See Early Cherry Blossoms in Japan Before March 2026

Japan's dazzling cherry blossom season often comes with a touch of regret: it's so fleeting, and frustration over higher prices and overwhelming crowds. But why not take a different approach? By seeking out special early-blooming varieties, you can bring your cherry blossom trip to Japan forward, perhaps even pairing delicate pink petals with a soft, lingering snow.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2026

Japan's cherry blossom season typically lasts from late March to early April (also known as the peak season), when most of Honshu Island (including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) turns to its romantic pink. However, thanks to Japan's long stretch from north to south, the cherry blossom season can also include early and late seasons.

Japan's Cherry Blossom Season	Duration	Destinations
Early cherry blossom season	February to early March	Okinawa, Izu Peninsula
Peak cherry blossom season	Late March to early April	Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku
Late cherry blossom season	Mid-April to Mid-May	Tohoku, Hokkaido

Early Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Influenced by its geographic location, warmer temperatures mean cherry blossoms can bloom earlier in southern Japan, especially in the southernmost Okinawa Islands, on an unexpected date around January.

Meanwhile, in central Japan, certain cold-hardy varieties, planted around the Izu Peninsula and Atami, are known to flower before the official start of spring.

Japan's Peak Cherry Blossom Season

As late March approaches, rising temperatures trigger widespread cherry blossom blooms across Japan, starting in Kyushu and gradually extending north through Shikoku and central Honshu.

Late Sakura Season in Japan

Farther north, cooler climates in Tohoku and Hokkaido delay the spring season around mid-April, offering another ideal cherry blossom season in northern Japan that can last into May.

Is It Worth Seeing Early Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Absolutely yes if you are looking for a quieter flower viewing environment, a more relaxing pace, and a well-balanced mix between the blossom scenery and prices.

The early-blooming season usually appears from February to early March, the shoulder season when accommodation and flight prices are often lower, and popular spots feel less rushed.

Most importantly, it's no less charming: you can still catch those cherry blossom festivals blooming with the early and deeper-colored sakura, and with winter scenery lingering nearby, you can even combine a late-season ski with early blossoms.

Note: Temperatures may be on the rise, but the weather during the early cherry blossom season often comes with a lingering coolness (about 12℃, 54℉). While it's not nearly as harsh as winter, staying warm is still important when heading out for cherry blossom viewing, especially for senior and family visitors with kids.

What Cherry Blossoms to See in Japan Before March

When it comes to early cherry blossoms in Japan, Kawazuzakura is usually the easiest and most rewarding choice in central Japan. Its trees bloom densely, creating scenes that feel closest to the famous Yoshino cherry blossoms seen during peak season.

Kanzakura blooms earlier and is more cold-tolerant is usually planted in smaller numbers and scattered locations. And Kanhizakura blooms only slightly earlier than in the main season, especially outside Japan's warmer southern regions.

In general, focusing on Kawazuzakura spots if you prefer to enjoy early sakura without missing out on visual impact.

Kawazuzakura in Early February

What are the Early Cherry Species in Japan

• Kawazuzakura (from early February to early March) is the most common early-blooming cherry blossom in Japan. The flowers are large, deep pink, and stay in bloom for nearly a full month.
• Kanzakura (from late January to February) is a winter-blooming cherry variety, usually appearing in soft pink slightly lighter than Kawazuzakura, and often blooms while winter scenery remains.
• Kanhizakura (from late January to February) is common in southern Japan, especially in Okinawa. It offers a bold, exotic look with dark pink to reddish, bell-shaped flowers that hang downward rather than opening flat.

Where to See the Early Cherry Blossoms (Kawazuzakura)

Kawazu

• Best Time to Visit: from early February to early March
• Best for: cherry blossom festival, first-time visitors
• Location: Kamo District, Shizuoka (Izu Peninsula, about a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo)

Kawazu is one of Japan's most iconic early cherry blossom viewing spots. Just as the name suggests, it is the place where the Kawazuzakura was first planted, from the central town to the Kawazu River banks, stretching about 4 kilometers to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls.

Paired with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival along the banks from early February to early March, Kawazu has the longest viewing period and the best atmosphere, with relaxing riverside walks and various food stalls.

Early Cherry Blossoms in Kawazu

Atami

• Best Time to Visit: from late January to February
• Best for: hot spring experience, couples, family & senior visitors
• Location: Shizuoka (Izu Peninsula, about a 40-minute train ride from Tokyo)

Set against a seaside hot spring town backdrop, Atami's cherry blossoms (also known as its unique Atamizakura species) usually appear a little bit earlier than Kawazu's. And there is not much to worry about the early-season chill with the easy combination of a local onsen stay, making Atami better suited to family visits or senior-friendly trips.

Located along the Tokaido Shinkansen, Atami is much easier to get to from Tokyo (about a 40-minute train ride). Also, the compact scale in Atami makes the mix of ocean views and blossoms quite easy for a short visit.

Tokyo

• Best Time to Visit: from early February to early March
• Best for: early cherry blossoms with city sightseeing

While Tokyo's peak cherry blossom season in late March and early April may be the most memorable, it's worth noting that you can also find early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms at select spots around the city.

• Kyunaka River: an ideal place to catch the early sakura with one of the iconic Tokyo landmarks, Tokyo Skytree, as the perfect backdrop.
• Kiba Park: known as one of the earliest places to see, where you can find about a hundred Kawazuzakura trees along the Oyoko River.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: home to more than 60 cherry tree varieties, it is still quite admirable to capture those small but abundant early sakura species.

Other Places to See Early Sakura in Japan

Miura

• Best Time to Visit: from early February to early March
• Best for: couples, cherry blossom festival, family
• Location: Kanagawa (Miura Peninsula, about a 1.5-hour train ride from Tokyo)

Where you can see a thousand kawazu cherry trees along the railroad from Miurakaigan Station to Komatsugaike Park, features a well-balanced combination of the lively city views and the blooming spring blossoms, especially when standing on the overpass nearby, catching the cherry blossoms and passing trains above.

Or, join the leisure stroll with locals beneath the flowery branches, and sample those authentic delicacies at those street stalls at your relaxing pace.

Okinawa

• Best Time to Visit: from late January to February
• Best for: warm weather, adventurers

The warmer and sunny Okinawa is the earliest cherry blossom region in Japan, with Kanhizakura blooming as early as mid-January. The deep pink, bell-shaped flowers and subtropical climate create a look very different from mainland sakura.

If you like, whale watching can also be combined as an extra experience during your early cherry blossom watching in Okinawa.

Early Cherry Blossoms in Okinawa

Nebukawa

• Best Time to Visit: from late February to March
• Best for: quiet seekers, family visitors
• Location: about 10-20 minutes by train from Odawara Station

If you are looking for somewhere quieter and less commercial, Nebukawa in Odawara (close to Hakone, about 1.5 h by train from Tokyo) offers its dramatic cliffside views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with early-blooming Okame cherry blossoms typically appearing in late February.

Nebukawa is also more recommended for family visitors with kids, with the nearby mushroom farm opening the picking experience for more spring fun.

Matsuda

• Best Time to Visit: from late February to March
• Best for: Mt. Fuji viewing, short hike, festival, and family visitors
• Location: about 20-30 minutes by train from Odawara Station

Paired with bright yellow rapeseed flowers, the spring colors in Matsuda are more than pink and white. You can take a short hike to the hillside park here, which offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Food stalls are bustling with fresh fruit and vegetables during the Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival from late February to early March. If possible, consider one night stay around to capture the night sakura illumination.

Sample Itinerary to See Early Sakura in Japan

To enjoy the early cherry blossoms in Japan, below is a 10 to 14-day itinerary for your reference, mainly focusing on the early sakura blossoms in and around Tokyo and the Izu Peninsula.

Route: Tokyo → Mt. Fuji → Odawara → Atami → Kawazu → Kyoto → Osaka

Day 1-2 Tokyo

Enter Japan through Tokyo, where you can check off the city's iconic landmarks while adding one or two early cherry blossom spots to your itinerary.

If you're traveling with family or seniors, or simply want to take advantage of the quieter shoulder season, consider extending your stay in Tokyo by one or two extra days for a more relaxed pace.

Day 3 Mt. Fuji

Next, head to the Kawaguchiko area for a Mount Fuji day trip, taking in views of Japan's most famous peak before returning to Odawara for the night.

Day 4-6 Odawara

From Odawara, spend a full day exploring Hakone, then continue to visit one or two nearby early cherry blossom locations, such as Nebukawa or Matsuda, the next day. If you're looking to lean further into the early spring atmosphere, extending your stay in Odawara allows time to explore additional spots in the area.

Day 7-8 Atami

Your journey then continues southward along the Izu Peninsula. Plan to stay one or two nights in Atami, where early-blooming cherry blossoms pair beautifully with the town's famous hot springs.

Day 9-10 Kawazu

On the following day, travel to Kawazu to join locals at the lively Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, one of Japan's most celebrated early sakura events.

Day 11-14 Kyoto & Osaka

Afterward, return to Odawara. If time allows, or if you're eager to experience more of Japan, you can continue on to Kyoto, ending your trip in Osaka for your return flight.

If you feel content with what you've seen, simply head back to Tokyo for some free exploration before heading home.