Japanese cherry blossom is a popular flower viewing event that you will not miss this year. Cherry blossoms (also called "sakura") is a symbol when spring season is coming to Japan. It is usually blooming in March or April. The timing depends on where you are and the weather of each area. Japanese people celebrate the cherry blossom moment with “Hanami”.

During Hanami, they are usually having picnics under the cherry trees in parks like Ueno in Tokyo or Maruyama in Kyoto o any parks that have many cherry blossom trees. Cherry blossoms usually last about two weeks, but you can see them earlier in places like Kawazu or later in colder areas like Sendai and Hokkaido.

When the cherry blossoms season come, Japan usually open for tourists. These festivals take place in various locations like riversides, parks, and temples. So, if you want to know when the cherry blossoms will bloom in 2025, let’s take a look at Japan Meteorological Corporation’s blooming date forecast and location.

Cherry blossoms bloom depending on the weather from the year before. The higher the temperature, the faster they grow and bloom. However, The Japan Meteorological Corporation released the fifth prediction for the 2025 cherry blossom season to make it easier for us to know the flowering an blossoming time.

You can use the dates above as a guide to plan your trip in 2025. The flowering and the blooming date here follow the expected forecast and the deviation days.

Hanami means 'flower viewing,' it is an ancient Japanese tradition that goes beyond just having picnics under blossoming trees. It reflects a deep appreciation for nature's fleeting beauty which becomes an essential theme in Japanese culture. During Hanami, friends and families gather not just for relax time with food and drink, but to ponder the short-lived beauty represented in cherry blossoms.

The history of Hanami is started during Nara period (710-794). The tradition originally held around Ume (the plum blossoms tree). The species related to plums like apricots are celebrated for their prolonged bloom from January to February. Japanese apply this practice because they are inspired by the flower viewing customs of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. In Chinese culture, Ume is highly respected same as Sakura in Japan, that can be found depicted in poetry, philosophy, and literature. Ume is perceived as an ‘endurance’ symbol for Chinese. Meanwhile, Japanese takes the concept of 'mono no aware,' the awareness of impermanence for cherry blossoms tree. In short, Hanami is now becoming a moment for reflection and appreciation, blending historical tradition with modern celebration, making it an essential part of Japanese culture.

Hanami means "flower watching" and it is celebrated every year during spring. People come together with family and friends under cherry blossom trees to enjoy tasty food and drinks as the beautiful pink petals fall like gentle snow when the trees are in full bloom.

Hanami can be celebrated individually by having a drink or meal under the tree, however, preparing the picnic for more people can make this celebration much more enjoyable. To prepare your Hanami picnic well, you can find many hanami supplies at affordable 100 yen shops.

Before you go to Hanami, consider bringing these following things to have a pleasant Hanami experience.

Experience the Japan's beautiful cherry blossoms by staying at these great hotels near the best spots to see them. Imagine waking up to the sight of pink and white petals covering the scenery. These hotels are not just comfy places to stay but also put you close to famous cherry blossom spots.

If you plan to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom in Himeji Castle, Hotel Nikko Himeji is the best place for you to stay since it is only 15 minutes’ walk from Himeji Castle. This 3,5-star hotel also offer many interesting facilties such as indoor pool, spa, fitness cetre, and meeting room. It makes Hotel Nikko Himeji suitable for family and kids, or you who want to have business trip during Cherry Blossoms season.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno Tokyo is a 4-star hotel that becomes the best place to stay if you plan to see Cherry Blossom at Ueno Park Tokyo. The hotel is located only 5 minutes’ walk from Ueno Park. Ueno Park is a must visit spot to enjoy cherry blossom in Tokyo. Ueno Park is home to around 1000 cherry blossom trees, museums, shrines, and ponds. You can have both comfortable stay and unforgettable cherry blossoms view if you stay here. This hotel is also only 581m away from Okachimachi Station which will make it easier to go here by JR Pass.

Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara offers a prime location with cherry blossom celebrations nearby in Nara Park. Nara Park is only 679m away which only needs 5 minutes’ walk. Nara Park is a popular spot to peacefully enjoy the cherry blossom together with the deer around the area. Make sure you do not miss the chance to do Hanami here. Besides, celebrating the cherry blossoms season, you can also relax at the finest spa treatments in Shisui.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is a 5-star hotel in Kyoto where you can enjoy the cherry blossom season inside the hotel area. You can enjoy Hanami experiences in privacy and tranquillity because you can find many cherry blossoms tree in their outdoor area. During the cherry blossoms season, they usually offer Sakura celebration package and services for you to have full experience of cherry blossom in Japan. You can stay at their first-floor Residential Suite where you can enjoy sakura-viewing from your balcony, with breakfast inside the suit, Sakura Afternoon Tea and Champagne included as part of the package.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main still become the most favorite place to stay to have the best cherry blossoms view. From this hotel, you can see the beautiful pink cherry blossom’s petals through your window. These cherry blossom’s view is coming from their Japanese Garden House that you can visit from 6 Am to 10 PM. The night view of this cherry blossom garden is also breathtaking! Moreover, this hotel is also very strategic since it is only a 5-minute walk to Akasaka Mitsuke Subway Station, which will make your mobility easier during your trip.

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto offers the beautiful Arashiyama view that makes this hotel a great place to stay. From this hotel, you can enjoy the view of blooming Sakura above the Hozu River. Then, if you want to enjoy Hanami outside the hotel, you can take 5 minutes-walk to Tenryu-ji. Tneryu-ji is a buddhist temple which have so many Sakura tress. After enjoying the Hanami and Skaura viewing from the balcony, you can also enjoy the spa at Suiran.
Witnessing the beauty of cherry blossoms is once in a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss. It is never too late to plan your Japanese trip by sticking to our guide above and book your flights, attraction tickets, and accommodations with Traveloka, your one-stop travel companion. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking sights of blooming sakura trees and make the most of your trip. Don't forget, you can conveniently book your JR Pass on Traveloka. Pack your bags, reserve your tickets, and let Traveloka turn your cherry blossom dreams into a reality!