Cecelia ChangCherry blossoms in Japan are just around the corner! This year is going to see a slightly early sakura season, beginning as early as mid-March in some areas. For the Japan cherry blossom 2023 season, travellers are finally able to witness these enchanting pink flowers in full bloom IRL. If you’re travelling to Japan mainly for this, make sure to time your visit well so you get to indulge fully in the beauty of sakura!
Here’s when we can expect to see sakura in Japan in 2023, according to the latest data from Japan Meteorological Corporation. We also included the top flower-viewing spots for each destination to fuel your wanderlust!
Note: Below is the updated Japan cherry blossom 2023 forecast, as of 9 Mar 2023. We will be updating this article every time a new forecast is released.
Also read: 10 Best Airbnb Homes & Vacation Rentals in Japan for the Trip of a Lifetime
Best time and locations to see cherry blossoms in Japan in 2023
This Japan cherry blossom 2023 forecast includes 14 different regions in the country.
1. Tokyo
Image credit: Yu Kato
Where to view cherry blossoms: Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park, Rikugien Garden, Mohri Garden
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 15 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 22 Mar 2023
Also read: Tokyo Sakura Season Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip
2. Hokkaido
Image credit: TERRA
Where to view cherry blossoms: Goryokaku Park, Matsumae Park, Odori Park, Moerenuma Park, Nakajima Park, Asahigaoka Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 26 Apr 2023; Full bloom – 30 Aor 2023
3. Kyoto
Image credit: Japan Photos via Canva Pro
Where to view cherry blossoms: Himeji Castle, Arashiyama district, Toji Temple, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, the Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, Ninna-ji Temple, Yoshimine-dera Temple, Daigoji Temple
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 22 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 30 Mar 2023
Also read: Kyoto Sakura Season Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip
4. Osaka
Image credit: Yux Xiang
Where to view cherry blossoms: Osaka Castle, Settsukyo Park, Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Satsukiyama Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Mint Bureau, Kyu-Yodo River
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 23 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 31 Mar 2023
Also read: Osaka Sakura Season Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip
5. Aomori
Image credit: WANG Tianfang
Where to view cherry blossoms: Ashino Park, Hirosaki Park, Higashi Park, Tsugaru Fujimi Lake Park, Mount Iwaki, Towada City Kanchogai-dori street
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 13 Apr 2023; Full bloom – 18 Apr 2023
6. Miyagi
Image credit: annintofu
Where to view cherry blossoms: Funaoka Joshi Park, Hitome Senbonzakura, Shiogama Shrine, Mikamine Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park, Nakajimacho Park, Tohoku University Katahira Campus
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 30 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 4 Apr 2023
7. Ishikawa
Image credit: KimonBerlin
Where to view cherry blossoms: Kenrokuen Garden, Saigawa River Terrace, Kanazawa Castle Park, Kazue-machi Chaya district, Mount Utatsu, Rojo Park, Enuma Shrine
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 27 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 1 Apr 2023
8. Nagano
Image credit: Chester Ho
Where to view cherry blossoms: Ueda Castle Park, Takato Castle Park, Koboyama Koen, Oide Park, Suzaka Garyu Park, Matsumoto-jo Castle, Mount Kobo, Obuse Riverside Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 1 Apr 2023; Full bloom – 6 Apr 2023
9. Aichi
Image credit: Sachina Hobo
Where to view cherry blossoms: Nagoya Castle and Meijo Park, Okazaki Park, Four Seasons Road, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Tsuruma Park, Arakogawa Park, Togokusan Fruits Park, Meiji Mura, Inuyama Castle, Gojo River
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 20 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 29 Mar 2023
Also read: 16 Unique Things to Do in Japan That You Can’t Do Anywhere Else
10. Wakayama
Image credit: Kumamushi
Where to view cherry blossoms: Negoro-ji Temple, Kimii-dera Temple, Wakayama Castle, Heisogen Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 22 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 30 Mar 2023
11. Hiroshima
Image credit: Jordan Emery
Where to view cherry blossoms: Miyajima Island, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, Hijiyama Park, Shobara-Ueno Park, Tamayugawa river, Hikawa River, Matsue Castle, Kintaikyo Bridge, Tsuyama Castle
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 22 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 31 Mar 2023
Also read: 11 Underrated Destinations in Japan That Are Worth Discovering
12. Kochi
Image credit: mitumal via Canva Pro
Where to view cherry blossoms: Mount Soda, Kagamino Park, Wakamiya Uemachi Park, Kochi Castle, Kure Osakadani Riverside, The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, Hyotan Sakura Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 19 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 27 Mar 2023
13. Fukuoka
Image credit: Akihiko Sayo
Where to view cherry blossoms: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Kokura Castle, Maizuru Park, Minami Park, Nishi Park, Ogi Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 19 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 28 Mar 2023
14. Kagoshima
Image credit: 鹿児島市
Where to view cherry blossoms: Yoshino Park, Sengan-en Garden, Tadamoto Park, Kannongaike Citizen’s Forest, Hirakawa Zoo, Sakurajima Nature Dinosaur Park, Kotsuki River
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 28 Mar 2023; Full bloom – 7 Apr 2023
Also read: 10 New Attractions in Japan to Check Out on Your Next Trip
So there you have it, the full list of where to see cherry blossoms in Japan in 2023 and when to see them. In which region do you wish you could admire the cherry blossoms in Japan this 2023? Start planning your trip to Japan and don’t miss out on these perfect places for sakura-watching!
