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A Handy Guide To Viewing Cherry Blossoms In Japan
What is hanami ?
Hanami, which means "flower viewing" in Japanese, is the traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms (Sakura). Oftentimes, outdoor parties will occur underneath the cherry blossom trees, where people will gather together and enjoy food, drinks, and celebrations. In parks, numerous food stalls provide catering, and in bigger places people can enjoy the music and dance shows.
Celebrations can take place during the day, and also in the evening after sunsets. These evening parties are uniquely beautiful and are referred to as Yozakura, translating to “night cherry blossoms”. Most popular hanami places are usually lit up with decorative lanterns or spotlights.
SpringWhen do cherry blossoms bloom in Japan?
Experience the magic of Japan’s cherry blossoms as they bloom across the country! The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) predicts flowering dates for the iconic Someiyoshino sakura to align with historical averages, starting in Kochi, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima around March 23, reaching Tokyo on March 24, and Osaka on March 26. Northern Japan will see blossoms later, with Sapporo flowering around April 30.
2025 Forecast of flowering and full bloom dates for each area
| Location | Forecasted flowering date | Forecasted full bloom date | Flowering date in average year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 4/28 | 5/2 | 5/1 |
| Tokyo | 3/24 | 3/31 | 3/24 |
| Kanazawa | 4/2 | 4/8 | 4/3 |
| Nagoya | 3/25 | 4/3 | 3/24 |
| Kyoto | 3/27 | 4/5 | 3/26 |
| Osaka | 3/28 | 4/4 | 3/27 |
| Hiroshima | 3/25 | 4/4 | 3/25 |
| Fukuoka | 3/23 | 4/1 | 3/22 |
| Kagoshima | 3/23 | 4/3 | 3/26 |
JMC 2nd forecast announced on January 23, 2025
Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms?
Ueno Park - TOKYO
The large public park in Tokyo and there are many museums in the park and even a zoo, the Ueno Zoo. You can see more than 1000 cherry trees in bloom in the spring.
Chureito Pagoda - Yamanashi
It has become a hot topic overseas as a place where you can shoot three symbols of Japan, “Mt.Fuji”, “Cherry Blossom” and “Five-storey Pagoda” at the same time. Urui River also offers one of the best scenic views of cherry blossoms and Mt.Fuji with the beautiful stream of the river.
Arashiyama - KYOTO
Arashiyama is a scenic spot where you can appreciate nature. Known as a cherry blossom spot since ancient times, the entire mountain is dyed in a light pink color when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
While going down the river that is special to Arashiyama, being able to have a hanami experience is slightly different than taking the trolley trains, or the boat. At least 1,500 cherry blossom trees are planted near Togetsu-kyo Bridge along Katsuragawa River, which is illuminated at night.
