What are Best Sakura Months in Japan?

The cherry blossom season in Japan is from March to April in most places. As for the best Sakura visiting time, it is from late March to early April, which marks the peak blooming period for Sakura in most cities of Japan, including those major tourist ones like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Various cherry blossom festivals are held during this period, where traditional taiko performances and Japanese dances blend harmoniously with the cherry blossoms, enriching the viewing experience. Additionally, the overall climate in Japan during this period is exceptionally pleasant.

View of Cherry Blossoms

However, more specifically, for Japan with a large south-north span geographically, the cherry blossom season varies significantly across different regions. The further north you go, the later the cherry blossom season arrives. 

Best Sakura Months in Okinawa – Late January to Early February 

Okinawa, located in the subtropical zone, marks the beginning spot of Japan’s cherry blossom season. The cherry blossoms here are the darker-hued Kanhizakura, which bloom earlier. Typically, they can be seen in Okinawa from mid-to-late January to mid-February. You can enjoy the blossoms in full bloom around late January to early February.

  Major Viewing Sites/Cherry Blossom Festivals in Okinawa
1. Nago Castle Park: The grand Nago Cherry Blossom Festival is held on the last weekend of January each year.
2. Yeese Park: The cherry blossom festival is usually held from late January to early February, featuring nighttime illuminations.
3. Motobu Yaedake: Boasting over 7,000 cherry trees. Expect a cherry blossom festival from late January to early February.
4. Nakijin Castle Ruins: An ancient castle site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cherry blossom festival usually takes place from late January to early February.

Lively Cherry Blossom Festival

Best Months for Early Sakura in the Izu Peninsula - Mid to Late February

The Kawazu cherry blossom in the Izu Peninsula is one of the earliest varieties to bloom near Tokyo. It is renowned for its vivid pink hue, exceptionally long blooming period, and spectacular riverside scenery. The Izu Peninsula typically sees its cherry bloom season from early February to early March - over a month earlier than Tokyo. The optimal viewing period for these blossoms is usually mid-to-late February.

Early Sakura in the Izu Peninsula

From February 7 to March 8, 2026, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held along the Kawazu River and around Kawazu Station. During this time, you will have the chance to savor cherry blossom ice cream, takoyaki, and other snacks, purchase cherry blossom-themed souvenirs, and witness the romantic sight of cherry blossoms illuminated by lights at night.

Best Sakura Months for Kyushu, Kansai, Chugoku, Chubu, Kanto – Late March to Early April

These regions, including popular cherry blossom viewing cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, experience cherry blossom season from mid-March to mid-April. The peak bloom period typically falls between late March and early April, when these locations are blanketed in pale pink flowers in full bloom. 

However, in addition to that, you also need to know that: Similarly, in these regions, southern areas generally experience an earlier blooming period. Chubu, however, presents an exception. With its higher elevations, temperatures rise more slowly in spring. Consequently, cities like Nagano, Matsumoto, and Takayama typically see their cherry blossoms peak later, around early-mid April.

  The time that the peak cherry blossom season begins:
In Kyushu, including cities like Fukuoka: Late March
In Chugoku, including cities like Hiroshima: Late March
In Kansai, including cities like Kyoto and Osaka: Late March or Early April
In Chubu, including cities like Nagoya: Early April
In Kanto, including cities like Tokyo: Late March or Early April

  Where to See Sakura
Fukuoka: Maizuru Park
Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island
Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Heian Shrine, Philosopher’s Path, Nijo Castle, Maruyama Park, Hirano Shrine
Osaka: Osaka Castle, Osaka Mint, Tenmangu Shrine
Nara: Nara Park, Mount Yoshino
Tokyo: Ueno Park, Sumida River, Chidorigafuchi Park, Meguro River, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Mt. Fuji: Arakurayama Sengen Park, Lake Kawaguchi

Nagoya Castle with Cherry Blossoms

White Cherry Blossoms

Most of the above cherry blossom viewing spots will host lively cherry blossom festivals during the Sakura season. Among them, the one at Kyoto’s Hirano Shrine features a parade of people dressed in various traditional costumes, making it popular and well worth seeing.

Best Sakura Month in Tohoku – Mid to Late April 

Tohoku welcomes its cherry blossom season from around early April until late April or early May. Of course, the further north, the later the sakura season comes. In Fukushima and Sendai in the south of this region, you can appreciate the charming cherry blossoms in the early days of April. In the northernmost Aomori in the region, the cherry blossoms bloom in mid-April. The best viewing time for these pink flowers in Tohoku is mid to late April.

  Where to See Cherry Blossoms: Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki; Kitakami Tenshochi Park in Kitakami; Morioka Castle Ruins Park in Morioka; Aoba Castle in Sendai; Tsuruoka Park in Tsuruoka

Best Sakura Month in Hokkaido – Late April to Early May

With its lower temperature, Hokkaido has the latest cherry blossom season, which typically lasts from late April to mid-May. The best viewing window generally falls from late April to early May. Compared with most other regions, Hokkaido is a quieter destination for Sakura admiring. Note that May 1 to 6 in 2026 marks the Golden Week Holiday, and the tourist numbers will show an increase.

  Where to See Cherry Blossoms: Goryokaku Park in Hakodate; Matsumae Park in Matsumae; Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Jingu Shrine in Sapporo; Temiya Park in Otaru; Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue in Shinhidaka 

Visitors Admiring Sakura in Kimono

Tips for Cherry Blossom Viewing

1. Cherry blossom blooming periods are sensitive to temperature and vary slightly each year. If you are planning your 2026 cherry blossom trip, refer to the Cherry Blossom Dates Forecast for 2026.
2. Cherry blossom season is peak travel time in Japan, with accommodations in popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka becoming extremely scarce and expensive. Therefore, be sure to book your hotel well several months in advance.