Tokyo officially declared the start of this year’s much-loved cherry blossom season at the capital as of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
The season starts in Tokyo when the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine opens at least five flowers, with local broadcasters showing dozens of opening flowers on the sample tree on Thursday morning.
According to Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the flowers began blooming five days than the average date, which is typically around March 24, the date when the season began last year.
The early blooming this year being attributed to warmer weather than usual. In a statement, the JMA said, “Today, the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms was observed,” referring to the most common variety of cherry blossoms.
As locals and tourists prepare to enjoy the enchanting annual floral display, here’s what you can expect from Japan’s highly-anticipated and loved cherry blossom season.
When does Japan’s cherry blossom season begin across the country?
Japan’s cherry blossom or sakura season usually peaks from late March to early May, moving northward as temperatures rise.
“Japan in the midst of cherry blossom season was like something out of a fantasy world” – Balakrishnan, tourist
The blossom season has already kicked off in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya as of March. Meanwhile, in regions like Akita and Nagano, the season is expected to begin in April with other regions like Hokkaido set to blossom as of May.
Why is Japan’s cherry blossom season so popular?
A fleeting, dreamlike period in Japan’s annual calendar, which is often celebrated with social gathering like picnics and outdoor parties, people come together to celebrate the tradition of hanami or flower viewing during the season.
Terrence Rodrigues, who witnessed the cherry blossom season last year described it as a “deeply cultural event.” He says, “It was truly a peaceful experience for the mind and the body. Clean air, clean roads, humble people with respect for each other. It was a surreal feeling to take it all in.”
Terrence who visited Osaka, also recommends checking out views of the city and blossoms from Osaka Castle in particular.
When is the best time to visit Japan’s cherry blossoms?
Japan’s cherry blossoms are typically thought to last from late March to May, but the best time to visit is usually considered to be around the middle of April, when the season has begun in several prefectures.
Another tourist, Balakrishnan, who experienced the season last year says, “Japan in the midst of cherry blossom season was like something out of a fantasy world, as every street, park, and hidden monastery path was covered in hues of baby pink. Taking a stroll under the sakura trees with a gentle breeze blowing, watching the petals fall from the branches, is something I know I’ll cherish forever.”
As Japan transforms once again into a landscape of soft pinks and whites, the magical sight offers peace and a moment of reprieve amidst the turmoil that surrounds us.
Check out the gallery of photos below to immerse yourselves in Japan’s cherry blossom season!
(All images courtesy of Terrence Rodrigues and Balakrishnan ; few images edited/altered by publication for clarity and composition )
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