Japan Springtime Phenomenon: The Cherry Blossom Season

They are delicately painted. They are consumed over in poetry. Swoon over them during picnics. They are dabbled over cups of Starbucks lattes. Also, they are a representation of the transitory trait of life. Japan tourist places are teeming with eager travelers from around the world to view this spectacle nonpareil.

“It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short” – Homaro Cantu 

Welcome to Japan’s pink earth of cherry blossoms. Possibly one of the most iconic images of Asia; the thought of springtime in Japan tourist places is meaningless without the vision of an ocean of blossom trees flushed with dreamy pink blooms coming to your mind instantaneously.

For those of you who are unaware, cherry blossom (known as ‘sakura’ in Japan) is the flower from the many trees of genus Prunus.

Did you know - the most popular cherry blossom tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)

From then to now

Together with being the forerunners in skyscraper technology, sushi and robotics the people of Japan have also been revered for appreciating cherry blossoms. The act of appreciation is considered an art and the Japanese are the world leaders.

Elite imperial courtiers, dating back to the 8th-century, have paused to admire the delicate and airy pale cherry blossoms. In modern-day Japan, even after fast-forwarding to a millennium or more, the flowers are still held in awe. Cherishing the beauty of the cherry blossom is known as ‘hanami’ and is an old Japanese custom which is still extremely popular even today.

Although hanami literally means “viewing flowers,” it is more associated with the viewing of cherry blossoms in best Japan tourist places.

The onset of spring in Japan tourist places brings with it...

As spring draws near, shades of pink overflow through the entire country. Months ahead of their arrival, the retailers and streets drift into a sakura craze – stores are brimming with flowers made from plastic and other cherry blossom innovations.

The anticipation goes beyond stores. Tourists from all over the world prepare months in advance – planning and organizing their trips, booking flight tickets and reserving accommodation at leading Japan tourist places.

The excitement is further heightened by the Cherry Blossom Forecast (the Japanese Meteorological Agency releases the forecast every year). It provides an analysis of each petal of the blooms. The entire island is covered during this forecast, all the way from the south to the north.

The cherry blossom officials will confirm when the blooms will arrive and when they do it’s nothing short of a spectacle. This is the time when the nation indulges in one of its all-time favourite pastime - hanami. Thousands of people appreciate the bloom and even picnic under the trees on the snowflake-like carpeted ground in Japan tourist places.

Why is it so popular? What does it symbolize?

The nation’s attachment to the cherry blossom is deep-rooted and goes beyond the bounds of simply buying a fizzy pink drink at a supermarket.

The blossoms are profoundly symbolic: the beauty of nature lies its fleeting attribute, which is what it is also appreciated for and the short-lived existence of the flower taps into this characteristic.

In essence, apart from being visually pleasing to the eye, the flowers embody the beauty and fragility of life. It’s a reminder that life although overwhelmingly beautiful is similarly tragically short. The cherry blossom’s short bloom time is a metaphor for life itself: beautiful yet evanescent.

When to visit

In contrast to the famous public transportation system, these pinks drops of heaven aren’t as punctual. There are years that following a warm spell they arrive early. Whereas when the temperature is chillier, they bloom late. There are times that downpours will lead to an early demise.

Typically, in January, the first splash of pink arrives in Okinawa and from here it gradually strokes through the archipelago, whilst passing over the central islands (inclusive of Tokyo and Kyoto) where it appears during the latter part of March and initial weeks of April. In early May it progresses further up north and harboring at Hokkaido, dropping its last petals.

When do festivals take place?

Festivals are held in different regions and the date depends on the region.

Typically, most festivals are held from March to May. But there are some regions, depending on their location, that hold festivals during January, February and June.

The Cherry Blossom Forecast usually helps determine the dates and they vary from year to year.

Best place to view the pink parade  

The best place to view the blossom can be celebrated places to see in Japan or the view from your backyard - it’s time for you to go explore and find your favourite view. Here are just a couple:

1. Tokyo

• Shinjuku Gyoen – Located in the heart of the city, this large park is walking distance from the busiest and largest business and entertainment hubs. There are more than a thousand trees at this cream of Japan tourist places. Additionally, several varieties can be found too. A calm and peaceful atmosphere hooded under the pink clouds will take you to heaven and back.

• Ueno Park – One of the oldest and most famous public space in Japan, this park too has more than thousand trees which vow to take your breath away. Apart from the trees, there is a zoo, a pond which offers boating and a group of museums. At night, a bunch of lanterns will light up the sky which creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

2. Kyoto

• Philosopher’s Path – In the northern part of the Higashiyama district lies a cobbled stone neighbourhood path that runs along the canal. The entire two-kilometre stretch is sheathed with seemingly endless cherry blossom trees which burst into hues of pink in season. There are also cafes, restaurants and shops along the way.
• Maruyama Park – A public park which is adorned with a centrepiece such as the cherry tree. During the evening this tree is lit up – then it’s all about glitz and glamour!

3. Osaka

• Kema Sakuranomiya Park – The serene Okawa River runs for several kilometres and this entire stretch is speckled in frosty pink owing to the 5000 trees that encircle this area. Take a river cruise or sit by the promenade or picnic in the lawn area, all ways are sure to leave you awestruck! If you are pressed on time to visit Japan tourist places; choose this one for sure!
• Osaka Castle – The sight of the castle surrounded by pink buds is not only picture-perfect but also one of the most iconic images of the country. The grounds of the Osaka Castle have an array of over 4000 cherry trees! Nishinomaru Park which is located in the western citadel is a particularly nice place for hanami.

4. Kanazawa

• Kenrokuen Garden – This garden is beautiful beyond words, especially during the sakura season as well as through the year. You can easily stroll around this garden for hours, getting lost in the greenery.

5. Nara

• Yoshino – A mind-blowing Japan tourist places to sight the sakura in full bloom where around almost 30,000 trees sweep across the entire hill, bathing them in a light pink light and diffusing a heavenly scent through the air. The mesmerizing springtime scenery beckons travellers from all over the globe. A trek through here will take you past old temples and shrines while enjoying the panoramic views of the mountain.

6. Himeji

• Himeji Castle – An impressive castle which is also one of the largest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is surrounded by cherry blossom trees and is a delight to the eyes.

7. Fukushima

• Hanamiyama Park – Pick up a map and meander along the walking trail on the slopes of the park which are flushed with a plethora of sukura trees.
• Miharu Takizakura – The Takizakura, (literally “waterfall cherry tree”) is among the top three greatest cherry trees in Japan and is also a popular single cherry tree. Nestled amid the hills, this weeping cherry tree is said to be over 1000 years old!

8. Aomori

• Hirosaki Castle – The wealth of over 2500 trees, petal filled moats, cherry blossom tunnels, several pleasant picnic areas, boating, the multiple varieties of trees and the lit-up castle and surrounding areas at evening all coalesce to form a truly magical experience.

9. Fuji

• Lake Kawaguchi – The magnificent Japan tourist places, Mount Fuji in the background fusing with the explosion of pink petals is sure to leave every visitor in a state of euphoria. Kawaguchi Music Forest seaside promenade offers the best viewing spot. If you visit in the morning, you can also catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji rising out of the clouds.

10. Nagano

• Takato Castle Ruins – One of the best Japan tourist places to view the cherry blossom where a thousand or more sakura trees are scattered throughout the park. During the season there is also a festival which is held here every year.

Of course, there are plenty more Japan tourist places to catch these vivid trees in full bloom. This is a list of few of the most liked places.

And almost certainly…

Without any doubt, almost certainly, cherry blossom season is a bucket list experience for all travellers who want a taste of Japan attractions at its zenith.

The arrival of the cherry blossom makes Japan come to life. Swathes of the country are immersed in the pale pink light, millions of petals drift with the air and glisten as the sun’s rays illuminate their descent and the heavenly sweet scent coats every individual’s entire body.

It’s time to let your soul bloom with a Japan tour package.