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.

TOKYO

Shinjuku Gyoen

Ueno Park

FIVE FUJI LAKES

Kawaguchi Lake

KYOTO

Philosopher's Walk

Maruyama Park

Arashiyama

Heian Shrine

OSAKA

Osaka Castle

NARA

Nara Park

HIROSHIMA

Miyajima  (Itsukushima)