Cherry blossoms in Japan - Forecast 2024 桜開花予想2024

Published on : 02/02/2024
by : Marion.E

Sakura au sanctuaire Senso-ji à Tokyo — ©Yoav Aziz via unsplash

When to see the cherry blossoms in Japan in 2024

The blossoming of cherry trees, called sakura in Japanese, heralds the arrival of spring. Embodying the ephemeral, they reveal their beauty for just two weeks.

Every year, the announcement of the cherry blossom forecast becomes an eagerly awaited event, and is officially announced by the Japan Meteorological Corporation.

To better prepare your itinerary for your trip to Japan and enjoy the best possible Hanami, we keep you informed of the blossom forecasts each year. From the south to the north of the archipelago, here are the forecasts for 2024.

Sakura 2024 flowering forecast 🌸

東京-TOKYO: March 17-March 25
福岡-FUKUOKA: March 22-March 31
広島-HIROSHIMA: March 22-April 1
大阪-OSAKA: March 23/25-March 31
京都-KYOTO: March 23/25-March 31
城崎温泉 - KINOSAKI ONSEN: March 26-April 2
金沢-KANAZAWA: March 31-April 6
仙台-SENDAI: April 6-April 11
札幌-SAPPORO: May 1-May 5

The first date is when the sakura blossom, called kaika or "blooming flowers", and the second is when they are in full bloom, mankai.

Prévisions 2O24 de la floraison des fleurs de cerisiers — 2O24 cherry blossom forecast
japanExperience

As has been the case for some years now, the first sakura flowers are blooming earlier and earlier, sometimes lasting only a few days. Bear in mind, too, that forecasts change daily. You can consult them on the official Japan Meteorological Corporation website.

Hanami tradition

The cherry blossom forecast also heralds the start of a celebration that brings the whole nation together: Hanami!

Literally meaning "tolook at the flowers", hana 花, "flower" and mi 見, "to look at", this ancestral tradition consists in gathering with family, friends or even colleagues for a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Here, we drink, eat and simply celebrate the fleeting beauty of the sakura!

To find out more

Top 10 places to see cherry blossoms in Japan

During this period, the whole of Japan is decked out in a magnificent pink coat for ten days or so, and parks and gardens are the most popular places to celebrate Hanami. In the city or in the heart of Japanese nature, discover our favorite spots to admire the cherry blossoms.

Hirosaki Castle, Aomori: Surrounded by a moat and impeccable gardens, Hirosaki Castle offers spectacular views of cherry blossom, especially from the main tower.
GoryokakuPark , Hokkaido: In the pretty city of Hakodate. Here, plum and cherry blossom at the same time in the ruins of this former Vauban-style fortress (Louis XIV's architect).
Matsumoto Castle, Nagano: For magnificent night-time viewing of cherry blossoms, between the pink petals and dark walls of this impressive castle.

Lake Kawaguchiko Sakura Mont Fuji — Lake Kawaguchiko Sakura Mount Fuji
Midori

Lake Kawaguchi, Mount Fuji's Five Lakes Region: With the majestic Mount Fuji in the background, Lake Kawaguchi offers a picturesque scene where cherry blossom trees are reflected on the calm waters.
Mount Yoshino, Nara: Considered one of the most famous sites for cherry blossom, Mount Yoshino offers a spectacular view with thousands of trees scattered across its slopes.

Chemin de la Philosophie, Kyoto: This path runs alongside a peaceful canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.
Himeji Castle, Hyogo: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is surrounded by a moat and magnificent gardens, creating an ideal setting to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Senkoji Park, Hiroshima: One of the oldest parks, where 10,000 cherry trees have been planted for over 120 years, offering an unforgettable spectacle.
Shiroyama Park, Kagoshima: Overlooking the town of Kagoshima, it offers a breathtaking view of the bay, cherry trees and Sakurajima volcano in the background.
Kumamoto Castle Park: With its majestic building and 800 trees, this is considered one of Kyushu's best hanami spots.

... Or many other trains and buses all over Japan! — ... Or many other trains and buses throughout Japan!
©Prasit Rodphan / 123RF

Our special Tokyo top 5

Meguro River and Nakameguro: A magnificent walk beneath cherry blossoms, interlaced with pink lanterns. More than 800 yoshino cherry trees compete to dazzle the eye of the stroller. When night falls, the lanterns light up and the pink reflections mingle with the yozakura, the night cherry trees.
Chidorigafuchi : Located near the Imperial Palace, this is a popular spot in Tokyo for admiring cherry blossom. The rows of cherry trees along the moat create a picturesque setting ideal for hanami. But above all, pedal boats offer a whole new experience!
Ueno Park : Ueno Park transforms into a floral paradise in spring, with thousands of cherry trees surrounding Shinobazu Pond and the Tokyo National Museum in the background. Mind you, this is perhaps the capital's most popular place to celebrate hanami. Expect to see a lot of people!
Yoyogi Park: Admire the park's 700 cherry trees while enjoying a bento from the central square. During the cherry blossom season, the atmosphere is very lively!
Yanaka Cemetery : Covering an area of 10 hectares and containing 7,000 tombs, including that of the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the main path is lined with cherry blossom trees.