Japan’s Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its initial cherry blossom, or sakura, forecast for 2026 on Dec. 18, predicting blooms in Tokyo around mid-March.
2026 Sakura Forecast Released
The earliest flowering is anticipated in Tokyo and Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, on March 19. Full bloom is expected a week later in Tokyo on March 26, and on March 28 in Nagoya.
Sakura is also expected to flower in Fukuoka and Kochi on March 20. Full bloom is forecasted for March 27 in Kochi and March 29 in Fukuoka.
The popular tourist cities of Osaka and Kyoto are expected to see blooms starting March 24, with full bloom arriving on March 31.
Northern cities will begin the season later, in April. Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture is expected to see flowering on April 5, with full bloom on April 10.
In Aomori, sakura is expected to flower on April 19 and bloom on April 22. Sapporo city, Hokkaido, is slated to see flowering near the end of the month, on April 28, with full bloom expected on May 1.
Japan’s peak cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to early April, occurring later in colder, northern regions.
The JMC forecast is based on research of Yoshino cherry trees at approximately 1,000 viewing locations nationwide. Forecast dates are determined by temperature patterns from the preceding autumn.
JMC introduced new long-term forecasts utilizing artificial intelligence with the 2026 advisory. This allows for earlier announcements, responding to growing demand for bloom information from both domestic and international visitors.
The new system aims to provide more reliable information sooner, facilitating earlier planning for cherry blossom viewing and addressing tourism demand in the spring.
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