When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

Cherry blossom season in Japan usually happens from late March to early April, when travellers and locals hope to catch sight of Japan’s landscapes blanketed in pink blossoms, or ‘sakura’.

The peak blooming period only lasts around a week, and dates vary by region, which can make it tricky to plan a trip. As a general rule though, blossoms start to appear in the south of Japan and move north, with peak blooms in the capital of Tokyo usually appearing in early April.

In this guide we’ll take a closer look at cherry blossom season in Japan by location, so you can plan a sakura spotting trip in 2027 and beyond. We’ll cover the best places to see Japan’s cherry blossoms and top tips for planning a holiday to Japan at this time of year – including how to buy Japanese yen before you go.

Where (and when) to experience cherry blossom season in Japan

For the best chance of booking a trip that coincides with cherry blossom season in Japan, it’s worth looking back at previous years’ dates to get an idea of when the sakura could be in bloom.

The Japan Meteorological Agency updates its official sakura forecast every two weeks between January and March, which is a great reference to have nearer the time, but likely too late for anyone who’s already booked flights. 

So, studying the previous year’s dates can give you a good start and a rough idea of when to book your flights – just bear in mind the exact dates shift slightly every year.

For the earliest blooms: head to Kochi, south Japan

In 2026, Japan announced the start of the cherry blossom season on March 16th, starting in Kochi. This city on the southern coast of Shikoku Island recorded the earliest sakura bloom in Japan for the third year in a row, so it could be a good place to head to if you’re planning a trip at the very start of the season. Head to Hyotan Sakura park to see its 500-year-old cherry tree – which is famous for its uniquely shaped blossoms – and bring some Japanese yen to spend at the pop-up market stalls along the promenade.

Also try: Kochi Castle, which has some incredible views over the landscape, and Odo Dam – where around 1,600 trees blossom by the water.

For the most iconic spots: head to Tokyo, central Japan

Late March to early April is when sakura season usually happens in Tokyo, and Japan’s capital has a long list of famous places to see the trees in bloom. Ueno Park is one of the most well-known thanks to its long avenue lined with cherry trees. This is the place to head to for a hanami picnic with friends and family – but get there early if you want to secure a spot, as it’s incredibly popular. Another good option to avoid the peak crowds is in the evening, when the trees are lit up with hundreds of hanging lanterns.

Also try: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which has an entry fee of 500 yen, and Chidorigafuchi Moat – where you can hire a boat and view the blossoms from the water.

For the latest blooms: head to Hokkaido, north Japan

Hokkaido, the most northern of Japan’s four islands, experiences the latest blooms of the sakura season – usually starting in late April and continuing into early May. It’s all down to the island’s lower temperatures, so this is a good option for late-spring flower viewing in Japan. Just like they do across Japan itself, the cherry blossoms start to appear in southern regions first, and gradually move north. For the last blooms of the season, head to a location like Nemuro City. The cherry trees here start pink, then turn white – and Seiryuji Temple is one of the best places to see them.

Also try: Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue, which creates a tunnel of trees, and Matsumae Park – the castle ruins make this a really photogenic spot.

5 travel tips for seeing cherry blossom in Japan

1. Go early… or off the beaten track

Japan’s popular cherry blossom viewing spots can get incredibly busy, so if your itinerary allows, get to iconic spots early in the morning and go on a weekday. Or, head to a quieter spot that’s loved by locals. In Tokyo, for example, Sarue Park and Kiba Park are great options.

2. See the illuminated blossoms

Viewing the blooms at night is a totally different experience and you may find smaller crowds in the evenings. Most locations are lit up with lanterns – including parks like Maruyama in Kyoto and the Meguro River in Tokyo. Bring layers and blankets, as it’s still chilly at night in spring.

3. Prep for your picnic

‘Hanami’ is the practice of picnicking under blooming cherry trees during peak season, and it’s all part of the experience. Bring a waterproof picnic blanket or small tarp, both of which you can pick up from local 100-yen shops. Popular picnic foods include onigiri rice balls and bento boxes. 

4. Bring some Japanese yen

Lots of popular sakura locations are full-blown festivals, with live music, performances and food stalls – called ‘yatai’. The latter are a great place to pick up your picnic food but many vendors don’t accept card payments, so it’s worth bringing some Japanese yen in cash. We’ve included some average costs in our guide to Japanese currency. 

5. Have a plan B

The exact dates for Japan’s cherry blossom season change every year, and even with the best planning you may find your trip dates don’t quite align with peak viewing times. Build plenty of flexibility into your itinerary and include some attractions that don’t rely on seeing the sakura. There are lots of ideas for things to see and do in our guide to the best time to visit Japan.

Buying Japanese yen with M&S Travel Money

You can buy Japanese yen online to collect for free from 580+ participating M&S stores, and sell leftover notes back at an M&S Travel Money bureau when you get back. 

*T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. Sell-back only available at bureau locations.