Early sakura hotspots
If you want the first blooms now, Kochi, Gifu and Yamanashi are already reporting vibrant cherry blossoms — good early-season options before Tokyo peaks. These provinces are being recommended for photographers and quieter hanami away from capital crowds. (travelandtourworld.com) (weathernationtv.com)
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s official observation points recorded first blooms in Kofu (Yamanashi), Gifu and Kochi on March 16–17, 2026, with “first bloom” defined as five to six open flowers on the sample tree. (japannews.yomiuri.co.jp) Kofu’s sample tree produced the earliest recorded bloom since records began in 1953, arriving 10 days earlier than the historical average and nine days earlier than in 2025. (bernama.com) A Somei‑yoshino specimen at Kochi Castle was photographed in flower on March 16, and local observatories said full bloom there is likely about one week after first bloom; southern Gifu’s forecast window for full bloom is March 21–31. (article.wn.com) Yamanashi’s detailed forecasts show variation by spot: Kofu’s urban observation point has opened, while Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) is projected to flower around April 2 with full bloom near April 9. (isfujivisible.com) Tokyo’s forecasted flowering date for 2026 was issued as March 19 with a projected full‑bloom around March 28 by meteorological forecasters, placing the Kofu/Gifu/Kochi observations ahead of Tokyo’s expected peak. (japanspecialist.com) Forecasters attribute the early timing to a warmer‑than‑average February and drier conditions across central Japan that accelerated bud development, according to Japan Meteorological Corporation updates and Kyodo reporting. (nippon.com) Photographers seeking early, quieter hanami should note that while urban sample trees in Kofu and Kochi are open now, classic postcard locations near Mount Fuji and some lakeside sites in Yamanashi are not forecast to peak until early to mid‑April. (isfujivisible.com)
