2025 Cherry Blossoms in Japan: When and Where to See Them

Misconception About March

Many travelers assume March is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan. But this is a common mistake!

Most media maps only show the first bloom (kaika), not when the trees reach full bloom (mankai).

Image of Cherry Blossom flowering.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Full bloom occurs about a week after the first bloom.

• 10 days after full bloom: Petals begin to fall, creating a beautiful “pink blizzard.”

• 2 weeks after full bloom: The petals cover the ground, forming a stunning “pink carpet.”

Cherry Blossom Facts

Did you know Japan has over 600 varieties of cherry blossoms? Not all of them bloom at the same time!

Shibazakura blooms between April and May.

• Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossoms: The most famous variety, making up 70–80% of trees in Japan. These were planted widely in the early 1900s and bloom in sync across the country.

• Other varieties:

  • Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry Blossoms) bloom in mid-late April, later than Somei Yoshino.

Best Tools for Timing Your Trip

To maximize your chances of seeing cherry blossoms at peak bloom, use these real-time tracking tools:

• Weather Navigator (Use Google Translate for EN): Check the latest bloom forecast here.

Timing Breakdown by Region:

• January: Okinawa.

• Early-Mid April: Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka), Tokyo, Chubu.

• Late April: Tohoku.

• May: Hokkaido.

Cherry Blossom Cheat Sheet

To sum it up, here’s your quick-reference guide:

• Full bloom lasts around 7 days (weather permitting).

• Golden Rule:

  • Add 1 week to the bloom start date (kaika) to estimate full bloom (mankai).

  • 10 days after full bloom: “Pink blizzard” begins.

  • 2 weeks after full bloom: Petals create a “pink carpet.”

Planning your trip accordingly ensures you won’t miss Japan’s most breathtaking seasonal spectacle!

For more details, check out the full video on YouTube here.