Get ready for Japan’s 2025 cherry blossom season starting as early as late March
The beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms is nothing short of legendary, and every year, locals and tourists alike eagerly await the bloom of the iconic Somei Yoshino trees.
On January 23, 2025, Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its second forecast for this year’s cherry blossom season, offering an early look at when the pink and white flowers will make their stunning appearance across Japan.
This forecast spans approximately 1,000 viewing locations from the snowy reaches of Hokkaido to the warm southern tips of Kagoshima. The dates for cherry blossom flowering (kaika) and full bloom (mankai) are crucial for tourists who plan their trips to catch the fleeting beauty of Sakura season.
Key Predictions for 2025
The forecast predicts that the first blossoms will appear as early as March 23 in places like Kochi and Fukuoka, while the northern regions, such as Sapporo, will see blooms later, around April 28.
Full bloom is expected to occur around March 31 in Tokyo and April 8 in Kanazawa, providing perfect opportunities for picnics and hanami celebrations. Each city’s forecast is tailored based on regional temperature patterns and historical bloom data, giving cherry blossom enthusiasts a precise window to witness nature’s spectacle.
| Location | Forecasted flowering date | Flowering deviation (days) | Forecasted full bloom date | Full bloom deviation (days) | Flowering date in average year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 4/28 | -3 | 5/2 | -4 | 5/1 |
| Aomori | 4/20 | -2 | 4/23 | -3 | 4/22 |
| Sendai | 4/6 | -2 | 4/11 | -2 | 4/8 |
| Tokyo | 3/24 | 0 | 3/31 | 0 | 3/24 |
| Kanazawa | 4/2 | -1 | 4/8 | 0 | 4/3 |
| Nagano | 4/10 | -1 | 4/15 | -1 | 4/11 |
| Nagoya | 3/25 | 1 | 4/3 | 1 | 3/24 |
| Kyoto | 3/27 | 1 | 4/5 | 1 | 3/26 |
| Osaka | 3/28 | 1 | 4/4 | 0 | 3/27 |
| Wakayama | 3/26 | 2 | 4/3 | 0 | 3/24 |
| Hiroshima | 3/25 | 0 | 4/4 | 1 | 3/25 |
| Kochi | 3/23 | 1 | 3/30 | 0 | 3/22 |
| Fukuoka | 3/23 | 1 | 4/1 | 1 | 3/22 |
| Kagoshima | 3/23 | -3 | 4/3 | -2 | 3/26 |
Tracking the Bloom with Technology
To enhance the experience of the Sakura season, JMC also offers the “Sakura Navi” app. This mobile tool allows users to monitor the progress of cherry blossoms in real time, featuring updates on blooming stages, a proximity notification for nearby cherry blossom spots, and a “Stamp Card” to record visits.
The app’s success is evident, as it topped the travel category on the App Store in Hong Kong and Thailand in 2024.
Behind the Bloom: Understanding the Forecast
Cherry blossoms are delicate and their blooming pattern is influenced by the temperature patterns from the previous autumn. The trees undergo a dormancy period before warming temperatures trigger their growth towards bloom. By closely monitoring these changes, JMC is able to predict flowering dates with remarkable accuracy. The forecasting model relies on cumulative temperature data and historical trends, ensuring that the public can plan their visits with confidence.
As spring approaches, the cherry blossoms will undoubtedly captivate everyone who witnesses their gentle arrival, whether in the city parks of Tokyo or the quiet temples of Kyoto. The 2025 cherry blossom season promises to be a beautiful and timely event, bringing nature’s splendour right on schedule.
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