It’s time for cherry blossoms!! Spring is almost here, and it’s time to gear up for your trip to Japan. While many countries have pink blossoms, nothing quite captures the imagination like the combination of Mt. Fuji and the delicate elegance of the Japanese sakura.
Cherry blossom forecast for 2026
The official 2026 predictions from Japan’s leading meteorological agencies indicate an earlier-than-average bloom this year.
- Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC):
- Predicted First Bloom: March 20, 2026
- Predicted Full Bloom: March 27, 2026
- WeatherNews Prediction:
- Predicted First Bloom: March 21, 2026
- Predicted Full Bloom: March 28, 2026
Note: The “best viewing period” (full bloom) usually lasts for about one week after the first bloom, so aim for late March to catch the peak!
Note that the best viewing period is based on previous year’s data.
Ueno Park
An oasis in the city blending nature and culture. Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s most legendary hanami sites, featuring over 800 cherry trees.
Traditional food stalls and the “Ueno Sakura Festa” atmosphere. Don’t miss the giant pandas at the nearby Ueno Zoo!
Rikugien
A historic garden famous for its massive weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura). Its cascading branches look like a pink waterfall.
The “Nighttime Spring Viewing” allows you to see the illuminated weeping tree after dark.
Sumida Park
Located near Asakusa, this riverside park offers a stunning view of 640 cherry trees with the Tokyo Skytree in the background—perfect for a commemorative snapshot!
Showa Memorial Park
A massive 180-hectare park featuring 1,500 trees. The “collaboration” of yellow rape flowers (nanohana) and pink sakura creates a painting-like scenery you won’t forget.
Meguro River
Perhaps the most famous spot for “night sakura” (yozakura). Approximately 800 trees form a pink arch over the canal between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Meguro Stations.
The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival is back with evening illuminations and riverside stalls.
Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan is a historic building that was a stadium used during the 18th Olympic Games in Tokyo and was constructed in September 1964. The roof is conceptualized after the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji, and its octagonal design is inspired by the World Heritage site, Horyuji in Nara. Nippon Budokan is also famous for cherry blossom flowers. In spring, many people visit here to see the gorgeous pink hues. You can enjoy the stadium along with beautiful cherry blossom trees only for a short period of time. Many street stands appear during this period, so you can buy something to eat and stroll around.
Koishikawa Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen has a history that dates back to 400 years. Being designated for two categories is quite rare and this garden is designated as a special historic site as well as a national scenic beauty. It is also a famous place for cherry blossoms. Inside the garden, there are seven weeping cherry blossoms and Somei-yoshino blossoms that bloom beautifully. Furthermore, Koishikawa Korakuen is situated in the heart of the city, and you can get some great shots with cherry blossoms in the foreground with Tokyo’s modern buildings in the background. You will be surprised to see how beautiful the cherry blossoms look even with Tokyo’s modernity.
Super Convenient Google Map List
Worried about getting lost in this massive city? We’ve made a special cherry blossom viewing list on Google Maps! Add the list to your own google maps and enjoy basking in the glory of cherry blossoms.
