TIME OUT




 

Here’s what the warmer temperatures mean for sakura this year, with blooming dates for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo and more

The new year has barely started, but the Japan Meteorological Corporation already has its sights set on spring with the release of its first official cherry blossom forecast of 2024.

This initial forecast predicts that in most destinations across Japan, cherry blossoms will be blooming around the same time as usual, although some areas may see blossoms a few days early. 

This past autumn's warmer-than-average temperatures caused a delay in the crucial cold period for Japan's cherry blossom trees, pushing bud development back by about a week.

However, this delay is anticipated to be offset by the continuation of warmer temperatures from January to March, which will expedite the growth stage. 

 

Most For Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are predicted to start flowering on March 23, reaching full bloom by March 30 – both a day earlier than in the average year.

In Kyoto, the first blossoms are expected on March 23, three days sooner than usual, with peak bloom around April 1.

Osaka will likely see its first flowers around March 25, with full bloom coinciding with Kyoto on April 1.

The northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido will be the last to see cherry blossoms. For Sapporo, the start of the sakura season looks to be May 2, while full bloom will be achieved right on schedule on May 6.

The next update from the JMC is scheduled for February 25, when we should be getting a clearer picture of what spring will bring. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a few more snowy getaways this winter.