Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

The cherry blossom or sakura is Japan's unofficial national flower. Celebrated for many centuries, the flower holds a very important position in Japanese culture. There are dozens of cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura are the most common varieties, although, over one hundred cherry tree varieties can be found in Japan. Shidarezakura, Ichiyo, Ukon, Kanzan, Fugenzo, Shogetsu and Kikuzakura are some of the other varieties. The Japanese celebrate the blooming time of the year with hanami or cherry blossom viewing parties under the blooming trees.

The blooming time of cherry trees depends on the geographical location and climate. On Japan's southern, subtropical islands of Okinawa, cherry blossoms open as early as January, while on the northern island of Hokkaido, they bloom as late as May. In cities in between, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry blossom season falls around the end of March and beginning of April.

Features of Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

- Hanami literally means 'flower viewing'.
- It commonly refers only to cherry blossom viewing.
- Cherry blossom viewing is all about experiencing the vividness of the beautiful blossoms by looking at a single tree or a group of trees.
- It's easy to mistake the trees for clouds from a distance.
- The beautiful sight acquires an ethereal dimension when the blossoms are viewed in combination with a castle, temple or shrine.
- In some places the blossoms are lit up in the evening which makes a splendid sight.
- Cherry blossom viewing can be just a stroll in the park.
- But, it traditionally involves a picnic party under the blooming trees.
- Hanami parties have been celebrated in Japan for many centuries.
- Today, these are held in public and private gardens and parks across the country.
- Famous cherry blossom spots get very crowded during the blooming season and there's a rush for reserving the best picnic spots.
- Usually, the picnic spot is reserved long before the party is held.
- The common practice is to spread one's picnic sheet early in the morning.
- Either, it is marked with the group's name and party's starting time or somebody is positioned there during the whole day until the rest of the group arrives.

Popular Cherry Blossom Spots across Japan

Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park, Koishikawa Botanical Garden, Inokashira Park, Kamonyama Park, Sankeien, Dankazura, Nagoya Castle, Maruyama Park, Philosopher's Trail, Heian Shrine, Arashiyama, Kamogawa, Daigoji Temple, Hirano Shrine, Okazaki Canal, Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Mint Bureau, Yoshinoyama, Himeji Castle, Kakunodate, Hirosaki Castle.

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