When & The place to Go to

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It’s NO exaggeration after I say that each Japanese and (nearly) each eager traveler on the planet retains a detailed watch on the Japan cherry blossom forecast or sakura (桜) forecast at first of yearly! In any case, who wouldn’t wish to catch the short-lived but magical spring season whereby each house within the nation is enveloped in shades of sentimental pink and white?

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Now, I say ‘short-lived’ as a result of cherry blossoms keep on their branches for solely about 10 days (it will possibly final for two weeks if the climate is ideal or lower than 10 if the climate is ghastly).

As if that doesn’t make it elusive sufficient, it’s not all the time a assure you could get to get pleasure from them at their peak — however then once more, don’t fret: the Japan cherry blossom forecast that’s accessible these days is near correct in predicting the cherry blossoms’ first opening and full bloom.

…And as such, that is the place this publish is available in!

I’ve already had a number of journeys to Japan the place I received to get pleasure from the great thing about this season and now, it’s my hope that you simply get to get pleasure from it too! So with the assistance of the forecast map beneath, you would begin planning a profitable Japan cherry blossom journey as early as now.

Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast Map

(For a Pinterest-sized model of this Japan cherry blossom forecast map, scroll to the underside of this publish)
  • DISCLAIMER: The above knowledge is as of March 2023 and it’s primarily based on the forecast carried out by the Japan Meteorological Company. Take be aware that sudden adjustments in temperature, rainfall, and wind energy can speed up, delay or shorten the forecast above — however you possibly can already use this preliminary forecast as a preliminary information. Relaxation assured, I’ll maintain this publish up to date as soon as dates occur to vary so come drop by once in a while!

Cherry blossom timber in Japan bloom in an upward route ranging from the island of Okinawa (someday in the course of January) after which ending at Hokkaido (across the finish of April or starting of Might).

So if you concentrate on it… supplied that you simply’ve received the time and the cash, you possibly can completely bask in a 3-month lengthy journey spree to get pleasure from the entire pink season!

However after all — not everybody can do such a factor, so if you happen to solely have a restricted trip time for Japan, beneath is a listing of among the greatest and hottest spots for viewing the cherry blossom season!

Finest Cherry Blossom Spots

To raised streamline this part, I can be itemizing one of the best cherry blossom spots by area. (FYI: Japan has 8 massive areas and every of them are sectioned into prefectures that each one whole to 47).

TRIVIA: Hanami or “flower viewing” is an historical custom in Japan whereby locals take the time to benefit from the cherry blossoms or sakura timber. These days, the Japanese usually have fun it by having an out of doors celebration or picnic beneath the timber throughout daytime or nighttime (known as as yozakura or “evening sakura“).

Come and take a look at this record of the high issues to do in Japan which options one of the best actions and excursions to do in locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and extra!

» Kantō Area (関東地方)

Cowl and high photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Tokyo
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 29 to April 6 – Finest Viewing)

  • Chidorigafuchi: That is one in all Tokyo’s most magical sights given the cherry blossoms that encompass the moat within the former Edo Fort round Kitanomaru Park (as pictured above). There are even boats accessible for lease to raised benefit from the timber up shut! At evening, the timber are lit up and a number of other meals stands are discovered close by.
  • Sumida Park: This can be a nice recreation house provided that the timber are lined up on the perimeters of the river with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree within the distance. Like Chidorigafuchi, there are boats you possibly can lease in addition to surrounding meals stalls. The timber are additionally lit up at evening.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen: A spacious park that has over greater than a thousand cherry blossoms in numerous varieties! Everyone seems to be free to place up a picnic right here for doing ‘hanami‘ however take be aware that alcohol is prohibited.
  • Ueno Park: That is Tokyo’s most crowded spot in the case of the Japan cherry blossom forecast — this isn’t solely due to the hundreds of timber lining the road but in addition due to how the timber right here usually bloom 1 to three days forward of the others within the metropolis.
  • Meguro River: For a whole lot of meters, there are about 800 cherry blossom timber lining this river. It’s not an excellent place for doing a picnic but it surely’s an excellent place for taking images, for certain!
  • Yoyogi Park: Positioned close to the purchasing district of Harajuku, this park has over 600 cherry blossom timber in its neighborhood.

TIP: Uncover the great thing about Mt. Fuji up shut in addition to its close by pure sights by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or if you happen to come someday round April 14 to Might 27, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss!

◘◘ Kanazawa
(March 31 – First Bloom // April 4 to 12 – Finest Viewing)

  • Yokohama:
    • Sankeien Backyard: This can be a Japanese panorama backyard that has a central pond and a number of other historic buildings (thereby giving off a terrific conventional look).
    • Mitsuike Koen (Park): That includes 3 ponds, this park has been listed as one in all Japan’s “100 greatest cherry blossom spots” so it’s positively price visiting.
  • Kamakura:
    • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: You may get some nice photographs of this shrine with the close by cherry timber which are numbering by a whole lot.

◘◘ Gunma
(March 23 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)

  • Akagi Senbonzakura: It has a novel “pink-on-pink” function given the encompassing ‘pink moss’ within the fields which are discovered simply beside the cherry blossom timber.

– – –

» Kansai Area (関西地方)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Kyoto
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

  • Tetsugaku No Michi: Dubbed because the “Thinker’s Path”, this runs beside a canal connecting Ginkakuji to Nanzenji and it’s lined by a whole lot of sakura timber.
  • Maruyama Park: Discovered beside Yasaka Shrine is that this common public park that has a big weeping cherry blossom tree (yaebeni shidare) in its middle. Ensure that to catch it at evening when it’s lit up! Whilst you’re there, you possibly can benefit from the close by meals stalls too.
  • Heian Shrine: One more place to seek out weeping cherry timber — however in additional numbers. Take be aware that these weeping timber attain full bloom simply after a couple of days that the opposite regular cherry timber do.
  • Arashiyama: Positioned within the western outskirts of Kyoto, this place shouldn’t be solely identified for its Bamboo Groves and Monkey Park (Iwatayama) but in addition identified for its nice areas for cherry blossom viewing. A really perfect spot would positively be by the Togetsukyo Bridge on the riverside of Nakanoshima Park.

TIP: Journey the charming Sagano Scenic Railway that goes alongside Arashiyama to Kameoka. It’s a good way to soak within the cherry blossom views round you given the prepare’s clear glass ceiling.

On the lookout for different high sakura areas in Kyoto?

Take a look at this final information of Kyoto cherry blossom spots — from lesser-known areas to the preferred ones!

◘◘ Osaka
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kema Sakuranomiya Park: This park seemingly has infinite rows of sakura timber — apart from, they quantity at practically 5,000! You may get pleasure from such a grand view both from the riverside promenade or from the ships going by means of the river.
  • Osaka Fort: Naturally, a cease right here is warranted as a result of 4,000 sakura timber that encompass it. And if I’ll share a tip, the Nishinomaru park on the western aspect of the fortress is nice for doing picnics because it offers nice scenic views of the tower.
  • Expo 70 Commemorative Park: But once more, one other space with hundreds of cherry blossom timber. At evening you possibly can get pleasure from it, much more, once they mild the whole lot up.

TIP: From Osaka, you can too do a day tour to Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Nara’s deer park to benefit from the sakura season!

◘◘ Nara
(March 26 – First Bloom // April 1 to 9 – Finest Viewing)

  • Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino): Wanna know Japan’s #1 cherry blossom observing spot for hundreds of years? Then, head over right here! You’ll certainly be overwhelmed by the 30,000~ cherry timber that encompass this mountain.
  • Nara Park: Outnumbering the free-roaming deers are the 1,700 cherry blossom timber which are planted right here! Ensure that to go southeast of Todaiji’s foremost corridor in order for you an enormous garden encircled by these pink timber.
  • Wakakusayama: Discovered simply behind Nara Park, this hill’s climbing path is lined with cherry blossoms, and if you happen to go a bit to the highest, you’ll get an excellent image of the whole lot with the dense metropolis as a backdrop.

◘◘ Hyogo
(March 25 – First Bloom // April 1 to 10 – Finest Viewing)

  • Himeji Fort: Proven within the photograph above, that is the well-known world heritage website fortress that’s distinctive for its white facade! Indisputably, it is a excellent place for having fun with the Japan cherry blossom forecast season (in any case, admission to the outer fortress grounds is even free, so make the most of it if you’re within the space!)

– – –

» Chūbu Area (中部地方)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Yamanashi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 30 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

  • Fuji 5 Lakes: When you head over to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll get an impressive sight of Mount Fuji with the encompassing cherry blossoms on the lake. TIP: You should go to within the early mornings for one of the best visibility and light-weight.
  • Chureito Pagoda: This pagoda attracts a LOT of individuals yearly particularly throughout the spring season as a result of it actually is an ideal spot for capturing Mt. Fuji and the encompassing terrain (as you possibly can see from the photograph above!).

TIP: You may simply go to Chureito Pagoda by occurring a day tour from Tokyo! Or if you happen to come someday round April to June, you possibly can participate within the limited-time Shibazakura Pageant close to Mt. Fuji the place you possibly can witness a subject of distinctive pink moss.

◘◘ Nagano
(April 3 – First Bloom // April 9 to 14 – Finest Viewing)

  • Matsumoto Fort: What higher solution to seize and see one in all Japan’s most lovely unique castles than to see it throughout sakura season, proper? With the a whole lot of timber planted there, there’s sufficient to paint the grounds.
  • Takato Fort Ruins Park: It’s included within the high 3 greatest areas for seeing sakura blossoms in Japan (together with Hirosaki Fort and Yoshinoyama)! Plus, for the entire month of April, a pageant is held right here the place many stalls are arrange and illuminations are additionally all the time held each evening from sundown to 10:00 PM.

◘◘ Ishikawa
(March 29 – First Bloom // April 5 to 10 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kenrokuen: This has been known as as one in all Japan’s “3 most lovely panorama gardens”, so it comes as no shock that this has turn into a terrific cherry blossom viewing spot.

◘◘ Aichi
(March 25 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 1 – Finest Viewing)

  • Yamazakigawa Riverside: The Shikinomichi (“Path of 4 Seasons”) beside this river is thought to be one in all Japan’s “100 greatest cherry tree blossom spots”— and rightly so! Don’t overlook to cease right here if you’re in Nagoya.
  • Nagoya Fort: Certainly, you wouldn’t miss this fortress if you’re within the metropolis! Throughout spring, there are a number of weeping cherry blossom timber, uncommon sakura tree varieties, and somei yoshino across the fortress and alongside the moats.

TIP: From Nagoya, you possibly can go on a day journey to the well-known World Heritage Website of Shirakawa-go to get pleasure from its picturesque conventional homes which are amidst pink cherry timber. (You may also learn my journey information right here).

– – –

» Chūgoku Area (中国地方)

◘◘ Hiroshima
(March 22 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

  • Miyajima: That is the small island discovered exterior of Hiroshima that’s well-known for its “floating” torii gate. As you’ll anticipate, this makes for a terrific sight within the spring! To start out off the enjoyable, there are 1,300 sakura alongside the strolling trails resulting in the torii gate.
  • Hiroshima Peace Park: There are roughly 300 cherry timber round this park the place the favored Peace Memorial Museum can be discovered (the latter commemorates those that died throughout the atomic bombing and it additionally serves as a testomony to world peace).

– – –

» Shikoku Area (四国)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Ehime
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

  • Matsuyama Fort: (Pictured above). That is one in all Japan’s 12 “unique castles” and I assure you that the views from the fortress tower throughout spring is past outstanding! So when trying on the Japan cherry blossom forecast, don’t overlook to place this in your must-see record.

◘◘ Kagawa
(March 23 – First Bloom // March 31 to April 8 – Finest Viewing)

  • Megijima Island: That is the island in Takamatsu that’s related to ‘Ogre Island’ from the favored Momotaro legend and if you happen to go to the mountain-top park of the island’s tallest peak, you’ll have unbelievable views of the cherry blossom timber and the ocean.

– – –

» Kyūshū Area (九州)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukuoka
(March 19 – First Bloom // March 27 to April 4 – Finest Viewing)

  • Nishi Park: (Pictured above). That is one other a kind of locations that has been included in Japan’s “100 greatest cherry blossom spots”. As a hillside park, you’ll revel within the hundreds of sakura timber as you get pleasure from a picnic in its inexperienced areas. That is additionally the location of the Terumo Shrine which is the household shrine of Fukuoka’s former feudal lords.

◘◘ Kumamoto
(March 21 – First Bloom // March 28 to April 5 – Finest Viewing)

  • Kumamoto Fort: As one in all Japan’s most spectacular castles, it actually has turn into one of many metropolis’s hottest hanami spot. Everywhere in the terrain, there’s a hanging envelope of pink hues from the cherry timber.

– – –

» Tōhoku Area (東北地方)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Fukushima
(April 5 – First Bloom // April 8 to 16 – Finest Viewing)

  • Hanamiyama Park: (Pictured above). Simply exterior central Fukushima is that this park that’s nestled on the slopes, and the superb factor about this park is that you simply’ll be rewarded by a plethora of cherry blossom timber in various hues of pink! Just remember to seize a map from the knowledge sales space because it reveals one of the best strolling trails and picture-taking spots.
  • Shinobuyama Park: If you wish to bask your self with extra cherry tree views, head to this public park on the northern a part of town. Other than doing hanami, you can too benefit from the statement decks that provide you with picturesque views over Fukushima.

◘◘ Different prefectures in Tohoku
(Late April to Early Might)

Beneath are mentioned to be the highest 3 cherry blossom spots within the Tohoku area…

  • Hirosaki Fort: As a result of wealthy structure of this fortress, friends can get pleasure from an abundance of cherry blossom timber, tunnels, moats, and numerous picnic areas. One might even lease a ship and watch the illuminations within the night!
  • Kakunodate: This fortress city is completely well-known for its weeping cherry timber that adorn town’s well-preserved former samurai district.
  • Kitakami: Head over to Tenshochi Park which is lined by over 10,000 cherry timber — excellent on your Instagram images!

– – –

» Hokkaidō Area (北海道)

Photograph by: Shutterstock

◘◘ Hokkaido
(Sapporo: April 29 – First Bloom // Might 1 to eight – Finest Viewing)

  • Goryokaku Fort: (As proven within the photograph above). This can be a star-shaped navy citadel in-built Hakodate in direction of the tip of the Edo Interval and it has since been become a public park that has over hundreds of sakura timber planted alongside its moats!
  • Matsumae Park: It’s well-known for having an extended cherry blossom season (lasting nearly a whole month) given the wide selection of sakura tree varieties in its grounds. Close by, you can too benefit from the Matsumae Fort which is the one fortress on Hokkaido.
  • Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine: These two locations are simply beside each other they usually appeal to a lot of guests yearly within the spring who get pleasure from holding hanami events in its open house. You wager that it’s a good way to mingle with the locals!

• • •

Japan Journey Information

» Finest Time to Go to

Any time and any season! Might or not it’s spring, summer time, autumn, or winter, Japan has a ton of locations and experiences that may fill your journey wants.

– – –

» Getting in to Japan

By air. Narita (IATA: NRT) is Japan’s main worldwide airport and it’s situated practically 70km northeast of Tokyo. With the intention to get one of the best flight offers to this nation from nearly wherever on the globe, I extremely recommend looking by means of Skyscanner:

– – –

» Visa for Japan

When you’re NOT a citizen of any of Japan’s exempted international locations, you’re then required to avail a visa beforehand. (When you’re from the Philippines, you possibly can learn my information on get a Japan visa in Manila right here.)

  • Examine full visa necessities right here as per your nationality.

– – –

» The place to Keep In Japan

To seek for one of the best lodge lodging in Japan at one of the best costs, I recommend cross-checking lodge costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However if you happen to’re slightly inquisitive about renting comfy homes or flats, it’s best to search by means of AirBnB.

– – –

» Japan Foreign money

Japanese yen (JPY / ¥) whereby ¥100 is the same as about USD $1~ / €0.85~ / Php 45~ (that is as of March 2022). Within the occasion that you simply wish to alternate your cash for JPY, I extremely advise that you simply do NOT alternate your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there usually are not aggressive.

  • How one can greatest alternate your forex? Both alternate it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in Tokyo’s metropolis middle. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM along with your debit/bank card — nonetheless, you will need to do one massive withdrawal to reduce charges along with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, loads of Tokyo’s institutions settle for bank cards but it surely’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of loads of smaller outlets do not settle for worldwide bank cards.

– – –

» Price of Journey in Japan

Lots of people have the misperception that Japan is an costly vacation spot; nonetheless, it’s completely potential to journey on a finances! Simply take be aware that lodging charges usually go up throughout peak season (March to April in Spring and November in Autumn).

To offer you an thought, it’s best to anticipate to journey in Japan with a mean day by day value of about USD $45~ per individual on a finances, or no less than $120~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, inns, and extra. (Values beneath present low finances to medium finances ranges).

  • Motels: $25 to $120 USD / day
  • Meals: $12 to $30 USD / day
  • Transport: US$1 per subway experience*

*FREE subway and bullet prepare rides if you happen to maintain a Japan Rail Go

– – –

» How one can Get Round Central Japan

There are a number of prepare passes accessible in Japan that can provide help to save on transportation prices, one of the best one being the Japan Rail Go or JR Go. And if you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it’s going to present intimately the quickest connections you are able to do (by strolling, by automotive, by bus, and by prepare).

– – –

» Staying Linked in Japan

Japan has one of many quickest web connections on the planet so that you’re assured of nice connection wherever you go. Motels and most outlets (even comfort shops) provide FREE WiFi connections — however as a way to keep linked on-line always throughout your Japan journey, I like to recommend getting your personal pocket WiFi or a SIM Card.

– – –

» Security in Japan

Japan is likely one of the most secure international locations on the planet with very low crime charges. I’ve been touring solo to this nation many instances now and I’ve by no means felt unsafe even within the late hours of the evening — nonetheless, that is NO excuse to get too complacent. ‘Little crime’ doesn’t imply ‘no crime’, so keep vigilant and be “avenue good” through the use of your widespread sense always.

Nonetheless, the Japanese individuals are one of many kindest and most respectful individuals I’ve ever met, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret on this superb nation.

– – –

» Useful Japanese Phrases

Japan could also be one of the vital developed international locations on the planet, however loads of the locals don’t converse English. Nevertheless, this could not discourage you from touring to this nation as a result of other than the truth that there are loads of translation apps that can provide help to perceive and converse Japanese, loads of the locals are additionally making the hassle to study and use the English language.

Anyhow, beneath are some useful Japanese phrases that can provide help to alongside the best way! And even if you happen to do encounter a Japanese who can converse English, it doesn’t damage to say a phrase or two of their language.

Hey: Konnichiwa (Kohn-nee-chee-wah)
Thanks (regular): Arigatō. (Ah-REE-gah-tohh)
Thanks (much less formal): Arigatō gozaimas (Ah-REE-gah-tohh goh-zahy-mahs)
Thanks (casual): Dōmo (DOHH-moh)
Sure: Hai (Hai)
No: Iie (E-eh)
Goodbye (long run): Sayōnara (Sah-yohh-nah-rah)
Goodbye (casual): Ja ne (Jahh neh)

Excuse me: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-SEN)
I’m sorry: Gomen nasai (Goh-men-nah-sahy)
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Dareka eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Dah-reh-kah ey-goh gah hah-nah-seh-mahs kah?)
Assist!: Tasukete! (Tahs-keh-teh!)
Cheers!: Kanpai! (Kan-pie!)

• • •

General

Irrespective of if this can be your first time to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’ or not, I hope this Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast publish has given you sufficient information and tricks to begin planning your superb ‘sakura’ journey in Japan!

Let me know the way it goes for you. Get pleasure from!

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