Sakura season is right around the corner and we want to make sure you don’t miss a single petal, which is why we are presenting you with the latest 2023 Tokyo Cherry Blossom forecast! With the latest cherry blossom dates just in, you can start planning for a pink-filled spring adventure.
Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures should be all blossomed-up by late March in 2023 (with the exception of Nagano which is blooming into early April). The forecast is reliable, but dates can change with temperature and weather fluctuations, so keep an eye out as we’ll be updating regularly.
Cherry blossom dates for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures
Last updated: January 12th, 2023
| Location | Start | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 22nd | March 30th |
| Kōfu ( Yamanashi ) | March 23rd | March 31st |
| Yokohama ( Kanagawa ) | March 24rd | April 2nd |
| Kumagaya ( Saitama ) | March 26th | April 2nd |
| Maebashi ( Gunma ) | March 29th | April 5th |
| Utsunomiya ( Tochigi ) | March 29th | April 5th |
| Mito ( Ibaraki ) | March 30th | April 7th |
| Chōshi ( Chiba ) | March 31st | April 7th |
| Nagano ( Nagano ) | April 9th | April 15th |
Forecast data provided by the Japan Meterological Corporation .
Please remember that this is just a forecast and it fluctuates from day to day! Individual trees, different sub-regions and the weather (wind and rain especially) may affect the flowering times.
Not in Tokyo? Check out our coverage of 2023 cherry blossom dates for all of Japan .
Use your knowledge: Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo in 2023
Think we’d leave you hanging with just the map and cherry-blossom dates? No way — we’ve also got a solid list of the very best cherry blossom viewing spots , which includes less-crowded options. Want to see sakura illuminations at night? Find out where to go night-time cherry blossom viewing .
You may be aware that many of the larger festivals were cancelled in Tokyo in previous years due to COVID-19. Right now it’s too early to tell if that will be the case this year too, but we’ll keep you updated so be sure to check back for the latest information. If you’re just missing sakura season, fret not, there are late-blooming varieties all around Tokyo as well.
In spring we wear pink: How to hanami in style
So, we’ve given you the where, now here’s the how. Normally we would be advising flower-viewing parties, Disney events, and cruises, but with Covid-19 still a factor it’s hard to say just what will be allowed in 2023. Rest assured that even if some large-scale events are cancelled and some parks ban flower-viewing parties, there will still be opportunities to see cherry blossoms. At the very least, you will be able to visit some parks for a nice walk under the cherry blossoms, if not for a picnic. Aside from just visiting the usual spots, you can try going on a cherry-blossom hike with your own picnic or setting out on a spring day trip to escape the city.
Blooming FAQs
What’s the difference between sakura and hanami ?
While sakura is the Japanese name for the cherry blossoms themselves, hanami refers to the act of flower-viewing. In Japan this ranges from a pleasant stroll beneath the trees to a full on day-to-night picnic party complete with beer, snacks, and that eye-catching blue tarpaulin.
Where are the best places to enjoy sakura season in Tokyo?
Tokyo is filled with blossoms — you’ll find pink petals in every temple garden, public park, and even in front of every school (a long-standing tradition). If you’re looking for the very best places, however, we have the perfect guide to all places big and small . While many festivals may be cancelled, the trees will still be there, so you can still admire the flowers.
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
In 2023, the cherry blossom dates are slated to start on March 22nd and peak on March 30th. Of course this will vary depending on the location and the types of trees. Some trees bloom earlier or later, while altitude can also have an impact on the blooming time.
When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?
Kyoto is expected to bloom from the 27th of March and peak on the 5th of April in 2023. Again, this will vary depending on the locations you visit, with spots like Arashiyama being different to inner-city gardens or temples (but only by a few days). For more areas in Japan, check our Japan-wide forecast coverage and be sure to read our guide to Kyoto’s best cherry-blossom spots .
What’s the difference between yozakura and yaezakura ?
Good question. So — yozakura are the illuminated blossoms you can see in the evening at many temples and gardens as well as theme parks like Yomiuriland in Kanagawa. Meanwhile, yaezakura are late-blooming trees, giving those arriving in early April a chance to see blossoms outside of peak time.
