Don’t miss a single petal this spring: here is the latest 2024 Tokyo cherry blossom season forecast.

Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures should be all blossomed-up by early April in 2024.

2024 cherry blossom season forecast

Japan 2024 cherry blossom forecast. Last updated: March 14, 2024.
Japan 2024 cherry blossom forecast. Last updated: March 14, 2024. | Photo by Japan Meteorological Corporation

Important: Please remember that this is just a forecast, and it can fluctuate. Individual trees, different sub-regions, and the weather (wind and rain especially) may affect the flowering times. Check back regularly for updates.

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Not in Tokyo? Check out the 2024 cherry blossom dates for all of Japan.

2024 cherry blossom dates for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures

Last updated: March 14, 2024

AreaStartFull bloom
TokyoMarch 24thMarch 31st
Kōfu (Yamanashi)March 23rdMarch 31st
Yokohama (Kanagawa)March 28thApril 4th
Kumagaya (Saitama)March 27thApril 3rd
Maebashi (Gunma)March 29thApril 4th
Utsunomiya (Tochigi)March 28thApril 4th
Mito (Ibaraki)March 27thApril 4th
Chōshi (Chiba)March 30thApril 6th
Nagano (Nagano)April 6thApril 11th

Forecast data provided by the Japan Meterological Corporation.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo in 2024

Think we’d leave you hanging with just the map and cherry blossom dates? No way — we’ve also got a list of the best Tokyo cherry blossom viewing spots, which includes less-crowded options. Want to see sakura illuminations at night? Find out where to go for night-time cherry blossom viewing.

If you’re just missing official sakura season, fret not, there are late-blooming cherry blossoms all around Tokyo as well.

Pro tip: If you’ve only got time to hit up one spot, we recommend the Meguro River. Even better you can join this evening sakura tour and make new friends while you’re at it.

Cherry blossom season in Japan: Average bloom dates

Wondering how this year compares to previous cherry blossom seasons in Japan? We’ve put together a map of the average bloom dates across the country, based on data from the last 30 years.

The average opening and full bloom dates of cherry blossoms from the past 30 years.
Photo by Aimee Gardner

Cherry blossom FAQs

tokyo cherry blossom sakura ueno park
Sakura at Ueno Park. | Photo by iStock.com/smalldaruma

What’s the difference between sakura and hanami?

While sakura is the Japanese name for the cherry blossoms themselves, hanami refers to the act of flower-viewing. In Japan, this ranges from a pleasant stroll beneath the trees to a full on day-to-night picnic party complete with beer, snacks, and an eye-catching blue tarpaulin.

Where are the best places to enjoy sakura season in Tokyo?

Tokyo is filled with blossoms — you’ll find pink petals in every temple garden, public park, and even in front of every school (a long-standing tradition). If you’re looking for the very best places, however, we have the perfect guide to all places big and small.

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When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?

In 2024, the cherry blossom dates are expected to start on March 24th and peak on March 31st. Of course, this will vary depending on the location and the type of trees. Some trees bloom earlier or later, while altitude can also have an impact on the blooming time. And all forecasts are subject to change!

I’m planning a trip to Kyoto too. When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?

Kyoto is expected to bloom from the 25th of March in 2024 and peak on the 2nd of April. Again, this will vary depending on the locations you visit, with spots like Arashiyama being different to inner-city gardens or temples (but only by a few days). For more areas in Japan, check our Japan-wide forecast coverage and be sure to read our guide to Kyoto’s best cherry-blossom spots.

What’s the difference between yozakura and yaezakura?

Good question. Yozakura are the illuminated blossoms you can see in the evening at many temples and gardens, as well as theme parks like Yomiuriland. Meanwhile, yaezakura are late-blooming trees, giving those arriving in early April a chance to see blossoms outside of peak time.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Last updated on March 15, 2024 by Carey Finn.

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