You
probably already know that the cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan‘s unofficial national flower. *smile*
Well, there are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most
of which bloom for just a couple of days in the spring so technically, you’ll
have to be at the right place at the right time since the blooming period doesn’t
last for very long! Haha.

This year especially, because temperatures in February and
March were above average in most parts of Japan, the cherry blossoms are
opening several days ahead of their average schedule! *smile* Well it seems
that temperatures, rain and wind can have a strong effect on the process of the
season and can for example, delay or shorten it considerably. Well if you’re
planning a trip to Japan
specifically to check out the cherry blossoms, this schedule might help *wink*:

 

Location
(Estimated Best Viewing)

Tokyo Opened March 21 (March 27 to April
6)

Kyoto Opened March 19 (March 26 to April
5)

Niigata April 5 (April 10 to 18)

Nagano April 6 (April 11 to 19)

Kanazawa March 29 (April 3 to 11)

Nagoya Opened March 19 (March 26 to April
5)

Osaka Opened March 24 (March 30 to April
9)

Nara Opened March 23 (March 29 to April

Hiroshima Opened March 22 (March 28 to April
7)

Fukuoka Opened March 13 (March 23 to April
1)

Kumamoto Opened March 16 (March 23 to April
1)

Kagoshima Opened March 19 (March 26 to April 5)