Hanami, or flower-watching, is as fickle in Japan as autumn leaf-peeping is in North America. Precisely when the flowers will open, and for a way lengthy they’re going to be in bloom, varies by location and turns into tough to foretell. Nevertheless, the Japan Meteorological Company simply launched its 2026 cherry blossom season forecast — among the finest instruments vacationers have for planning a visit across the flowers.
When you’re hoping to catch this yr’s pure spectacle, try JMC’s predictions for when the sakura blooms will probably be at their greatest in several places throughout Japan.
Associated: One of the best instances of yr to go to Japan
Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom forecast
In Tokyo, flowers are anticipated to begin blooming March 22 and attain full bloom every week later March 29. Kyoto and Osaka are anticipated to start their cherry blossom season barely later, March 25, with the flowers reaching full bloom April 1 in Osaka and April 2 in Kyoto.
Farther south, Fukuoka and Hiroshima might expertise a barely longer season, beginning March 22 and peaking on the primary day or two of April.
These dates shift later as you progress farther north, providing you with extra time to plan a visit. In Sendai, a couple of two-hour prepare trip north of Tokyo, flowers should not anticipated to open till April 6, and full bloom is forecast for April 11. Sapporo, on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, is anticipated to start its season as late as April 26, with peak bloom forecast for April 30.
JMC’s forecast relies on elements like temperature, cherry tree development standing and knowledge from earlier years, however there is no assure the flowers will keep on with this schedule.
When you’re heading to Japan to chase cherry blossoms this yr, we advocate planning your journey based mostly on these predictions however nonetheless staying versatile. Chances are you’ll must be able to hop on a last-minute prepare, or perhaps a home flight, to a different vacation spot to see the flowers at their most stunning.
Remember to obtain the Sakura Navi app. You may test the cherry blossoms’ progress by location with the app’s Flowering Meter. The app can even notify you once you’re close to a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
Associated: How you can keep away from the crowds whereas touring in Japan
Flight offers to Japan
It isn’t too late to plan a spring hanami journey, particularly when you have factors and miles to burn. Whereas award flight offers in late March are scarce, there may be nonetheless good availability in April if you would like to fly into Tokyo and head to a northern vacation spot the place the flowers bloom somewhat later.
American Airways presents nonstop flights to each of Tokyo’s worldwide airports from U.S. hubs like John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and Dallas Fort Price Worldwide Airport (DFW) for 35,000 AAdvantage miles one-way plus minimal taxes and costs. And AAdvantage award flights are simpler than ever to guide now that this system is a 1:1 switch companion of Citi ThankYou Rewards.
Or, you would guide this nonstop Hawaiian Airways flight from Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) to Tokyo’s Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT) by means of Alaska Airways’ web site for 30,000 Atmos Rewards factors one-way, plus minimal taxes and costs. You may earn extra Atmos Rewards factors quick with considered one of these cobranded card welcome presents.
British Airways and Qatar Airways have some offers from Los Angeles to Tokyo for underneath 30,000 Avios every manner, plus round $200 in taxes and costs. You may switch Avios from most main transferable factors packages in addition to between taking part airline packages.
Backside line
If seeing Japan’s legendary cherry blossoms is considered one of your journey targets for 2026, JMC’s cherry blossom forecast and the Sakura Navi app are your greatest journey planning instruments. Simply bear in mind to remain versatile, as these dates might shift.
To proceed planning your cherry blossom journey, try our information to visiting Japan on factors and miles and our round-up of the most effective accommodations in Tokyo.
Associated studying:
Supply hyperlink
