Therese Sta. MariaWhile Japan is still closed to leisure travellers and Japanese visas are indefinitely suspended, there are things in the country that stay the same. Japan’s cherry blossom season, which is always a much-awaited annual event, will be seeing a smaller turnaround of visitors this year. But it will no doubt be just as beautiful and probably even more tranquil than it has ever been before. So although we’re confined to our homes, here is Japan’s cherry blossom 2021 forecast, for the record!
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1. Tokyo
Where to view cherry blossoms: Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, Sumida Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 21 March; full bloom – 29 March
2. Fukuoka
Where to view cherry blossoms: Nishi Park, Atago Shrine, Fukuoka Castle, Uminonakamichi, Seaside Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 21 March; full bloom – 31 March
3. Hiroshima
Where to view cherry blossoms: Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden, Hijiyama Park, Miyajima
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 23 March; full bloom – 1 April
4. Okayama
Where to view cherry blossoms: Okayama Korakuen, Asahi River Sakura Road, Kakuzan Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 25 March; full bloom – 2 April
5. Nara
Where to view cherry blossoms: Nara Park, Nara Himuro-jinja Shrine, Wakakusa-yama, Koriyama-jo Castle Ruins, Further afield – Yoshino
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 26 March; full bloom – 6 April
6. Kyoto
Where to view cherry blossoms: Philosopher’s Walk, Daigoji Temple, Maruyama Park, Ninnaji Temple, Heian Shrine
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 27 March; full bloom – 4 April
7. Osaka
Where to view cherry blossoms: Expo ’70 Park, Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Castle, Osaka Mint Bureau, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 28 March; full bloom – 5 April
8. Nagano
Where to view cherry blossoms: Takato Castle Park, Mt. Hikarujoyama, Matsumoto Castle, Jikkasegi Cycling Route, Ariakeyama Shrine
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 9 April; full bloom – 13 April
9. Fujiyoshida
Where to view cherry blossoms: Chureito Pagoda, Fujimi Kotoku Park, 2 Arakurayama Sengen Park, 4 Nyorai-ji Temple, 6 Katsuragawa Kasen Koen Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 9 April; full bloom – 16 April
10. Fukushima
Where to view cherry blossoms: Miharu Takizakura, Hanamiyama Park, Miharu Takizakura, Kasumigajo Castle Park（Nihonmatsu City), Kannonji-gawa River
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 10 April; full bloom – 15 April
11. Hirosaki
Where to view cherry blossoms: Hirosaki Castle Park
When to view cherry blossoms: Flowering – 24 April; full bloom – 28 April
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Japan’s cherry blossoms are undoubtedly a sight to behold no matter the year or pandemic. I’m one of the unlucky ones who haven’t experienced cherry blossoms in Japan yet, but I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to when the winds finally blow in my favour. For now, all of us will just have to stay on a lookout in social media for breathtaking photos of sakura in Japan. Let this cherry blossom 2021 forecast be your guide!
