Hanami viewing in Japan is as fickle as fall foliage viewing in North America. The exact time the flowers open and when they bloom varies from location to location and is difficult to predict. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency has just released its 2026 cherry blossom season forecast, which is one of the best tools for travelers to plan their cherry blossom viewing trip.
If you’re hoping to see this year’s natural wonder, check out JMC’s predictions for when cherry blossoms will bloom across Japan.
Related: The best time of year to visit Japan
Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom forecast
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo are expected to begin blooming on March 22, with the peak blooming a week later on March 29. The cherry blossom seasons in Kyoto and Osaka are expected to start a little later, on March 25, with Osaka on April 1 and Kyoto on April 2.
Further south, Fukuoka and Hiroshima may experience a slightly longer season, starting on March 22 and peaking on the first or second day of April.
As you move north, these dates get later, giving you more time to plan your trip. In Sendai, about two hours’ train ride north of Tokyo, the flowers are not expected to bloom until April 6, with peak bloom expected on April 11. Sapporo, located on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, is expected to start blooming on April 26 at the latest, with peak bloom expected on April 30.
JMC’s forecast is based on factors such as temperature, cherry blossom tree growth conditions and data from previous years, but there is no guarantee that flowering will adhere to this schedule.
If you’re planning to travel to Japan to see the cherry blossoms this year, we recommend planning your trip based on these forecasts but still remaining flexible. You may want to be prepared to catch a last-minute train or even domestic flight to another destination to see the best flowers.
Be sure to download the Sakura Navi app. You can check the blooming progress of cherry blossoms by location using the app’s blooming table. The app also notifies you when you are near a cherry blossom viewing spot.
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Related: How to avoid crowds when traveling in Japan
Flight deals to Japan
It’s not too late to plan a spring flower-viewing trip, especially if you have points and miles to spend. While there are few award flight deals in late March, there are still plenty of flights to choose from in April if you want to fly to Tokyo and head to northern destinations where the flowers bloom a little later.
American Airlines offers nonstop flights from U.S. hubs such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to two international airports in Tokyo for just 35,000 AAdvantage miles one-way, plus minimal taxes and fees. Booking an AAdvantage award flight is easier than ever because AAdvantage Award Flights is a 1:1 transfer partner with Citi Appreciation Rewards.
Alternatively, you can book this nonstop Hawaiian Airlines flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT) through the Alaska Airlines website for just 30,000 Atmos bonus points one-way, plus minimal taxes and fees. You can quickly earn more Atmos Rewards points with one of these co-branded card welcome offers.
British Airways and Qatar Airways have some deals flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo for 30,000 Avios one-way, plus about $200 in taxes and fees. You can transfer Avios from most major transferable points programs as well as between participating airline programmes.
bottom line
If seeing Japan’s legendary cherry blossoms is one of your 2026 travel goals, then JMC’s Sakura Forecast and Sakura Navi app are your best travel planning tools. Please remember to remain flexible as these dates may change.
To continue planning your Sakura trip, check out our Japan travel points and miles guide and roundup of the best hotels in Tokyo.
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