Cherry blossoms time in Osaka this year 2012

We plan to see the cherry blossoms in Osaka. Seeing the guide to cherry blossoms tell us that it depends on the weather.

Would someone be kindly to make the best guess about the best time of this year to see the blossoms in Osaka and surrounding area such as Kyoto.

After geting the answer we will arrange the hotel booking and all the paper works.

Thank in advance.

The first week of April is my educated guess.

It is too early for specific forecasts for this year. Therefore I would judge based on average dates, which are explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_when.html

Note especially the date when full bloom is reached. The blossoms are typically at their best for about a week after that date.

And here are some reports that show you how the season was in past years:
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura11/
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura10/

i went last year and full bloom in osaka and surrounding areas like kyoto was on april 10. it could come a bit earlier or later this year depending on the weather. cheers :)

Will start the trip in 5th of April and end at 12th. Hope will have luck there.

Thank you very much

While in Osaka try doing a side trip to Yoshino which is considered by many to be a pilgrimage place for cherry blossom.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4150.html

On April 11-12, there is a sakura festival with colourful parade. We went a few years back and fully enjoyed the festive feel.
http://www.pref.nara.jp/nara_e/dd_aspx_menuid-1680.htm
http://www.kinpusen.or.jp/event/hanaku.htm

I bet 26 of March.

By the way , there is a spot called ZO--HEIKYOKU NO TOORINUKE.
which has rose like cherry.
and get quite scenic on end of April to early May.

Excuse me. Correctly from the mid of April to end of April.