Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 2025: When and Where to See the Blooms

Between early March and early May 2025, Japan’s cherry trees will burst into bloom, offering one of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated sights of spring. Every year, millions of visitors – both local and international – flock to the country’s many blossom-viewing hotspots to witness this fleeting natural wonder. Here’s what you need to know about the best time and places to enjoy the cherry blossom season in 2025.

The soft pink and white petals of the cherry blossom, or sakura, mark not only the start of spring in Japan, but also the beginning of the country’s peak travel season. For many overseas visitors, catching the blossoms in full bloom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making March and April two of the most popular months to visit. It’s not just tourists who take part, either – hanami (blossom viewing) is a beloved Japanese tradition, where locals gather in parks to enjoy picnics beneath the cherry trees, often stretching late into the evening.

It’s worth noting that not all cherry trees are alike. There are numerous varieties, differing in colour, petal shape, and blooming period. Some trees flower as early as February, while others wait until late April. Typically, the blossom season starts in southern Japan, where the climate is milder, and gradually moves northwards. The last to bloom is usually Hokkaidō, Japan’s northernmost island, where visitors can still enjoy the sakura well into May.

The cherry blossom has long been associated with the idea of impermanence in Japanese culture – its beauty is intense, but short-lived. Once the petals start to fall, the season is effectively over, so timing your trip is crucial. Fortunately, Japanese weather agencies release frequent cherry blossom forecasts, which are updated throughout the spring. Travellers hoping to catch the blooms at their peak should keep a close eye on these predictions, as they can shift depending on the weather.

2025 Cherry Blossom Forecast (As of 6 March)

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) regularly publishes detailed cherry blossom forecasts for Japan’s major regions. These predictions are based on a combination of temperature patterns from the previous winter and real-time observations of the trees. As of 6 March, here are the latest projections for 2025:

The dates shown here indicate the start of the blooming period, not the peak bloom.
© Japan Meteorological Corporation

This article has been translated from JAPANDIGEST and published in English.
https://www.japandigest.de/reisen/tourismus/organisatorisches/kirschblute-japan-2025/