Written by Adriana Paradiso
Researched by Carey Finn
Don’t miss a single petal this spring: here is the latest 2026 Tokyo cherry blossom season forecast — updated March 24, 2026.
The flowers are predicted to be a few days earlier than usual, with Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures all blossomed-up by the final week of March.
Pro tip: Check out the cherry-blossom timeline, from bud to bloom.
2026 cherry blossom season forecast
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.
Not in Tokyo? Check out the 2026 cherry blossom dates for all of Japan.
2026 cherry blossom dates for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures
Last updated: March 19, 2026 (9th forecast of the season)
| Area | Start | Full bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 19th | March 26th |
| Kōfu (Yamanashi) | March 16th | March 25th |
| Yokohama (Kanagawa) | March 22nd | March 28th |
| Kumagaya (Saitama) | March 23rd | March 27th |
| Maebashi (Gunma) | March 22nd | March 30th |
| Utsunomiya (Tochigi) | March 24th | March 31st |
| Mito (Ibaraki) | March 24th | March 31st |
| Chōshi (Chiba) | March 22nd | March 29th |
| Nagano (Nagano) | April 3rd | April 8th |
Forecast data provided by the Japan Meterological Corporation.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo in 2026
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 take a sakura cruise for special views from the river.
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.
Cherry blossom FAQs
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.
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
In 2026, the cherry blossom dates are expected to start on March 19th and peak on March 27th, which is a few days earlier than average. Of course, the actual dates 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 March 23 in 2026 and peak on April 1 — this is also earlier than usual. 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 24, 2026 by Carey Finn.
