What this solves / who it's for

Most "Japan travel" guides focus on cherry blossoms and ignore the rest. Japan actually has 8+ significant bloom seasons: plum (Feb), sakura (Mar–Apr), ajisai/hydrangea (Jun), sunflowers (Aug), koyo/maple (Nov), and camellia (winter). The bloom timing shifts dramatically by region — sakura blooms in Okinawa in January and Hokkaido in May. This tool shows what's blooming in your trip month and region, with the north-to-south gradient visualized, and the "front-loaded vs back-loaded bloom" distinction (Tokyo sakura ends before Hokkaido's starts). Best for: trip planners picking dates around blooms, photographers chasing flowers, anyone who wants Japan beyond cherry blossom season.

What's blooming?

Trip month

Region

Sakura first-bloom by region (north-to-south gradient)

Region	First bloom	Full bloom	Bloom length
Okinawa	late January	early February	very early kanhizakura (different species)
Kyushu	mid March	late March	2 weeks
Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka)	late March	early April	2 weeks
Tokyo / Kanto	late March	early April	2 weeks
Tohoku	mid April	late April	2 weeks
Hokkaido (Sapporo)	late April	early May	1–2 weeks

Source: JMA averages 2014–2024. Actual bloom shifts ±10 days year-to-year based on winter chill and spring warmth.

How to interpret the result

Each region's "peak" window is the average for 2014–2024 from JMA data. Actual bloom shifts ±10 days year-to-year. "Bloom length" assumes you've timed your visit within ~1 week of peak — peak is rarely more than a few days of full bloom. For photographers: aim for "peak + 1 day" (some petals falling, more picturesque). For general sightseeing: any day within ±3 days of peak.

Pro tips & common pitfalls

• Front-loaded bloom (Tokyo/Kansai): sakura peaks end of March / early April; Hokkaido sakura hasn't started.
• Back-loaded bloom (Hokkaido): sakura peaks early May — great for those who can't travel in peak spring.
• Ajisai (hydrangea) in June is underrated — covered temples (Mimuroto-ji Uji, Meigetsu-in Kamakura) are stunning.
• Sunflower fields in Hokkaido (late July) and Saitama (Aug) are big and photogenic.
• Koyo in Tokyo/Kansai is mid-Nov to early Dec; Hokkaido koyo starts early October.
• Plum blossoms (ume) in Feb–Mar are an underrated alternative — fewer crowds, similar aesthetics to sakura.

Frequently asked questions

When is cherry blossom peak in Tokyo?

Average first bloom: March 24–28. Average full bloom: ~April 3–7. Bloom length: ~2 weeks total, but full bloom (peak visual) is just 3–5 days. Aim for early April; late March is sometimes peak, sometimes early bloom.

Where is sakura less crowded than Tokyo?

Most places outside central Tokyo are less crowded. Top recommendations: Hirosaki Castle (Aomori), Kakunodate (Akita), Yoshino (Nara), Mount Yoshino — all are famous but still less crushing than Ueno Park. For "hidden gem" sakura: rural Tohoku, parts of Shikoku, Kyushu countryside.

What about fall foliage (koyo)?

Koyo (momiji/maple) typically peaks mid-November in Tokyo/Kyoto. Northern regions peak earlier (Tohoku: late October). Famous spots: Kyoto temples (Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Eikando), Nikko, Kawaguchi-ko. Less crowded: rural temples in Nara, Mount Koya, Kamakura's late November.

Are hydrangeas (ajisai) really worth seeing?

Yes, especially in June. Meigetsu-in (Kamakura) is famous; Mimuroto-ji (Uji) has thousands. The rainy season (tsuyu, June) actually intensifies the green-blue colors. Combine with a temple visit. Crowds are moderate, not crushing like sakura.

What's the best bloom to plan around if I can only pick one?

Sakura is iconic and worth seeing once. But for non-peak crowds, koyo (autumn maple) is arguably more beautiful and lasts longer (peak ~3–4 weeks vs sakura's 1–2). For pure value: late October in Tohoku (mixed koyo + early winter scenery) or mid-November in Kyoto.

Known limitations

Bloom dates are averages; an unusually warm or cold spring can shift them 1–2 weeks in either direction. Always check JMA's "sakura front" forecast (announced weekly from January). The tool doesn't track unusual bloom events (rare species, garden-specific blooms). "Bloom length" varies — some years sakura has a quick peak and sudden petal fall (rain/wind); other years it lasts longer. Plum, camellia, and other winter blooms are highly variable year to year.