The 2025 cherry blossom season officially begins in Japan. According to the latest forecast, the cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloomed on March 24 and are expected to reach full bloom by March 30. This year, various festivals and events will occur nationwide, attracting many domestic and international visitors to popular cherry blossom spots.
TOKYO, JAPAN (Merxwire) – As spring arrives, Japan enters its annual cherry blossom season, and the cherry blossoms in Tokyo will fully bloom. According to the latest forecast from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the best cherry blossom viewing period in Kyoto, Osaka and other regions is expected to be from late March to early April. In Hokkaido, the cherry blossoms will bloom later, scheduled for early May. This year’s favourable weather conditions mean that the cherry blossoms bloom time will be similar to previous years, and local tourism operators are prepared to welcome many visitors coming to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Various viewing events are held across Japan to celebrate the cherry blossom season. In Tokyo, the “Chidorigafuchi,” “Ueno Onshi Park,” and “Meguro River” will host “Yozakura Matsuri” (night cherry blossom festivals) featuring illuminated cherry trees, offering visitors a romantic scene different from daytime views. Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, Osaka’s Osaka Castle Park, and Fukuoka’s Maizuru Park will be popular cherry blossom destinations. Notably, the “SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI 2025” will feature cherry blossom-themed foods, limited-edition products, and light displays, adding more fun to the cherry blossom experience. Cherry blossoms in Kansai’s two largest cities – Osaka and Kyoto – bloomed on March 27 and are expected to be in full bloom by April 5.
With the recovery of international tourism, Japan is expected to see a record number of visitors this year, making the cherry blossom season a golden period for the tourism industry. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors to Japan in January 2025 reached 3.78 million, an increase of 40.6% compared to last year. Notably, the number of visitors from China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia has surged. Many travel agencies have introduced “cherry blossom tours,” attracting overseas tourists to experience Japan’s spring beauty. However, this has also led to the emergence of the “tourism pollution” problem, and some tourist areas in Kyoto are considering limiting the number of visitors to maintain the quality of life for residents.
In response to the influx of tourists, the Japanese government has begun developing a series of measures to handle the tourism boom. For instance, Tokyo and Kyoto are considering increasing the “International Tourist Tax,” which is expected to be adjusted from the current 1,000 yen to between 3,000 yen and 5,000 yen. This tax revenue will be used to improve local tourism facilities. Additionally, some tourist areas will strengthen crowd control and add more tourism guidance signs to ensure a positive cherry blossom experience for visitors. The government has also urged tourists to comply with local regulations, such as avoiding long picnics under cherry trees and keeping the environment clean, to minimize the impact on residents.
With the arrival of the cherry blossom season, visitors should plan their trips to avoid overcrowding, which will affect their travel experience. First, it is recommended that tourists book accommodations early, especially in popular cherry blossom cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as hotels are usually fully booked months before the peak season. Additionally, using public transportation is a great way to avoid traffic congestion. Japan Railways (JR) also offers “Cherry Blossom Season Special Passes” for easy nationwide movement. Lastly, visitors should monitor weather changes, as cherry blossom bloom times are highly weather-dependent and may be earlier or later than expected. Check the latest information on official meteorological websites to ensure they don’t miss the best cherry blossom viewing period.
Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com
SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative