Finally – the most anticipated season of the year has arrived! Following an unusually warm weekend in the capital, the Japan Meteorological Agency has officially announced that the 2025 cherry blossom season has begun in Tokyo.
Just this afternoon, the agency observed that six cherry blossom buds have opened up on Tokyo's official sakura sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine. This long-standing somei-yoshino cherry blossom tree serves as the official marker for forecasting and declaring the start of Tokyo’s sakura season each year. You can find more details on this methodology through the Japan Meteorological Agency (in Japanese only).
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This year’s cherry blossom season began five days earlier than last year, with last year’s bloom having been delayed due to cooler temperatures. According to the agency, the somei-yoshino blossoms are expected to reach full bloom across the capital in about a week.
Looking to make the most of the 2025 cherry blossom season in Tokyo? We have all the guides you’ll need right here:
- 17 best places to see sakura in Tokyo
- 14 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo
- 19 best cherry blossom festivals and events in Tokyo
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