Cherry Blossom 2026: Official Bloom Dates
Actual first bloom and full bloom dates for 11 Japanese cities, observed by the Japan Meteorological Corporation.
Season complete
All 11 cities reached full bloom
Mar 16 – Apr 24
2026 season span
11 cities
From Kyushu to Hokkaido
Official data
Japan Meteorological Corporation
First Bloom and Full Bloom Dates 2026
Actual observed dates · Japan Meteorological Corporation · Final update May 7, 2026
First bloom (kaika) is when 5-6 flowers open; full bloom (mankai) is peak viewing at ~80% open. Click a city to locate it on the map below.
| City | March | April | May |
|---|---|---|---|
3/27 | 4/5 | No bloom data for May | |
3/24 | 4/3 | No bloom data for May | |
3/163/31 | No bloom data for April | No bloom data for May | |
3/193/30 | No bloom data for April | No bloom data for May | |
3/26 | 4/3 | No bloom data for May | |
3/233/30 | No bloom data for April | No bloom data for May | |
3/173/30 | No bloom data for April | No bloom data for May | |
3/29 | 4/3 | No bloom data for May | |
3/193/28 | No bloom data for April | No bloom data for May | |
3/31 | 4/4 | No bloom data for May | |
| No bloom data for March | 4/184/24 | No bloom data for May |
Bloom Map 2026
Hanami Quick Facts
Hanami (花見)
"Flower viewing" — picnicking under sakura with food, drinks, and friends.
Best viewing
Full bloom (mankai) plus 2-3 days. Blossoms last about a week.
Book early
Sakura season is Japan's peak travel time — reserve months ahead.
Etiquette
Don't shake or damage trees, and take all trash with you.
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Frequently asked questions
When was cherry blossom season in Japan 2026?
- From mid-March (Kōchi, March 16) to late April (Sapporo full bloom, April 24). All 11 tracked cities reached full bloom by late April 2026.
What is the difference between first bloom and full bloom?
- First bloom (kaika) is when the first 5-6 flowers open; full bloom (mankai) is ~80% open — the peak viewing window lasts about a week after that.
Where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan?
- Tokyo (Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen), Kyoto (Maruyama Park, Philosopher's Path), Osaka Castle Park, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park are classics.
Where does this data come from?
- All dates are official observations by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, recorded on JMA-designated specimen trees across Japan.
What is hanami and how do I participate?
- Hanami (花見) means "flower viewing" — a picnic under the sakura. Claim a spot early, bring food, and take your trash home.