- Weathernews predicts Tokyo will be the first major city to see cherry blossoms on March 21st.
- This year’s bloom dates are close to average, unlike 2024 which saw significantly earlier flowering.
- Northern Japan anticipates slightly higher temperatures and more sunshine, potentially leading to earlier blooms in those regions.

A: Did you hear about the news? Cherry blossom season!

B: No! Really? When are they supposed to bloom this year?

A: Apparently, Tokyo is first, around March 21st!

B: Wow, that’s not too long to wait! What about Kyoto?

A: Kyoto starts around March 25th. Arashiyama will be a little later, on the 28th.

A: They used weather data and a big project, the "Sakura Project," to predict it all.

B: A project? That’s cool! Are the dates much different from last year?

A: Not really! They're mostly close to normal, or just a few days earlier than usual. Last year was way earlier!

B: Oh, so it’s not as crazy early as it was in 2024!

A: Nope! Northern Japan will be a little warmer, so maybe a bit earlier there.

B: Which places are blooming the earliest besides Tokyo? Fukuoka and Hiroshima, right? March 23rd and 25th?

A: Exactly! And lots of places will bloom the week of March 22nd. It’ll be crowded!

B: Oh no! Where's Hirosaki Park?

A: Hirosaki Park is late, like April 15th! It’s in Aomori.

B: That's so far away! I guess we need to pick our spots carefully.

A: Yeah, but they usually bloom for about a week after they first appear, so we have time!

B: Perfect! Let's find a nice, quiet spot then!