Cherry Blossoms Begin To Bloom Across Japan

As the cherry blossom season unfolds across Japan, the beauty of the Someiyoshino variety is captivating residents and visitors alike. On March 28, 2025, the blossoms are nearly in full bloom in various locations, signaling the arrival of spring.

In the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the cherry blossoms have flourished due to the recent warmth, with the Someiyoshino trees almost fully blooming. According to reports, some late-blooming trees are expected to remain beautiful until around April 4, 2025. This year, the cherry blossom declaration in Tokyo was made on March 24, coinciding with the average bloom date, but notably five days earlier than last year.

Visitors to Shinjuku Gyoen can enjoy a wide array of cherry blossom varieties. The double cherry blossoms, including C. x yedoensis 'Plena' and C. serrulata Sekiyama, are also starting to bloom, adding to the garden's appeal. Popular double cherry varieties such as Ichiyo, Ukon, and Gyoiko are budding and anticipated to bloom soon, likely within the upcoming week.

In addition to Shinjuku, the cherry blossom scene is vibrant in Higashikurume and Kiyose. Reports from March 28 indicate that Sakura no Koen in Higashikurume is about 30-40% in bloom. This park is set to disappear by the end of fiscal year 2026 due to the city's urban road project, making this bloom particularly poignant for local residents. Nearby, Someiyoshino trees along the Kurome River promenade are about 20% in bloom, while the railroad crossing near Higashikurume Station boasts a more advanced bloom at 70-80%.

In Kiyose, the Mikumaharunotakishidarezakura in Kiyose Kinuyama Ryokuchi Park is nearly in full bloom, attracting many visitors eager to witness the spectacle. The park's beauty is enhanced by the presence of dozens of stalls along the Yanase River, offering food and festivities for those enjoying the cherry blossoms.

On the other hand, Kamichiba Suna Harakogane Park in Katsushika has displayed a more mixed bloom, with about 30% of the trees in bloom as of March 27. Some trees are already in full bloom, while many others are still budding. This park is popular among families, featuring a petting zoo and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for hanami picnics.

As the cherry blossom forecast for 2025 suggests, the bloom is expected to be about average to slightly late in western and eastern Japan, while northern Japan may experience slightly earlier blooms. In Kumamoto, for instance, the cherry blossoms are already in full bloom, which is four days earlier than average and five days earlier than last year.

With the cherry blossoms set to reach full bloom in various locations, including Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo on March 30, 2025, and Arashiyama in Kyoto on April 4, the season is shaping up to be a spectacular one. The blooming period is not only a visual delight but also a cultural celebration, as people gather under the trees to enjoy food, drinks, and the company of friends and family.

As the weather warms up, the cherry blossoms are expected to flourish further, though there are concerns about potential cold snaps that could affect the blooms. The Meteorological Agency has noted that while this week has seen unusually warm weather, the following week may bring cooler temperatures, potentially slowing the growth of the blossoms.

In summary, the cherry blossom season in Japan is a time of beauty and celebration, with various locations experiencing different stages of bloom. The Someiyoshino trees are at the forefront of this seasonal spectacle, drawing crowds eager to partake in the traditional hanami festivities. As the blossoms continue to unfold, the anticipation for full bloom heightens, promising a breathtaking display of nature's beauty.