Japan’s 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast Is Here

Your Guide to the 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast

While winter still lingers, now is the ideal time to iron out all of the details for your spring trip to Japan. Catching the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms requires precision, but the annual sakura forecast makes it easier than ever to time your trip for the iconic hanami experience. Thanks to the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), the first forecast of 2025 is here to guide you in planning your visit to this magical season.

Cherry Blossom FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

🌸 When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom?

Cherry blossoms bloom at slightly different times depending on their variety and location, and the timeline can be more spread out than you might think. Generally, the sakura season begins in Kyushu, in southern Japan, skipping subtropical Okinawa, which is too warm for most varieties. From there, the wave of blossoms moves northward, with Hokkaido being the final destination. Sakura season typically kicks off in the latter half of March and can extend into early May, and while the season can feel like just the blink of an eye, the staggered blooming periods across Japan mean you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch the flowers in full splendor.

🌸 How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Stay in Bloom?

Usually, once the cherry blossoms start blooming in a certain area, it takes about 4~7 days to reach full bloom. After reaching full bloom, the blossoms remain beautiful on the trees for about a week before they begin to fall. Since the cherry blossoms are at their most spectacular for a period of a week or two, it’s worth paying attention to the dates when the trees will come into bloom, and when they will be at their very best — “full bloom.”

The First Cherry Blossom Forecast of 2025

On January 9th, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released the first sakura season forecast for the year, predicting bloom dates similar to 2024. Here’s a quick summary of some of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom viewing regions.

Of course, this is only the first cherry blossom forecast of the year! Updated forecasts are expected to be released regularly, even as the flowers begin to bloom. Keep checking back to make sure your Japan travel plans line up with the best dates for cherry blossom viewing in 2025!

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