Sakura - Cherry Blossom forecast 2018

Cherry blossom forecast updated 2019

The sakura flower, or Japanese cherry blossom, is considered Japan's unofficial national flower and has been admired by people all across the globe for it undeniable beauty. They are so popular among tourists that thousands travel to Japan every year during the spring season to get a glimpse of the spectacle of the trees blooming with these pink or white flowers.

It is during this time that many Japanese gather their family and friends to enjoy hanami, the tradition of admiring the beauty of the cherry blossoms, which they usually do by making picnics under the blooming trees. This tradition became very popular among tourists, who also wish to appreciate the exotic flowers while having a good time with friends.

If you are interested in seeing Japan’s famous cherry blossoms in 2018, here are two very important things to consider when making your trip plans – when and where to go. To make your planning a little easier, we have gathered information about the cherry blossom forecast for 2018 and made a list of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan.

When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

The sakura blooming typically occurs between late March and early April throughout most of Japan. But is important to keep in mind that the best viewing dates can widely vary based on the geographic location within the country. The regions with the milder winter climate usually produce earlier bloomer trees. For this reason, the cherry blossoms open first in the southern area, almost always beginning at Okinawa, and the blooming progresses towards the north.

Other factors influencing the blossoms appearance are the wind, rain, and temperature, which can make the blossoms appear either earlier or later than average and can lengthen or shorten the blooming season, making the cherry blossom forecast vary a little every year.

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2018 by Region (Updated 2019)

*Estimated best viewing periods by Planetyze based on data collected in previous years, especially 2017 and 2018, by the Japan Weather Association.

(Credit: https://sakura.weathermap.jp/en.php)

Major Cities (Updated 2019)

TOKYO

Estimated best viewing dates: March 29 to April 5
Blooming start prediction: March 22

KYOTO

Estimated best viewing dates: March 31 to April 7
Blooming start: March 23

OSAKA

Estimated best viewing dates: April 1 to April 8
Blooming start: March 25

Kyushu, Shikoku and Chugoku (Updated 2019)

FUKUOKA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 27 to April 4.
Blooming start: March 17

KUMAMOTO

Estimated best viewing dates: March 28 to April 5
Blooming start: March 20.

HIROSHIMA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 29 to April 5
Blooming start: March 22

MATSUYAMA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 30 to April 7
Blooming start: March 21

Kansai (Updated 2019)

KYOTO

Estimated best viewing dates: March 31 to April 7
Blooming start: March 23

OSAKA

Estimated best viewing dates: April 1 to April 8
Blooming start: March 25

NARA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 31 to April 7
Blooming start: March 25

Kanto and Chubu (Updated 2019)

TOKYO

Estimated best viewing dates: March 29 to April 5
Blooming start: March 22

NAGOYA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 29 to April 5
Blooming start: March 21

YOKOHAMA

Estimated best viewing dates: March 30 to April 6
Blooming start prediction: March 22

KANAZAWA

Estimated best viewing dates: April 6 to April 12
Blooming start: April 1

FUJI FIVE LAKES (Not yet updated)

Estimated best viewing dates: March 31 to April 6
Blooming start: March 25

Tohoku and Hokkaido (Updated 2019)

FUKUSHIMA

Estimated best viewing dates: April 9 to April 14.
Blooming start: April 5

SENDAI

Estimated best viewing dates: April 12 to April 17
Blooming start: April 7

HAKODATE

Estimated best viewing dates: May 1 to May 6
Blooming start: April 28

SAPPORO

Estimated best viewing dates: May 2 to May 6
Blooming start: April 29

10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

Now that you know when to visit Japan to experience the most of the cherry blossom viewing, all there is left to do is decide where to go. We made a list of the 10 best cherry blossom spots in Japan, so you can find the ones that better fit into your trip itinerary.

Ueno Park is a park full of culture and art. Popular art presentations and other famous exhibitions are held here. You enjoy the turning of the seasons with the cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. And you can also tour some important historical buildings.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The word “gyoen” means a garden for the Imperial family. It’s only a 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). So, this quiet and lush garden is loved by many people who go there to take a break from the city and relax.

Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is the 2nd largest lake in the World Heritage registered Fuji Five Lakes region. It is an ideal resort area with lots of activities and events. A marvelous image of Mount Fuji is reflected on the surface of the lake when the weather is clear.

Nara Park

There are numerous World Heritage sites in this park at the base of the lush green mountains. Some examples are Todaiji, Kofukiji, and Kasuga-taisha. The friendly deer, said to be messengers from the gods, will come to greet you.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hidetoshi in 1583. However, it was destroyed in a fire at the same time as his death. It was rebuilt before being destroyed by fire again in 1665. The modern Osaka Castle was rebuilt using contributions from local citizens, after an appeal was made by the mayor of Osaka at that time.

Arashiyama

Togetsukyo Bridge is an elegant bridge symbolizing Arashiyama. The trolley trains and the cruise down Hozu River lets you enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. This is the place where you can feel Kyoto’s elegant atmosphere unified with nature.

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine was built in the Meiji period (1868 – 1912) based on a plan to reproduce faithfully the architectural styles and colors of the central government building Chodoin which was the symbol of the ancient capital Heiankyo (present day Kyoto). Enjoy the beauty of the four seasons in the vast, 30,000 square meter “excursion type” garden.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a famous place for sakura or the cherry blossoms. It is a popular spot to take a stroll in the beautiful Japanese garden, free of admission fee. There are also teahouses and a ryotei restaurant recommended for good food.

Philosopher’s Walk

Philosopher’s Walk is an approximately 1.5km walking path along the foot of Mt. Higashiyama. On the western end of a canal built in the Meiji Era lies the stone-paved path which has also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Streets.

Itsukushima (Miyajima)

Commonly known as Miyajima, it is also known as one of the Three Views of Japan. The island has a history of over 1400 years which includes the World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine, the many temples and shrines on Mt. Misen, and traditional events.