Cherry Blossom Season Expected to Start on March 21 in Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season will begin on March 21 in Tokyo and Miyazaki, with warm weather aiding in blooming. The forecast, based on extensive data collection, indicates key locations will see blossoms by specific dates. Full blooms are expected to align with or slightly exceed average timelines, influenced by temperatures during the season.

Japan’s cherry blossom season is anticipated to commence on March 21, particularly in Tokyo and Miyazaki Prefecture, thanks to favorable warm weather predicted for late March that should hasten blooming across the nation. This forecast, announced by private weather firm Weathernews, is founded on a comprehensive analysis of over 2 million cherry blossom reports from users, surveys from 1,200 renowned viewing locations, and temperature assessments.

Key locations set to see initial blossoms include:
– Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Prefecture: March 22
– Ueno Park, Tokyo: March 22
– Kochi Park, Kochi Prefecture: March 22
– Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture: March 28
– Hirosaki Park, Aomori Prefecture: April 18.

Regions such as Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kochi, Yokohama, and Kumamoto are also projected to experience blossoms starting from March 22, with an overall gradual blooming expected across western and eastern Japan through late March. The Tohoku area is likely to see blossoms emerge by early April, while Hokkaido will begin its blossoming in Hakodate on April 22, extending throughout the island until early May.

Blossoms are predicted to reach full bloom at a rate similar to or marginally more rapid than typical years in both western and eastern Japan. Meanwhile, the Tohoku region, where buds have yet to appear, is expected to experience peak blooming approximately five days post-opening, which is earlier than the usual timeline.

Temperature increases will correlate with the speed of blooming; thus far, average temperatures are expected in western Japan and above average in eastern segments by late March. For the Tohoku region, the upcoming prediction of above-average temperatures from late March to May indicates a timeline for blooming that deviates from the norm.

Weathernews plans to publish an updated cherry blossom forecast on March 12.

In conclusion, the cherry blossom season in Japan is set to begin on March 21, with significant blossoms predicted in various regions through late March and early April. Temperature forecasts suggest that blooming will be expedited in favorable areas. Weathernews will provide further updates as the season progresses, ensuring enthusiasts can plan accordingly.

Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp