The highly anticipated time of year has arrived—the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has released the first round of projected sakura blooming dates for the spring season. These dates will be revised several times before the blooms actually appear to provide increasingly accurate predictions, but this is the initial forecast for those looking to plan ahead.
What goes into the calculations?
The Japan Meteorological Corporation uses a specialized method for forecasting sakura blooming dates, taking into account factors like temperatures during autumn and winter, cherry tree growth, cumulative temperatures, and historical data from the region. This data is then applied to estimate both the flowering and full bloom dates for each area.
Using technology to keep updated
The Sakura Navi app is useful for cherry blossom enthusiasts, since it provides real-time information on sakura flowering and full bloom forecasts across Japan. The app tracks the progress of cherry blossoms through its "Flowering Meter," which allows users to monitor blooming stages in various locations. It also offers several fun and interactive features, such as a notification system which alerts you when you're near a cherry blossom viewing spot, and a "Stamp Card" feature, where you can record and keep track of the spots you've visited. The app is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.
Since sakura season is one of the most popular times of year for travel in Japan, it's always helpful to plan ahead—especially with regards to booking accommodation. While these estimated dates may fluctuate as the JMC refines them closer to the season, they serve as a useful starting point for starting to solidify your springtime plans. We will endeavor to update this article with newer information as it is released.
