【2025 Japan Sakura Season】Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto Expected to Bloom by Late March! Discover the Flowering Forecast for Various Locations!

Winter fades and follows spring, the sakura-blooming season has also arrived in Japan. Japan will transform into a paradise of pink blossoms, attracting crowds who gather under the cherry trees for leisurely picnics and cherished moments with family and friends, every year from late March to early May. According to the latest forecast announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMC) on January 23,  the blooming across various regions this year will start earlier compared to 2024.  JMC has devised its own method for forecasting flowering and full bloom dates; the sakura blooming indicator“Somei Yoshino Tree”was expected to bloom in Tokyo by March 24 earliest, which was about a week earlier than in previous years. Meanwhile, in northern Japan, Hokkaido is also expected to see earlier blooms this year due to warmer weather, with blossoms projected to start around April 30.

(Photo provided by Japan Meteorological Agency)

As per forecast, Sakuras in Fukuoka, Kochi, and Kagoshima are expected to be the first to bloom around March 23, followed by Tokyo on the 24th, Hiroshima and Nagoya on the 25th, and Wakayama on the 26th. Kyoto and Osaka will see blossoms on the 27th and 28th. By early April, the blooms will reach the Tohoku region, and by the end of April, they will arrive in Sapporo, Hokkaido, continuing to spread across the entire region by early May.

Sakuras have a brief blooming period, typically lasting just 1-2 weeks before they start to fall. To celebrate the arrival of the sakura season, many people from Hong Kong, especially photography enthusiasts, often bring their cameras to capture the beauty. However, in the unfortunate event of losing valuable items like camera equipment or important documents while traveling, purchasing travel insurance can provide protection. For example, Chubb Travel Insurance can cover losses in the following situations:

1. Loss of Personal Properties and Cash

In case your personal property, such as laptop and camera, was lost or damaged due to theft, robbery, burglary, or accidents during your trip, Chubb Travel Insurance will reimburse up to HKD 20,000 of compensation. Terms and conditions also apply on the unfortunate case of loss of cash during your trip.

2. Lost of Travel Documents

In case of loss or theft of your traveling documents during the trip, such as your passport, Hong Kong Identity Card, or even your flight and travel tickets, Chubb Travel Insurance will compensate you for the cost of replacing these items and any additional transportation and accommodation expenses incurred due to the need to obtain replacement documents which may delay your scheduled departure.

However, it is important to remember that whether it's lost documents or personal belongings, you must report the loss to local law enforcement and obtain written documentation within 24 hours of the incident. If your belongings are lost on public transportation, you must report the loss to the operator within 24 hours and obtain written proof. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in a denied claim.

The above information is for reference only. All coverage, exclusions, terms, and conditions are subjected to the policy terms and conditions as stated in the policy document. For more information and details about Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited’s travel protection plan, please click here.

Tax exemption in Japan basically applies to all items, from pharmacies, home appliances stores to big department stores; If you see the 'Japan Tax-Free Shop' sign in store, it means purchases in store are validated for tax exemption.

Items Covered by the Tax Exemption Program:

Duty-free products in Japan can be categorized into two categories: General & Consumable items.

● General items includes:

Home appliances, cameras, clothing, leather goods, shoes, watches, jewelry and souvenirs; the total amount of the purchased items must be 5,000 yen or more in the same store on the same day (excluding tax) for exemption. General items can be used in Japan, however must be carried out of Japan within 6 months from the date of entry.

● Consumable items includes:

Cosmetics, beverages, food,  pharmaceuticals and pastries; The total purchase amount must be between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (excluding tax) in the same store on the same day for exemption. Consumable Tax-free items will be sealed  in a bag and cannot be opened, furthermore, items must be carried out of Japan within 30 days from the date of entry.

● General & Consumable items:

If both general & consumable items were bought in one purchase in the same shop, with the total purchase amount between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (excluding tax); there is no need to calculate tax exemption for each item individually. All items will be treated as consumable items, and will be placed in a sealed bag that cannot be opened. Items will not be allowed to be used within your stay in Japan, and must be carried out of Japan within 30 days from the date of entry.

Japan Tax Exemption｜Processes for Tax Exemption

What you will need:

Passport (stamped with the seal of verification for entry)

Purchased items for tax exemption

Receipt of the items for tax exemption

To make the tax-exempt experience more convenient and quick for tourists, Japan has launched an online "Tax-free shopping service". Tourists no longer have to take the risk of getting their passport lost when showing it for the purpose of tax exemption, simply present the QR code for exemption at the time of immigration procedures or at eligible shops and you are done! All you have to do is to register your passport information on 「Visit Japan Web」, and you will receive a 24 hours valid QR Code for the online

Ways of Japan Tax Exemption: Pay Purchases Immediately at Tax Exempted Price

Simply show your passport or the online "Tax-free shopping service" QR code paying at tax-free stores to pay purchases at a tax exempted price immediately.

Ways of Japan Tax Exemption: Get Cash Refund at Tax Refund Counter

First checkout purchases at post-tax prices, then proceed tax exemption on the same day at the store´s designated tax refund counter.  The exempted amount will be calculated by the merchant and cash will be refunded to you on the spot.

In the unfortunate event of losing documents or personal belongings during your travels, purchasing travel insurance can provide protection. For instance, Chubb Travel Insurance can safeguard you during your journey in the following situations:

1. Lost of Traveling Documents

In case of lost or thievery of your traveling documents during the trip, such as your passport, Hong Kong Identity Card, or even your flight and travel tickets, Chubb Travel Insurance will compensate you for the cost of replacing these items and any additional transportation and accommodation expenses incurred due to the need to obtain replacement documents which may delay your scheduled departure.

2. Lost of Personal Properties

In case your personal property was lost or damaged due to theft, robbery, burglary, or accidents during your trip, Chubb Travel Insurance will reimburse up to HKD 20,000 in compensation. Terms and conditions also apply on the unfortunate case of loss of cash during your trip.

However, it is important to remember that whether it's lost documents or personal belongings, you must report the loss to local law enforcement and obtain written documentation within 24 hours of the incident. If your belongings are lost on public transportation, you must report the loss to the operator within 24 hours and obtain written proof. Failure to provide valid documentation may result in a denied claim.

The above information is for reference only. All coverage, exclusions, terms, and conditions are subjected to the policy terms and conditions as stated in the policy document. For more information and details about Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited travel protection, please click here.