Tokyo Prepares for an Early Cherry Blossom Season in 2025

Japan’s cherry blossoms

Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most highly anticipated events in the country’s calendar, drawing millions of visitors each spring. The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has now released its 2025 forecast, revealing that Tokyo is expected to see its first blossoms as early as March 25, with full bloom predicted by April 1—slightly ahead of the city’s historical average.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, hold deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting nature of life. With their delicate pink petals lasting only about ten days, timing is everything when planning a visit. The JMC’s detailed forecast, covering 1,000 locations from Hokkaido to Kagoshima, helps travelers and locals prepare for hanami—Japan’s cherished tradition of flower viewing.

Forecast Highlights Across Japan

Tokyo’s early bloom is part of a wider trend, with other major cities also expecting their cherry blossoms to appear slightly ahead of schedule. The forecast considers various factors, including temperature fluctuations in the preceding autumn and winter, historical data, and the growth stages of cherry tree buds. As temperatures rise, the buds transition from dormancy into full bloom, creating breathtaking landscapes across the country.

Key flowering and full bloom dates:

• Tokyo – Flowering: March 25 | Full Bloom: April 1
• Kyoto – Flowering: March 30 | Full Bloom: April 7
• Osaka – Flowering: March 30 | Full Bloom: April 6
• Sapporo – Flowering: April 28 | Full Bloom: May 2
• Fukuoka – Flowering: March 26 | Full Bloom: April 4

Planning the Perfect Hanami Experience

With the cherry blossoms lasting just over a week in each location, many travelers rely on real-time updates to make the most of the season. The “Sakura Navi – Forecast in 2025” app offers up-to-date flowering forecasts, a Flowering Meter to track bloom progression, and notifications for nearby cherry blossom spots. The app, which gained popularity in 2024, also features a stamp card function for users to record visited locations—an added bonus for cherry blossom enthusiasts.

For those eager to experience this seasonal spectacle, Tokyo’s parks and riversides will once again become gathering spots for hanami picnics and celebrations. Iconic locations such as Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi’s moat-side paths will be awash in pink, providing postcard-perfect views of the blossoms.

With excitement building ahead of the season, travelers can follow @sakura_navi_japan on Instagram or check for updated forecasts on February 20. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to experience the magic again, 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable year for Japan’s cherry blossoms.