2026 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast: Official Bloom Dates (March 22) | Peak Season, Weather & Travel Tips

🌸 Wondering when Tokyo's cherry blossoms will bloom in 2026?
According to the official announcement from Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) on January 22,
Tokyo's cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on March 22 and reach peak bloom around March 29.
This guide covers everything you need to know about cherry blossom season flight timing, Tokyo March weather, and what to wear.

Hello! This is Tokyomate, bringing you all the travel information about Tokyo. 🌸

“When should I go for the most beautiful cherry blossoms this year?” Many of you are staring at flight booking pages wondering this, right?

Yesterday (January 22), Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) officially announced the 3rd forecast for 2026 cherry blossom bloom and peak dates.

This article organizes essential information for a fail-proof cherry blossom trip based on official Japanese forecast data, including Tokyo cherry blossom bloom and peak dates, Tokyo March weather characteristics different from Seoul, and flight booking timing.

📅 Official 2026 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Forecast (Latest Update)

1️⃣ When Will Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2026?

The 2026 Tokyo cherry blossom bloom is officially forecasted for around March 22. As of January 22, Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released specific dates in their third forecast announcement.

According to the latest data, Tokyo’s Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on March 22 (Sunday), with peak bloom around March 29, approximately one week after initial blooming.

Meanwhile, Weathernews stated in their 2026 first forecast that “while western and eastern Japan will be similar to average years, Tokyo is most likely to bloom first on March 21.”

2️⃣ What Are the Official Forecast Sources?

This information is based on official forecast data from two sources: Weathernews and Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC).

⚠️ Note: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) only provides actual cherry blossom observation results and has not published forecast maps since 2010. Therefore, citing official data from private meteorological agencies is the most accurate approach.

🌸 When is Peak Bloom? Optimal 2026 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Travel Timing

What really matters for travelers isn’t “blooming” (a few flowers) but peak bloom (when photos look best).

1️⃣ When Are Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Most Beautiful? (Peak Bloom)

For Tokyo, cherry blossoms reach their peak about 7 days after blooming. Based on JMC data analysis, the optimal cherry blossom viewing period is:

• 📸 Peak Bloom (Best for Photos): Around March 29 (Sunday)
• 📉 Cherry Blossom Finale (Petal Shower): April 1 (Wednesday) ~ April 5 (Sunday)

During this period, petals flutter in the wind, creating the most atmospheric photos and videos.

2️⃣ If I Go in Early April, Will All the Blossoms Have Fallen?

“I booked my flight late—will everything be gone by early April?” The short answer: you can still see them.

• March 29 (Sunday) ~ 31 (Tuesday): ★Best! Dense pink cherry blossom tunnels blocking out the sky
• April 1 (Wednesday) ~ 5 (Sunday): Petals fluttering in the wind creating ‘Sakura Fubuki’ (cherry blossom blizzard) season. (The carpet of petals on the ground is spectacular)
• After April 6 (Monday): Green leaves start appearing. At this point, head to Shinjuku Gyoen’s double-flowered cherry blossoms (Yaezakura)!

🧥 Tokyo March Weather: How Different from Seoul?

“It’s much warmer than Seoul, right?” Many people catch colds after dressing too lightly based on this assumption.

1️⃣ Seoul vs Tokyo March Weather Comparison

(Data source: Wanderlog Historical Weather Data)

2️⃣ March Clothing Tips

1. Temperature is Spring, Wind is Winter
While Tokyo has higher temperatures, wind speed (23km/h) is strong. Especially riverside areas like Nakameguro feel much colder.
👉 Wind-blocking trench coats or leather jackets are essential.

2. Knitwear During Day, Padding at Night
During the day (13°C), capture Instagram-worthy shots in a trench coat, but for evenings (3°C), pack a lightweight padded vest or scarf to wear under your coat. After sunset, it’s as cold as early March in Seoul.

✈️ Should I Book Late March Flights to Japan Now?

1️⃣ When Prices Surge

Now that the official forecast is out, late March flight prices typically surge within 2-3 weeks.

2️⃣ Early Bird vs Last Minute?

• If dates are set: Book now is always advantageous. (March 27-30 is golden week-level)
• If dates are flexible: Consider weekday departures or mixed Incheon-Narita routes.

3️⃣ How to Book Flights?

Don’t just blindly pay—check current lowest price trends first. Compare prices across multiple booking platforms and set price alerts for your preferred dates.

🌸 Early Kawazu Cherry Blossom Spots BEST 3 (February Blooms)

“I’m going to Tokyo in February—can’t I see any flowers?” Good news for you. This JMC forecast also included Kawazu cherry blossoms (early-blooming cherries) predictions.

1️⃣ Sakura Jingu ⛩️

• 🚇 Location: Setagaya Ward (2-minute walk from Sakurashinmachi Station)
• 📅 Peak Expected: February 22 (Sunday) ~ March 3 (Tuesday)
• 📍 Sakura Jingu Google Map
• 🌸 Feature: SNS Hotspot. The shrine’s pink ribbons (Hanatai-me) combined with deep pink cherry blossoms create a dreamy atmosphere.
• 💡 Tip: Small scale but high photo density. Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

2️⃣ Old Nakagawa River 📸

• 🚇 Location: Koto Ward (10-minute walk from JR Hirai Station)
• 📅 Peak Expected: February 18 (Wednesday) ~ February 28 (Saturday)
• 📍 Old Nakagawa River Google Map
• 🌸 Feature: [Skytree + Cherry Blossom Tunnel + River] captured in one shot—the ultimate photo spot. Blooms earliest due to good sunlight.
• 💡 Tip: At sunset, you can photograph with Skytree illumination.

3️⃣ Kiba Park & Oyoko River

• 🚇 Location: Koto Ward (5-minute walk from Kiba Station Exit 1)
• 📅 Peak Expected: February 25 (Wednesday) ~ March 10 (Tuesday)
• 📍 Kiba Park Google Map
• 🌸 Feature: A quiet February cherry blossom walking path alternative to Nakameguro.
• Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Riverside walk next to ‘Sawakaiabashi’ bridge near Kiba Station Exit 1 (not inside the park!)
• Skytree View: After viewing, climb up to Kiba Park Bridge (木場公園大橋) to see Skytree.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. If it rains in late March, will all the cherry blossoms fall?
A. If strong rain and wind occur after peak bloom (after March 30), they may fall. However, during early bloom to just before peak, they withstand light rain well.

Q. Are there Tokyo cherry blossom spots requiring reservations?
A. Yes, Shinjuku Gyoen is likely to operate on a reservation system on cherry blossom season weekends.

Today we’ve organized essential information for your cherry blossom trip based on the official 2026 Tokyo cherry blossom bloom forecast, covering bloom and peak dates, Tokyo March weather, and flight booking timing.

Now that 2026 Tokyo cherry blossom travel dates are set, the next step is “where to see the most beautiful blossoms,” right?

In the next article, we’ll introduce <Fail-Proof Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots BEST 5 & Hotspot Map> organized by actual walking routes. We’ll clearly compare crowded spots with less busy hidden gems. 🌸

🧡 Related Cherry Blossom Travel Guides

👉 Tokyo Free Travel Preparation A to Z | Beginner’s Checklist for Flights, Entry, Accommodation, Transportation & Apps

👉 Tokyo 3-Night 4-Day Itinerary | Complete Landmark & Must-Visit Spots Without Disney