As spring approaches, the beloved cherry blossoms (sakura) of Japan are set to bloom, and this year’s forecast is now available! On March 21, 2025, Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), the official weather forecasting agency, released the 9th forecast for cherry blossom flowering dates across the country, predicting when the iconic Somei Yoshino, the most popular type of cherry tree, will start blooming and reach full bloom (when about 80% of the buds have opened).
Here’s what you need to know:
- Tokyo: Expect the blossoms to start flowering around March 24, with full bloom occurring by March 30.
- Kyoto: The first flowers will bloom around March 28, with full bloom expected by April 6.
- Osaka: Blossoms are forecasted to begin on March 29, and full bloom will likely happen by April 5.
- Sapporo: The latest blooms will appear around April 30, reaching full bloom by May 6.
Now is the perfect time for travelers and sakura enthusiasts to plan their cherry blossom viewing!
If you want more precise details on the progress of the sakura, you can track it through JMC’s Sakura Navi app, which provides real-time updates on the flowering and full bloom stages across Japan.（App Store / Google Play）
Current Sakura Status in Tokyo (as of March 23, 2025):
The cherry blossoms in Tokyo are just starting to wake up! As seen in the photos taken on March 23, many buds are still closed, but some trees have begun to show hints of pink with a few blossoms opening. This is the perfect time to watch the gradual transformation as Japan welcomes spring!
Check out the full forecast here and learn more about how these dates are calculated.
Don’t miss out on one of Japan’s most spectacular natural events!