Latest cherry blossom bloom predictions – the front line of Japan’s cherry blossom information

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported and compiled by Shun

Every year in March and April, Japan is filled with the romantic ambiance of pink petals falling like rain. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has recently released its 2017 cherry blossom forecast, with this year’s blooming period generally arriving 2 to 4 days earlier than the average over previous years. In Tokyo, the blossoms are expected to open on March 22, in Osaka on March 28, and in Kyoto on March 27. The predicted bloom date refers to the time when the first blossoms begin to open — at that point, about 50% to 70% of the buds are still closed. Full bloom is reached when around 80% of the blossoms are open. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 days after the initial bloom date for the trees to reach full bloom. This is when the cherry trees are at their most beautiful and marks the best time for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. In northern Japan, the blossoms will gradually begin to bloom around April, so travelers can start checking their itineraries and plan ahead.

[Info]

Tokyo

Predicted bloom date: March 22 (usual: March 26)

Predicted full bloom date: March 30 (usual: April 3)

Kyoto

Predicted bloom date: March 27 (usual: March 28)

Predicted full bloom date: April 4 (usual: April 5)

Osaka

Predicted bloom date: March 28 (usual: March 28)

Predicted full bloom date: April 4 (usual: April 5)

Okinawa

Predicted bloom date: January 14

Already in bloom

Fukuoka

Predicted bloom date: March 23 (usual: March 23)

Predicted full bloom date: April 1 (usual: April 1)

Sendai

Predicted bloom date: April 10 (usual: April 11)

Predicted full bloom date: April 15 (usual: April 16)

Aomori

Predicted bloom date: April 21 (usual: April 24)

Predicted full bloom date: April 25 (usual: April 29)

Sapporo

Predicted bloom date: May 4 (usual: May 3)

Predicted full bloom date: May 8 (usual: May 7)