Spring in Japan: When and Where to See Sakura

It’s that time of the year again when many people around Japan excite about the bloom of Sakura or Cherry Blossom. The appearance of Cherry Blossom marks the beginning of spring in Japan. The locals usually welcome the bloom of sakura by doing hanami  or Cherry Blossom viewing. It’s not a secret that hanami culture doesn’t only attract Japanese but also people around the globe. Aware of the popularity, the locals even make a forecast pinpointing exactly when and where the flowers are expected to bloom.

When Will the Cherry Blossom Bloom?

The cherry blossom season in 2019 is expected to arrive during spring Japan slightly earlier or same as the average year. Usually cherry blossoms start blooming in late March to early April, reach full blooming after 5–7 days, and can be enjoyed viewing for about 1 week depending on weather condition.

The latest cherry blossom forecast update according to JMC (Japan Meteorological Corporation) says that the first city where cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming is Kochi (Shikoku Prefecture) and the estimated date is 16 March 2019.

Cherry blossoms in southern and western part of Japan should start blooming around 20–25th March and early April in northern park of Japan.

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo is expected to start opening on 22 March this year, and the best viewing time is around 28 March. Kyoto, and Osaka expect to meet the cherry blossoms first opening about 3–5 days later.

Please note that this forecast is subject to change due to unexpected temperature changes, rain and wind, which may effect on the cherry trees to quicken or delay their blooming time. Check out the cherry blossom forecast 2019 so that you don’t miss the best moment to see beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan!

Where to See Cherry Blossom During Spring in Japan?

Here are some of the hottest spots to do hanami in 2019:

Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, Sumida River

Kyoto: Philosopher’s Walk, Maruyama Park, Daigoji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, Heian Shrine

Kanto Area: Odawara Castle, Saitama, Kamakura, Yokohama, Mt.Akagi

Mt. Fuji: Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, Fuji 5 Lakes, Oshino Hakkai, Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Kansai: Osaka (Osaka Castle, Osaka Mint Bureau, Expo’70 Commemorative Park), Nara (Yoshinoyama, Tanzan Shrine)

Shikoku: Mt.Shiude

Tohoku: Hirosaki Castle, Kitakami Tenshochi, Shiroishi River, Takada Castle

Hokkaido: Hakodate, Sapporo

Don’t be afraid of missing out the opportunity to see Cherry Blossom. If doing internship while travelling in Japan sound good for you, don’t be hesitating to contact us for more information.  Bright Internships will help you to look for internship opportunity during spring in Japan.