SINGAPORE (CNA) – In anticipation of the cherished cherry blossom season in Japan, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) announced its forecast, outlining the expected dates and locations for the blossoms to emerge.
The JMC on Wednesday said that it has estimated the flowering and full bloom dates for Yoshino cherry trees in approximately 1,000 cherry blossom viewing locations
In March 2023, Japan experienced a significant surge in visitor numbers, reaching the highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This uptick was attributed to people eagerly venturing out to witness cherry blossoms, marking the first time after the relaxation of travel restrictions.
As reported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the combined number of foreign visitors for both business and leisure reached 1.82 million in March, a notable increase from the 1.48 million recorded the previous month.
For those contemplating a springtime journey to Japan to witness the beloved cherry blossoms, here are some key dates to bear in mind.
The first flowers of 2024 will appear in Kochi on March 18, according to JMC, with full bloom being reached on March 26.
On March 21, the blossoms will appear in Fukuoka and Nagoya, with full bloom on March 30 and March 31 respectively.
Tourists will only be able to catch a glimpse of the pink petals in Tokyo on March 23, with full bloom anticipated on March 30.
In Kyoto and Osaka, trees are predicted to begin flowering on March 23 and March 25 respectively. Cherry blossoms in both cities are expected to be in full bloom on April 1.
Sapporo, meanwhile, will have to wait until May 2, with full bloom in the capital of the Hokkaido region expected on May 6.
“The flowering and full bloom dates of cherry blossoms depend on the temperature patterns from autumn of the preceding year,” said JMC on its website, noting that the buds of the flower are formed during the summer of the year before.
“Buds do not start growing as soon as they are formed; they first enter a period of dormancy,” the agency added.
JMC said that the estimated flowering and full bloom dates for cherry blossoms are “based on low temperatures during autumn and winter, cherry tree growth status, cumulative temperatures and past data for each area”.
Its next cherry blossom update will be released on January 25.
