Regional Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2021
Cherry blossoms or sakura are the symbols of springtime in Japan. Every year around February, you’ll start to see TV programs and web magazines giving out information about when the cherry blossoms will be in bloom.
Generally, the cherry blossom trees will bloom in order geographically in Japan: they first appear in the warm climate of southern Japan and make their way to the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, then up to Tohoku in the north, and finally to Hokkaido. Since cherry blossoms typically only stay on the trees for around ten days, or two weeks at most, everyone in Japan checks the cherry blossom forecast in springtime. That way, they can enjoy the cherry blossom season at its peak.
According to the latest forecasts, in 2021, the cherry blossoms will bloom three days earlier than usual, starting from Tokyo, where the blooms can be enjoyed around March 15.
We’ve compiled a list of the forecasts for 2021, and peak dates of 2020, and 2019 by region in Japan. Take a look at this beforehand if you plan to spend some time amidst the cherry blossoms this spring.
Okinawa: The Earliest Cherry Blossoms Bloom Here in January
Okinawa’s cherry blossom season is the earliest in Japan, starting in mid-January, so there are cherry blossom festivals and the like in early February to celebrate the flowers. If you plan to check out the flowers on a trip to Okinawa, check the cherry blossom forecast ahead of time.
Areas with Cherry Blossoms Starting from Late March
Kagoshima (Kyushu)
Normally, cherry blossoms bloom earlier than in Tokyo with Kyushu's warm climate. Kagoshima in southern Kyushu, for example, usually welcomes sakura blooming around March. However, when the blossoms come varies by year.
Fukuoka (Kyushu)
In temperate Kyushu, there are slight differences between regions, but Fukuoka’s cherry blossom season is also earlier than that of eastern Japan.
Hiroshima
In the Chugoku region, which includes Hiroshima, the cherry blossom season will start slightly later than in Tokyo.
Kyoto
The ancient city of Kyoto bustles with tourist activity during cherry blossom season. The sight of ancient buildings, set against a backdrop of cherry blossom trees, is a landscape that can only be witnessed in Japan.
Osaka
The cherry blossom season in Osaka begins around the same time as Kyoto.
Nagoya
Often, the timing for the chery blossom season in Nagoya is about the same as in Osaka and Kyoto.
Tokyo
Tokyo’s cherry blossom season starts in late March. It is common to enjoy the flowers at a place near a train station, and areas like parks, river banks, and gardens will be crowded with people on the weekends.
Sendai - Cherry Blossoms Start from Early April
The cherry blossoms in the northern Japan and Sendai, tend to bloom later compared to places like Tokyo. You can check them out along with the rich natural scenery. In the spring, koi-nobori, or carp banners, can be seen flying alongside the cherry blossoms in the parts of Tohoku outside of Sendai.
You can check the cherry blossom forecasts for other cities at this site (Japanese). Note that it’s still going to be pretty cold in the evening, even with the wonderful scenery, so dress warmly when you go to see the flowers.
Hokkaido (Sapporo) - Cherry Blossoms Start from late April
Hokkaido is the northernmost region of Japan and has the latest cherry blossom season. From the end of April, you can enjoy the refreshing sight of rows of cherry blossom trees, stretching across vast grassy fields for what seems like an eternity.
Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan!
If you travel to Japan in spring, do travel to the beautiful cherry blossom spots and enjoy the local festivals! It's one of the charms of the season that will leave a lasting memory.
Please note that in 2021, many cherry blossom festivals may be canceled in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 outbreaks. If you are interested in a particular event, please make sure to check their official website for the latest information.
Nevertheless, do take a minute to enjoy the cherry blossoms quietly when they bloom in your region.
