The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its second cherry blossom forecast for 2024, and now puts the start date for this year’s sakura season at March 18 in Fukuoka. Cherry trees in Tokyo will start flowering on March 20 and will be at full bloom on March 29. The season is expected to end in early May in Hokkaido.

CITYFIRST BLOOMFULL BLOOM
TokyoMarch 20March 29
FukuokaMarch 18March 28
OsakaMarch 22March 30
KyotoMarch 23March 31
HiroshimaMarch 20March 31
NagoyaMarch 21March 30
TakamatsuMarch 23March 30
KumamotoMarch 23April 4
KagoshimaMarch 29April 8
NagasakiMarch 21April 1
SapporoApril 25April 29
The first and full bloom forecasts in Japan for 2024 (© Japan Meteorological Corporation)

According to the meteorological body, the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom about four days to a week earlier than usual in many areas. This year, the first cherry blossom forecast was issued on January 10, with subsequent weekly estimates expected to be released every week until February 29. There will then be daily first and full bloom reports, along with twice-weekly predictions.

The annual cherry blossom forecasts are made using 58 observation trees across the country, except for Amami and Okinawa, where there are no such trees. “First bloom” means 5-6 flowers on the observation trees have bloomed, while “full bloom” means that 80% of their trees have blossomed.

See also
Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Hong Kong To Celebrate Spring

Header image credits: Sanga Park via Canva

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From the Middle East to the Far East and a couple of places in between, Anjali has lived in no fewer than seven cities in Asia, and has travelled extensively in the region. She worked as a lifestyle journalist in India before coming to Hong Kong, where her favourite thing to do is island-hopping with her daughter. You can check out her musings on motherhood, courtesy her Instagram profile.

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