On January 8, Weathernews released the “First Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast” for 2026.
Following 2025, temperatures in March and April are expected to be normal or higher than normal nationwide. Flowering will occur earlier than normal mainly in eastern and northern Japan, and at the same time compared to last year.
In Tokyo, where blooming is expected to be the earliest, blooming is expected to begin on March 21, in Fukuoka and Kumamoto on March 23, and in Osaka on March 27. In Tohoku and Hokkaido, blooming is expected to begin in early April or later.
This winter, the cold necessary for flower buds to bloom has already occurred in eastern and northern Japan. With many sunny days in April, flowering is expected to occur earlier than normal.
The second cherry blossom forecast will be announced in late January.
© Source travel watch