That said, timing a trip for optimal viewing can be tricky. Sakura season usually arrives between the end of March and the beginning of April in Tokyo and Kyoto, but it depends on the weather. The internet broadcasts Sakura forecasts, usually as early as February. However, since the season leading up to the full blooms is long, visits that include the first week of April usually coincide with blossoms of some sort, somewhere along the way. One only needs a little flexibility to travel north or south (or up the mountains) to enjoy the sight. But part of the appeal really is the element of chance.