Japan releases first sakura forecast for 2026; Tokyo to see blooms from mid-March

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The sakura, or cherry blossoms, season is forecast to begin around mid-March in cities such as Tokyo and Nagoya.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Japan’s Meteorological Corporation (JMC) on Dec 18 released its first sakura – or cherry blossoms –forecast for 2026, with the famous flowers expected to bloom in the capital around mid-March.

According to the forecast, the earliest flowering will be in the capital Tokyo and Nagoya, in Aichi Prefecture, on March 19. Full bloom is expected a week later in Tokyo on March 26, and on March 28 in Nagoya.

The next two locations where sakura is expected to flower are Fukuoka and Kochi on March 20. Full bloom is forecasted on March 27 in Kochi and March 29 in Fukuoka.

The popular tourist cities of Osaka and Kyoto are expected to see blooms from March 24, with full bloom on March 31.

Northern cities will start the season a bit later, in April, the meteorological service said.

Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture is expected to see sakura flowering on April 5, with full bloom on April 10.

Meanwhile, in Aomori, sakura is expected to flower on April 19 and bloom on April 22.

In Sapporo city, Hokkaido, the flowering is slated near the end of the month, on April 28. Full bloom is expected on May 1.

Japan’s peak season for cherry blossoms is usually from late March until early April. In the colder parts of the country, especially in the north, the season occurs later.

The JMC forecast is based on research on the