When Will Japan’s Iconic Cherry Blossoms Bloom In 2023?
After the pandemic, anyone who is keen to view Japan’s exquisite cherry blossoms needs to time their trip carefully. To help that endeavor, the Metrological Corporation (JMC) releases cherry blossom forecasts throughout the late winter and early spring. Moreover, they update their predictions along the way for when the blooms can be enjoyed. This makes it easier for both residents and travelers to take part in the Japanese custom of hanami, or flower viewing. Read on to find out more about how to time your visit to experience this beautiful event.
When do cherry blossoms appear in Japan?
Working out the timing of the appearance of the cherry blossoms depends on the weather in Japan, leading up to spring. Meanwhile, this is due to the fact that the flowering of cherry blossoms is impacted by temperatures experienced from the fall of the previous year.
Meanwhile, the experience differs depending on the location in Japan. For instance, in southern places like Fukuoka, the blooms appear in mid-March. Meanwhile, in northern regions like Hokkaido, the blooms last until the end of April
Cherry bloom dates for 2023
The JMC has recently released its fifth updated forecast for cherry blossoms in 2023. The forecast estimates the initial flowering and full bloom dates for trees in around 1,000 viewing locations in the country. In Tokyo, JMC predicts that cherry blossoms will start to flower on March 18, reaching full bloom by March 25.
Meanwhile, blooms in Fukuoka are expected to start on March 21 and will reach their peak on March 31. As for the cities of Kyoto and Osaka in central Honshū, the blooms are expected to start on March 23 and 25 respectively. Moreover, they are set to peak on April 2.
Further north in Sendai, cherry blooms are not expected to start until April 3. Meanwhile, they are set to reach their peak on April 8. On the other hand, Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido, is likely to see the last of the blooms, starting April 28 and peaking on May 1.
About the sakura custom in Japan
Admiring the exquisite sakura is a much-loved Japanese custom. Moreover, as the blooms only last for a week or two, the cherry blossom forecasts do help residents and visitors make the most of the magnificent spectacle.
Any travelers who want to visit Japan this year to see the iconic cherry blossoms should keep up with the Japan Metrological Corporation’s latest predictions on the official website in English here.
Of course, besides the blooms, Japan is good to visit in spring. In fact, the temperatures range from 2 to 24 degrees Celsius (36 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit). On average, the temperature remains cool and a light coat is enough in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. However, in northern locations like Sapporo, the temperatures can get as low as 2 – 10 degrees Celsius (36 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
While spring is famous in Japan for the cherry blossoms, it can get crowded. However, fall in the country also offers incredible beauty along with warmer temperatures.