Weather News Inc. announced its “Fourth Cherry Blossom Forecast” on February 28, 2024. Leading the nation is Tokyo, with an expected bloom date of March 18, consistent with the previous forecast (February 15). Fukuoka and Yokohama are expected to follow on March 20, with Fukuoka’s prediction one day later than previously anticipated.
Nationally, late March will see the onset of blossoms in western and eastern Japan, as well as the southern part of the Tohoku region, with the flowers beginning to bloom in the northern part of Tohoku in early April. The cherry blossom front is expected to reach Hokkaido by mid-April, with blooming predicted in Hakodate by April 18.
Most areas are expected to reach full bloom 5 to 10 days after the flowers open, with many places experiencing an earlier peak than usual. In western Japan, where blooming times are expected to align with the average year, full bloom will also occur around the typical timeframe. However, many locations in northern Japan are anticipated to reach full bloom more than a week earlier than usual.
Furthermore, predictions for notable spots include Ueno Onshi Park (Tokyo) on March 19, Maizuru Park (Fukuoka Prefecture) on March 20, Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto Prefecture) on March 21, Arashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture) on March 25, Hirosaki Park (Aomori Prefecture) on April 12, and Goryokaku Park (Hokkaido) on April 18.