Japan Guide has come out with their 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast. Good luck all in your timing!

https://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/

Aloha!

If I'm not trying to chase cherry blossoms, which would be the better time to visit Kanazawa, Takayama, and various towns in Gifu prefecture?

Mid-late April for spring festivals and flowers but cooler weather and possibly more crowds?

or

Mid-late May after Golden Week with possibly warmer temperatures?

(I'm thinking ahead to 2027)

I would say mid-May. Warmer and green. Flowers, like the peony in Hama Rikyu garden. Kenrokuen. Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo. Kamogawa Odori in Pontocho, Kyoto. Late May would be good as it is still before the rain in June.

Mid-April if you are interested in the Takayama Matsuri and/or Miyako Odori in Gion, Kyoto. I think sakura would be out in Takayama around that time, but still might be buds at festival time, IIRC.

I am a big fan to see cherry blossom in Japan, but not got a chance to visit there.

Last year, I got a chance to see Apricot Blossom in Ladakh in month of April when I was guiding a group on Ladakh Motorcycle Trip.

We plan to land in Tokyo 4/7 and will stay south and see what we can in Kyoto thru Tokyo region. No worries though as we have seen all these venues in full bloom many times before. Our main goal (hope) is to see a full bloom along the Hinokinaigawa later on in the month. MrW, you planning any blossom peeping this year?

Aloha!

No, ht, but am flying to HNL on Saturday for 5 nights at Hyatt Regency.

Lets gtg for a dinner if you're available? I will email you.

Aloha!

When flying on Japan Airlines, behave yourself. Here is their policy regarding kasu hara (customer harassment).
JAL Group Basic Policy on Customer Harassment | Sustainability | JAPAN AIRLINES Corporate Information

Hotels have similar policies.


The ryokan in Yufuin had a lounge area with a self-service bar.

On the table was this sign:

It was good to see you again at dinner the other night mrwnrfl! We need to do again sometime sooner than later..maybe in NZ
I will try to restrain Mrs HT on our first JAL flight but you know how she is lol. She sends her Aloha btw.

Aloha!

I'm a fan of Cherry Blossom, something about it is calming to me, I hope I get to visit next year

When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan? And if I want to take photos, what would you recommend wearing?

1. See the link I left

2. Red