Tokyo’s Sakura Starts Today
Japan’s Meteorological Agency confirmed Tokyo’s cherry blossom season began March 19, with full bloom expected in about a week to 10 days—Ueno Park remains a classic hanami spot. ( )
The sample Somei‑Yoshino at Yasukuni Shrine now shows more than 60 open flowers, far above the five‑to‑six blooms the agency requires to declare the season’s start. (timeout.com) The official thresholds used by meteorological observers are five–six open blossoms to mark “flowering” (kaika) and roughly 80% of buds open to mark “full bloom” (mankai). (nippon.com) The Japan Meteorological Corporation’s 8th forecast issued in March estimated Tokyo’s full‑bloom window for late March, with some forecast products centering on March 28; other media forecasts cluster peak dates between March 28 and March 30. (n-kishou.com) Local meteorologists noted this year’s flowering in Tokyo began about five days earlier than the long‑term average and earlier than in 2025. (japannews.yomiuri.co.jp) Ueno Park’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival typically runs in late March to early April and features an illuminated avenue with about 800 hanging lanterns along the main path during the festival period. (gotokyo.org) The Tokyo Metropolitan Park office posted the park’s 2026 “hanami rules” and event information in early March, including notices about permitted activities and event schedules for Ueno Park. (kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp) Travel and tourism outlets are already flagging an earlier than average bloom as likely to concentrate crowds and boost spring travel demand, with several forecasts advising visitors to target the final week of March for Tokyo viewing. (msn.com)
