Cherry blossoms in Japanese are known as sakura and it would not be an exaggeration to say they are a national obsession. Different varieties of cherry blossoms bloom at different times, but most hit their peak in Tokyo at the end of March to the beginning of April.

Flowers bloom year-round in Japan, though the peak season is famously in the spring. Cherry blossoms (Sakura) typically bloom from late March to early May, moving from south to north. However, the floral calendar begins much earlier: Plum blossoms (Ume) start in late January and peak in February, signaling the end of winter. In April and May, you can see vibrant tulips, nemophila (baby blue eyes), and wisteria. Summer brings hydrangeas in June and sunflowers or lavender in July and August. Autumn is characterized by spider lilies in September and cosmos in October, alongside the famous changing maple leaves. Even in winter, camellias and wintersweet bloom from December through February, ensuring that travelers can experience Japan's botanical beauty regardless of which month they choose to visit.