When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms This Year?　Sakura Bloom Forecast ＆ Top Hanami Spots!

Spring in Japan is all about cherry blossoms. As the landscape transforms into a sea of pink, people enjoy picnicking under the blooming trees or taking a leisurely stroll—hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a quintessential Japanese spring tradition. Originally a pastime for aristocrats during the Heian period, hanami became popular among the general public during the Edo period. Today, it is celebrated nationwide, with parks and famous tourist spots offering breathtaking views of cherry blossoms.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, this is the perfect season to visit! Timing your visit to coincide with full bloom will reward you with stunning scenery. In this article, we’ll introduce the 2025 cherry blossom forecast along with recommended hanami spots to help you plan your trip.

What Do People Do During Hanami?

Hanami isn’t just about admiring cherry blossoms—it’s a festive occasion where friends and family gather under the blooming trees to enjoy food, drinks, and the arrival of spring. People spread out picnic blankets, share bento lunches and sake, take leisurely strolls while snapping photos, and even experience the magical beauty of yozakura (nighttime cherry blossoms).

Another exciting part of hanami is preparing for the picnic! Choosing delicious food, snacks, and drinks from convenience stores, supermarkets, or department store food halls adds to the fun.

When shopping for your hanami essentials, make sure to use Payke’s barcode scanning feature to check product details and shop smarter!

2025 Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast

Source : 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast

The timing of cherry blossoms varies greatly depending on the region and weather conditions. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to check the latest bloom forecasts regularly!

Below is the current cherry blossom forecast for major tourist destinations in Japan.

I’ll say it again—cherry blossom bloom dates can change depending on weather conditions. Be sure to check the 2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast  regularly for the most up-to-date information!

• Tokyo (Ueno Onshi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen) : Started blooming on March 24.

• Kyoto (Arashiyama) : Late March

• Osaka (Osaka Castle Park) : Late March

• Nara (Mount Yoshino) : Late March

• Aomori (Hirosaki Park) : Mid-April

Since cherry blossom bloom dates can shift depending on weather and temperature, be sure to check the latest updates regularly and plan your hanami at the perfect time to enjoy the blossoms at their best!

Recommended Hanami Spots

🌸 Tokyo : Ueno Onshi Park

Source : Weather News

Ueno Onshi Park is one of the best hanami locations in Tokyo, with around 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom, creating a lively festival-like atmosphere. At night, the trees are illuminated, offering a completely different and enchanting experience compared to the daytime. Plus, with JR Ueno Station just a short walk away, it’s one of the most accessible cherry blossom spots in the city!

🌸 Tokyo : Shinjuku Gyoen

Source : the National Park Association Shinjuku Gyoen Foundation

An urban oasis in the heart of Shinjuku. With around 1,000 cherry trees, this spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms in a quiet setting. Since there is an entrance fee, it doesn’t get overly crowded, allowing visitors to have a relaxed hanami experience.

*During the peak cherry blossom period in 2025, Shinjuku Gyoen requires advance reservations on specific dates: March 29, 30, and April 5, 6.
Reservations are mandatory between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on these days. However, entry without reservation is allowed before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM.

For details and reservations, please visit the official Shinjuku Gyoen reservation website.

🌸 Kyoto : Arashiyama

The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom with Togetsukyo Bridge as a backdrop is the epitome of “classic Japan.” Strolling along the sakura-lined Katsura River is a refreshing experience, and for a more elegant hanami, taking a rickshaw ride through the area is highly recommended.

🌸 Osaka : Osaka Castle Park

Source : Osaka Castle Park

The sight of cherry blossoms with Osaka Castle in the background is truly breathtaking! With around 3,000 sakura trees throughout the park, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely hanami picnic. During the season, a sakura festival is also held, making it an even more festive and enjoyable experience. Be sure to visit and take in the beauty of Osaka’s cherry blossoms!

🌸 Nara : Mount Yoshino

Souce : Yoshinoyama Tourism Association

With around 30,000 cherry trees covering the mountainside, Mount Yoshino is one of Japan’s most famous sakura destinations. Thanks to the different elevations, the blooming period varies, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms over an extended time. For a unique hanami experience, consider hiking through the scenic trails while taking in the breathtaking sakura views!

🌸 Fukuoka : Maizuru Park

Source : Weather News

Maizuru Park, located on the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, is one of Fukuoka’s most popular hanami spots. With around 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking fusion of historic castle scenery and beautiful sakura. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical and enchanting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both daytime and evening hanami.

🌸 Aomori : Hirosaki Park

Source : Hirosaki Park

The combination of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms creates a truly photogenic scene! With around 2,600 sakura trees, the reflection of the blossoms on the moat’s surface is nothing short of breathtaking. During the Sakura Festival, visitors can also enjoy nighttime illuminations, making the experience even more magical.

🌸 Hokkaido : Maruyama Park

Source : Weather News

If you’re looking for a great hanami spot in Hokkaido, Maruyama Park is highly recommended! The park’s vast grounds are filled with Ezoyamazakura (Hokkaido cherry blossoms), allowing visitors to enjoy hanami even in early May.

A unique highlight of hanami in Hokkaido is the tradition of enjoying Jingisukan (grilled mutton) while viewing the cherry blossoms, making it a truly special experience!

Tips for Enjoying Hanami

To fully enjoy hanami, let’s do a little preparation in advance!

• Prepare bento and drinks 🍙🍶: Picnicking under the cherry blossoms is the Japanese way! You can also grab food from convenience stores or department store food halls.

• Bring a picnic sheet 🏕️: If you want to sit and relax under the sakura, this is a must-have. You can even find them at 100-yen shops!

• Don’t miss the nighttime sakura 🌙✨: Illuminated cherry blossoms offer a completely different beauty. If you want a magical atmosphere, hanami at night is highly recommended.

• Take your trash with you 🚮: In Japan, the rule is to leave the place cleaner than you found it. Let’s follow good manners so everyone can enjoy hanami together!

The cherry blossom season is short, so be sure to check the timing and make the most of your hanami experience! 🌸