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This year’s on-and-off temperatures have had us second-guessing when sakura season would actually begin. But after all that waiting, we can finally say it: cherry blossom season is here.
On Thursday March 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially announced the start of the 2026 sakura season in Tokyo. The call was made based on the sample somei-yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine, which now has more than 60 blossoms open – well above the five to six flowers required to declare the official start.
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This year’s bloom comes five days earlier than last year’s, thanks in part to recent warm weather, which is expected to continue through the season.
Tokyo isn’t the only region seeing an early start to sakura season. First bloom was already announced in other parts of Japan earlier this week, including Gifu, Kochi, Kofu and Nagoya. The rest of the country is expected to follow over the long weekend. As for full bloom, the agency predicts Tokyo will reach peak sakura around Wednesday March 25.
Looking to make the most of the 2026 cherry blossom season in Tokyo? We have all the guides you’ll need right here:
- 18 best places to see sakura in Tokyo
- 16 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo
- 20 best cherry blossom festivals and events in Tokyo
- 21 cherry blossom desserts and drinks to try in Tokyo
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