2024 cherry blossom calendar 2024年桜の開花

The 2025 cherry blossom calendar will not be known until February 2025.
However, flowering dates will definitely be close to 2024.

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Each spring, nature awakens, offering the stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Japan is especially renowned for its Hanami festival (花見, literally "flower viewing"). This tradition brings together families and friends under blooming cherry trees to picnic, drink sake, and celebrate.

2024 Sakura Bloom Calendar: Hanami Season

This year’s forecasts are generally on par with the average, though some areas may see a slight delay compared to previous years.

The 2024 calendar estimates the start and peak bloom dates of cherry trees based on data from over 1,000 trees across Japan. The map below shows the start time of flowering as of March 14, 2024.

Below is a table showing the predicted dates for various cities. This year’s forecasts are generally on par with the average, though some areas may see a slight delay compared to previous years.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in Japan from late March to early May, you’ll have ample opportunities to witness the sakura blossoms.

The History of Sakura and Hanami

Want to learn more? Here's a brief history of sakura and the Hanami festival, which has evolved over the centuries.

Origin of the Word "Sakura"

The term "Sakura" first appeared in a collection of Japanese poems called "Manyôshû," dating back to the Nara period (710-794). In ancient Japanese, "sakura" was composed of two parts: "sa," referring to the god of rice, and "kura," meaning the place where the god resides. Thus, the original meaning of "Sakura" was "the place where the rice god resides."

The blossoming of these trees symbolized the descent of the rice god from the mountains, marking the beginning of the rice planting season. Today, "Sakura" is represented by the kanji "桜," meaning "Japanese cherry tree."

The Origin of the Hanami Festival

The origin of the word "Hanami" (花見) is more intricate. While it broadly means "flower viewing," it wasn’t initially specific to cherry blossoms. This tradition was likely imported from China during the Nara period (710-794), when Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese culture and traditions.

In early April, aristocrats of the imperial court would gather by the water to play a game called "kyokusui no utage" (曲水の宴 / "Feast of the Meandering Stream"). They would read poems while sipping sake from floating cups. 

At that time, only plum and peach blossoms were admired for their pink flowers, while Japanese cherry trees were considered ordinary, merely signaling the start of the rice planting season.

During the Heian period (794-1185), Japan became more inward-looking and began to appreciate Japanese cherry trees, which have whiter flowers than peaches. This also served as a way to distinguish Japan from China, whose emblem was the peach blossom.

In the spring of 812, Japanese Emperor Saga (786-842) organized the first cherry blossom viewing party at Kyomizu Temple in Kyoto, marking the birth of the Hanami festival. This event was documented, allowing the evolution of cherry blossom viewing to be traced to the present day.

By 831, the Hanami festival had become an annual event at the imperial court, eventually spreading to the samurai class.

It wasn't until the Edo period (1603-1868) that Hanami became popular among the general public, and the grand cherry tree avenues we know today began to appear across the country. Every spring, people would gather to eat, drink, and celebrate under the blossoms. Cherry trees became a central theme in "rakugo," popular short stories that the public adored.

Today, the Japanese continue this beloved tradition, celebrating under the cherry blossoms with sake in hand. The most cherished time is at the start of the bloom when picnic spots are quickly claimed!