Where can I get accurate forecasts about cherry blossom bloom dates for Tokyo, Japan?

Question

I'm planning for a holiday end-March 2007. Don't want to miss this.

Answer 1

I hope you get to see them, it's an awesome sight! Plan to make a day of it and take a picnic lunch to sit and eat under the trees. Japanese people usually do this on the weekends, which is pretty neat.

End of March you should hopefully see them. I usually saw them by that time where I lived (by Tokyo).

Answer 2

In addition to the weather forecast websites and other answers, Japanese TV and newspapers carry a "cherry blossom" forecast each spring. As other people have answered, it starts in March and goes to April and May. The TV and such report "30%" blossom or "50%" blossom, etc up to "100%" as the "front" moves up from the south of Japan Okinawa and Kyushu island up through Honshu to Hokkaido.

This weather forecast of cherry blossom bloom is like a weather front, advancing. And the Japanese are so serious about it. If you visit Tokyo, the "front" or full bloom of cherry blossoms will be later than Osaka or Nagoya, for example, which are further to the south. Even past the 100% peak is really beautiful, since the petals fall and the ground becomes like a pink or white carpet all around the trees.

There is really no way to get a exact advance forecast of cherry blossom blooms so you should be prepared to go to Japan and then travel domestically to the place where the cherry blossoms are at some best 100% bloom. Or just wait at your Tokyo or whatever location for the "front" to come to you, by watching the NHK or other Japanese TV cherry blossom report which is literally on everyday during the peak season. Do you have time to wait a week or two?

This cherry blossom viewing is really something good and wonderful each year. It shows Japan at its best, and sometimes worst. People go out and sit under the trees and eat and drink and party. They like it because the fleeting cherry blossom petals are only in full bloom for a day or two and show the fleeting quick-passing temporary aspect of life. Just like cherry blossoms, your youth or your kids or your job or whatever, could be gone. Think about it. It is beautiful, and temporary, and gone in a flash.

Weather forecast dates? Don't count on it, but if you plan end-March and come to Tokyo, you may be smart to travel a bit south to catch "full bloom". Come to Tokyo or Nagoya or Osaka but be prepared to take the train a bit south at that time. Check the local TV NHK channel 1 or 3 for the "Cherry Blossom report", which is bilingual TV in English also at 7PM each night.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

Answer 3

Hello Robert, You've just missed it this year as the cherry blossoms were at peak bloom around April 5th. The cherry blossom season in Tokyo is usually from late March to mid April. The best spots of viewing the beautiful blossoms are parks, castles and along a river bank.

Answer 4

Hope you'll see cherry blossoms at the end of March...

In other countries,,,there are many trees that started to bloom this January that is expected to bloom only in spring season which is March. when I was in SF, I've seen cherry blossom trees too..it's beautiful that you won't miss it if you pass any trees even on the roadside.. that was February... even in Washington.
I am not living in Japan now, I wish I could give you the accurate forecast, but as global warming is going on...spring may come earlier..there might be cherry blossoms starting to bloom around now in Japan.

there are cherry blossoms tour going on this March, 2007, try checking on any travel agencies if they offer this kind of tour in Tokyo or Osaka.

this one is for women's tour...you can check more private tours they offer for cherry blossoms viewing..
.Our new cherry blossom tour to Japan is a women's travel experience that will awaken your spirit of adventure and delight your senses. Our escorted tour will show some of the old and traditional, blended into the modern futuristic lifestyle of new 21st century Japan.

Yes, there is a 99% chance that you won't miss it...have a good trip and nice viewing of cherry blossoms.

Answer 5

Its a little early yet but if you can read Japanese check out the NHK or Fuji TV web pages, they have dedicate lot to it, also check out the Japanese newspaper sites, Japan Times, Yomuri Shimbun or Mainichi News in about a month or two these sites are in English and will be following the cherry blossom front as it comes up from the south. Note it has tend to changed over the last three years, for example it was a little later last year but in tokyo now its definetly not as cold as last year so it could be early....good luck
http://thejapaneseeye.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

It's still too early for a forecast but try here in about a month:

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Sakura.shtml

here's a list with the average blooming data:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_when.html

So far it's a warm winter so they might be early this year. Only time will tell