Dr. Sandeep Goyal It is time to be in Japan. And now.

On Monday (March 24), the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the 2025 cherry blossom season has officially begun in Tokyo. Cherry blossoms, or sakura, typically reach full bloom between late March and early April. The agency reported spotting six cherry blossom buds on the verge of blooming at Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo's official sakura sample tree – an iconic marker signalling the start of the season.

To track the bloom, the Japan Meteorological Agency annually monitors about 50 designated cherry trees across the country. From the first buds appearing to the final petals falling, sakura blossoms typically last around two weeks. The Japan Weather Association attributes the early bloom this year to recent warm temperatures, which have sped up the process. Peak bloom is expected over the next full week, but if temperatures remain high, it could arrive even sooner.

There are regional variations. In Okinawa cherry blossoms bloom as early as mid-January, with the best viewing time around early February. Southern Japan (Kyushu) sees blooms start in late March, with peak bloom in early April. In Central Japan (Kansai, Tokyo, Yokohama) blooms open as March turns to April, with full bloom in the first week of April.

Northern Japan (Tohoku) blooms in late April and blooms in Hokkaido begin only in early May. So we are right now bang in the middle of the sakura season and it is just the right time to be in Japan. Temperature and altitude play a crucial role in determining the blooming time every year. Areas with higher altitudes or colder climates will see blossoms later than lower-altitude areas. 

Many festivals and events take place during the cherry blossom season, including hanami (picnics under the cherry blossoms). You can find live music, food stalls, and other activities during these festivals. Hanami often extends into the evening, with yozakura (night cherry blossoms) illuminated by lanterns and lights, adding a romantic glow to the flowers.

In Tokyo, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Chidorigafuchi Park are popular cherry blossom spots. If in Kyoto go to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Philosopher's Path for cherry blossoms. Exploring Japan when the sakura trees bloom ensures you have many striking cherry blossom festivals to attend. Also known as sakura matsuri, these vibrant community events occur around the country in peaceful parklands and ancient castle gardens.

These outdoor spaces become even more gorgeous than usual, with local musicians, food stalls, and enchanting lanterns hanging on the trees producing an incredible ambiance. For example, the Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Festival sees thousands of lights illuminate the cherry blossom trees in a remarkable star-shaped park after sunset.

Meanwhile, the Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival presents an array of folk performances and evening shows from talented artists as colourful carp streamers decorate the Kitakami River. I have personally had the good fortune to attend some of the sakura festivities and can only describe the experience in one word: awesome. 

In sakura season, cherry blossom chocolate and candy are always popular, with sakura-inspired sweets providing the ideal snack to enjoy during a laid-back stroll through the gardens. For something a little more adventurous, try sakura mochi – a toothsome pink rice cake wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf – or sip on delicately floral sakura tea. It is bliss.

Himeji Castle, a national treasure registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, is renowned for its beautiful white walls. In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees bloom along what is known as a ‘cherry blossom corridor,’ creating a breathtaking scene. Himeji Castle is located in the centre of Himeji City, in the southwestern part of Hyogo Prefecture, which borders Kyoto and Osaka Prefectures.

It is about a 20-minute walk from JR Himeji Station, a stop on the Shinkansen line. I happened to enjoy the sakura season at Himeji about 20 years ago. It was divine. The1,000 cherry trees  around Himeji Castle reach their peak bloom around late March each year. Various species, including Somei-Yoshino, Yama-zakura, Yae-zakura, and Shidare-zakura, blossom in full splendour, creating a stunning contrast with the castle’s white walls.

One particularly popular activity at Himeji is riding a traditional wooden Japanese boat, crafted using time-honoured techniques, to tour the inner moat of Himeji Castle. The view of the cherry blossoms and the main keep from the water offers a different charm compared to the view from the ground.

In addition, during the cherry blossom season, the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival is held, featuring performances of traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and taiko drums, as well as Japanese dance and choral singing. A hospitality area is also set up, where visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies as well as local sake and cuisine.

Visiting Japan during sakura (cherry blossom) season offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with the country transformed into a stunning tapestry of pink blossoms and vibrant festivals, making it a must-see for nature and culture enthusiasts.

Sakura blossoms are seen as a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life, reflecting a sense of beauty and transience.  There is no better time to be in Japan. Dr. Sandeep Goyal is the author of Konjo and Japan Made Easy, two bestsellers on Japan. He is former the Chairman of Dentsu India.