Hanami, or flower-watching, is as fickle in Japan as autumn leaf-peeping is in North America. Precisely when the flowers will open, and for the way lengthy they will be in bloom, varies by location and turns into troublesome to foretell. Nonetheless, the Japan Meteorological Company simply launched its 2026 cherry blossom season forecast — among the finest instruments vacationers have for planning a visit across the flowers.
In the event you’re hoping to catch this yr’s pure spectacle, try JMC’s predictions for when the sakura blooms shall be at their finest in numerous areas throughout Japan.
Associated: The very best occasions of yr to go to Japan
Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom forecast
In Tokyo, flowers are anticipated to begin blooming March 22 and attain full bloom every week later March 29. Kyoto and Osaka are anticipated to start their cherry blossom season barely later, March 25, with the flowers reaching full bloom April 1 in Osaka and April 2 in Kyoto.
Farther south, Fukuoka and Hiroshima could expertise a barely longer season, beginning March 22 and peaking on the primary day or two of April.
These dates shift later as you progress farther north, providing you with extra time to plan a visit. In Sendai, a few two-hour prepare experience north of Tokyo, flowers should not anticipated to open till April 6, and full bloom is forecast for April 11. Sapporo, on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, is anticipated to start its season as late as April 26, with peak bloom forecast for April 30.
JMC’s forecast is predicated on components like temperature, cherry tree progress standing and information from earlier years, however there is not any assure the flowers will follow this schedule.
In the event you’re heading to Japan to chase cherry blossoms this yr, we advocate planning your journey based mostly on these predictions however nonetheless staying versatile. Chances are you’ll must be able to hop on a last-minute prepare, or perhaps a home flight, to a different vacation spot to see the flowers at their most stunning.
You should definitely obtain the Sakura Navi app. You possibly can verify the cherry blossoms’ progress by location with the app’s Flowering Meter. The app may even notify you if you’re close to a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day e-newsletter
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Associated: Tips on how to keep away from the crowds whereas touring in Japan
Flight offers to Japan
It is not too late to plan a spring hanami journey, particularly when you’ve got factors and miles to burn. Whereas award flight offers in late March are scarce, there’s nonetheless good availability in April if you would like to fly into Tokyo and head to a northern vacation spot the place the flowers bloom somewhat later.
American Airways presents nonstop flights to each of Tokyo’s worldwide airports from U.S. hubs like John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Dallas Fort Value Worldwide Airport (DFW) for 35,000 AAdvantage miles one-way plus minimal taxes and costs. And AAdvantage award flights are simpler than ever to e-book now that this system is a 1:1 switch accomplice of Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Or, you may e-book this nonstop Hawaiian Airways flight from Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) to Tokyo’s Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT) by way of Alaska Airways’ web site for 30,000 Atmos Rewards factors one-way, plus minimal taxes and costs. You possibly can earn extra Atmos Rewards factors quick with one in every of these cobranded card welcome presents.
British Airways and Qatar Airways have some offers from Los Angeles to Tokyo for below 30,000 Avios every means, plus round $200 in taxes and costs. You possibly can switch Avios from most main transferable factors packages in addition to between taking part airline packages.
Backside line
If seeing Japan’s legendary cherry blossoms is one in every of your journey objectives for 2026, JMC’s cherry blossom forecast and the Sakura Navi app are your finest journey planning instruments. Simply keep in mind to remain versatile, as these dates could shift.
To proceed planning your cherry blossom journey, try our information to visiting Japan on factors and miles and our round-up of one of the best lodges in Tokyo.
Associated studying:
