Cherry Blossom Predictions 2024

The Japan Weather Association (JWA) recently shared an insightful forecast for the 2024 cherry blossom (sakura) season, sparking anticipation among residents and enthusiasts worldwide. Announced on March 6, 2024, this forecast offers an outline of the onset and progression of Japan’s cherry blossom season across the country.

The mainland season begins on March 16, with Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture and Sukumo in Kochi Prefecture among the first to witness the blooming. Tokyo and Kochi are expected to follow suit on March 19, with their cherry blossoms creating vibrant and captivating landscapes. The blooming is expected to continue through Fukuoka and Matsuyama on March 20, with Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji and Nara expecting to bloom around March 22. By month’s end, vast areas from Kyushu to southern Tohoku are expected to bloom.

Tokyo and Uwajima are projected to experience full bloom on March 25, with full bloom in the Kansai region around March 30. The blossoms are expected to advance north through the Tohoku region in April, reaching Niigata on April 3, Akita on April 13, and Aomori on April 18. The culmination of this seasonal progression will see Sapporo in Hokkaido blooming by April 27, celebrating the nationwide embrace of spring.

If you’re worried you may be too late to see the blossoms, remember that areas of higher elevation (and cooler temperatures) generally tend to bloom a few days later than nearby centres. For example, Mt. Takao typically blooms a few days later than Tokyo, and Mt. Koya a few days later than Osaka. A short day trip to a cooler area can be a great way to capture at least some of the blossoms.

If you’re worried you might be too early, you can still enjoy the plum blossoms currently blooming in many areas. While not celebrated as famously as the cherry blossoms, they are considered the herald of spring and are beautiful nonetheless.

This year’s early arrival and widespread blooming of cherry blossoms reflect the climatic nuances across Japan. A balance has facilitated smooth bud development despite fluctuating temperatures in early March, leading to blossoms appearing earlier than expected.

With their transient beauty, the cherry blossoms are a unique experience not to be missed, and 2024 is sure to delight yet again.