Japan's Cherry Blossoms Forecast to Bloom Earlier Than Usual

5 hours ago 3

February 27, 2026 | 07:12 pm

Wisatawan di pintu masuk menuju Taman Arakurayama Sengen, Fujiyoshida, Jepang. Lebih dari 200 ribu wisatawan menghadiri festival bunga sakura tersebut dan lebih dari sepuluh ribu pengunjung per hari. Shutterstock

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan Meteorological Corporation has officially released its sixth 2026 cherry blossoms forecasts on February 19. With that in mind, both locals and travelers can now get an early glimpse of where and when the iconic sakura season is expected to unfold.

According to the forecast, this year’s bloom will once again follow Japan’s familiar south-to-north progression. However, in an interesting twist, some northern regions are expected to see blossoms earlier than usual, while parts of the south are projected to bloom closer to their seasonal average.

2026 Cherry Blossoms Forecasts, According to JMC

According to Forbes, JMC’s 2026 cherry blossoms forecasts outline both the regional progression and specific windows for flowering (kaika) and full bloom (mankai). The season is set to begin with its first major wave around March 20 and 21, starting in the south before sweeping into key urban hubs such as Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

Here are the complete forecasted flowering and full bloom dates by location, according to JMC:

1. Sapporo

Forecasted flowering date: April 25

Forecasted full bloom date: April 29

2. Aomori

Forecasted flowering date: April 18

Forecasted full bloom date: April 22

3. Sendai

Forecasted flowering date: April 4

Forecasted full bloom date: April 9

4. Tokyo

Forecasted flowering date: March 18

Forecasted full bloom date: March 26

5. Kanazawa

Forecasted flowering date: March 31

Forecasted full bloom date: April 7

6. Nagano

Forecasted flowering date: April 5

Forecasted full bloom date: April 10

7. Nagoya

Forecasted flowering date: March 17

Forecasted full bloom date: March 28

8. Kyoto

Forecasted flowering date: March 22

Forecasted full bloom date: March 31

9. Osaka

Forecasted flowering date: March 23

Forecasted full bloom date: March 31

10. Wakayama

Forecasted flowering date: March 25

Forecasted full bloom date: April 2

11. Hiroshima

Forecasted flowering date: March 20

Forecasted full bloom date: March 30

12. Kochi

Forecasted flowering date: March 18

Forecasted full bloom date: March 27

13. Fukuoka

Forecasted flowering date: March 18

Forecasted full bloom date: March 28

14. Kagoshima

Forecasted flowering date: March 25

Forecasted full bloom date: April 6

Read: These Are the Cheapest Countries to Visit in Europe Right Now

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google New

Japan First Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2026: Sakura Blooms in Mid-March

18 Desember 2025

Japan First Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2026: Sakura Blooms in Mid-March

Japan's Meteorological Corporation releases its first 2026 sakura forecast, with cherry blossoms expected to bloom from late March to early April.

10 Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in London 2025, Embrace Springtime

27 Maret 2025

10 Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in London 2025, Embrace Springtime

Witnessing cherry blossoms in London is a breeze if you head to any of these perfect gardens and parks.

Today's Top 3 News: A Guide to 5-Day Bali Itinerary: Top Activities and Must-See Spots

18 Maret 2025

Today's Top 3 News: A Guide to 5-Day Bali Itinerary: Top Activities and Must-See Spots

Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today, March 18, 2025.

Today's Top 3 News: Top 10 Things to Do in Bangkok, Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

17 Maret 2025

Today's Top 3 News: Top 10 Things to Do in Bangkok, Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.

8 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025, Top Hanami Spots

13 Maret 2025

8 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan 2025, Top Hanami Spots

Spring marks the time for Sakura to be in full bloom. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan 2025 for this year's hanami.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2025: When and Where to See It

13 Maret 2025

Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2025: When and Where to See It

As spring rolls in, information about the Japan cherry blossom season 2025 is heavily searched not only by foreigners but also locals. Check them here

Japan in the Spring 2025: Ultimate Guide to Must-See Spots

18 Februari 2025