Sakura season is right around the corner and we want to make sure you don’t miss a single petal, which is why we are presenting you with the latest 2023 Tokyo Cherry Blossom forecast! With the latest cherry blossom dates just in, you can start planning for a pink-filled spring adventure.
Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures should be all blossomed-up by late March in 2023 (with the exception of Nagano which is blooming into early April). The forecast is reliable, but dates can change with temperature and weather fluctuations, so keep an eye out as we’ll be updating regularly.
Cherry blossom dates for Tokyo and surrounding prefectures
Last updated: March 2nd, 2023
| Location | Start | Full Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | March 16th | March 24th |
| Kōfu (Yamanashi) | March 19th | March 27th |
| Yokohama (Kanagawa) | March 18th | March 26th |
| Kumagaya (Saitama) | March 21st | MArch 28th |
| Maebashi (Gunma) | March 24th | March 30th |
| Utsunomiya (Tochigi) | March 22nd | March 29th |
| Mito (Ibaraki) | March 23rd | March 31st |
| Chōshi (Chiba) | March 24th | March 31st |
| Nagano (Nagano) | April 3rd | April 9th |
Forecast data provided by the Japan Meterological Corporation.
Please remember that this is just a forecast and it fluctuates from day to day! Individual trees, different sub-regions, and the weather (wind and rain especially) may affect the flowering times.
Not in Tokyo? Check out our coverage of 2023 cherry blossom dates for all of Japan.
Where to see cherry blossom in Tokyo in 2023
Think we’d leave you hanging with just the map and cherry blossom dates? No way — we’ve also got a solid list of the very best cherry blossom viewing spots, which includes less-crowded options. Want to see sakura illuminations at night? Find out where to go night-time cherry blossom viewing.
You may be aware that many of Tokyo’s larger festivals have been cancelled in previous years due to COVID-19. This year is looking better. In fact, the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival is happening this year for the first time in four years! However, we’re still waiting for confirmation on a number of other events. We’ll keep you updated so be sure to check back for the latest information.
If you’re just missing sakura season, fret not, there are late-blooming varieties all around Tokyo as well.
In spring we wear pink: How to hanami in style
So, we’ve given you the where, now here’s the how. Rest assured that even if some events are cancelled or scaled back, there will still be opportunities to see cherry blossoms. At the very least, you will be able to visit some parks for a nice walk under the cherry blossoms.
Aside from just visiting the usual spots, you can also try going on a cherry-blossom hike (with picnic supplies) or setting out on a spring day trip to escape the city.
Blooming FAQs
What’s the difference between sakura and hanami?
While sakura is the Japanese name for the cherry blossoms themselves, hanami refers to the act of flower-viewing. In Japan, this ranges from a pleasant stroll beneath the trees to a full on day-to-night picnic party complete with beer, snacks, and that eye-catching blue tarpaulin.
Where are the best places to enjoy sakura season in Tokyo?
Tokyo is filled with blossoms — you’ll find pink petals in every temple garden, public park, and even in front of every school (a long-standing tradition). If you’re looking for the very best places, however, we have the perfect guide to all places big and small. While many festivals may be canceled, the trees will still be there, so you can still admire the flowers.
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
In 2023, the cherry blossom dates are slated to start on March 16th and peak on March 24th. Of course this will vary depending on the location and the type of trees. Some trees bloom earlier or later, while altitude can also have an impact on the blooming time.
When is cherry blossom season in Kyoto?
Kyoto is expected to bloom from the 23rd of March in 2023 and peak on the 31st. Again, this will vary depending on the locations you visit, with spots like Arashiyama being different to inner-city gardens or temples (but only by a few days). For more areas in Japan, check our Japan-wide forecast coverage and be sure to read our guide to Kyoto’s best cherry-blossom spots.
What’s the difference between yozakura and yaezakura?
Good question. So — yozakura are the illuminated blossoms you can see in the evening at many temples and gardens, as well as theme parks like Yomiuriland in Kanagawa. Meanwhile, yaezakura are late-blooming trees, giving those arriving in early April a chance to see blossoms outside of peak time.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Last updated in March 2023 by Maria Danuco.
