Experience Japan during its world-famous cherry blossom season.
Every spring, Japan slows down for something truly special. Cherry blossom season is not just about flowers; it is about timing, beauty, and being present in a fleeting moment. In 2026, the blossoms are expected to begin opening from late March and travel north through April, creating a graceful wave of soft pink across the country. For discerning travellers, this is one of the most elegant times to experience Japan — when nature itself becomes the finest backdrop.
2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast and When to Travel
The bloom is expected to begin around March 21–22 in cities such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Nagoya, with peak viewing in late March. In Kyoto and Osaka, blossoms are expected to open around March 25 and reach their peak in early April.
Further north, Kanazawa may begin around March 31, while Sendai is expected from April 4. The season arrives later in Aomori and Hokkaido, typically from mid to late April. For luxury travellers, this northward journey offers the rare opportunity to “follow the bloom” by private jet or first-class rail, extending the experience across regions at a relaxed pace.
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Tokyo in Bloom with Exclusive Access
In Tokyo, cherry blossom season blends tradition with modern elegance. While Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are iconic, premium travellers often prefer early morning private guided walks before public hours, when the gardens feel almost personal.
Along the Meguro River, select fine dining restaurants offer limited blossom-viewing tables during the evening light-ups. For a more private setting, a chauffeured drive to Chidorigafuchi with a reserved boat experience on the moat allows you to admire the blossoms away from the crowds. Bespoke experiences, such as private tea ceremonies overlooking seasonal blooms or rooftop blossom-view dining, elevate the moment beyond sightseeing.
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Kyoto and Nara with Timeless Grace
There is perhaps no setting more refined during cherry blossom season than Kyoto. The Philosopher's Path is best experienced at sunrise with a local cultural expert who shares stories of old Kyoto. At Maruyama Park, private evening access arranged through select heritage stays offers a peaceful way to admire the illuminated weeping cherry tree.
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Osaka, Kanazawa and the Northern Elegance
In Osaka, private guides can arrange refined strolls through Osaka Castle Park, followed by exclusive dining overlooking illuminated blossoms. In Kanazawa, the celebrated Kenrokuen Garden becomes especially serene when visited with early entry arrangements and curated cultural experiences such as gold leaf workshops or private tea sessions.
Further north in Hokkaido, blossoms at Goryokaku Park can be viewed from exclusive observation decks or scenic helicopter flights. In Sapporo, early May blooms allow travellers to extend their cherry blossom journey in cooler, calmer surroundings, often paired with stays in secluded luxury resorts.
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Experiencing Sakura in Ultimate Comfort
For premium readers, cherry blossom season in Japan is about privacy, comfort, and thoughtful details. It means securing suites with private garden views, arranging after-hours temple visits, enjoying curated cultural encounters, and travelling seamlessly between cities.
The beauty of sakura is brief. Experiencing it with exclusive access and refined planning ensures that the journey feels as rare as the blossoms themselves. In 2026, cherry blossom season is not just a holiday — it is a carefully crafted moment of elegance.
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