When Is Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo

The cherry blossoms usually bloom in Tokyo in the last week of March and the first week of April. You have to be lucky to catch them at their best during a short trip to Japan.

[Cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi]

Average Opening and Full Bloom Dates in Tokyo

In an average year, the cherry blossoms start blooming on 25 March in Tokyo. Then, they hit full bloom (known as “mankai” in Japanese) on 2 April in Tokyo. About a week after that, most of the blossoms have fallen off the trees. In 2024, the blossoms peaked late due to cold weather, with mankai happening around April 4.

Cherries Blossoms Are Unpredictable

The above dates are only averages. Depending upon the weather, the cherries can open a week or so earlier or later and hit full bloom any time in late March or early April. Thus, it’s not a great idea to plan your entire trip around the cherry blossoms.

Cherries Vary From Year to Year

In some years, the cherries in Tokyo all start to open about the same time and then all seem to hit full bloom about the same time. In other years, there’s huge variation between trees, even in the same neighborhood. Needless to say, it’s glorious when the cherries are all in synch, but this is far from guaranteed.

Booking Accommodation During Cherry Blossom Season

Cherry blossom season is the peak tourist season in Japan and both Japanese and foreign tourists like to visit Tokyo during this time. Hotels can be fully booked during this season, so book as far in advance as possible, and expect to pay higher rates. Check Agoda.com and Booking.com for available hotel rooms in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Blossoms Are a Bonus

We recommend that you consider the cherry blossoms to be a bonus. If you see them at their best, consider yourself lucky, but don’t make them the focus of your trip. Make Japan the focus of your trip and you won’t be disappointed.

Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Guide:

• Where Is The Best Place To See Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo?
• Tokyo 2-Day Cherry Blossom Itinerary
• Where To Stay In Cherry Blossom Season In Tokyo
• Best Places To See Cherry Blossoms In Tokyo Away from The Crowds

Heading To Kyoto?

There are some spectacular places to see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto too - see my Kyoto Cherry Blossom Viewing guide for full details about the best places to see the cherries in Kyoto and where to stay too.

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