What this solves
Cherry blossom dates vary by region by ~6 weeks — Kyushu blooms first (late March), Hokkaido last (early May). Generic sites just say "late March" without flagging the 5-level scale (花芽, kaika, mizunaru, mankai, kaika, chiru) or that forecasts update weekly from January onward. This tool picks the right city × viewing time.
Plan
How to read results
- 5-level scale: 花芽 (buds forming) → 開花 (open, ~70%) → 満開 (full bloom, ~100%) → 散り始め (starting to fall) → 葉桜 (leaves only).
- Bloom date: usually 1-2 days from 開花 to 満開; 満開 lasts 5-10 days.
- Forecast accuracy: JMC (Japan Meteorological Corporation) updates every Tuesday from January onward. Within 1-3 days for urban Tokyo; more uncertainty for rural mountains.
- Best viewing time: early morning (5-7 AM) for empty paths; evening (18-21) for yozakura with lanterns; midday is most crowded.
Limitations
Reference for 2026. Real bloom dates shift by 1-2 weeks year-to-year. Urban heat islands (Tokyo) bloom earlier than rural mountains. We don't predict specific storms or wind events.
FAQ
Where is the single best spot?
Depends on crowd tolerance. Yoshino (Nara) is most authentic but most crowded. Chidorigafuchi (Imperial Palace moat) is iconic. Shinjuku Gyoen has 1,000+ trees of 65 varieties.
What if I miss the bloom?
Late-blooming sakura (yaezakura, double-petaled) bloom 7-10 days after Somei-Yoshino. Also, Jindai-zakura (wild cherry) blooms weeks later.
Are there English tours?
JTB, Viator, and many local guides offer sakura walks. Tokyo's Edo Sakura guide covers Japanese stores daily; less crowded.
About this tool
Purpose: predict sakura bloom timing. Scope: 6 major regions. Not affiliated with JMC.
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Disclaimer
Reference for 2026. Bloom dates are estimates; verify on JMC and weather news closer to your trip.