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.
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast #8 (Updated March 16th)
On March 16th, 2023, JMC released its 8th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
Japan’s eastern, western, and northern regions will see a significantly earlier blooming time than normal. Due to the unexpectedly high temperatures in early March, this year’s predicted blooming dates for cherry blossoms have been advanced by 1-2 days compared to the last season.
On March 14th, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo were observed to bloom first, 10 days earlier than the average blooming time. Then on March 15th, cherry blossoms in Yokohama were also observed to open, and on March 16th, the cherry blossoms in Gifu opened.
It is expected that cherry blossoms in various regions of eastern and western Japan will slowly start to bloom, and this year’s blooming date may be the earliest in recorded history. As a traveler, this is the perfect opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossoms in Japan.
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
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast #7 (Updated March 9th)
On March 9th, 2023, JMC released its 7th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
The sakura in western Japan is expected to bloom earlier than usual this year, while those in eastern and northern Japan are also likely to bloom significantly earlier than normal.
Due to temperatures in early March being much higher than expected, the expected blooming dates for the cherry blossoms have been moved up by 1-2 days compared to the last estimate.
The cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming on March 15, followed by those in Yokohama on March 17. By the 19th of March, cherry blossoms throughout eastern and western Japan will slowly begin to bloom.
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
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast #6 (Updated March 2nd)
On March 2nd, 2023, JMC released its 6th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
The sakura in western Japan is expected to bloom earlier than usual this year, while those in eastern and northern Japan are also likely to bloom earlier than normal, possibly significantly.
Due to temperatures in early March being much higher than expected, the expected blooming dates for the cherry blossoms have been moved up by 1-2 days compared to the last estimate.
The cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming on March 16, followed by those in Yokohama on March 18, and in Kofu and Kochi on March 19. By the end of March, cherry blossoms throughout eastern and western Japan will slowly begin to bloom.
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
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast #5 (Updated February 24th)
On February 24, 2023, JMC released its 5th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
The cherry blossoms in western Japan are expected to bloom at normal or earlier than normal timing, while in eastern and northern Japan, they are expected to bloom earlier than usual.
Compared to the previous prediction, the expected blooming dates of cherry blossoms have been moved up by 1-2 days. It is expected that cherry blossoms in Tokyo will start to bloom on March 18th, followed by Kofu on March 19th. By the end of March, cherry blossoms throughout eastern and western Japan will gradually begin to bloom.
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
2023 Cherry Blossom Forecast #4 (Updated February 16th)
On February 16, 2023, JMC released its 4th forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
In northern and eastern Japan, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than usual, while in western Japan, the timing is expected to be average.
Although it is anticipated that the nationwide breaking of dormancy will be on time or later than usual this season, the temperature is expected to be higher than usual in the early spring, and the flower buds are expected to grow smoothly. In northern and eastern Japan, despite a delay in breaking dormancy, the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom earlier than usual due to healthy growth, and in western Japan, the delay in breaking dormancy is expected to be compensated for, resulting in average blooming. However, in Kagoshima, the delay in breaking dormancy will cause the cherry blossoms to bloom later than usual.
In Tokyo, it is expected that the cherry blossoms will start to bloom around March 18th, followed by Kofu and Kochi.
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
Although the cherry blossom season is short, its beauty leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
During this season, tourists can enjoy the colorful cherry blossom scenery in various parts of Japan while experiencing the unique culture and lifestyle of Japan.
Whether you are seeking a romantic cherry blossom viewing trip or want to experience Japan’s cultural and historical heritage, the cherry blossom season is the perfect time to travel to Japan.
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