Sakura forecast for 2024: Here's when you can catch cherry blossoms in Japan
SINGAPORE: Leading up to the adored cherry blossom season in Japan, the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) released on Wednesday (Jan 10) its forecast for when and where the flowers will bloom.
"JMC has estimated the flowering and full bloom dates for Yoshino cherry trees in approximately 1,000 cherry blossom viewing locations," said the agency on its website.
In March 2023, Japan's visitor numbers surged to their highest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as people flocked to see cherry blossoms for the first time since travel curbs were eased.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors for business and leisure stood at 1.82 million in March, up from 1.48 million the month before.
If you're planning a springtime trip to Japan to catch the well-loved flowers, here are some dates to keep in mind.
The first flowers of 2024 will appear in Kochi on Mar 18, according to JMC, with full bloom being reached on Mar 26.
On Mar 21, the blossoms will appear in Fukuoka and Nagoya, with full bloom on Mar 30 and Mar 31 respectively.
Tourists will only be able to catch a glimpse of the pink petals in Tokyo on Mar 23, with full bloom anticipated on Mar 30.
In Kyoto and Osaka, trees are predicted to begin flowering on Mar 23 and Mar 25 respectively. Cherry blossoms in both cities are expected to be in full bloom on Apr 1.
Sapporo, meanwhile, will have to wait until May 2, with full bloom in the capital of the Hokkaido region expected on May 6.
"The flowering and full bloom dates of cherry blossoms depend on the temperature patterns from autumn of the preceding year," said JMC on its website, noting that the buds of the flower are formed during the summer of the year before.
"Buds do not start growing as soon as they are formed; they first enter a period of dormancy," the agency added.
JMC said that the estimated flowering and full bloom dates for cherry blossoms are "based on low temperatures during autumn and winter, cherry tree growth status, cumulative temperatures and past data for each area".
Its next cherry blossom update will be released on Jan 25.