Japan’s 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast & Travel Guide
Dreaming of hanami in Japan this spring? You’re in luck—Japan’s 2025 cherry blossom season is shaping up to be a spectacular one! With average-to-early bloom timings and a flurry of festivals planned across the country, this is the ultimate year to plan your sakura adventure. Whether it’s boating under blossoms in Tokyo or sipping sake beneath castle walls in Kyoto, here’s everything you need to know to chase cherry blossoms across Japan.
Sakura Bloom Calendar 2025: Key Regions & Dates
Cherry Blossom Forecast: The sakura “front” (blooming wave) moves from south to north each spring. In 2025, blossoms are generally expected to open around their average dates in central and southern Japan, while northern regions may see slightly earlier blooms
The table below shows the expected first bloom and peak bloom dates for six key regions:
| Region (City) | First Bloom (Forecast) | Full Bloom (Forecast) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 24, 2025 | March 30, 2025 |
| Kyoto | March 28, 2025 | April 6, 2025 |
| Osaka | March 29, 2025 | April 5, 2025 |
| Hiroshima | March 27, 2025 | April 6, 2025 |
| Fukuoka (Kyushu) | March 26, 2025 | April 4, 2025 |
| Hokkaido (Sapporo) | April 26, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
Source: Release of 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast (9th forecast)
Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots by Region
Cherry blossoms adorn countless parks, rivers, temples, and castles across Japan. Below are the must-visit hanami (flower viewing) spots in each major region, along with what makes them special:
Tokyo
Tokyo offers a mix of bustling parks and picturesque riverside promenades for cherry blossom viewing. A few top spots include:
Ueno Park
Tokyo’s most famous sakura park with roughly 1,200 cherry trees. It draws nearly 2 million visitors each spring and is magical at night under 800+ illuminated lanterns. Expect lively picnics, food stalls, and even occasional traditional music or dance during the season.
Shinjuku Gyoen
A spacious national garden boasting about 1,000 cherry trees across 65 varieties. Different species bloom in succession, giving a long viewing season. Its mix of Japanese, English, and French-style landscaped sections offers a tranquil hanami experience (note: small entrance fee).
Read more: Shinjuku Gyoen
Chidorigafuchi (Imperial Palace Moat)
A stunning moat-side sakura tunnel. Rows of old cherry trees droop over the water where you can row boats beneath falling petals. At night, the Chiyoda Sakura Festival illuminates these 700m of trees, creating a dreamy “yozakura” (night blossom) view.
Read more: Chidorigafuchi
Meguro River (Nakameguro)
A 3.8 km canal lined with about 800 cherry trees forms a pink canopy over the river. Lanterns light up the blossoms in the evening, and a weekend street festival often pops up with food stalls. It’s one of Tokyo’s most romantic strolls (but can get very crowded at peak).
Read More: Meguro River
Kyoto
Kyoto’s ancient temples and canals are enhanced by clouds of pink blossoms each spring, creating a truly romantic atmosphere:
Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi)
A beloved 2 km stone path following a canalside lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It connects Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) with Nanzen-ji, and when in bloom the entire walkway becomes a tunnel of sakura. It’s especially serene in the early morning before crowds arrive.
Maruyama Park
The centerpiece of Kyoto’s sakura is Maruyama Park’s giant shidare-zakura (weeping cherry tree), which is dramatically lit up at night. This park next to Yasaka Shrine turns into a festival zone during peak bloom, with food stalls, festive crowds, and the iconic “Gion Weeping Cherry” as a backdrop.
Arashiyama
This scenic district in western Kyoto features cherry blossoms along the Katsura River, with Togetsukyo Bridge and forested hills completing the view. Nakanoshima Park on the riverbank has many cherries. The combination of sakura and bamboo groves (plus monkey park nearby!) makes Arashiyama a fantastic day trip.
Hirano Shrine
A hidden gem in northwestern Kyoto known for its variety of blossoms. Hirano Shrine’s garden holds over 500 cherry trees of 60 different species, some of the earliest to bloom in the city. In the evenings, the trees are illuminated and food stalls are set up, creating a local festival vibe.
Kyoto Temples
Many temples host special spring openings or light-ups. Kiyomizu-dera extends evening hours during sakura season with its hillside cherries bathed in light, and Nijo Castle holds an annual Sakura Festival with illuminations and even projection mapping on the castle walls (in 2025, scheduled from March 14 to April 13)
Osaka
Osaka balances historic backdrops with urban parks for hanami. Top picks:
Osaka Castle Park
Around the majestic Osaka Castle are about 3,000 cherry trees of various types. The most photogenic spot is Nishinomaru Garden on the castle’s west, where a lawn dotted with 300+ cherry trees offers spectacular views of the castle tower framed by blossoms. The park stays open into the evening with some trees lit up, and food stalls cluster nearby during peak bloom.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
A breathtaking 4.2 km riverside park along the Okawa River lined with nearly 5,000 cherry trees.It’s a less touristy spot where locals jog or picnic under endless rows of sakura. You can stroll from Temmabashi to Sakuranomiya under a continuous canopy of blossoms – one of Osaka’s most immersive hanami walks.
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Located in northern Osaka (Suita), this expansive park (former 1970 World Expo site) has around 5,500 cherry trees. Wide lawns, ponds, and the famous “Tower of the Sun” sculpture make it a unique setting for hanami. There’s usually a cherry blossom festival here with evening illuminations and cultural events.
Mint Bureau
Although not a park, the Japan Mint Osaka branch holds a famous one-week sakura opening of its grounds each April. The Mint’s garden features over 300 yaezakura (multi-petal late-blooming cherries) of many varieties. It’s Osaka’s most popular cherry blossom event (details in Festival section below). Due to its late bloom, it’s a great chance to catch blossoms if you missed the earlier peak.
Travel Tips for Cherry Blossom Season
- Plan Ahead & Book Early: Cherry blossom season is peak travel time in Japan, so flights and hotels fill up fast. It’s wise to reserve accommodations 3–6 months in advance to secure your preferred location and better rates. Some ryokan and hotels in popular cities like Kyoto even book out a year ahead for peak bloom dates.) If bookings aren’t open that early, mark your calendar to grab them as soon as they become available. Traveling in late March to early April means you’ll encounter higher prices and crowds – early planning pays off.
- Ideal Trip Length & Timing: To maximize your chances of catching sakura at peak, consider a trip of at least 10–14 days spanning multiple regions. Cherry blossoms last only about a week at each location, and exact timing can shift with weather. A common strategy is to start in the south (e.g. Fukuoka or Osaka) and then head north (Tokyo, then Tohoku or Hokkaido) to “chase” the blooming front. If you have a shorter trip (7 days or less), pick one area and target the historical average full bloom date – then stay a few days, as blooms might open early or late by a few days. Flexibility is key: try to plan your visit to each city during its projected full bloom, but have backup plans for nearby late or early-blooming spots.
- . Monitor the Forecast & Be Flexible: Because sakura timing is fickle, keep an eye on official forecasts in the weeks leading up to your trip. If a sudden warm spell causes blossoms to open early or a cold snap delays them, be ready to adjust your itinerary. For example, if Tokyo’s blooms are past peak, you might do a day trip north to Sendai or west to Nagoya where flowers are still in full bloom. Embrace spontaneity – your Japan Rail Pass can whisk you to another city if you hear the blossoms are peaking there
- Getting Around During Hanami: Japan’s public transportation is extremely efficient, which is a boon for sakura-chasers. The shinkansen (bullet train) can take you from city to city quickly – you can have morning hanami in Kyoto and be in Tokyo by afternoon. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to visit multiple regions; it offers unlimited rides on JR trains and is cost-effective for long distances. Within cities, subways and buses will take you to most major blossom spots (special seasonal shuttle buses run to some famous parks). Expect crowds: Trains and stations in sakura season, especially on weekends, will be very busy. ry to travel early in the morning or later at night to avoid peak congestion times. For popular shinkansen routes, reserve seats a day or two ahead if possible – unreserved cars can fill up fast when everyone is flocking to see the blossoms.
- Deal with Crowds & Enjoy like a Local: Popular hanami spots (Ueno Park, Philosopher’s Path, etc.) will be crowded. Go early (at sunrise) for a peaceful experience, or late at night for illuminated views with fewer people. When in crowds, be patient and courteous – everyone is there for the same beauty. Also, do as the Japanese do: consider having a hanami picnic. Many locals spread a blue tarp under the trees, bring homemade bentos or convenience store snacks, and enjoy food and drink under the blossoms. You can buy seasonal treats like sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes wrapped in cherry leaves) and spring-themed bento easily. If you plan a picnic in a popular park, sending someone from your group early in the morning to hold a spot (with a picnic sheet) is a common practice. Just remember to clean up all trash afterward – parks provide extra garbage bins during hanami season.
- Weather Tips: Early spring weather in Japan can be unpredictable. Mornings and evenings are often chilly (close to 5–10°C in late March), even if afternoons are mild. Bring a jacket or sweater to stay warm during long outdoor viewing. A lightweight raincoat or umbrella is also smart, as spring showers can happen. If it rains, don’t despair – cherry blossoms can actually look enchanting in the rain, and you’ll find fewer people out.
- Other Considerations: If you rent a car for rural areas, book well ahead and be prepared for traffic near famous spots (e.g. Yoshino or Kawazu) on weekends. Some smaller towns hold cherry blossom night illuminations only on certain days – check local tourism sites for schedules so you don’t miss them. Lastly, enjoy other spring blooms too: plum blossoms (ume) precede cherry blossoms (Feb–March) and wisteria and azaleas follow (late April–May). Japan’s spring is a floral parade, so even if you miss sakura at one spot, you might catch another flower festival.
Major Cherry Blossom Festivals & Events in 2025
Japan’s sakura season is celebrated with many festivals (matsuri) and special events. These usually coincide with the peak bloom in each area and feature illuminations, food stalls, performances, and unique traditions. Below is a roundup of major cherry blossom festivals in 2025 by region, with dates (2025 schedules) and highlights:
Tokyo Festivals
Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival)
Dates: March 15 – April 6, 2025 (dates may adjust slightly to bloom conditions).
Location: Ueno Park, Tokyo.
One of Japan’s largest hanami festivals. The park’s 1,000+ trees are hung with hundreds of lanterns, creating a beautiful evening glow. Visitors enjoy live music, traditional dance performances, and even a daytime parade under the blossoms. Food stalls sell street foods like yakitori and taiyaki. The atmosphere is joyful and boisterous – think families, friends, and coworkers picnicking and partying under every tree. At night, the illuminated canopy of blossoms is a must-see (just expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on weekends).
Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival (Chidorigafuchi)
Dates: March 12 – April 23, 2025
Location: Chidorigafuchi Greenway & Kitanomaru Park, central Tokyo.
Famed for its nighttime light-up of the 260 Yoshino cherry trees along the Imperial Palace moat. For about 12 nights during full bloom (typically late March–early April), the sakura lining Chidorigafuchi are lit from 6-10 PM and boat rentals are offered into the evening for romantic moat cruises. There’s also an extended boat pier hours and a “Sakura Walk” event. This festival, running since 1954, is one of Tokyo’s most elegant – picture glowing pink trees reflected in water, and couples in rowboats gliding under petal showers. (Pro tip: Arrive early evening; once the area reaches capacity, police may regulate entry.)
Nakameguro Sakura Festival
Dates: March 29 – 30, 2025
Location: Meguro River, Nakameguro, Tokyo.
A community-organized festival along the Meguro River. During the peak bloom weekend, sections of the riverside host daytime performances, cherry blossom-themed markets, and lots of food and drink stalls (champagne and pink beer are popular here!). In 2025, the Nakameguro festival is planned for Mar 29–30 from around 10 AM – 5 PMen.japantravel.com. In the evenings, the ward also strings up lanterns for a gentle illumination of the blossoms. This area gets extremely crowded after dark, but the jovial street party vibe – with people strolling, snapping photos, and sipping sakura cocktails – is very Tokyo and very fun.
Kyoto & Kansai Festivals
Hirano Shrine “Okasai” Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: April 10, 2025 (annual on April 10).
Location: Hirano Shrine, Kyoto.
A historic festival dating back over 1,000 years. Hirano Shrine is famous for initiating Kyoto’s blossom season (it even has an early-blooming variety called “sakigake” that signals the start of hanami). On April 10, the shrine holds the Okasai festival: a religious ceremony in the morning followed by a colorful afternoon procession at 1 PM Participants dress in elegant Heian-period costumes – think imperial courtiers, samurai on horseback, and shrine maidens – and carry portable shrines through the neighborhood. With 500 shrine cherry trees in full bloom above, it’s a spectacular step back in time. In the evening, hundreds of paper lanterns hung around the shrine gardens are lit for yozakura viewing. This festival provides a rare blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival
Dates: March 14 – April 13, 2025
Location: Nijo Castle, Kyoto.
A modern twist on hanami at a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nijo Castle’s grounds boast over 300 cherry trees which are artfully illuminated at night. In recent years, the event has been branded as “NAKED meets Nijo Castle” (NAKED Inc. is a digital art group), featuring projection mapping on castle walls, interactive light displays, and music. Strolling through the castle garden at night, you’ll see the blooms lit in changing colors and patterns, set against the castle’s ancient architecture. There are also tea ceremony demonstrations and occasional concerts. Admission is required (around ¥1,200) for the night event, and it’s extremely popular with locals and visitors alike – a highlight of spring in Kyoto.
Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Lane
Dates: April 5 – 11, 2025
Location: Japan Mint Osaka Branch (Tenmabashi area, Osaka)
A famous annual event where the Mint’s normally gated promenade opens to the public for one week only. The path is lined with over 300 late-blooming yaezakura (double-flowered cherries) of around 100 varieties. In 2025, the event runs Apr 5–11, 10:00–19:30 (evening). Note that advance reservations are required in 2025 (a new system to control crowds; registration typically opens in mid-March online). Inside, you’ll find a festival atmosphere: food stalls selling Osaka treats, and informational signs identifying each cherry variety (from pale pink blossoms to wild-looking green blossoms!). It does get very crowded, essentially a slow one-way shuffle through the tunnel of blossoms – but the diversity and volume of flowers is unmatched. After sunset, the illuminated double blossoms create an enchanting, almost surreal scene.
Ogimachi Park “Sakura Matsuri” (Osaka)
Dates: Late March 2025
Location: Ogimachi Park, Osaka (Kita Ward).
A community hanami party with a festival vibe. For three days when the park’s cherries hit full bloom, there will be live music and dance performances on stage, a beer garden, food trucks, and evening illuminations among the tree. Entry is free (beer garden has paid zones). The atmosphere is youthful and fun – think families in the daytime and friend groups after work. In 2025, watch for this event likely in the final week of March. Ogimachi Park is easily accessible (next to Ogimachi Station) and offers a laid-back alternative to Osaka Castle’s crowds.
Hiroshima & Western Japan
Hatsukaichi Sakura Festival
Date: April 6, 2025
Location: Shohoku Sports Park, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Highlights: The biggest cherry blossom festival in the greater Hiroshima area.
Hatsukaichi (the city where Miyajima is located) throws a one-day festive celebration when the local sakura reach full bloom. There are multiple stage shows (taiko drumming, singers, dance troops) and lots of yatai (food stalls) selling Hiroshima-yaki, fried chicken, and sweets. The festival is set by the Sumiyoshi embankment, where rows of cherry trees line a river – by late afternoon, lanterns are lit, creating a classic yozakura ambiance with reflections on the water. It’s a very family-friendly event with games and even a mini train ride for kids. If you’re visiting Miyajima in early April, consider stopping by this local matsuri.
Miyajima Night Sakura
Dates: Late March – Early April (nightly during full bloom).
Location: Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island, Hiroshima.
While not a “festival” with stalls, the nightly illumination of cherry blossoms on Miyajima is a seasonal event worth noting. The island’s many sakura, especially around the Five-Storied Pagoda and along the walk from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Park, are lit up after sunset. Combined with the high tide reflecting the famed “floating” torii gate, it’s an ethereal experience. Some years, local volunteers also host small concerts or tea ceremonies under the blossoms. During the day, you might catch street performances as well. Miyajima’s cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April – if you time it right, you can enjoy daytime blossoms, stay for sunset by the torii, and then wander through illuminated groves near the pagoda.
Himeji Castle Sakura Festival
Dates: Early April (around April 1–10, 2025).
Location: Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture.
Himeji Castle, Japan’s most famous castle, holds sakura events when its 1,000 cherry trees bloom. In 2025, look for an evening light-up event at the castle (usually for about a week, 18:00–21:00) where the white castle and pink blossoms are illuminated. Often, there is also a weekend “Castle Sakura Party” with performances like koto music or folk dance in the castle park, plus free tea service for visitors. This isn’t a big rowdy festival – rather more of a cultural celebration of the season in a majestic setting. Visiting Himeji during sakura season is special: the combination of the brilliant white castle tower and surrounding clouds of cherry blossoms is considered one of Japan’s best spring views.
Fukuoka & Kyushu
Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival
Dates: March 26 – April 6, 2025
Location: Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Castle Ruins), Fukuoka City
A two-week celebration when Fukuoka’s castle park becomes a blossom paradise. The festival features evening illuminations of the castle’s stone walls and turrets with cherry trees, from sundown until 22:00. Food stalls line the paths, offering local favorites and sakura-themed snacks. There are often performances on weekends – e.g. traditional Hakata folk music or dance – and sometimes even guided tours of the castle ruins at night. Maizuru Park’s spacious lawns fill with picnic blankets by day, and families enjoy boat rides on the pond fringed with blooms. Entry is free, though certain areas like the castle lookout might charge a small fee. With around 1,000 trees in bloom including some old ones draping over stone ramparts, it’s a photogenic and festive scene.
Omura Sakura Matsuri (Nagasaki)
Dates: Late March – early April.
Location: Omura Park, Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture
This is in Kyushu but outside Fukuoka – worth mentioning if traveling in Kyushu. Omura Park is famous for the unique Omura-zakura, a multi-layered cherry blossom. The park hosts an annual matsuri with light-ups, and the Omura-zakura typically blooms a bit later (early April). Festival events include taiko drumming and an open-air tea ceremony under the blossoms. It’s a smaller local festival, but noteworthy for the rare blossoms.
Northern Japan (Tohoku & Hokkaido)
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: April 18 – May 5, 2025
Location: Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture (Tohoku)
One of Japan’s most famous sakura festivals. Hirosaki Park, with its feudal castle and 2,600 trees, turns into a wonderland. In 2025 the festival spans mid-April to early May, with full bloom expected around late April. Every evening, blossoms are lit until 10 PM. Highlights include rowing boats in the moat filled with fallen petals (creating a “pink carpet” on the water) and numerous food stalls selling regional specialties like apple cider and grilled squid. There are often live shamisen (traditional lute) performances on site. This festival attracts visitors from all over Japan – it’s a bit off the typical Tokyo-Kyoto track, but truly magical.
Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
Season: Late April – Mid May
Location: Goryokaku Park, Hakodate, Hokkaido.
As mentioned, Goryokaku’s cherry blossoms are typically at their best around the end of April. The “festival” here is mainly the night illuminations and extended park hours during full bloom. There may also be local music or dance performances on weekends. In 2025, the blossoms are forecast to start around April 18 and reach full bloom around April 23 in Hakodate. If you’re there at that time, an evening at Goryokaku – strolling the star-shaped moat under lit-up blossoms – is unforgettable. Also, Hakodate hosts a “Hakodate Cherry Blossom Marathon” in early May which is a fun run event under falling petals for those inclined!
Each cherry blossom festival has its own charm, but all share the celebratory spirit of hanami – people coming together to appreciate the fleeting beauty of sakura. Whether you’re sipping tea under illuminated trees at a centuries-old castle, or clinking glasses at a modern city park, you’ll be part of a cherished Japanese tradition that signals the arrival of spring. Enjoy your 2025 sakura journey!
Make the Most of Spring in Japan
Whether you’re wandering through Kyoto’s temple gardens or catching the tail end of the blooms in Hokkaido, Japan’s 2025 cherry blossom season promises unforgettable moments. So grab your camera, pack your picnic mat, and prepare to be enchanted by clouds of pink petals. It’s time to fall in love with hanami season all over again.
Ready to experience Japan’s cherry blossoms? Book your cherry blossom tour today and make your spring getaway unforgettable.
