Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season—known locally as “Sakura”—is one of the busiest times of the year for business and general aviation travel. With an estimated 63 million visitors traveling domestically and internationally to view the blooms each spring, operators should expect heightened congestion across airports, hotels, and ground services from late March through April 2026.

2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast

According to UME Travel and early meteorological projections, Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom season is expected to follow a classic, balanced pattern. Blooming will begin in southern Japan and gradually move north through April and into early May.

• Kochi: Flowering March 23 | Full bloom March 31
• Fukuoka: Flowering March 27 | Full bloom March 31
• Tokyo: Flowering March 24–30 | Full bloom March 31
• Kyoto: Flowering March 27–29 | Full bloom April 4
• Osaka: Flowering March 27–30 | Full bloom April 3
• Sendai: Flowering early April | Full bloom mid-April
• Sapporo: Flowering April 18–24 | Full bloom late April–early May

This sequence is consistent with traditional seasonal averages, offering operators a more predictable pattern than in recent years. Central Japan should peak in late March, while northern areas such as Hokkaido will extend viewing opportunities into early May.

What’s Different from 2025

The 2026 forecast suggests a smoother, more traditional blooming pattern compared to some of the erratic shifts seen in prior years. Warmer-than-average temperatures in 2024 and 2025 caused earlier blossoms and uneven peak timing, but 2026 looks to align closely with historical norms. This predictability benefits both tourism and aviation scheduling.

The first official 2026 forecast from the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) will be issued in January 2026. Until then, operators can use 2025 data and long-term regional averages as planning references.

Business Aviation Implications

For business aviation operators, cherry blossom season is a high-traffic period that affects airport slot coordination, parking availability, and hotel demand. Universal Aviation Japan reports that the busiest period for 2026 will likely fall between March 29 and April 10, coinciding with full bloom in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

• Peak congestion period: March 29 – April 10 (RJTT, RJAA, RJBB)
• Hotel demand: Highest between March 25 – April 10 across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
• Alternative timing: Mid-March (southern Japan) or late April–May (Hokkaido) for less congestion

Airports and service providers are expected to be at capacity throughout late March and early April. Operators should begin slot, parking, and accommodation arrangements well in advance.

Most Popular Airports

RJTT – Tokyo Haneda Airport

• Slots and parking: Extremely limited during peak bloom; early coordination required.
• Ground handling: Staffing levels may fluctuate; plan for potential service delays.
• Recommendation: Book slots and parking as soon as travel plans are known.

RJAA – Narita International Airport

• Slots: Generally available, though peak demand may restrict flexibility.
• Parking: Limited; advance booking essential.
• Recommendation: Consider RJAA for repositioning or tech stops if RJTT is full.

RJBB – Kansai International Airport (Kyoto/Osaka Access)

• Slots: Usually sufficient, but expect increased demand during late March.
• Parking: Limited stands; secure early reservations.
• Ground services: May be affected by manpower shortages.
• Recommendation: Coordinate services in advance to ensure smooth operations.

Tourism and Regional Impact

Major cherry blossom viewing areas—such as Ueno Park (Tokyo), Maruyama Park (Kyoto), and Osaka Castle Park—will draw large crowds throughout late March and early April. Beyond the main cities, regions like Hokkaido and Okinawa extend the viewing season due to differing climates, offering additional opportunities for less congested missions.

According to Kansai University, cherry blossom tourism contributes over $2.7 billion annually to Japan’s economy, underscoring the scale of this seasonal surge and its impact on business aviation logistics.

Planning Recommendations

• Secure slots, permits, and parking early for RJTT, RJAA, and RJBB.
• Confirm hotel accommodations months in advance for March–April stays.
• Consider alternates in southern Japan (early bloom) or Hokkaido (late bloom) to avoid peak congestion.
• Prepare for ground handling and service limitations at major airports.
• Coordinate with Universal Aviation Japan for real-time slot and operations support.

Key Takeaways

Universal Aviation Japan can help!

• 2026 bloom expected from March 23 (Kochi) to April 24 (Sapporo).
• Peak congestion period: March 29 – April 10.
• Best time to visit: March 25 – April 10 for central Japan.
• First official 2026 forecast from JMC due January 2026.