When and Where to Experience the 2019 Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

The Japanese cherry blossoms, also known as Sakura, are famous for their beauty and they are admired all over the world. They symbolize the ephemeral nature of life and the renewal, and they are linked to the Japanese culture for centuries.

Every spring, visitors and residents witness the spectacular bloom of the white and pink flowers, which you can find, almost, in every corner of Japan. And the most traditional way to enjoy the blooming sakura is “Hanami”, the centuries-old practice of picnicking.

The blooming period varies according to the location. Throughout Japan, the blooming starts in March and early April, but in some areas, the trees produce blooms as early as January.

Every year the Japanese Meteorological Agency track the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front). Usually the blossoming begins in Okinawa in January, and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. Then it moves along into areas with higher altitude.

Check out the forecast for 2019 and enjoy the awakening of the amazing flowers all over Japan. Please note that temperatures, rain, and wind have an effect on the process. They can accelerate, delay or shorten the blooming period, therefore, use these forecasts with caution.

The best locations to watch the Japanese cherry blossoms

Tokyo

Estimated opening: March 23 – Best viewing: March 30 to April 7

Best spots in Tokyo for hanami and viewing: Shinjuku Gyeon, Yoyogi Park, Ueno Onshi Park, and Sumida Park.

Osaka

Estimated opening: March 26 – Best viewing: April 1 to 9

Best spots to enjoy the blossoms: Expo ‘70 Park, Commemorative Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, and Osaka Castle Park.

Fukuoka

Estimated opening: March 22 – Best viewing: March 30 to April 7

The best cherry blossom spots are Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park, San Hou Park, and Atago Shrine.

Hiroshima

Estimated opening: March 25 – Best viewing: March 31 to April 8

Best places to view in Hiroshima are Peace Memorial Park, Five-Storied Pagoda, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden.

Nara

Estimated opening: March 27 – Best viewing: April 2 to 10

Watch the cherry blossoms at Nara Park, Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine, Koriyama Castle Park and Mount Yoshino

Fukushima

Estimated opening: April 9 – Best viewing: April 12 to 20

The most popular spots for viewing are Natsui River Senbonzakura, Miharu Shidarezakura, Kasumiga Castle Park, Hanamiyama Park, and Ogawa Suwa Shrine.

Nagoya

Estimated opening: March 25 – Best viewing: April 1 to 9

The best places in Nagoya for picnicking under a blooming cherry tree are Nagoya Castle and the Nagoya Peace Park.

Kyoto

Estimated opening: March 26 – Best viewing: April 1 to 9

If you are living or visiting Kyoto you should choose these places: Heian Shrine and Daigoji Temple.

Matsuyama

Estimated opening: March 24 – Best viewing: April 1 to 9

Watch the cherry blossoms at Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Park, and Matsuyama Sogo Park

Sendai

Estimated opening: April 11 – Best viewing: April 16 to 24

Best spots for hanami and viewing are Mikamine Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, Nishi Park, Shiogama Shrine and Shiroishi Riverside

Sapporo

Estimated opening: April 29 – Best viewing: May 1 to 8

The most popular spots for blossom-viewing are Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine, Odori Park and Moerenuma Park.

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Japan via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Also see:

• Best Hotels in Fukuoka Japan
• Best Things to do in Kanazawa
• Best Hotels in Shirakawa-go
• Best Things to do in Nagasaki
• How to get a Japan Visa: Requirements and Tips for Philippine Passport Holders