Its out! ( updated 23 Jan 26)
On January 22nd, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released its 2nd forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will start to flower (kaika) and reach full bloom (mankai).
The JMC releases information and predictions for the flowering and full bloom dates for Somei Yoshino (Yoshino Cherry) trees in approximately 1,000 cherry blossom viewing locations in cities from Hokkaido to Kagoshima.
Released early each year, forecast is based on temperature patterns from the past autumn – this year also incorporating artificial intelligence for the first time in an effort help travellers plan their sakura trips more effectively.
The reports on this “cherry blossom front,” known in Japan as the sakura zensen follow the pink-and-white procession from the southern tip of Kyushu all the way north to Hokkaido prefecture, concluding in mid-May as the last of the flowers unfold. During this time, popular hanami (flower viewing) locations host throngs of people who come to revel in spring’s extravagant return.
In Tokyo, cherry blossoms are predicted to start flowering around March 20 – with full bloom expected around March 27 – which is a few days earlier than 2025.
Starting in the south of the country, Fukuoka is expected to see flowers by March 21, reaching full bloom by March 30.
The popular Cherry Blossom areas around Kyoto are forecast to see the first blooms around March 25, and reaching full bloom by 1st April 2026.
In the north of Japan, Sapporo is forecast to start flowering from April 27, with full bloom around the 1st May.
Japan Holidays will check the JMC website again on 22nd Jan 2026 for the next scheduled forecast, and post an update then – mark this space!
