According to JMC’s second forecast on Jan 26, the earliest flowering date for cherry blossoms will take place in Tokyo on Mar 21, with its full bloom on Mar 29.
For other popular cities such as Kyoto and Osaka, the forecasted flowering dates are Mar 27 and Mar 28 respectively. Cherry blossoms in both cities are expected to be in full bloom on Apr 4.
In Sapporo, capital of the Hokkaido region, fans can only expect to see cherry blossoms flower much later on Apr 29, with a forecasted full bloom date on May 2.
“The flowering and full bloom dates of cherry blossoms depend on the temperature patterns from autumn of the preceding year. The buds of cherry blossoms are formed during the summer of the preceding year,” noted JMC on its website, adding that the pink blooms must go through two processes – dormancy and growth – before they flower.
It added 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”.
JMC’s next cherry blossom update will be on Feb 9.
Source: CNA
