Cherry blossoms only last 10 days. They announce spring’s start, bringing in a fresh wave of hope and positivity as winter fades away. At the same time, their fragile existence reminds us of the delicate balance between life and death. Life is brief but beautiful.

In Japan, the cherry blossom, or sakura, season has deep cultural significance. They see such transient beauty as a lesson to seize each passing moment. That’s not all, they have sort of an infatuation with the blooming flowers which seems boundless. They come together to rejoice in the sakura blooming, a cherished tradition that has endured centuries. Likewise, millions of travelers flock from all corners to experience hanami, or blossom viewing. In this magical time, people gather to admire the breathtaking sight of streets adorned in vibrant shades of pink. Park outings with friends and family offer a chance to savor nature while reflecting on the brief essence of existence. Sakura season in Japan is a springtime spectacle.

Once said that, does the thought of going to Japan for the cherry blossom season in 2024 interest you? This is your one-stop shop for all things relevant this year! From when and where to witness the sakura flowers at their peak this season to the best cherry blossom events in Japan in 2024.

 
Related: What’s the Best eSIM for Japan? (+Comparison chart)
 

Discover When Cherry Blossom Season Starts in Japan

Blooms typically kick off in late March in the lower areas of Kyushu and Shikoku, then extend to Honshu, Hokkaido, and higher regions by April. The cherry blossom season in some of Japan’s favorite spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka will start in late March and will last about a week. In fact, for this current year, the Japan Weather Association predicts that blooming will be earlier than usual. Among the early bloomers will be Tokyo: expected around March 22 with the peak bloom by March 29.

Experts say warmer weather speeds up bud growth and triggers earlier blooming. Despite the recent warmth, the start of March promises a return to colder days. Then, temperatures are set to be a bit warmer than usual, causing cherry blossoms to flower about a week earlier than usual.
 

How Long Can You Enjoy Cherry Blossoms Season?

From late March to the middle of April, it’s cherry blossom season, painting the landscape with hues of pink. Though seasons may linger until May, the exact timing of blossoms can vary slightly between cities. In general, blossoms tend to bloom around the same time from year to year.

They generally last 10 to 14 days, once flowers start showing. While some cherry varieties have a longer shelf life, Yoshi cherries, commonly found in Japan, usually last for just two weeks. Plus, sakura flowers are quite sensitive to changes in temperature, rain, and wind. Such factors can cause flowers to bloom sooner, delay, or even reduce their growth.

The 2024 cherry blossom season forecast predicts an early arrival in Japan, possibly as soon as March 21, and full bloom around March 30 for the first cities. That is neatly a few days to savor the cherry blossom season of 2024 in Japan!
 

When Can You Expect Peak Bloom Time For Sakura Flower This 2024 Season?

Fukuoka and Tokyo will be among the initial major cities to welcome the blossoming of cherry trees, according to JMC.
 

When Is The Best Time To Go To Japan Cherry Blossoms Season 2024?

Timing your visit right is crucial since the peak lasts just a couple of days. Be aware that the forecast could differ by a few days going forward. Stay updated with the local weather forecasts to plan your trip during the Sakura blossom season in Japan on time.

When five to six flowers have blossomed on the sample tree, it’s considered the blooming date. On the other hand, full bloom is marked when four out of five buds have opened.
 

Must-See Sakura Flower Season Festivals In Japan 2024

Cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been a beloved cultural practice for centuries, held across the country. Japanese and tourists from various countries unite for hanami every year. A festive occasion filled with picnics, parties, and sake drinking. Cherry blossom festivals generally begin in late March and go until May. Experience Japan’s most cherished festivals as selected by our team!
 

Best Cherry Blossom Festivals in Japan for 2024

These are some of the best places to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan this 2024.
 

Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo

Covering a vast area of over 50 hectares and circling a 3 km path, these gardens offer a full day of exploration with diverse styles to admire. With over a thousand cherry blossom trees of different types, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy hanami!
 

Mount Yoshino in Nara

This is likely one of the most popular spots for the Sakura flower season in Japan in 2024. From up to 350 meters, the thousands of cherry trees in bloom around Mount Yoshino create a spectacle not to be missed in Japan. As the sakura blossoms blanket the forest around the mountain village in shades of pink, it becomes a cherished destination for nature admirers.
 

Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi

Among the “Fuji Five Lakes”, it is blessed with beautiful landscapes. The view from the northern shore, flanked by trees, with Mount Fuji in the distance, and cherry blossoms painting the scene, is absolutely enchanting.
 

Hirosaki Park in Aomori

With nearly 3000 Japanese cherry trees and more than 50 unique varieties, the sakura blossoms here are truly authentic. Graced with countless trees, a few of which have witnessed over three centuries pass, this area holds a storied past. Annually, from April 23rd to May 5th, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival sees more than 2 million visitors.
 

Maruyama Park in Kyoto

Kyoto shines brightest when cherry blossoms bloom. It usually occurs from late March to mid-April. When in Japan for cherry blossom season, you can’t skip a trip to Kyoto’s oldest park. It’s free to enter, but it can get really busy at that time of year. What’s more, at the heart of the park lies a glowing weeping cherry tree, the park’s main draw.
 

Osaka Castle Park in Osaka

This is the top spot in Osaka to experience the Sakura flower season in Japan. More than 4000 cherry trees grace the castle grounds, creating a picturesque scene. To fully appreciate it, plan your visit for the quiet hours of early morning or the serene glow of late afternoon sunsets. Likewise, the Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival attracts huge crowds every year, a top favorite among locals and tourists alike.
 

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