Edited byTravel Weekly
Japan’s annual cherry blossom will begin earlier than normal this year with Tokyo and Osaka forecast to be the first locations to see the colourful blooms in March.
But while Japan’s southernmost regions will be beautifully spruced with cherry blossoms in only a few weeks, the season continues for almost three months with cherry blossoms emerging in Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido Prefecture as late as mid-May – leaving plenty of time to witness this annual spectacle.
2024 forecast:
Why is Cherry Blossom season significant?
Sakura season has been celebrated for centuries in Japan. The emerging blossoms symbolise a time for renewal, as well as serving as a reminder of the transient nature of existence, beauty, and the importance of ‘being the moment’.
After remaining dormant during the icy winter months, Japan’s cherry blossom trees sense the arrival of spring after experiencing several warm days in a row. Forecasters know that a string of warm days will trigger the required “temperature sum” for the blossoms to open, which is also an important signal in the broader plant world.
Japan’s cherry blossom season is firmly in the hands of the weather, which is why you’ll always see earlier blooms in Japan’s warmer southern prefectures compared to in the north, and the exact onset of the seasons will vary everywhere from year to year. If winter clings on for longer than usual, you can expect the season to begin later than average, but if it seems like spring is in the air early, those beautiful blooms will probably be right around the corner.
The best ways to experience Cherry Blossom season in 2024
f*ckuoka: Nishi Park in the north of the city is home to around 1,300 cherry blossom trees making it a top location to view the blooms. First opened in 1875, this historic park with views of the city, Hakata Bay, and its islands is a popular spot for picnics in spring and you’ll find abundant stalls selling food and drink during the flowering season.
Nishi Park, f*ckuoka. (Image – JNTO.)
Osaka: Mt Yoshino has been a top viewing spot for centuries with its vast area home to 30,000 cherry blossom trees of different varieties. The cherry blossoms are easily visible from the many walking trails as well as the ropeway up the mountainside.
Mt Yoshino. (Image – JNTO.)
Tohoku Region: Mostly made up of rural communities, sprawling national parks, and hot spring resorts, Tohoku covers six of Honshu’s prefectures. Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is one of the region’s best cherry blossom viewing locations with around 2,300 trees and 50 different varieties – some of which are over 300 years old. Walk along the Sakura Tunnel on the West Moat, admire Hirosaki Castle among the blooms, or visit the park at night to see a spectacular display of illuminated colourful blooms.
Hirosaki Park. (Image – JNTO.)
Advertise with us
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
cherry blossom japan osaka tokyo
Latest News
- Aviation
- News
Travellers look to regional airports as Swift’s tour jacks up airfares
Taylor Swift has somehow boosted Newcastle Airport. Honestly, none of us would've ever guessed that.
- Cruise
Mickey Mouse and the gang to return to Aussie ports from October
If your kids watching Disney at home isn't enough, jump on a Disney cruise to really immerse in all the fun!
- Wholesalers
“We’re going to build a big team down here”: Explore Worldwide on its big plans Down Under
Explore's making its mark Down Under! It's like the British Invasion in the 60s, but with less mop-like haircuts.
- Tour Operators
Nothing worse than having to awkwardly ask someone for money. Well, except avoiding paying someone, of course.
- Destinations
- Tourism
Tourism WA announces new initiatives to kick-start ‘dream decade’
This 'dream decade' will be a good thing, unlike our dreams which keep involving Freddy Krueger.
- Business Travel
- Travel Agents
CTM taps energy industry titan as new global CFO
He's gone from energy to travel, which isn't much of a change when you consider how electric our industry is!
- Destinations
- Events
SOUL Festival to explore the ‘future of wellness’ at Soneva Fushi
Think this sounds like a hippie camp? Considering it's held at one of the world's most exclusive hotels, we think not.
- Aviation
Flash sale! Qantas slashes prices on over domestic 500,000 fares
Qantas' sale has arrived. Unfortunately, none can be used to travel cheaply to see Tay Tay (the TW team is heartbroken).
- News
Cruise stocks hit more rough water – Market Check
What better way to spend your Friday than by reading a stat-heavy article? Oh that's right, pubs exists.
- Aviation
- Travel Agents
Delta ensuring these Flighties had an Alpha time. Bravo!
- Hotels
Greece’s new uber chic hotel set to star this summer
Looks like quite the spot to eat your weight in Gyros, which is what we would be doing.
- Aviation
The staggering number of people that tracked Swift’s arrival into Melbourne
Swifties were only able to track Taylor to the airport, but we're sure some tried tailgate her convoy.
- Cruise
- Partner Content
With 40+ years in the Kimberley, Coral Expeditions is the cruise you can trust
Like a fine wine, Coral Expeditions is getting better with age. Don't wait another 40 years before trying yourself.
Partner Content
byTravel Weekly
- Cruise
- Tour Operators
Tauck announces slew of leadership changes in ahead of 2025 centenary year
Questioning why you don't know the origin story of Tauck? Maybe because it all went down a centuary ago (nearly).
- Cruise
Royal Caribbean unveils highlights of 2025-26 Northeast and Caribbean sailings
By the time you sail on one of these cruises, there's a good chance we've covered it over 10 times...
- Cruise
PONANT seeks long-haul Aussie travellers for its European Grand Voyages
Clients reckon a 5-10 day cruise just doesn't scratch the itch? Give them a backscratcher via PONANT!
- Aviation
- Destinations
By up North we mean Queensland, not the Arctic. Though it would be fun to finally meet Santa Claus!
- Travel Agents
ATIA taps James Hewlett to boost partner engagement
Hewlett's the man with the 'sauce' (as the kids say). And he met Penny Wong too! How cool!
- Aviation
Go to New York and take in all its beauty. Or recreate your favourite Seinfeld episodes (but Kramer mightn't be there).
- Destinations
Wotif reveals the top Aussie Town of the Year
The top town was made famous during the gold rush. You can probably figure out which one it is.
- Destinations
- News
NSW Premier urges visitors to venture beyond Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach
NSW Premier reckons his state is the place to visit! Though we've heard he's got a soft spot for Surfers Paradise.
- Aviation
The NRL is heading to Vegas, but only one team is flying business!
Arranging the flights was the easy part, getting visas for players with criminal records proved the real challenge.
- Aviation
Councils across Greater Sydney question proposed flight paths changes
For some Sydney-siders an A380's roar could soon replace birds tweeting in the morning. Not as pleasant in our opinion.
- Aviation
Flight delayed or cancelled? Five things you need to do
Sorry, we don't have a secret trick that ensures you're on the next best flight! But we can help you get some $ back.
- Tour Operators
Explore Worldwide launches savings for solo travellers on Valentines Day
If you've missed out on roses and chocolates this year, fill the void with Explore's solo adventures!
- Aviation
Airfares may have dropped, but so has customer service: ACCC
Airlines not realised the phrase "you get what you pay for" only applies when people weren't already being overcharged.
- Cruise
2-for-1! Uniworld celebrates the leap year with massive sale
Uniworld celebrates 29 February with a sale, while TW will set off a bunch of fireworks in the office!
- Tour Operators
CATO announces digital security webinar for its members
CATO members up their tech smarts! Meanwhile, TW just learnt not to share bank details with strangers on the internet.
- News
- Partner Content
Maximise your marketing potential: Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel March 2024
Marketing potential not fully maximised? Show off your full power with Click Frenzy!
Partner Content
byTravel Weekly
- Aviation
Qantas cleans up at 2024 Cellars in the Sky Awards
The Qantas sommelier could be the dream gig! Free wine tastings and the perks of staff travel. Where do we apply?
- News
- Tourism
TTF takes 2 key steps towards Indigenous reconciliation
With initiatives like these, TTF can also stand for "totally too fantastic"!
- Business Travel
Construction travel up a whopping 89% in 2023: Flight Centre
We're back with another stat-focused article. If we keep this up we might as well rename to Maths Weekly!
- Destinations
- Events
The best things to do when the snow melts in Canada this year
Bored of Europe but still crave the Northern Hemisphere? It seems Canada might be the spot to escape Aussie winter!
- Travel Agents
Travellers Choice expands network with NSW, QLD, WA additions
Travellers Choice isn't just the traveller's choice, but these travel agents' choice. Excellent choice they've chosen!
- Wholesalers
Explore Worldwide gets B Corp Certified
Explore joins the likes of Intrepid, Young Henry's and Patagonia. As travel, beer and puffer jacket fans, we approve!
- Aviation
Did Qantas actually impact inflation in 2022? Experts weigh in
Turns out those interest rate rises may not have been Qantas' fault! Or were they? Click away to find out!