Planning a vacation to Tokyo after this quarantine lockdown is lifted? Well, first find out when is the cherry blossom season in Tokyo in 2024 so you can plan your vacation dates ahead of time!
Visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season is a mesmerizing sight to see, especially when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
This happens once a year and people from all around the world travel to Japan for cherry blossom viewing aka hanami, hoping to catch the cherry blossom trees in full bloom!
Which is why it's important to find out when is the cherry blossom season in Tokyo before you plan your trip.
When Is The Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo?
The cherry blossom season in Tokyo typically runs from late March to early April. The exact timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather, but the peak bloom period is usually around the beginning of April.
Here are the average opening and full bloom dates for cherry blossoms in Tokyo:
- Opening date: March 25
- Full bloom date: April 2
- Peak bloom period: April 1-7
The cherry blossoms are a national obsession in Japan, and people flock to parks and gardens to enjoy their beauty during the short blooming season. This tradition is known as hanami, which means "flower viewing."
Tokyo is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing, especially, since you can indulge in other activities before or after cherry blossom season in and around Tokyo, Japan.
If you’re in Tokyo already, you can see that the cherry blossom season is coming to an end. And for those who aren't able to go this year, don’t worry cherry blossom season 2022 is for you, my friend!
Popular cherry blossoms viewing or hanami spots in Tokyo are Shinjuku gyoen park, Nakameguro, and Sumida park amongst a few others.
Check this video out to watch streets and parks of Japan blooming with cherry blossoms!
When is the Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo 2024?
The cherry blossom season in Tokyo for 2024 is expected to occur from late March to early April, with the peak bloom period being around the beginning of April. However, the exact dates can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather.
Here is a table of the estimated cherry blossom flowering and blooming dates in Tokyo for 2024:
| City | Estimated Opening Date | Estimated Full Bloom Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 21 | April 1 |
You can check out a more detailed forecast here!
Cherry Blossom First Bloom Vs Full Bloom
The geographical location determines when the cherry blossoms bloom. This means that the first bloom varies from region to region in Japan. The first bloom starts in southern Japan first and then sweeps to the northern parts of Japan. The milder the climate preceding the cherry blossom season, the earlier you’ll see the first bloom.
In Tokyo, you’ll see the first bloom around mid to end of March and full bloom (aka mankai) by the start or mid of April.
According to previous years’ cherry blossom season, the first bloom varies year to year by plus or minus a week.
When is the Cherry Blossom First Bloom in Tokyo?
The exact timing of the cherry blossom first bloom in Tokyo can vary from year to year due to weather conditions, but it typically occurs in late March. In 2023, the first bloom was recorded on March 14.
Here is a table of the cherry blossom first bloom dates in Tokyo for the past few years:
| Year | First Bloom Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | March 14 |
| 2022 | March 21 |
| 2021 | March 19 |
| 2020 | March 20 |
| 2019 | March 20 |
You will see cherry blossoms first bloom in Mid to end March in Tokyo. Between the end of March or beginning of April, you will see full bloom, depending on the weather preceding the cherry blossom season. After the first bloom, the cherry blossom season lasts for about 2 weeks.
Also, know that Cherry blossom full bloom lasts for one day when about 70% of the trees are in full bloom. This is why catching the full bloom at the right time is pretty difficult if you’re going to Tokyo only for a short period of time.
If you really want to view the full bloom it’s best to plan a trip for at least 15 days (I know that’s a lot, but it’s worth it!)
Cherry Blossom Tokyo 2024 Forecast
The official cherry blossom forecast for Tokyo 2024 has not yet been released. However, based on historical trends, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to start blooming in late March and reach full bloom in early April. The peak bloom period is typically around the beginning of April, but it can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather.
Here is a table of the average cherry blossom flowering and blooming dates in Tokyo:
| City | Average Opening Date | Average Full Bloom Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 25 | April 2 |
I will update this information once the official forecast is released. In the meantime, you can check the latest cherry blossom forecast on the Japan Meteorological Corporation website
Cherry Blossom Season In Kanto And Chubu Regions last year
| City | First Bloom | Best Viewing |
| Tokyo | 14 March | March 24 - April 2 |
| Yokohama | 18 March | March 25 to April 3 |
| Nagoya | 22 March | March 31 to April 9 |
| Kanazawa | 26 March | April 1 to April 10 |
| Matsumoto | 28 March | April 5 to April 14 |
| Takayama | 8 April | April 12 to April 20 |
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is filled with hanami spots. You can even go to some of the parks where you view cherry blossoms and have a hanami picnic with your friends and family.
There’s hanami food that’s also popular during the hanami season. Hanai dango, cherry blossom milk pudding, cherry blossom cookies, cherry blossom madeleines, chirashi sushi, futomaki, are some of the popular hanami food you can try out during your time in Japan at the cherry blossom festival.
Here are 6 best places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Japan!
Where To View Cherry Blossom In Tokyo
#1 -- Yoyogi Park Cherry Blossoms
The Yoyogi Park is one of the popular places for cherry blossom viewing. It’s one of the best places to enjoy a hanami picnic during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo, Japan. My advice? Go to the Yoyogi park early in the morning so you can secure a spot for you and your friends and family by the cherry trees if you want to enjoy a fun hanami picnic at the park!
#2 -- Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossom
One of the best hanami spots in Tokyo, the Shinjuku Gyoen garden is located in the heart of the city. It is still a peaceful place to be amidst the cherry trees during the cherry blossom season. And after you’ve satisfied your eyes watching the cherry trees in full bloom, you can go to one of the many restaurants or shopping centres around the park.
#3 -- Kumagaya Cherry Blossom
This is also another of my favorite spots for cherry blossom viewing. The Arakawa river bank, at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi, is lined with cherry trees that run for a stretch of maybe about 2 km.
And adding to its beauty is the nanohana flowers are also in full bloom at the same time along with the cherry trees. This contract of pink, violet flowers above and bright yellow flowers on the ground is a beautiful sight to see.
Related: Check out these beautiful hidden spots in Saitama, Japan!
#4 -- Nakameguro Sakura
Nakameguro is one of the most stylish neighborhoods in Tokyo, lined with chic cafes and coffee shops. But imagine this, a line of cherry blossom trees along the sides 4 km bridge and the flowers drooping over the river forming a pale pink arch over the river. I mean, what a scene! Definitely #instaworthy.
You’ll also find several food kiosks around the area selling drinks and snacks for you to enjoy as you stand there mesmerized by the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
#5 -- Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival - Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Sumida park, located alongside the Sumida river is definitely one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing. About 100 cherry trees run along both sides of the river, with the Tokyo Skytree visible as well. You can jump on one of the sightseeing boats available at the Sumida river to enjoy a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms from the water.
#6 -- Ueno Park, Tokyo - Hanami Spot
Cherry Blossom trees are lined alongside the main path of this park and it’s one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The celebrate the cherry blossom festival, a thousand lanterns are lit at night around the local shops, street food stalls, yatai, etc. You’ll get to try a lot of popular hanami snacks here at these food stalls as well! And for souvenirs pick something from the many antique markets that are placed around the pond!
Cherry Blossom Festival, Tokyo - Activities
#1 -- Yozakura Festival
Yozakura festival refers to night cherry blossom viewings when the cherry trees are lit up for the crowds to enjoy. There are several places around Tokyo where this light-up event takes place. Some of them are:
- Chiyoda Sakura-matsuri Festival
- Nakameguro Sakura-matsuri Festival
- Rikugien Gardens
- Tokyo Midtown cherry blossom viewing
#2 -- Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival
The Chidorigafuchi green way is a serene pathway lined with cherry blossom trees that almost looks like a cherry blossom tunnel. And it is situated away from the city, to the north of the Imperial Palace.
More than 200 cherry blossom trees are illuminated late in the evenings and it’s a magical experience to watch all the trees lit up beautifully.
You can also hire a boat at the Chidorigafuchi boating area to view the cherry blossom trees from the water.
You’ll also find many local shops and organizations around the area that will hold sakura-themed events and competitions that will add to the cherry blossom festival vibe.
#3 -- Japan Cherry Blossom Cruise
Booking a cruise around Japan during spring time is perfect for cherry blossom viewing. You can view cherry trees in different stages of bloom across Japan as the cruise tour takes you through different regions of Japan.
Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo: 2024
What month is cherry blossom in Japan 2024?
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically runs from late March to early May. The exact timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather, but the peak bloom period is usually around the beginning of April. Therefore, the cherry blossom season in Japan 2024 is expected to occur in April 2024.
Which month is cherry blossom in Japan?
The cherry blossom season in Japan typically occurs in late March to early May, with the peak bloom period being around the beginning of April. The exact timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on the weather conditions.
Here is a table of the average cherry blossom flowering and blooming dates in Japan:
| Region | Average Opening Date | Average Full Bloom Date |
|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | Late January to early February | Late February to early March |
| Kyushu | Late March to early April | Late March to early April |
| Kanto (including Tokyo) | Late March to early April | Late March to early April |
| Chubu (including Nagoya) | Late March to early April | Late March to early April |
| Kansai (including Kyoto and Osaka) | Late March to early April | Late March to early April |
| Tohoku | Late April to early May | Late April to early May |
| Hokkaido | Late April to early May | Late April to early May |
