Cherry blossoms jumped early
Japan’s sakura season kicked off unusually early — first blooms were reported in Kochi, Gifu and Yamanashi and the season is moving northward ( ). Tokyo’s cherry‑blossom window is forecast to start around March 21, with full bloom roughly a week to ten days later at major spots like Ueno Park and Sumida Park ( ).
Benchmark observation trees across Japan registered the official “first flowering” for Somei Yoshino on March 16, 2026, marking the formal start of this year’s sakura season. (nippon.com) Kōfu’s benchmark tree produced its earliest recorded opening since observations began in 1953, arriving nine days earlier than in 2025 and about ten days ahead of the long‑term average. (japannews.yomiuri.co.jp) The Japan Meteorological Corporation’s eighth forecast (issued March 12) projected Somei Yoshino flowering in Tokyo around March 19 with full bloom near March 26, and the JMC has committed to twice‑weekly updates as weather evolves. (n-kishou.com) Official observation rules designate “first flowering” when five to six blossoms open on the benchmark tree and “full bloom” (mankai) when roughly 80% of that sample tree’s buds have opened. (nippon.com) Regional forecast maps from JMC and independent trackers place Kyoto and Nagoya in the late‑March window for peak viewing while Hokkaido cities such as Sapporo are pushed into late April for first and full bloom. (sakura.weathermap.jp) Forecasters point to a warmer February and intermittent cold spells that prevented a long dormancy, coupled with dry conditions and early sunshine, as the meteorological drivers behind the accelerated bud development this season. (sakura.weathermap.jp)
