Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast for Spring 2026 (as of April 8th)

2026.02.03

Japan Weather Association (JWA) released its part 4 forecast for cherry blossoms and full bloom for 84 locations throughout Japan on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.

Table of Contents

Summary of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Season

In western and eastern Japan, for many areas the cherry blossoms have blossomed and reached Full Bloom earlier than average this year.

As the high temperatures from March have persisted in northern Japan, and the same trend is expected to continue into April and onwards, many areas in northern Japan is likely to experience an earlier than average blossoming and Full Bloom season this year.

Trend of Blossoming

From Kyushu to southern Tohoku, cherry blossoms have bloomed at all observation points, with many locations reporting an earlier than average blooming.

In northern Japan, reports of blossoming arrived from Yamagata on 2nd April, Akita on 6th of April and Morioka on 7th April, indicating that the cherry blossoms are progressing northward through the Tohoku region at a considerably faster pace than average.

Further north, many areas in northern Tohoku and Hokkaido are also expected to see this year’s cherry blossom significantly earlier than average. Aomori is expected to see the arrival of blossoms on the 13th, and Sapporo on the 19th, making it the second earliest bloom on record for Aomori and the third earliest record for Sapporo.

Trend of Full Bloom

Cherry blossoms are now in Full Bloom across various regions from Kyushu to southern Tohoku, while many areas in Kyushu and Shikoku are reaching Full Bloom at around the average time, from the Chugoku region to southern Tohoku, Full Bloom has arrived earlier than average.

This year, Full Bloom arrived in the northern prefectures Niigata on April 3rd and Yamagata on April 6th, 10 and 12 days earlier than average respectively, resulting in Full Bloom occurring simultaneously in both the northern part of the country and the southern island of Kyushu.

Looking ahead, many areas in northern Tohoku and Hokkaido are expected to see the cherry blossoms in Full Bloom about 10 days earlier than average. Full Bloom is expected to arrive in Aomori on the 17th and in Sapporo on the 23rd, making it the third earliest Full Bloom on record for Aomori and the second earliest for Sapporo.

*The cherry blossom and full bloom forecast for all 84 locations is available on tenki.jp, a weather forecast media site operated by JWA. (Only Available in Japanese)

What Is the Japan Weather Association’s Cherry Blossom Forecast?

About Japan Weather Association

Since its establishment in 1950, Japan Weather Association (JWA) has consistently employed cutting-edge weather observation and forecasting technology.

Leveraging the forecasting techniques honed to address Japan’s diverse weather conditions such as seasonal variations with significant temperature differences and heavy rainfall as well as natural disaster risks like typhoons and torrential rains, JWA provides accurate and highly reliable weather information both domestically and internationally.

From January to April every year, Japan Weather Association (JWA) announces the cherry blossom forecast for various locations around Japan. The forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will bloom is released on the Cherry Blossom Forecast page of the dedicated weather forecast website “tenki.jp.”

Data Utilized for Forecasting Cherry Blossoms

• Temperature observation data from the previous autumn to the forecast date
• Temperature forecast data from the forecast date to the blooming period (from Japan Weather Association’s point forecasts and long-term forecasts)

Methods and Characteristics of the JWA’s Cherry Blossom Forecast

We use our proprietary forecasting model that focuses on the temperature trends from autumn onwards, which significantly influences the growth process of the cherry blossom buds. Our forecasts are based on accurate observation data from sample trees at local meteorological observatories and cooperating agencies, emphasizing meteorological principles.

*Please refrain from unauthorized corporate use of information within Weather X, including the “Cherry Blossom Forecast,” such as citation in press releases, use for promotional purposes, or publication on your own media or digital signage.
If you are considering corporate use for providing information to users or for product promotion, please Contact Us.

Glossary of Cherry Blossom Forecast Terms

What are the Criteria for the Blooming Dates?

The criteria are the same as those used by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The blooming date is defined as the first day when five to six or more flowers have opened on the designated observation tree (i.e. sample tree.)

What Does “Normal” Mean?

“Normal” refers to the average value over the past 30 years. Currently, the average for the period from 1991 to 2020 is used.

• Much earlier: 7 or more days earlier than normal
• Earlier: 3 to 6 days earlier than normal
• Average: within two days of the normal date
• Later: 3 to 6 days later than normal
• Much later: 7 or more days later than normal

Business Utilization of Cherry Blossom Forecasts

The cherry blossom season is one of the peak periods of international travelers visiting Japan. JWA’s accurate cherry blossom blooming and full bloom forecasts contribute to businesses in various industries, such as tourism, accommodation, transportation, media, and event planning. If you are interested in JWA’s forecasts, please feel free to Contact Us.

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