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Best Times and Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan! Sakura Forecast for 2018
This sure was a rough winter in Japan. After experiencing the coldest temperature in 48 years the country is ready to see some spring! At the beginning of March, Japan's many varieties of sakura will start to bloom. We will see a lot of somei yoshino, the most common sakura variety in Japan. Lately, an earlier variety that blooms in February called kawazu-zakura also became popular.
Here you'll find the forecast for this year, as well as the most popular locations for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). We've also added our personal recommendations! Make sure you check this info before planning your trip.
According to information published by Weathernews Inc. on January 18, 2018, it's predicted that the variety of sakura called somei yoshino will begin blooming around March 22nd around Fukuoka, followed by Saga, Kumamoto, Kochi, and Tokyo.
Are you planning to visit Japan during the cherry blossom season? There are so many beautiful sceneries all over the country in this period, from temples and castles to rivers and parks. Keep an eye on the forecasts to make sure you visit at the best time!
*Blooming period of the sakura is subject to weather conditions and may occur earlier or later than the dates listed in this article. Please check the offical website for the most up-to-date information.
Here you'll find the forecast for this year, as well as the most popular locations for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). We've also added our personal recommendations! Make sure you check this info before planning your trip.
2018 Sakura Forecast
■Sakura Blooming Forecast by Major City

■Sakura Blooming Forecast by Popular Viewing Spots

■About the Sakura Blooming Season
According to information published by Weathernews Inc. on January 18, 2018, it's predicted that the variety of sakura called somei yoshino will begin blooming around March 22nd around Fukuoka, followed by Saga, Kumamoto, Kochi, and Tokyo.![]() |
■More info about sakura on DiGJAPAN! ◇The Early Blooming Sakura of Kawazu ◇10 Must-See Sakura Spots in Kyoto ◇10 Must-See Sakura Spots in Tokyo |
2018 Forecasts for Must-See Sakura Spots
Source: Weathernews Inc. (forecast / estimate peak bloom)Kiyomizu-dera | 清水寺 (Kyoto Prefecture)
Sakura begin opening: 3/29
Estimate peak bloom: 4/4
*View may change due to construction on a portion of the roof.
Sakura begin opening: 3/29
Estimate peak bloom: 4/4
*View may change due to construction on a portion of the roof.
Miharu Takizakura | 三春滝桜(Fukushima Prefecture)
Sakura begin opening: 4/6~10
Sakura begin opening: 4/6~10
Hirosaki Park | 弘前公園 (Aomori Prefecture)
Sakura begin opening: 4/19
Estimate peak bloom: 4/25
Sakura begin opening: 4/19
Estimate peak bloom: 4/25
Goryokaku | 五稜郭公園 (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Sakura begin opening: 4/25
Estimate peak bloom: 4/29
Sakura begin opening: 4/25
Estimate peak bloom: 4/29
Sakura Spots in Tokyo (23 Wards)
Sakura begin opening: 3/22
Sakura begin opening: 3/22
Sakura Spots in Kyoto
Sakura begin opening: 3/29
Sakura begin opening: 3/29
Are you planning to visit Japan during the cherry blossom season? There are so many beautiful sceneries all over the country in this period, from temples and castles to rivers and parks. Keep an eye on the forecasts to make sure you visit at the best time!
*Blooming period of the sakura is subject to weather conditions and may occur earlier or later than the dates listed in this article. Please check the offical website for the most up-to-date information.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 02 02,2018 Author:DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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