With travel to Japan becoming more popular every year, one of the top questions people ask is:
Is it worth going to Japan in cherry blossom season?
As a former resident of Japan, I’d say that the answer is yes– it is worth it.
But you might also be wondering:
Is Japan too crowded during the spring?
Is everything in Japan more expensive during cherry blossom season?
When is cherry blossom season in 2024?
This blog post explores the allure of Japan’s cherry blossom season, discussing its worthiness, uniqueness, and the pros and cons of traveling to witness the spectacle.
You’ll also get info about the 2024 cherry blossom forecast, top cherry blossom spots, and packing tips for a memorable spring visit to Japan.
Let’s dive in!
Is It Worth Going to Japan in Cherry Blossom Season?
Yes, going to Japan in cherry blossom season is absolutely worth it.
But that’s only my opinion.
There are plenty of people who disagree with me, and they’re not wrong, either.
Traveling to Japan during this high season has a few pros and cons that you’ll need to consider and ultimately decide for yourself if scheduling a visit during this special– yet hectic– time of the year is right for your travel style and needs.
Fortunately, as someone who lived in Japan and regularly helps friends plan their trips there, I have lots of information to help you figure out if it’s worth it to go to Japan during cherry blossom season.
Why are Cherry Blossoms So Special?
Cherry blossoms are cherished in Japan and by visitors around the world for a few reasons:
1. Sakura, the Japanese name for cherry blossoms, is the national flower of Japan.
2. They only bloom once a year, and only for a few weeks. They symbolize the start of spring and revival, and also serve as a reminder that everything in life is fleeting, so enjoy what you can while you can.
3. They’re beautiful, and due to their time limitation, it only makes them more popular.
4. Japan is a country that loves its seasons and celebrating its changes. They make extra effort to embrace this short-lived period and create events, festivals, and even sweets around cherry blossoms.
How Long Do Cherry Blossoms Last in Japan?
Cherry blossoms last about 14 days.
On average, trees develop from first bloom to full bloom within a week.
The next 4-7 days are the peak of the blossoms which is also the prime time for viewing.
Cherry blossoms have a short flowering period, and an even shorter amount of time in which they can be fully enjoyed, which is why locals and visitors alike get so excited around this special time of year.
When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan?
Cherry blossoms bloom between the end of March all the way through the end of April/early May.
The blossoms begin in the south (Kyushu) as the climate is typically warmer and then continues northward to Hokkaido.
While it can be difficult to time exactly when to see cherry blossoms in Japan, late March to early April is when the trees typically begin to bloom in the major tourist hubs such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the Mt. Fuji area.
If you happen to arrive in Japan and just miss the full bloom in these areas, you can always take a shinkansen (bullet train) via JR Pass and head north where the blossoming will still be happening.
If you plan to visit closer to the end of April, you may miss most of the sakura season in Japan entirely.
💡 TIP: The 2024 Japan Cherry Blossom Season Forecast notes that due to warmer weather conditions, flowering is expected to be a few days earlier than normal this year.
Pros of Visiting Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
Here’s a quick list of all the benefits of visiting Japan during the sakura season:
✅ Rare two-week period once every year
You get to experience a special part of Japan that even locals look forward to as much as visitors.
The flowers only last for a couple of weeks out of the entire year so it’s the only time to see them.
✅ Beautiful views
Japan is an extremely picturesque country in any season, but the cherry blossom and autumn seasons are some of the prettiest.
You’ve probably seen famous landmarks or images around the country during the spring with the delicate flowers in full bloom.
They’re even more beautiful in person and truly a sight worth traveling for.
✅ Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is a major aspect of the special season in Japan.
Locals gather for picnics in parks, sitting under the cherry blossoms and enjoying the view.
It’s a wonderful experience to take part in if you can and a special way to appreciate what the sakura blossoms signify by taking the time to pause your regular routine and enjoy the moment, nature, and the people you’re with.
✅ Sakura Festivals
In addition to hanami, many cities often hold different festivals– big and small– during the cherry blossom season.
These are sometimes street festivals offering special cherry blossom-themed food items (more on that next) in parks where viewing parties are held.
Other times there are festivals where the trees are illuminated in the evenings so that visitors can enjoy the pink sakura in the evenings.
✅ Sakura Themes
As I mentioned before, Japan loves celebrating their seasons, and spring is no different.
During the Spring, everything is sakura themed: sweets, tea, snacks, trains, shopping malls– you name it.
If anything can be pink or made into the likeness of cherry blossoms, Japan will do it.
Because this celebration only occurs during sakura season, you only have one chance each year to experience and enjoy the festivities.
✅ Weather
The weather during the spring is great for traveling as it’s warming up from the colder winter temperatures but not yet into the sweltering heat and humidity of summer.
Snow in Tokyo or the surrounding regions isn’t something you have to worry about as the mean temperature in the capital city during April is 1°C/59°F.
While the cherry blossom season might see some rain, this time of year is usually pretty enjoyable and comfortable so you don’t need to pack winter clothes for Japan.
Cons of Visiting Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
If you’re planning on visiting Japan for sakura season, make sure you understand what you’re signing up for!
Here are the biggest drawbacks to traveling around Japan in the height of blossom mania:
❌ Hard to time travels
There’s no way to be 100% sure when the cherry blossoms will be in full swing each year.
We just have a prediction based on the official forecast and have to go off of that.
For those visiting from outside of Japan, this can be extremely difficult to line up your travels.
This is made even more challenging when you have to purchase flights and make accommodation reservations well in advance.
And even when you do everything right, there’s still a chance you might get bad weather or miss the cherry blossoms entirely during your trip.
It’s a gamble every visitor takes coming into Japan during sakura season.
❌ Busy
As with any large event on a time crunch, cherry blossom season in Japan is BUSY.
Not only are locals out and about enjoying the sakura, but visitors from both near and far come specifically to Japan during this time of year.
There’s no avoiding it.
As someone who’s lived through both the beauty and madness of Japan in cherry blossom season, my advice (if you plan on visiting) is to just mentally prepare yourself for what it is.
Don’t try to fight it.
Expect there to be crowds wherever you go, expect to be shoulder-to-shoulder for the entirety of any cherry blossom viewing event or public transportation, expect to stand in long lines for restaurants, etc.
❌ More expensive
With the influx of tourists, prices of flights and accommodations understandably take a price hike.
Again, this is just a part of the experience that you’ll have to factor into your budget when planning a trip to Japan during the sakura season.
Book your accommodations as early as possible so that you have at least a few options available instead of just settling for what’s left last minute.
🏨 Accommodations in Japan: Check rates and book here
Cherry Blossom Season Japan 2024 Forecast
Every year, an official cherry blossom forecast is released by the Japan Meteorological Agency predicting the dates when the first bloom and full bloom are most likely all across Japan.
Sakura Weather Map follows the same observation criteria and have released a more recent forecast for the 2024 cherry blossom season (at least in English), which is the one I used to consolidate that data into the graphics.
Both agencies issue a number of updated forecasts between the end of January through the end of February.
It’s important to note that these forecasts are just that– predictions based on past and current data, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed, just like how the weather is always changing.
This is also why there are several forecasts released throughout the months leading up to the cherry blossoms.
With that in mind, it’s important to keep an eye on the newest forecast if you’re planning on visiting Japan during the sakura season.
Cherry Blossom Forecast- Japan 2024
“First Bloom” is when there are 5-6 flowers in bloom on the observation trees.
“Full Bloom” means that 80% of the observation trees have bloomed flowers.
Generally speaking, blossoming starts from the south in late March and then moves gradually up to the north through the end of April and early May.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
There are so many opportunities to see cherry blossom in Japan no matter where you end up during the season.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of popular spots lined with sakura in the major tourist hubs you’ll probably be visiting anyway.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossom:
🌸 Mt. Yoshino (Nara Prefecture)
With over 30,000 sakura trees, Yoshinoyama (Mt. Yoshino) is one of the most popular destinations in Japan to see cherry blossoms.
🏨 Where to stay in Mt. Yoshino: Hounkan Ryokan
🌸 Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanashi Prefecture)
The area around Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) is where you’ll find picturesque cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Head over to Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida for the iconic shot of the blossoms, pagoda, and Mt. Fuji all in one.
🏨 Where to stay in Fuji Five Lakes: Highland Resort Hotel & Spa
🌸 Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)
There really isn’t a season Kyoto doesn’t look stunning in.
The Philosopher’s Path is perfect for a enchanting walk under the sakura blossoms alongside a canal.
Other scenic spots include the Kyoto Botanical Garden and Maruyama Park.
🏨 Where to stay in Kyoto: Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo
🌸 Hirosaki Castle (Aomori Prefecture)
Standing three-stories tall, Hirosaki Castle is surrounded by over 2,000 cherry trees and the perfect garden for hanami.
The cherry blossoms are even illuminated at night, allowing visitors to admire them around the clock.
🏨 Where to stay in Hirosaki: Art Hotel Hirosaki City
🌸 Tokyo (Tokyo Prefecture)
Tokyo has so many top cherry blossom viewing locations, each with its own unique characteristics:
Ueno Park: One of the top hanami spots in Japan; expect a bustling crowd
Nakameguro Sakura Festival: Cherry blossoms line the canal and are illuminated in the evening with seasonal treats offered during the festival
Chidorigafuchi: Beautiful cherry blossoms alongside moats near the Imperial Palace
🏨 Where to stay in Tokyo: Mitsui Garden Hotel Gotanda – Tokyo
🌸 Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)
I lived in Nagoya for two years and needless to say this area holds a special place in my heart.
While most people tend to skip Nagoya in favor of zipping directly from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka/Nara, I do think at least a day trip to Nagoya is worth it.
If you do find yourself here during cherry blossom season, add these places to your list alongside a misokatsu lunch and hitsumabushi dinner:
Yamazaki Riverside: See the gorgeous riverside pathway Shikinomichi, aka the Path of Four Seasons lined with cherry blossoms
Tsuruma Park: Nagoya’s most popular park for hanami; plenty of food stalls to get treats from
Nagoya Castle: Check out a variety of different cherry and plum trees around the castle
🏨 Where to stay in Nagoya: hotel androoms Nagoya Sakae
Weather During Cherry Blossom Season in Japan
As mentioned earlier, the weather in Japan during sakura season is comfortable for the most part.
The northern areas will still be cold as spring arrives later, which is why the cherry blossoms also flower later than the southern cities.
While March and April aren’t the major rainy months in Japan, they do get some precipitation so keep that in mind when planning your travels.
Temperatures can vary between day and night, too, so pack accordingly!
Which brings us to the next section…
What to Pack for Visiting Japan in Cherry Blossom Season
Clothing-wise, you’ll want to have a waterproof layer just in case it rains, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) shoes, and layers, layers, layers.
Here are my tips and recommendations:
Apparel
➡️ Raincoat: You could also just get a ¥100 poncho at a convenience store to throw on if you don’t want to pack a coat specifically for rain
➡️ Day bag: Whether this is a backpack or bum bag, you’ll be out most of the day exploring so you’ll want something to hold everything you need
➡️ Layers: A t-shirt under a sweater should be fine for the southern cities but if you’re heading north you’ll want a good thermal base layer.
➡️ Good walking shoes: Water resistant recommended but optional
Toiletries
➡️ Deodorant: Normally you can buy anything you forget, but many foreigners find Japanese deodorant to be inadequate to ones from home, so remember to bring your own!
➡️ Scrubba Wash Bag and detergent sheets: The easiest way to do laundry while traveling
Electronics
➡️ International Adapter: Make sure you can continue charging all your devices once in Japan
➡️ Power bank: Stay charged on the go when out all day
Logistics
➡️ JR Rail Pass: Get around Japan quickly and easily
➡️ Pocket WiFi: Stay connected the minute you land
➡️ Travel Insurance: Safety Wing is my go-to
➡️ Translator App: Google Translate is my favorite, you can even download a language for offline use
FAQ: Visiting Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
A quick rundown of the top asked questions regarding Japan and sakura season:
What month is cherry blossom in Japan?
Cherry blossom season typically occurs between late March through late April or early May.
The flowering begins first in the southern regions in March and ends in the north due to the climate and weather.
Cherry blossoms typically have a window of about two weeks when they can be enjoyed once they start blooming.
Is Japan more expensive in cherry blossom season?
Yes, Japan is more expensive during this season as many tourists from all around the world are visiting during this short period to catch the trees in full bloom.
While the cost of everyday things like food won’t change much, the price hike is most notable in the cost (and availability) of accommodations and flights.
How crowded is cherry blossom season in Japan?
Cherry blossom season is one of the busiest seasons in Japan, so expect it to be at peak capacity.
Not only are tourists from outside of Japan coming in, but Japanese people themselves are going out to enjoy the flowers more than most other times of the year.
Wherever there are cherry blossoms, you can expect that you won’t be the only one there.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Japan During Cherry Blossom Season?
Japan looks like a fairytale come to life in cherry blossom season.
Despite the busyness and crowds, it’s definitely a sight to see and a destination to experience at least once in your lifetime.
The picturesque views combined with the pastel pink blossoms and festivities are sure to make the trip worth it.
Read on:
- Essential Japan Winter Clothes: Your Ultimate Packing Guide
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- Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan
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- How I Got Paid to Live in Japan: My Experience Teaching ESL in Japan
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