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[Update, March 26] Good news! The 2026 cherry blossom season has officially begun in Osaka. More details here.
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Some good news to get you through the winter blues. The trusty Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has just released the seventh update to its official cherry blossom forecast for 2026. According to the March 12 report, sakura season is expected to begin in Osaka and Kyoto in less than two weeks.
Every year, JMC issues nationwide predictions for both the initial flowering and full bloom dates of somei yoshino, Japan’s most iconic and prevalent cherry blossom species. Through its dedicated website, you can check the estimated bloom dates for around 1,000 cherry blossom destinations across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south.
So what does the latest forecast reveal for the Kansai region?
In Osaka, cherry blossoms are predicted to begin flowering on March 24, with trees reaching full bloom (known as mankai) around March 31.
Kyoto will most likely see its sakura bloom a day earlier than Osaka, at around March 23, but reaching full bloom a day later, on April 1. That’s roughly three days earlier than average.
Elsewhere in Kansai, the outlook is similar
In Nara, flowering is expected to start around March 24, with full bloom happening around March 31.
In Wakayama, cherry blossoms will most likely emerge on March 26 and reach their peak on April 3.
Kobe, on the other hand, will see its first blossoms on March 27, with full bloom expected around April 3.
As always, this is just a forecast. Actual blooming dates may change depending on weather patterns. We’ll keep you informed when JMC releases its next update on March 19.
With less than two weeks to go until cherry blossom season, it's time to start planning your spring trip with our two sakura guides: the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Osaka, and the best cherry blossom events and illuminations in Kyoto.
This article was first published on December 19 and updated on March 12.
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