Cherry blossom season and autumn leaves in Japan
Cherry blossom season in Japan is the country's most celebrated moment. Pink and white blossoms open for only about a week in each place, moving from south to north between late January and early May. Autumn leaves follow the opposite route a few months later.
Typical blossom dates by city
| City | Usual full bloom |
|---|---|
| Okinawa | Late January to February |
| Fukuoka | Late March |
| Tokyo | Late March to early April |
| Kyoto, Osaka | Late March to early April |
| Kanazawa | Early April |
| Sendai | Mid-April |
| Hirosaki | Late April |
| Sapporo | Early May |
Dates shift by up to two weeks depending on winter temperatures. Forecasts are published from January by Japanese weather companies and updated weekly, and the first official bloom is announced when a reference tree opens in each city.
Famous viewing spots
- Tokyo: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi moat and the Meguro River.
- Kyoto: the Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park, Arashiyama and Heian Shrine.
- Nara: Nara Park and Mount Yoshino, covered in thousands of trees.
- Himeji: the white castle framed by blossoms.
- Hirosaki: castle moats filled with petals in late April.
Hanami etiquette
Picnics under the trees, called hanami, are a national tradition. Do not shake or break branches, take all rubbish home, keep noise reasonable and respect areas where alcohol or tarps are banned. Popular parks fill early in the morning on weekends.
Planning for cherry blossom season in Japan
Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto sell out months in advance and prices rise. Booking a flexible itinerary helps: if the bloom is early in Tokyo, it may still be at its peak further north. Visiting popular spots at dawn avoids the biggest crowds during cherry blossom season in Japan.
Autumn leaves (koyo)
| Area | Usual peak |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido (Daisetsuzan) | Late September to early October |
| Nikko | Mid to late October |
| Japan Alps | October |
| Tokyo | Late November to early December |
| Kyoto | Mid-November to early December |
Kyoto's temples, such as Tofuku-ji, Eikan-do and Kiyomizu-dera, are among the most famous autumn spots, with evening illuminations at some temples. Autumn is often slightly less crowded than spring and has more stable weather.
Varieties and night viewing
The most common variety, Somei Yoshino, blooms almost white with a hint of pink. Weeping cherries (shidarezakura) and double-petalled yaezakura bloom later and extend the season by a week or two. Many parks and castles illuminate their trees in the evening, a practice called yozakura, which creates a magical atmosphere and fewer daytime crowds.
Plum blossoms and other flowers
Plum blossoms appear from February in Tokyo and Kyoto, wisteria in late April and May, and hydrangeas during the June rainy season, giving reasons to visit gardens throughout spring and early summer.
Practical tips for blossom viewing
Bring a picnic mat, warm layers for the evening and a bag for rubbish. Weekdays and early mornings are the quietest times, and lesser-known parks or riverside paths often offer beautiful trees with far fewer people. Weather companies also publish separate forecasts for autumn colours from September, useful for planning a November trip.
Official source: Japan National Tourism Organization
Frequently asked questions
When is cherry blossom season in Japan for Tokyo and Kyoto?
Usually from late March to early April, with full bloom lasting about a week.
How long does the blossom period last across Japan?
Across the country it runs from late January in Okinawa to early May in Hokkaido, but each place has about one week of peak bloom.
When are the autumn leaves in Kyoto?
Usually from mid-November to early December, depending on the temperatures.