The cherry blossom season is one of the most beautiful seasons in Japan. Every year in spring, the day when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom is eagerly anticipated. As the sun slowly rises, melting the snow and ice, spring has quietly arrived. Typically, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom in various parts of Japan in late March. In Tokyo, the cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom from late March to early April, and in the Kansai region, the cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to mid-April. In Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, the cherry blossoms usually bloom in mid-April or later.

However, this time is also subject to the influence of weather. If the weather is colder or rainy during spring, the blooming of the cherry blossoms may be delayed. Therefore, it is best to check the blooming time a few days before the cherry blossom season to plan your trip.

2024 Cherry Blossom Forecast #9 (Updated March 21st)

On March 21, 2024, the Japan Meteorological Corporation made public its fourth cherry blossom blooming and full bloom forecast for the year. Covering approximately 1,000 locations nationwide, from Hokkaido to Kagoshima, the forecast provides insights into this year’s cherry blossom blooming and full bloom.

[Announcement on March 21, 2024]

Nationwide Cherry Blossom Blooming Expected to be Average or Earlier Than Average

Although the period for dormancy break is expected to be later than usual nationwide this season, it is anticipated that temperatures after dormancy break will be higher than average, leading to faster growth of flower buds. To make up for the delay in dormancy break, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom nationwide at an average or earlier-than-average timing.

Compared to the previous announcement, the predicted blooming dates have become earlier nationwide. This is largely due to significantly higher temperatures from March 15th to 17th compared to the previous forecast period, resulting in accelerated growth.

Cherry blossom blooming is expected to commence on March 21st in Gifu, Nagoya, Saga, and Kumamoto, followed by Tokyo, Kofu, Kochi, Fukuoka, and Miyazaki on March 22nd, with many other locations in Eastern and Western Japan expected to start blooming thereafter.

*Update on March 25th: Cherry blossoms have already bloomed in Kochi (3/23) and Hiroshima (3/25).

[Eastern Japan/Western Japan]

Temperatures in October are comparable to previous years, slightly higher in November, and even higher than usual from December to January. Due to the high temperatures from November to January, the expected time for dormancy to break is estimated to be delayed by approximately several days to 10 days. It is anticipated that temperatures in Japan in March will also be higher than usual.

The predicted cherry blossom blooming periods in Eastern and Western Japan are either consistent with or earlier than usual.

[Northern Japan]

Temperatures from October to November are significantly higher than usual, comparable in December, and even higher than usual in January. Due to the high temperatures from October to November, the expected time for dormancy to break is estimated to be delayed by about one week to 10 days. Northern Japan experiences higher temperatures in February than usual, with March also expected to be warmer than usual, while April is anticipated to have temperatures consistent with previous years.

The cherry blossom blooming period in Hokkaido is expected to be earlier than usual, while in the Tohoku region, the blooming time is predicted to be earlier than usual or significantly earlier than usual.

And to check out the average full bloom dates for the major cities shown above in addition to the yearly averages, check out the chart below!

https://n-kishou.com/corp/news-contents/sakura/?lang=en

GetAroundJapan

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay.

Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience.
We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture.

How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for.

For inquiries, contact us here

=Company Information=
CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan