Japan’s Cherry Blossoms 2017 Forecast: When & Where to Catch Them?

Banzai! It’s that magical time of the year for Japan, when its national flower, the Sakura (or cherry blossoms), bloom in its fullest glory and pepper the trees with hues of pinks and whites – almost quite literally. I mean, just look at this aerial shot of Hokkaido during springtime!

Image credit: Meng Cheong

We’ve shortlisted optimal spots in each of the ten prefectures across the country where you can best bask yourself in all the floral madness, with forecasted dates for each prefecture. The cherry blossom-viewing season has already begun for some of the southern regions including Okinawa, and will be moving upwards towards prefectures in Japan’s higher elevation like Aomori and Hokkaido in the upcoming months.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan this year, then be sure to coincide your trip with these dates! And if you’re not thinking of having a Japan vacation anytime soon, then let’s see if these photos can convince you.

Okinawa: mid January to mid February

Image credit: U.S. Army Garrison Japan

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Nago Chuo Park, Nakijin Castle, Yogi Park

Fukuoka: 25 March to 10 April

Image credit: Zooka Yung

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: San Hou Park, Fukuoka Castle, Atago Shrine, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Nishi Park

Osaka: 29 March to 12 April

Image credit: m-louis

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya, Osaka Mint Bureau

Nara: 28 March to 11 April

Image credit: Yukiko Matsuoka

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Mount Yoshino, Heijo Palace, Nara Park

Hiroshima: 29 March to 12 April

Image credit: overseb

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkein Garden

Kyoto: early to mid April

Image credit: rurinoshima

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto Gosho, Shirakawa, Maruyama, Heian Shrine

Tokyo: 26 March to 11 April

Image credit: OiMax

Image credit: Yoshikazu Takada

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Shinjuku Garden, Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Meguro Park,  Yoyogi Park

Fukushima: mid to late April

Image credit: かがみ～

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hanamiyama Park, Shinobuyama Park

Aomori: 22 April to 4 May

Image credit: つんつん

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hirosaki Castle, Ashino Park

Hokkaido: 29 April to 5 May

Image credit: Hales Suen

Best cherry blossom-viewing spots: Hakodate’s Goryokaku, Matsumae Castle, Odori Park

Now that you’ve got your dates figured out, get the trip planning started!