan. 2026,
[2] “Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026.” Walkerplus,
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