Cherry blossoms, Japan
For centuries, the Japanese have gathered underneath the clouds of pink and white flowers. With the trees in full bloom, the people let their joy and admiration flourish too.
For the cherry blossoms are more than just flowers in Japan – they are a symbol of nationhood and the patriotic spirit.
It’s for these reasons that the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms is celebrated with such ado in Japan.
The exact day that the flowers will bloom changes each year (and is different in various parts of the country). But nightly updates on television news programs in the lead-up keep the citizens abreast of the latest.
They wait with anticipation for confirmation of the day they’ll see the buds open in their area.
As it happens, I’ve arrived in Tokyo right in the middle of the cherry blossom season. On the streets, in front of buildings, over canals and in parks, the flowers brighten the city.
When the wind is strong and plucks them from the branches, they fall like white flakes through the air and look like a soft silky snow. People walking the streets will stop and take photos.
On the train, I’ve seen people show their companions the snaps they’ve taken that day of which they are proudest.
And then there’s the ‘hanami’ – the Japanese word for having a picnic under the cherry blossoms. This is the event that focuses the collective appreciation for the flowers.
In parks all across the country, groups of family and friends will come together with a tarpaulin, food and drink and spend the day with the blossoms as their floral roof.
The reason it has its own special name is because this practice began in the eighth century and has been going on for more than 1300 years now!
Although back then it was mainly those from the higher classes who would have spent their days at a picnic in the park, it has still been many centuries since it became a popular pastime for the commoners as well.
These days you see a whole cross-section of society in the park. Parents seem to use it as an excuse to get their children some fresh air… young groups seem to use it as an excuse to get drunk.
Like much in Japanese culture, there is deep symbolism in the cherry blossoms.
They are seen to represent the fragility and shortness of life – the ephemeral qualities which some see as beautiful and honourable. That’s why they have often been used as symbols for military campaigns or for the kamikaze pilots of the Second World War.
Many years before then, the cherry blossoms were seen to represent the theories of reincarnation in Buddhism.
All of this has not been forgotten, I imagine, because the Japanese are still very proud people who do not let go of their heritage and tradition. But it’s probably fair to say that it’s the aesthetics that are the main attraction these days.
It’s certainly true that it transforms the country’s cities into colourful metropolises where nature outshines the neon. That in itself is a strong enough link back to the men and women who first sat under these trees and spent the day with flowering joy and admiration.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION AT TOKYO STATION
Tokyo is a huge city and there are lots of different areas you could stay. For tourists, I would recommend either around Tokyo station or Shinjuku.
BACKPACKER
If you’re looking for a backpacker option, you can get comfortable dorm beds at the great Wise Owl Hostel.
BUDGET
Tokyo is expensive but APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho is a good price for a nice hotel near the station.
BOUTIQUE
For a trendy modern hotel close to the station, I think you’ll like The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic.
LUXURY
And for one of the best hotels in Tokyo, I would recommend The Peninsula.
THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO: SHINJUKU
Staying in Shinjuku puts you in one of the busiest parts of city, which is great for exploring during the day and at night.
BACKPACKER
For backpackers, you can get good dorms beds at the cool Imano Hostel.
BUDGET
An affordable hotel in central Shinjuku is IBIS Tokyo Shinjuku.
BOUTIQUE
If you’re looking for a cool design hotel, then Bespoke Hotel Shinjuku is a great choice.
LUXURY
And for a luxury stay, you can’t go past the gorgeous Park Hyatt.
I WANT. Seriously. I’ve been to Japan before and seeing THIS is still on my bucket list.
It’s a pretty special time to be in Japan. And it’s crazy how short the period is. You have to plan well and be a bit lucky (they’re never quite sure exactly when it’s going to happen until close to the date).
Cherry blossom season starts in January in Okinawa and then hits a few parts of Japan in late March.
For the popular tourist desitnations such as Kyoto, Tokyo or Hiroshima the peek is usually around the last week of March and first week of April.
Throughout April the “sakura front” slowly wonders to northeastern Japan.
In the Tohoku region and Hokkaido you’ll see them bloom in late April and early May! 🙂
I just went cherry blossom viewing and attended a “sakura festival” yesterday! Although this is my 6th spring in Japan I can never get enough. Too bad that the cherry blossom season is always so short, but I guess that’s what makes it special! 😉
The ‘festivals’ seem like a lot of fun. Although most of the groups I saw were just eating and drinking and having a good time, regardless of the flowers. They’re very pretty but I guess it’s just a good excuse for a picnic! 🙂
It certainly is – and for drinking alcohol … especially among younger people! 😉
So pretty! I hope to visit Japan during cherry blossom season too, someday soon. 🙂
It would be worth it. it’s also a gorgeous time to be in Japan generally so I think it would make a lot of sense to organise a trip for springtime.
Beautiful! I’d love to visit Japan during cherry blossom season.
The only problem is that you won’t be able to stop taking photos. Every time I saw the cherry blossoms I wanted to get new shots (even though I had so many already!)
So pretty. I’d love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. How long are they in bloom?
Hi Sophie!
Depending on the weather they’re usually in bloom for 1-2 weeks. It’s always only a very short time which makes it a very special time of the year! 🙂
They’re normally only around for a couple of weeks at most, although the season gradually moves north up the country so you could chase them if you needed longer! 🙂
Ooh I’ve always wanted to go to Japan for the cherry blossoms – love the idea of ‘hanami’. Great timing mate!
I had never realised before how long it had been a tradition for. It’s such an important part of the Japanese culture.
Japan is really high on my list to see. Not sure if we will make it there early enough in the year to see the cherry blossoms. This is awfully close to wintertime, but they are really beautiful.
I reckon Japan’s at its best in Spring. I’ve visited in Autumn before and that’s quite nice but winter and summer can be quite extreme. having said that, it’s quite a long country so you can choose the right area depending on the time of year you visit.
“It’s certainly true that it transforms the country’s cities into colourful metropolises where nature outshines the neon. That in itself is a strong enough link back to the men and women who first sat under these trees and spent the day with flowering joy and admiration.”
You got me here. The people are so much into modernity nowadays that we forget the existence of nature. That’s why I’m very much thankful that if I want to find a place where the two perfectly co-exists and where people do not forget the quintessential values of nature, I’ll just go to Japan and see the sakura trees. 🙂
What an excellent idea! I think there’s a serenity there with the cherry blossoms. The beauty brings out the best in people.
It looks like you’re really experiencing Japanese culture. It’s been nearly 10 years since I’ve seen cherry blossoms in Japan and nowhere else compares. I’ll definitely go back one day. Thanks for sharing the photos are beautiful :0)
It’s a really special time of the year to be in Japan.
Ooooh….. the colors! They are just bursting with so much excitement, aren’t they!!! My favorite cherry blossom / sakura hanami spot has to be in Fujiyoshida. You take a view steps up to a rewarding point where you can see Mount Fuji, red pagoda and sakura all in one view – too iconic and unmistakably Japanese to miss! Shinjuku Gyoen got to be my second favorite, they really have a lot of cherry trees there!
Yeah, I love the colours of them. And I love how the Japanese care so much about sakura season too – it adds to the charm. I haven’t been to Fujiyoshida (in spring or anytime). Perhaps I’ll have to organise a trip there one time that coincides with the cherry blossom. Thanks for the tip!