The weather has been unpredictable lately, so much so that it's affecting the blooming timeline of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Initially, the warmer temperatures at the start of March indicated that the sakura in Tokyo would be blooming around the same time as last year, give or take a couple of days' difference. Then, when we got closer to mid March, reports from weather experts forecast that blooming would start around the March 23-24 weekend. As most of us found out in the last few days, the sakura trees in the city still looked barren and lifeless.
Tokyo's weather took an unexpected chilly turn last week, with a sudden cold wave sweeping city, along with regular bouts of rain. According to several weather forecast services, this has caused a delay in the flowers, as the temperates are just not warm enough for the buds to unveil their pretty pink petals.
For many of us who were expecting to see the blooms already, this is certainly disappointing news. However, several weather reports are now predicting that cherry blossoms will bloom within the next few days. Weather News now puts the latest blooming date as Friday March 29 while Weather Map predicts that sakura will arrive on Wednesday March 27. If this is the case, then next weekend (April 5-7) could be the best time to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms at their peak bloom.
In the mean time, start planning your sakura outings with our ultimate cherry blossom guide to Tokyo – so that you're ready to go when the flowers do eventually bloom.
- 17 best places to see sakura in Tokyo
- 13 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo
- 19 best cherry blossom festivals and events in Tokyo
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