Experience Cherry Blossom Season: Travel to Japan This Spring

Cherry blossom a flower so enchanting that it makes you curious how such a delicate and beautiful flower came into being, the pastel colours so bright and fresh it can revitalise all the five senses. When hundreds of cherry blossom trees bloom together it transforms the city into a fairyland. The view is just beyond our imagination, you have to see it to believe it. Which is why we are listing out two countries in the world where you can go to view this magical cherry blossom bloom. Japan and South Korea.

Blossoming sakura in Japan

Once every year from end of March to May, the cherry blossoms start to bloom and the crowd eager waits to welcome this magical season as a million sakura trees blossom creating an explosion of colour. Shades of white, pastel pink, candy floss pink adorn the streets, parks, temples and literally everywhere making one stop to gaze or take a picture and even a selfie. For cherry blossom is trending, popular and the main celebrity during this time. Even in Japan, cherry blossom blooms in different months at different places. In the southern subtropical islands, the flower opens up in January while in Hokkaido in the far north, it blooms in May. The flower blooms and grows well in warmer weather, as the weather gets warmer you can see the pattern of flowers blooming in different parts of the country.

Let’s learn about Hanami

Hanami is a Japanese art of flower watching in the spring, and what better to watch than the cherry blossoms. This is a tradition, where everyone joins together and make themselves comfortable in the park just to gaze at this floral spectacle. This is a time to enjoy together as a family just like a little picnic in the park sipping on some wine and eating seasonal sweets. Hanami is enjoyed by both the young and the old, in the city and the countryside alike. To sit under the backdrop of the tree or lay down and just ponder over the things in your life or your future will be your life’s major turning point. And then there are others, who are living in the present, striking a pose with the tree from various angles to capture the best photo.

Cherry blossoms are not merely flowers, they have a history in them and cultural significance. Though short lived, they hold a long deep rooted meaning on the “beauty of life”. According to Japanese Buddhism, the phrase “mono no aware” means ‘an empathy towards things’; highlighting the importance of life. That theory is, your life on the Earth is short, make good use of it or you may be here today and gone tomorrow. With just two weeks of existence in this world, Sakura teaches us to be humble and have compassion, for our time on this Earth is short. Once the flower starts to wither, the beauty also dies with it. What was once praised and gazed upon for its beauty and features will be stamped on and looked with disgust. Thus is the circle of life. Cherry blossom in Japan is not just a season, it is a festival with events and festivities taking place from March to May. You can involve yourself in many activities, traditional performances and even partake in tea ceremonies.

Rules to follow during Hanami

Before you set out to enjoy Hanami, make sure to plan ahead and know the rules and manners to following during Hanami. Listed below are some rules to follow while enjoying the Hanami:

• Spots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis
• Some parks do not allow picnics
• Treat the trees with care
• Do not pull on the branches or break or shake them.
• Do not pluck the blossoms
• Do not climb trees.
• Do not take the fallen branches and flowers home.
• Do not stand on the roots of the trees
• Remove your shoes for hanami
• Take care of your garbage; parks do not have garbage bins so take them home.
• Respect the local rules; they differ from park to park
• Many parks do not allow barbecuing
• Karaoke and musical instruments are banned
• Some parks do not allow the use of alcohol
• Some parks have curfews.

Where can one see a cherry blossom in Japan?

• Nakijin Castle, Okinawa—The castle with remains of the stone walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its cherry blossom trees lined up on both sides of the pavement and is a sight to behold among the ancient ruins. The flowers are often a deeper shade of pink than the rest of the places. The view is magical during the day and night, when the walkway is illuminated. The cherry trees in Okinawa usually bloom between January and February and are the first to bloom in Japan every year.
• The Kamo River, Kyoto—The ancient capital of Japan is one of the many aesthetic places to view the blossom. The place still has its old-world charm and offers a picturesque view that is unique only to Kyoto. The sakura trees along the banks of the Kamo River (Kamogawa) stretch as far as your eyes can see, offering a soothing and serene cherry blossom experience. You can also enjoy leisure walks, catch a glimpse of the sunset, spot ducks and herons, and enjoy picnics under the trees in this tranquil atmosphere. If you are in Kyoto, make sure to visit these places for the best view of cherry blossoms: Maruyama Park, Philosopher’s Path, Heian Shrine, Arashiyama, Ginkaku-ji, and Nanzenji Temple. Cherry blossom season in Kyoto is usually in April.
• Tohoku—In the northeastern region of Japan, the cherry blossom season starts in May, after the southern region of Japan has experienced the blossom. The Hitome Senbonzakura Festival in Miyagi, which literally translates to “view of a 1000 cherry trees,” is famous for the 1000 cherry trees blossoming alongside the Shiroishi River against the snow-covered peaks. This is a perfect spot for picnics and boat rides, and the lit-up trees at night are a sight to behold. Kakunodate is famous for its weeping cherry trees than droop down and the flowers look like waterfalls; they were brought in especially from Kyoto many years ago by a samurai.

The Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival is held in April, and visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon along the path with the cherry trees lined up on both sides, which is a magical spectacle. Morioka Castle Ruins Park is covered by sakura trees, and the illuminated bonbori lanterns at night make it a must-visit for viewing sakura. Takamatsu Park pond is surrounded by a thousand sakura trees; a swan boat ride in the pond is truly a magical experience. A lone sakura tree standing amidst a lush green field planted 100 years ago at Koiwai Farm is a sight to behold against the backdrop of Mt. Iwate.

• Mount Yoshinoyama—Japan’s most preferred cherry blossom mountain is covered with more than 30,000 cherry trees, with some planted more than 1300 years ago. You can ascend up and down the mountain while passing through towns, parks, temples, and shrines, all the while enjoying the pink hues of the sakura. The season starts in April, but it can vary every year. The most attractive spot is the mountaintop, which offers a spectacular view and pleasant atmosphere to hold picnics.
• Himeji Castle—One of the most elegant and spectacular castles with its beautifully adorned white walls and complex grounds. The cherry blossom in the castle garden is a majestic sight, standing tall amidst the white walls and bright pastel pink flowers. Stroll through the castle pavement and soak in the beauty of the cherry blossom, just like how the royals used to do it centuries ago.

Now that you know when and where to experience cherry blossoms in Japan, head over and enjoy the spectacle, for it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And if you are on the lookout for packages to explore Japan, then call us at 0484 2846999 or 8304000999, and we will help you with the most convenient travel package for you at competitive rates.