Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most anticipated moments in the world, and 2026 could well be the most affordable time in history to experience it for yourself. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has released its cherry blossom forecast for the 2026 season, which helps to mark a very important milestone. For the first time, the organisation has used AI to predict the sakura blooms, allowing people to plan their trip ahead of time.
The First Blossoms are Due on March 20th
The first cherry blossoms are due on March 20th in Tokyo, according to data collection sites like Nippon. Peak beauty comes later on, with full blooms expected on March 26th. Osaka is set to experience the first blooms on March 24th. Even though cherry blossom season is very expensive, with flight prices and hotel rates surging, 2026 looks to be a little different. Tour packages are currently 20% lower than they were in 2025, with Osaka and Kyoto experiencing the steepest drops.
With the Yen being at a historic low, visitors can stretch their budget even further. Even though demand is strong, it seems that supply has outpaced it, which is great news for those who want to plan a trip. Recent accommodation taxes are seeing some cities, including Kyoto, introducing a new tiered hotel tax. This is launching on March 1st, with luxury stays soaring in price. More budget-friendly accommodations, however, are yet to be affected, meaning it’s still possible to capitalise on a cheap trip in 2026.
Japan’s Cultural Impact is Stronger than Ever
Japan’s cultural impact is stronger than ever, especially in 2026. Global interest in the destination has surged with the launch of successful TV shows like Shogun. Comedies like Rental Family, which was directed by Hikari, are also set to be huge, with the movie filmed in Tokyo. Japanese-themed entertainment is also quickly gaining traction in gaming. Japanese Squeeze Baccarat and Ru Yi Speed Baccarat Live tap into the cultural significance of Japanese-style settings, while games like Sakura Fortune highlight the timeless appeal of cherry blossoms, showing how much of a cultural impact Japan has had on the world, across multiple entertainment verticals.
Interestingly, construction is also underway in Edinburgh, with a seven-story, Japanese-inspired capsule hotel set to reach completion in Summer 2026. Examples like this show how much interest there is in Japan, and thanks to the AI-powered cherry blossom forecasts, a weak yen, and lower flight prices, 2026 offers the chance for people to experience the country and all of its glory for a lower price than ever.
As the timings have been predicted and released in advance, people can now begin to plan their travel earlier than ever, delivering even more possible savings. Of course, only time will tell if the prediction is accurate, but if it is, this could mark a significant advancement in the travel world, especially if it can be applied to other events that are normally just as unpredictable.
New Forecast Reveals that Japan’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Season Could be the Cheapest in Years