Guide to Japan's cherry blossom season 2025.

Discover the best times, places, and tips for sakura viewing.

Travel Insurance | 4 minute read | 27 March 2025

Japan

Spring in Japan is a spectacle unlike any other. The delicate pink hues of cherry blossoms, or "sakura," transform the landscape into a dreamlike panorama, drawing travelers from around the globe. If you're planning a trip to experience this magical phenomenon, you're in the right place! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know, from the Japan cherry blossom forecast 2025 to the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan, ensuring you make the most of your hanami (flower viewing) adventure.

The 2025 cherry blossom forecast: planning your perfect trip.

Predicting the exact timing of the cherry blossoms is a delicate dance with nature. The Japan cherry blossom forecast 2025 will be released in stages, typically beginning in February or March. Keep an eye on the latest updates from the Japan Weather Association.

Generally, the blooming season starts in the warmer southern regions and gradually moves northward.

  • Early Bloomers: Expect the first blossoms to appear in Okinawa and Kyushu in late March.
    • Central Japan: The Tokyo cherry blossom, Kyoto cherry blossom, and Osaka cherry blossom usually reach their peak in late March to early April.
    • Northern Regions: If you're aiming for a later bloom, head to Tohoku or even Hokkaido, where you can often catch the blossoms in late April or early May. This is perfect for those seeking a cherry blossom forecast for Hokkaido in late April.
Japan

Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan: a city-by-city guide.

Choosing the right location is crucial for an unforgettable hanami experience. Here are some of the most popular and breathtaking hanami spots Japan has to offer:

Tokyo

Tokyo

  • Ueno Park: A bustling park with over 1,000 cherry trees.
    • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A serene oasis with diverse garden styles.
    • Sumida River: Enjoy a scenic river cruise amidst the blossoms.
    • For those asking "When is the peak cherry blossom bloom in Tokyo 2025?" expect it to be around late March to early April.

Kyoto

 

  • Maruyama Park: Famous for its weeping cherry tree illumination at night.
  • Philosopher's Path: A picturesque canal lined with cherry trees.
  • Arashiyama: Enjoy breathtaking views of cherry blossoms against a mountain backdrop.
  • For those searching "Best places for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto," these three locations are a great starting point.

 

Kyoto
Osaka

Osaka

  • Osaka Castle Park: A majestic castle surrounded by thousands of cherry trees.
  • Kema Sakuranomiya Park: A riverside park with a long stretch of cherry blossoms.
  • Expo Commemoration Park: A sprawling park with diverse flower varieties.

Cherry blossom viewing tips Japan: making the most of Hanami.

  • Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transportation well in advance, as this is a peak travel season.
    • Pack Accordingly: Spring in Japan can be cool, especially in the evenings. Bring layers and comfortable shoes.
    • Bring a Picnic: Enjoying food and drinks beneath cherry trees is common. Pack a picnic blanket and your favorite treats.
    • Arrive Early: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early will help you secure a good spot.
    • Respect the Trees: Avoid touching or damaging the cherry blossoms.
    • Seek Less Crowded Spots: For those looking for "Japan cherry blossom viewing with fewer crowds," consider visiting smaller parks, riverside areas, or less popular neighborhoods. You can also travel to areas a little further from the large cities.

Protect your Hanami adventure. Travel Insurance coverage for Japan.

Everyday Travel Insurance offers a range of plans that may suit your needs, from basic cover to comprehensive options with higher coverage limits for medical expenses, cancellations, and more.

What is included in the cover.

Overseas medical expenses.

Can help with emergency medical bills, hospital stays, and ambulance trips if you get sick or injured overseas.

Luggage and personal effects.#

For lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, like suitcases and clothes.

 

Medical evacuation and repatriation.

Assists with getting you home if you're seriously ill or injured overseas.

Rental vehicle excess.~

Can help cover the excess you'd have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen.

Emergency travel & accommodation expenses.

For unexpected travel changes and accommodation needs.

Travel delay.

Can help manage costs from unexpected travel delay.  

Replacement passports and travel documents.

Helps cover the costs of replacing lost or stolen passports, travel documents, or credit cards.

Cancellation or holiday deferment costs.~

In case you need to cancel or change your trip when the unexpected happens.

Cover subject to terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover. Above is a summary only. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that apply.

By planning ahead, staying informed, and taking precautions, you can ensure a truly unforgettable cherry blossom experience in Japan. Remember to check the Japan cherry blossom forecast 2025 regularly, and get ready to be captivated by the beauty of spring in Japan.


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Important information.

~ Subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of your policy.

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† For up to 12 months after the illness or injury first occurs.

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# Sub-limits apply.