The milder the climate, the earlier the blossoms open. On
Japan’s southern, subtropical islands of Okinawa, cherry
blossoms open as early as January, while on the northern island
of Hokkaido, they bloom as late as May. In most major cities in
between, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry blossom
season typically takes place in early April. Furthermore, the
blooming time of cherry trees differs from year to year
depending on the weather. If the weather during the months and
weeks preceding the cherry blossom season is mild, blossoms will
open early. If it is cold, blossoms will open later. From year
to year, the start of the blooming season can vary by as much as
two weeks. The cherry blossom season is relatively short. Full
bloom (mankai) is usually reached within about one week after
the opening of the first blossoms (kaika). Another week later,
the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the
trees. Strong wind and rain can cut the blooming season even
shorter. More information about