Planning your dream trip to Japan in spring for cherry blossom season? Here is where and when is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Japan in 2023!
The Japanese cherry blossom, or sakura, has long been adored by people across the globe. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, and beauty. During the spring season of each year, thousands travel to Japan to view the wondrous spectacle of these white or pink flowers blooming en masse.
Cherry blossoms in Japan
Japanese families also eagerly await this time. Many attend cherry blossom festivals or simply enjoy hanami, the tradition of viewing and enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossom. Many people indulge in picnics beneath the blooming cherry trees.
A Japanese hanami is an experience of a lifetime, especially if you must travel from afar!
If you are planning a trip to see Japan’s famous cherry blossoms in 2023, there are two things to consider – where and when to visit. There are many prime locations with a variety of features – some have the oldest trees, others the most trees, and some are close to historic areas or other sites of interest. You can quickly and easily travel between many locations by train using your Japan Rail Pass.
Japan cherry blossom season
The cherry blossom usually start from the south, at the end of March, in Kyushu, where the temperature begins to rise earlier, and the cherry blossoms bloom northward until early May in Hokkaido.
Keep in mind: most flowers usually take a week to reach full bloom once flowering has begun and that full bloom also lasts around a week.
The sakura (cherry blossom in japanese) average blooming time can vary widely based on the geographical location within the country. Areas with milder winter climates produce earlier bloom times. Blooms usually open first in the southern region, and blooming progresses northward. Wind, rain, and temperature can cause the blossoms to appear either earlier or later than average and can lengthen or shorten the blooming season.
Take a look at the average dates to get a rough idea of the dates for 2023, and don’t forget to check back later to get the latest and most recent forecasts.
As 2023 forecasts are still not available, below you’ll find a map of the 2022 cherry blossom forecast for Japan by region, as well as a complete list of the estimated opening dates and best viewing times for the major cities within each region.
As it is linked to the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere and the resulting increase in temperatures, the cherry blossom season in Japan usually starts at the bottom of the archipelago and moves from south to north across the regions. As you can see from the map above, 2023 will be no different.
