Sakura Forecast 2025: Latest Update Reveals Bloom Delays in Eastern and Western Japan

The Japan Weather Corporation (JMC) bases its estimates on observations of Somei Yoshino trees, the most common type of sakura, known for their soft pink petals.

This season, sakura nationwide is expected to emerge from dormancy later than usual. While northern Japan is anticipated to catch up, the delay is likely to persist in the eastern and western regions. As a result, many areas across the country are forecasted to see blooms either around the average time or later than usual:

Kochi: March 26 (first bloom), April 2 (full bloom)
Fukuoka: March 27, April 4
Nagoya: March 28, April 5
Tokyo: March 26, April 2
Kyoto: March 30, April 7
Kagoshima: March 27, April 6
Sendai: April 6, April 11
Sapporo: April 27, May 1

*Somei Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom on April 1, 2022, at Takenaka Inari Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. (© Sankei by Yukia Watanabe)*

How Cherry Blossoms Bloom

Dormancy

Buds enter dormancy to survive the cold winter days by conserving energy. Dormancy continues until the buds are exposed to sufficiently low temperatures (-5°C to 15°C) for a specific duration. Once this condition is met, the buds begin preparing for spring.

Growth

After dormancy is broken, buds transition into the growth stage. Warmer temperatures in early spring accelerate this process. In this stage, the buds swell, their tips turn yellow-green, and petals become visible just before flowering.

*Sakura around Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, Tokyo. (© JAPAN Forward by Earl Kinmonth)*

What the Dates Mean

The Japan Meteorological Corporation defines the "blooming date" as the first day when five or six flowers open on sample trees. The "full bloom date" refers to the day when approximately 80% of the buds on the trees have opened.