It’s NO exaggeration once I say that each Japanese and (nearly) each eager traveler on the planet retains a detailed watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast initially of yearly! In any case, who wouldn’t need to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each area within the nation is enveloped in shades of sentimental 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 will probably 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 you could get to get pleasure from 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 publish is available in!
I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I acquired to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you simply get to get pleasure from it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map beneath, you would 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 primarily based on the forecast executed by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take observe that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay, or shorten the forecast above — however you possibly can already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll hold this publish up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by sometimes!
Cherry blossom timber 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 Might).
So if you consider it… offered that you simply’ve acquired the time and the cash, you possibly can completely bask in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!
However in fact — not everybody can do such a factor, so when you solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, beneath is a listing of a few of the finest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom Japan 2024 season!
Finest Cherry Blossom Spots
To raised streamline this part, I might be itemizing the perfect cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 large areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that every one complete to 47).
TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historic custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura timber. These days, the Japanese usually have a good time it by having an out of doors get together or picnic below the timber throughout daytime or nighttime (referred to as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).
Come and take a look at this record of the prime issues to do in Japan which options the perfect 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 – Finest Viewing)
- Chidorigafuchi: That is certainly one of Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Fortress round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats accessible for hire to raised benefit from the timber up shut! At evening, the timber are lit up and a number of other meals stands are discovered close by.
- Sumida Park: It is a nice recreation area provided that the timber 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 possibly can hire in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The timber are additionally lit up at evening.
- Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in several varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take observe that alcohol is prohibited.
- Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot relating to the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the hundreds of timber lining the road but additionally due to how the timber right here usually bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
- Meguro River: For lots of of meters, about 800 cherry blossom timber are lining this river. It’s not an excellent place for doing a picnic however it’s an excellent place for taking pictures, for certain!
- Yoyogi Park: Situated close to the procuring district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom timber in its neighborhood.
TIP: Uncover the fantastic thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure points of interest by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or when you come someday round April 14 to Might 27, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss!
◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 30 – First Bloom // April 3 to 11 – Finest Viewing)
- Yokohama:
- Sankeien Backyard: It is a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and a number of other historic buildings (thereby giving off a fantastic conventional look).
- Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as certainly one of Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots” so it’s undoubtedly price visiting.
- Kamakura:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You may get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry timber which might be numbering by lots of.
◘◘ Gunma
(March 22 – First Bloom // April 1 to eight – Finest Viewing)
- Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a novel “pink-on-pink” function given the encompassing ‘pink moss’ within the fields which might be discovered simply beside the cherry blossom timber.
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» Kansai Area (関西地方)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Kyoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest 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 timber.
- Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this well-liked public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its heart. Be sure to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! When you’re there, you possibly can benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
- Heian Shrine: Yet one more place to seek out weeping cherry timber — however in additional numbers. Take observe that these weeping timber attain full bloom simply after a couple of days that the opposite regular cherry timber do.
- Arashiyama: Situated within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place will not be solely identified for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but additionally identified for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A great spot would undoubtedly be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.
TIP: Journey the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s an effective way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the prepare’s clear glass ceiling.
On the lookout for different prime sakura places in Kyoto?
Try 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 – Finest Viewing)
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has infinite rows of sakura timber — apart from, they quantity at practically 5,000! You possibly can get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by means of the river.
- Osaka Fortress: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura timber that encompass it. And if I could share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western facet of the fort is nice for doing picnics because it provides nice scenic views of the tower.
- Expo 70 Commemorative Park: But once more, one other space with hundreds of cherry blossom timber. At evening you possibly can get pleasure from it, much more, once they gentle the whole lot 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 – Finest Viewing)
- Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll absolutely be overwhelmed by the 30,000~ cherry timber that encompass this mountain.
- Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom timber which might be planted right here! Be sure to go southeast of Todaiji’s predominant corridor in order for you an enormous garden encircled by these pink timber.
- Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s climbing path is lined with cherry blossoms, and when you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get an excellent image of the whole lot with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.
◘◘ Hyogo
(March 24 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)
- Himeji Fortress: Proven within the picture above, that is the well-known world heritage website fort that’s distinctive for its white facade! Undoubtedly, it is a great spot for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer fort grounds is even free, so make the most of it if you’re within the space!)
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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 4 – Finest Viewing)
- Fuji 5 Lakes: When you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get an impressive sight of Mount Fuji with the encompassing cherry blossoms on the lake.
- TIP: You have to go to within the early mornings for the perfect visibility and lightweight.
- Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly throughout the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encompassing terrain (as you possibly can see from the picture above!).
TIP: You possibly can simply go to Chureito Pagoda by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or when you come someday round April to June, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss.
◘◘ Nagano
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 8 to 12 – Finest Viewing)
- Matsumoto Fortress: What higher solution to seize and see certainly one of Japan’s most lovely unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the lots of of timber planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
- Takato Fortress Ruins Park: It’s included within the prime 3 finest places for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Fortress 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 – Finest Viewing)
- Kenrokuen: This has been referred to as as certainly one of Japan’s “3 most lovely panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has turn out to be a fantastic cherry blossom viewing spot.
◘◘ Aichi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 27 to 30 – Finest Viewing)
- Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is considered certainly 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 Fortress: Certainly, you wouldn’t miss this fort if you’re within the metropolis! Throughout spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom timber, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the fort and alongside the moats.
TIP: From Nagoya, you possibly can go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Website of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which might be amidst pink cherry timber. (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 – Finest Viewing)
- Miyajima: That is the small island discovered exterior of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’d count on, this makes for a fantastic sight within the spring! To begin 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 timber round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can be discovered (the latter commemorates those that died throughout the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).
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» Shikoku Area (四国)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Ehime
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Matsuyama Fortress: (Pictured above). That is certainly one of Japan’s 12 “unique castles” and I assure you that the views from the fort tower throughout spring is past exceptional! So when trying on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t neglect to place this in your must-see record.
◘◘ Kagawa
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Megijima Island: That is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and when you go to the mountain-top park of the island’s tallest peak, you’ll have unbelievable views of the cherry blossom timber and the ocean.
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» Kyūshū Area (九州)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest 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 timber as you get pleasure from 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 – Finest Viewing)
- Kumamoto Fortress: As certainly one of Japan’s most spectacular castles, it definitely has turn out to be one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. Everywhere in the terrain, there’s a putting envelope of pink hues from the cherry timber.
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» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukushima
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 5 to 13 – Finest Viewing)
- Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply exterior central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the superb factor about this park is that you simply’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom timber in various hues of pink! Just be sure you seize a map from the data sales space because it reveals the perfect 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 the town. Aside from 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 Might)
Beneath are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom Japan 2024 spots within the Tohoku area…
- Hirosaki Fortress: As a result of wealthy format of this fort, company can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom timber, tunnels, moats, and numerous picnic areas. One may even hire a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
- Kakunodate: This fort city is completely well-known for its weeping cherry timber that adorn the town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
- Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry timber — good to your Instagram pictures!
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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)
Picture by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 25 – First Bloom // April 27 to Might 4 – Finest Viewing)
- Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the picture above). It is a star-shaped army citadel in-built Hakodate in the direction of the top of the Edo Interval and it has since been became a public park that has over hundreds of sakura timber planted alongside its moats!
- Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting nearly a whole month) given the wide selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, you can too benefit from the Matsumae Fortress which is the one fort on Hokkaido.
- Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other they usually appeal to numerous guests yearly within the spring who get pleasure from holding hanami events in its open area. You guess that it’s an effective way to mingle with the locals!
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Japan Journey Information
» Finest Time to Go to
Any time and any season! Might 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 positioned practically 70km northeast of Tokyo. In an effort to get the perfect flight offers to this nation from nearly anyplace on the globe, I extremely recommend looking by means of Skyscanner:
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» Visa for Japan
When you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (When you’re from the Philippines, you possibly can learn my information on methods to get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Verify full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» The place to Keep In Japan
To seek for the perfect resort lodging in Japan at the perfect costs, I recommend cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However when you’re somewhat concerned with renting comfy homes or residences, you need to search by means of AirBnB.
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» Japan Foreign money
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 simply need to alternate your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT alternate your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there usually are not aggressive.
- The way to finest alternate your foreign money? 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 together with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, you will need to do one large withdrawal to attenuate charges together with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, quite a lot of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s all the time advisable to have money readily available as a result of quite a lot of smaller retailers 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; nevertheless, it’s completely attainable to journey on a finances! Simply take observe that lodging charges usually go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).
To present you an thought, you need to count on to journey in Japan with a mean day by day price of about USD $45~ per individual on a finances, or at the very least $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, accommodations, and extra. (Values beneath present low finances to medium finances ranges).
- Resorts: $25 to $120 USD / day
- Meals: $12 to $30 USD / day
- Transport: US$1 per subway trip*
*FREE subway and bullet prepare rides when you maintain a Japan Rail Go
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» The way to Get Round Central Japan
There are a number of prepare passes accessible in Japan that can assist you to save on transportation prices, the perfect 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 can 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 planet so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Resorts and most retailers (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however as a way to keep related on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your personal 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 planet 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 — nevertheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “road sensible” through the use of your frequent 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 superb nation.
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» Useful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the developed international locations on the planet, however quite a lot of the locals don’t communicate English. Nonetheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of aside from the truth that there are quite a lot of translation apps that can assist you to perceive and communicate Japanese, quite a lot of the locals are additionally making the trouble to study and use the English language.
Anyhow, beneath are some useful Japanese phrases that can assist you to alongside the best way! And even when you do encounter a Japanese who can communicate English, it doesn’t damage to say a phrase or two of their language.
Whats up: 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
Irrespective of if this might be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast publish has given you adequate information and tricks to begin planning your superb ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!
Let me know the way it goes for you. Get pleasure from!
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