The cherry blossom front is forecast each year, previously by the Japan Meteorological Agency and now by private agencies, and is watched with attention by those who plan to celebrate hanami because the blossoms last for very little time, usually no more than two weeks.
Hvert år udsendes en blomstringsudsigt, tidligere af Japans meteorologiske institut og nu af private, der følges nøje af dem, der planlægger at afholde hanami, da blomstringen kun sker i kort tid, normalt ikke mere end to uger.