The bloom moves north
Sakura peaks in southern Kyushu in mid-to-late March and in Hokkaido by early May. Tokyo/Kyoto are usually 25 March – 5 April. The Japan Meteorological Corporation and JNTO publish daily forecasts from January onwards.
Week-by-week
- Mid-March: Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kumamoto).
- Late March: Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo.
- Early April: Hakone, Kanazawa, Takayama.
- Mid-April: Tohoku (Hirosaki Castle is legendary).
- Late April – Early May: Hokkaido (Matsumae).
The hanami rules
- Book accommodation 3 months out. Everything fills.
- Weekday mornings beat weekends.
- Kyoto's Philosopher's Path at dawn beats its afternoon.
- Night-illuminated (yozakura) spots are free and magical.
Our pick
A 10-day route: 3 Tokyo, 2 Hakone or Kawaguchiko, 3 Kyoto, 2 Kanazawa. Maximise the bloom window by moving slightly north each day.
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