Cherry blossom in April 2014

First, i wish to tell you that i really like your country!


I will be able to visit Japan on April 9th-20th 2014.

Is there any chance to catch some cherry blossom on these dates?

I am planing to visit Osaka, Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji 5 lakes( Optional) Nara, Mt. Yoshino, Miyajima, Hiroshima and Kyoto.


In order for me to increase my chances in viewing the Blossom in as many different locations as possible, what should be the order of the destinations?

Thank you!

I will be able to visit Japan on April 9th-20th 2014.

Is there any chance to catch some cherry blossom on these dates?

Certainly! Here are some basics:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_when.html


Of course, the timing of the flowers in 2014 cannot be predicted now. But it is almost guaranteed that you will be able to catch them in at least one of the places you listed. And if not, then it should be possible to catch them in a side trip somewhere else.

In order for me to increase my chances in viewing the Blossom in as many different locations as possible, what should be the order of the destinations?

I would first spend a few days in the Kansai Region. If it is too late for the blossoms down in the cities of Kyoto and Osaka, then you would likely be able to catch them in Yoshino.

You should have one open day in Tokyo for a day trip to somewhere.

Within two hours with shinkansen out of Tokyo, there will be some places you can view the fully bloomed cherry in mid April.

April 10th is a bit late to view cherry in central Tokyo, so you will have to go out to a mountain region where cherry comes late a week or a few. Fuji five lakes is one of such locations.

April 10th is a bit late to view cherry in central Tokyo

It is too early to make such a judgment. In 2011 and 2012, April 10 was still at the peak of the blooming season in Tokyo. In the average year, April 10 is towards the end of the peak period in Tokyo. But there can be years like this year when the peak of the season is over at the end of March.

You can get a feeling for the mood of nature here:
2009: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura/
2010: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura10/
2011: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura11/
2012: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura12/
2013: http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura13/

Arigato!

thank you for the information!

Although it is still early for any accurate prediction for next spring, in average years there are some special seasonal events during your time of visit that are worth considering.

Yoshino is holding its annual sakura festival on Apr 10-12
http://www.kinpusen.or.jp/event/hanaku.htm

The sakura corridor in Osaka Mint opens only for about a week in April. This year it was from Apr 16-22
http://www.mint.go.jp/enjoy/toorinuke/sakura-osaka.html#tori1

Near Motosu-ko (one of Fuji Five Lakes) is having a pink moss festival which started Apr 13 this year.
http://www.shibazakura.jp/news/2013/03/2013413.html