When to See Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms bring scores of travelers from all around the world. But it’s hard to plan a trip around something tied to the vagaries of the weather and seasonal shifts.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its 2018 cherry blossom forecast, which should help cut down on some of the guesswork. The forecast times the blossoms, known as sakura, and tells visitors when to expect around 1,000 different viewing locations around the country to be in full color.

Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is a beloved Japanese tradition that inevitably brings in crowds hoping to photograph and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. Since the season’s start can be unpredictable, the forecast is updated continually.

The blooms are currently expected to begin in Tokyo around March 20, with full bloom hitting March 28. For Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, the flowers will show up around May 3 and hit full bloom May 6. Blooms in other areas, depending on their latitude, will hit in March and April.