Seasonal News: Cherry Blossom Forecast
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Best Time for Viewing Cherry Blossoms by Weather Forecasters

From January to April every year, Japan Weather Association (JWA) announces the cherry blossom forecast for various locations around Japan. The forecast of the dates when cherry blossoms will bloom is released on the Cherry Blossom Forecast page of the dedicated weather forecast website “tenki.jp.”

Cherry Blossoms and Viewing Party

Somei-yoshino is a species of cherry tree that is planted throughout Japan and is one of the most commonly seen trees in the country. Blooming begins in late March at the lower altitudes of Kyushu and Shikoku, and gradually moves to Honshu, Hokkaido and higher altitudes through to April. When cherry blossoms are in bloom, many people have a party under the trees called “hanami” and enjoy food and looking at the scenery to celebrate the arrival of spring.

How They Bloom

When the flowers bloom largely depends on the temperatures from the fall in the previous year to spring. Cherry blossom buds are formed in summer and then become dormant. When they are exposed to low temperatures for a certain period of time in winter, the buds awake from dormancy. This is called “dormancy breaking.” The awakened buds grow and unfold as the temperature rises. It is considered that the higher the temperature, the faster the growth of the buds and the earlier they bloom.

Schedule of Forecast Announcement

JWA announces only the forecast of the blooming date until the end of February and the forecast of the blooming and full bloom dates from March onward. The first day when at least five to six flowers on the designated sample tree are in bloom is regarded as the blooming date and the first day when at least 80% of the buds unfold as the date of full bloom.

Data Used for Forecasting

JWA refers to the trends in the temperature since autumn of the previous year, which has a significant influence on the growth of buds, and uses its own formula for forecasting as well as the following data:

1. Observed temperatures from the fall of the previous year to the day before the forecast is made
2. Expected temperatures from the day when the forecast is made to the flowering period (JWA’s pinpoint forecast and long-term forecast)

How to access the Cherry Blossom Forecast information

Information on the cherry blossom forecast and flowering status of viewing spots throughout Japan are released on JWA’s dedicated weather forecast website “tenki.jp” free of charge.

For PCs: Here
For tablets and smartphones: Here

Corporate use of Cherry Blossom Forecast information

Cherry blossoms and their blooming are a seasonal phenomenon of Japan which we would like the world to enjoy. If you have any questions about the use of this information by an overseas corporation, fill in the inquiry form. The person in charge will immediately inform you of how it can be used.