Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026 & Festivals in Mt. Fuji Area

We are pleased to announce the eagerly awaited Cherry Blossom Forecast 2026. While March to April marks  the peak of cherry blossom (Sakura in Japanese) season in most parts of Japan, Sakura begins in Okinawa,  Japan’s southernmost prefecture, and gradually makes its way north to Hokkaido prefecture. This means  Sakura isn’t limited to just the famous spots—it can be enjoyed across almost the entire country, often with  fewer crowds at certain locations.  

Hokkaido lasts bloom up to May and offers its own enchanting floral displays, with fields of vibrant moss  pink—known in Japan as “Shiba Sakura” for its resemblance to cherry blossoms creating a breathtaking  atmosphere. The peak season for moss pink is in May, offering visitors a spectacular sight. Later in summer,  from July onward, Hokkaido’s famous lavender fields add their own charm to the landscape. In Okinawa,  cherry blossoms typically begin to bloom as early as February. Sakura in Okinawa possesses a unique charm  against the backdrop of turquoise seas and lush greenery. During this time visitors can enjoy a more tranquil  experience, free from the crowds that inundate popular Sakura viewing spots elsewhere. Cherry blossom  

festivals are celebrated in parks, castles, and riversides across Japan. For travelers seeking to  experience Japan's Sakura beauty without the crowds, here are the few quick links: 

1. Okinawa - Cherry Blossom Spots  

2. Hokkaido - See Them Bloom in 4 Hokkaido Spots  

3. Tohoku – Cherry Blossom  

4. Tochigi - Nikko Kaido Cherry Blossom Trail  

5. Nara - Yoshino Cherry Blossoms  

6. Hiroshima – Cherry Blossom viewing on Mt. Noro  

Cherry Blossom Festivals in Mount Fuji area 茇茈  

 [Partner’s Information:Fuji Kyuko Co., Ltd.] 

o Sagamiko Sakura (~27thFeb – 12thApril): A blend of tradition and fun with about 2,000 cherry  blossom trees inside Sagamiko Mori Mori Amusement Park, with free yukata rentals and newly  opened attractions like Magical Wave and Aosora Pedal for everyone to enjoy. Ferris wheel on  mountaintop and mini roller coaster are in the amusement zone; the outdoor zone has camping  spaces as well with BBQ facilities.  

o Fuji Shibasakura (~ 11thApril – 24thMay): Located near Lake Motosu, Fuji Shibasakura is famous for a  flower variety called pink moss. When fully in bloom, over 800,000 pink moss plants create the effect  of a vast pink carpet, offering a breathtaking contrast with the view of Mount Fuji—an unforgettable  sight unlike anywhere else.  

o Minobu Sakura (~Early April – Late April): Experience the sacred atmosphere of Kuonji Temple, an  ancient temple over 800 years old. The cherry blossoms that grow in the Minobu mountain area are  mainly Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossoms), also known as banyan style. The temple was  founded by Nichiren, the first person to introduce Theravada Buddhism to Japan. Nichiren’s grave and  two sacred pine trees for making wishes are located higher up the mountain. Visitors can take a  ropeway to the viewpoint and prayer area, which takes only 7 minutes.  

About Japan National Tourism Organization: 

Affiliated with the Japan Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, JNTO  has effectively functioned as the Japanese government bureau of tourism. It has 26 tourism-promotion oriented offices across the world and a large network of suppliers for tourism and event services in Japan. 

JNTO Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/in/