2018 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

Latest News: Season’s first Cherry blossoms have opened in Tokyo on March 17, 2018, nine days earlier than in an average year. While on the other hand, first sakura blossoms have been spotted on March 22 in Kyoto, March 19 in Fukuoka, and March 20 in Osaka.

Forecast of full bloom in Tokyo is around March 25, 2018.

~According to Japan Meteorological Corporation, Japan cherry blossom viewing may come early this year. On January 25, 2018, early first cherry blossom forecast of the year has been published by the private weather service Weathermap.

~This year, it has been predicated that skaura will start to bloom as usual in Okinawa. Therefore, cherry blossom festivals are scheduled to be held at different spots between January 27, 2018 and February 12, 2018.

The map shown below indicates how the cherry blossom viewing season (Hanami) of Japan for 2018 goes upward (Hokkaido) from the lower elevations (Okinawa). Every year, Japan’s first cherry blossoms appear in Okinawa (southern Japan) then move northwards to Hokkaido by early May.

The dates of the first bloom and full bloom are subject to change due to the temperatures, wind, and rain. We strongly suggest you to check out the sakura forecast often so that you get the latest news updates regarding this matter.

The average time for appearing cherry blossom may vary depending on the weather conditions. You better keep an eye on this year cherry blossom forecast for 2018 in order to catch all the action of sakura in different regions of Japan. If somehow you miss hanami in Tokyo or Kyoto, we suggest you to head to the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions. Hopefully, you won’t miss visiting some remarkable hanami spots that you would like to visit in 2018.