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It’s NO exaggeration after I say that each Japanese and (virtually) each eager traveler on the planet retains an in depth watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast initially of yearly! In spite of everything, who wouldn’t need to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each area within the nation is enveloped in shades of soppy pink and white?
RELATED READ:
– Japan Itinerary
– Tokyo Itinerary
– Japan Journey Guides
Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it will possibly final for two weeks if the climate is ideal or lower than 10 if the climate is ghastly).
As if that doesn’t make it elusive sufficient, it’s not at all times a assure that you would be able to get to get pleasure from them at their peak — however then once more, don’t fret: the Japan cherry blossom forecast that’s out there these days is near correct in predicting the cherry blossoms’ first opening and full bloom.
…And as such, that is the place this put up is available in!
I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I obtained to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you simply get to get pleasure from it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map beneath, you could possibly begin planning a profitable Japan cherry blossom journey as early as now.
Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map
- DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2024 and it’s primarily based on the forecast executed by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take word that sudden modifications in temperature, rainfall, and wind power can speed up, delay, or shorten the forecast above — however you possibly can already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll hold this put up up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by on occasion!
Cherry blossom bushes in Japan bloom in an upward route ranging from the island of Okinawa (someday in the midst of January) after which ending at Hokkaido (across the finish of April or starting of Might).
So if you concentrate on it… offered that you simply’ve obtained the time and the cash, you possibly can completely take pleasure in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!
However in fact — not everybody can do such a factor, so should you solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, beneath is a listing of a number of the finest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom Japan 2024 season!
Finest Cherry Blossom Spots
To higher streamline this part, I might be itemizing the perfect cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 large areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that each one whole to 47).
TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historical custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura bushes. These days, the Japanese usually rejoice it by having an out of doors occasion or picnic underneath the bushes throughout daytime or nighttime (referred to as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).
Come and take a look at this record of the high issues to do in Japan which options the perfect actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!
» Kantō Area (関東地方)
Cowl and high photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Tokyo
(March 21 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)
- Chidorigafuchi: That is considered one of Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Fortress round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats out there for lease to higher benefit from the bushes up shut! At evening, the bushes are lit up and a number of other meals stands are discovered close by.
- Sumida Park: This can be a nice recreation area on condition that the bushes are lined up on the edges of the river with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree within the distance. Like Chidorigafuchi, there are boats you possibly can lease in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The bushes are additionally lit up at evening.
- Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in numerous varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take word that alcohol is prohibited.
- Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in the case of the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the 1000’s of bushes lining the road but additionally due to how the bushes right here typically bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
- Meguro River: For tons of of meters, about 800 cherry blossom bushes are lining this river. It’s not a very good place for doing a picnic however it’s a very good place for taking pictures, for positive!
- Yoyogi Park: Positioned close to the purchasing district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom bushes in its neighborhood.
TIP: Uncover the fantastic thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure points of interest by happening a day tour from Tokyo! Or should you come someday round April 14 to Might 27, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a discipline of distinctive pink moss!
◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 30 – First Bloom // April 3 to 11 – Finest Viewing)
- Yokohama:
- Sankeien Backyard: This can be a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and a number of other historic buildings (thereby giving off a fantastic conventional look).
- Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as considered one of Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots” so it’s positively value visiting.
- Kamakura:
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You will get some nice pictures of this shrine with the close by cherry bushes which are numbering by tons of.
◘◘ Gunma
(March 22 – First Bloom // April 1 to eight – Finest Viewing)
- Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a singular “pink-on-pink” function given the encircling ‘pink moss’ within the fields which are discovered simply beside the cherry blossom bushes.
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» Kansai Area (関西地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Kyoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)
- Tetsugaku No Michi: Dubbed because the “Thinker’s Path”, this runs beside a canal connecting Ginkakuji to Nanzenji and it’s lined by tons of of sakura bushes.
- Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this in style public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its middle. Be certain that to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! Whilst you’re there, you possibly can benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
- Heian Shrine: Yet one more place to seek out weeping cherry bushes — however in additional numbers. Take word that these weeping bushes attain full bloom simply after a number of days that the opposite regular cherry bushes do.
- Arashiyama: Positioned within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place shouldn’t be solely recognized for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but additionally recognized for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A super spot would positively be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.
TIP: Trip the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s an effective way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the prepare’s clear glass ceiling.
Searching for different high sakura areas in Kyoto?
Try this final information of Kyoto cherry blossom spots — from lesser-known areas to the preferred ones!
◘◘ Osaka
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Finest Viewing)
- Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has countless rows of sakura bushes — in addition to, they quantity at almost 5,000! You’ll be able to get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by way of the river.
- Osaka Fortress: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura bushes that encompass it. And if I’ll share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western aspect of the citadel is nice for doing picnics because it provides nice scenic views of the tower.
- Expo 70 Commemorative Park: But once more, one other space with 1000’s of cherry blossom bushes. At evening you possibly can get pleasure from it, much more, once they gentle every thing up.
TIP: From Osaka, it’s also possible to do a day tour to Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Nara’s deer park to benefit from the sakura season!
◘◘ Nara
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll certainly be overwhelmed by the 30,000~ cherry bushes that encompass this mountain.
- Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom bushes which are planted right here! Be certain that to go southeast of Todaiji’s major corridor if you’d like an enormous garden encircled by these pink bushes.
- Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s mountaineering path is lined with cherry blossoms, and should you go a bit to the highest, you’ll get a very good image of every thing with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.
◘◘ Hyogo
(March 24 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)
- Himeji Fortress: Proven within the photograph above, that is the well-known world heritage website citadel that’s distinctive for its white facade! Definitely, this can be a excellent place for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in spite of everything, admission to the outer citadel grounds is even free, so make the most of it while you’re within the space!)
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» Chūbu Area (中部地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 4 – Finest Viewing)
- Fuji 5 Lakes: Should you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get an impressive sight of Mount Fuji with the encircling cherry blossoms on the lake.
- TIP: You need to go to within the early mornings for the perfect visibility and light-weight.
- Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly through the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encircling terrain (as you possibly can see from the photograph above!).
TIP: You’ll be able to simply go to Chureito Pagoda by happening a day tour from Tokyo! Or should you come someday round April to June, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a discipline of distinctive pink moss.
◘◘ Nagano
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 8 to 12 – Finest Viewing)
- Matsumoto Fortress: What higher solution to seize and see considered one of Japan’s most stunning unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the tons of of bushes planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
- Takato Fortress Ruins Park: It’s included within the high 3 finest areas for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Fortress and Yoshinoyama)! Plus, for the entire month of April, a competition is held right here the place many stalls are arrange and illuminations are additionally at all times held each evening from sundown to 10:00 PM.
◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 28 – First Bloom // April 3 to eight – Finest Viewing)
- Kenrokuen: This has been referred to as as considered one of Japan’s “3 most stunning panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has turn out to be a fantastic cherry blossom viewing spot.
◘◘ Aichi
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 27 to 30 – Finest Viewing)
- Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is considered considered one of Japan’s “100 finest cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t neglect to cease right here while you’re in Nagoya.
- Nagoya Fortress: Absolutely, you wouldn’t miss this citadel while you’re within the metropolis! Throughout spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom bushes, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the citadel and alongside the moats.
TIP: From Nagoya, you possibly can go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Web site of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which are amidst pink cherry bushes. (It’s also possible to learn my journey information right here).
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» Chūgoku Area (中国地方)
◘◘ Hiroshima
(March 24 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Miyajima: That is the small island discovered outdoors of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’d anticipate, this makes for a fantastic sight within the spring! To start out off the enjoyable, there are 1,300 sakura alongside the strolling trails resulting in the torii gate.
- Hiroshima Peace Park: There are roughly 300 cherry bushes round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can also be discovered (the latter commemorates those that died through the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).
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» Shikoku Area (四国)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Ehime
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Matsuyama Fortress: (Pictured above). That is considered one of Japan’s 12 “unique castles” and I assure you that the views from the citadel tower throughout spring is past outstanding! So when trying on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t neglect to place this in your must-see record.
◘◘ Kagawa
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Megijima Island: That is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and should you go to the mountain-top park of the island’s tallest peak, you’ll have unbelievable views of the cherry blossom bushes and the ocean.
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» Kyūshū Area (九州)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 7 – Finest Viewing)
- Nishi Park: (Pictured above). That is one other a kind of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 finest cherry blossom spots”. As a hillside park, you’ll revel within the 1000’s of sakura bushes as you get pleasure from a picnic in its inexperienced areas. That is additionally the positioning of the Terumo Shrine which is the household shrine of Fukuoka’s former feudal lords.
◘◘ Kumamoto
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Finest Viewing)
- Kumamoto Fortress: As considered one of Japan’s most spectacular castles, it actually has turn out to be one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. Everywhere in the terrain, there’s a placing envelope of pink hues from the cherry bushes.
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» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Fukushima
(April 2 – First Bloom // April 5 to 13 – Finest Viewing)
- Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply outdoors central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the superb factor about this park is that you simply’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom bushes in various hues of pink! Just remember to seize a map from the knowledge sales space because it reveals the perfect strolling trails and picture-taking spots.
- Shinobuyama Park: If you wish to bask your self in additional cherry tree views, head to this public park within the northern a part of town. Aside from doing hanami, it’s also possible to benefit from the commentary decks that offer you picturesque views over Fukushima.
◘◘ Different prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early Might)
Beneath are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom Japan 2024 spots within the Tohoku area…
- Hirosaki Fortress: As a result of wealthy structure of this citadel, visitors can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom bushes, tunnels, moats, and numerous picnic areas. One may even lease a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
- Kakunodate: This citadel city is totally well-known for its weeping cherry bushes that adorn town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
- Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry bushes — good on your Instagram pictures!
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» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)
Photograph by: Shutterstock
◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 25 – First Bloom // April 27 to Might 4 – Finest Viewing)
- Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the photograph above). This can be a star-shaped army citadel in-built Hakodate in direction of the tip of the Edo Interval and it has since been become a public park that has over 1000’s of sakura bushes planted alongside its moats!
- Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting virtually a complete month) given the big selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, it’s also possible to benefit from the Matsumae Fortress which is the one citadel on Hokkaido.
- Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other and so they entice a lot of guests yearly within the spring who get pleasure from holding hanami events in its open area. You guess that it’s an effective way to mingle with the locals!
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Japan Journey Information
» Finest Time to Go to
Any time and any season! Might it’s spring, summer time, autumn, or winter, Japan has a ton of locations and experiences that may fill your journey wants.
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» Getting in to Japan
By air. Narita (IATA: NRT) is Japan’s main worldwide airport and it’s positioned almost 70km northeast of Tokyo. With a purpose to get the perfect flight offers to this nation from nearly anyplace on the globe, I extremely counsel looking out by way of Skyscanner:
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» Visa for Japan
Should you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (Should you’re from the Philippines, you possibly can learn my information on how you can get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)
- Test full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.
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» The place to Keep In Japan
To seek for the perfect lodge lodging in Japan at the perfect costs, I counsel cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However should you’re moderately keen on renting comfy homes or residences, you need to search by way of AirBnB.
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» Japan Forex
Japanese yen (JPY / ¥) whereby ¥100 is the same as about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 45~ (that is as of March 2022). Within the occasion that you simply need to trade your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT trade your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there will not be aggressive.
- Tips on how to finest trade your forex? Both trade it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Tokyo’s metropolis middle. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, it’s essential to do one large withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, lots of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards however it’s at all times advisable to have money available as a result of lots of smaller retailers do not settle for worldwide bank cards.
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» Price of Journey in Japan
Lots of people have the misperception that Japan is an costly vacation spot; nevertheless, it’s completely potential to journey on a funds! Simply take word that lodging charges usually go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).
To present you an concept, you need to anticipate to journey in Japan with a median each day price of about USD $45~ per particular person on a funds, or at the very least $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, resorts, and extra. (Values beneath present low funds to medium funds ranges).
*FREE subway and bullet prepare rides should you maintain a Japan Rail Move
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» Tips on how to Get Round Central Japan
There are a number of prepare passes out there in Japan that can make it easier to save on transportation prices, the perfect one being the Japan Rail Move or JR Move. And while you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it is going to present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).
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» Staying Linked in Japan
Japan has one of many quickest web connections on the planet so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Accommodations and most retailers (even comfort shops) supply FREE WiFi connections — however with the intention to keep related on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your individual pocket WiFi or a SIM Card.
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» Security in Japan
Japan is likely one of the most secure international locations on the planet with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many occasions now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the evening — nevertheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “avenue good” by utilizing your widespread sense always.
Nonetheless, the Japanese individuals are one of many kindest and most respectful folks I’ve ever met, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret on this superb nation.
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» Useful Japanese Phrases
Japan could also be one of the developed international locations on the planet, however lots of the locals don’t communicate English. Nevertheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of other than the truth that there are lots of translation apps that can make it easier to perceive and communicate Japanese, lots of the locals are additionally making the hassle to study and use the English language.
Anyhow, beneath are some useful Japanese phrases that can make it easier to alongside the way in which! And even should you do encounter a Japanese who can communicate English, it doesn’t damage to say a phrase or two of their language.
Hi there: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thanks (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thanks (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thanks (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Sure: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long run): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (casual): Ja ne (Jahh neh)
Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Assist!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)
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Total
Irrespective of if this might be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast put up has given you adequate data and tricks to begin planning your superb ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!
Let me know the way it goes for you. Get pleasure from!
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