Currently, Japan has officially announced cherry blossom viewing information across the country. It is expected that in mid-March, people will be able to admire the most beautiful flowers in the world.
However, the romantic cherry blossoms are fleeting, with a blooming period of only about 10 days. If you’re eager to appreciate the flurry of pink petals, why not start preparing early?
Let’s venture to the land of cherry blossoms and explore these beautiful sprites together.
Cherry blossoms originated in the Himalayas of China, and gradually spread to the Yangtze River basin, southwest regions and Taiwan.
As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, nobles had started planting cherry blossoms. By the flourishing Tang dynasty, dazzling cherry blossoms could be seen everywhere, even in the fields between houses.
During a visit to Japan, admiration for Chinese culture was expressed, and cherry blossoms were brought back to Japan along with clothing, tea ceremony, kendo and more. Today, cherry blossoms have become a symbol of Japan (though not the national flower).
Beyond their beauty, the Japanese infatuation with cherry blossoms lies in their symbolism of excellent qualities and good fortune. They are believed to alleviate suffering and misfortune, bringing good luck to people’s lives, especially in the beginning of a new year.
If you bathe in a shower of cherry blossom petals, it is believed to alleviate disasters in interpersonal relationships. In 2018, the Japanese cherry blossom season is about to arrive. Why not embark on a spontaneous trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms thrive in sunlight, prefer warm and humid climates, and possess the ability to withstand cold and drought. They have shallow root systems and cannot survive in waterlogged low-lying areas. Additionally, their wind resistance is weak, making them unsuitable for planting in coastal areas with typhoons.
In fact, cherry blossom culture has permeated the entire country of Japan. Therefore, no matter where you are, you can enjoy extremely beautiful cherry blossom scenery.
However, popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan are concentrated in Tokyo and Aomori, where food and accommodation are convenient, and there are plenty of leisure and entertainment activities, such as hot springs and shopping.
Also known as Tokyo Cherry, this variety makes up 80% of Japan’s cherry blossoms. They are light pink in color, and each year’s cherry blossom viewing forecast in Japan is predicted based on the blooming date of the Yoshino Cherry.
Its drooping branches resemble willows, making it the most recognizable among all Japanese cherry blossoms. The flowers of the Weeping Cherry are no different from other varieties, and are usually identified by paper strips.
This is a very common cherry blossom variety native to Japan, with a long lifespan. The petals of the Mountain Cherry are relatively small, with a faint pink hue, and are accompanied by slightly red new leaves.
During cherry blossom season, all cherry trees in Tokyo compete to bloom, creating a dreamy pink ocean. Even when the cherry blossoms wither and fall into the river with the wind, it is a beautiful sight.
Tokyo residents usually go out with their families to enjoy the cherry blossoms during the season, bringing meals to eat under the trees.
Among them, Meguro River and Ueno Park are the two most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. Whether day or night, they are crowded with people, so it’s best to avoid these spots if possible. So, where else can you view cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Blooming Period: March 17th – March 29th
Named for its resemblance to a “Plover” (a type of woodpecker), this is one of Tokyo’s must-visit cherry blossom viewing spots.
The park’s greenway stretches over 700 meters, lined with various cherry trees, creating a beautiful sight. Having a picnic under the trees with family and friends is a very romantic experience.
If you’re interested in boating, you can rent a small boat at a designated spot and enjoy the cherry blossoms along the shore while rowing. In addition, the night cherry blossoms (Yozakura) at Chidorigafuchi are very dreamy.
Location: Kudanminami, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
How to get there: About a 3-minute walk from Kudanshita Station
This is the best place to enjoy night cherry blossoms. Under the illumination of lights, the cherry blossoms in Roppongi take on a transcendent romance. There’s also the Midtown Skybridge, specially designed for cherry blossom viewing. Looking up from beneath the bridge, a fantastical view of night cherry blossoms unfolds before your eyes.
Aside from Midtown, if you walk towards Roppongi Hills, you’ll see a dreamy combination of the Tokyo Tower and night cherry blossoms, well worth a visit.
Location: Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo
How to get there: A 4-minute walk from Roppongi Subway Station
When it comes to the Sakura of Japan, Aomori is often the source of most images you see online.
Experiencing Sakura in Aomori is indeed a delight. The place is home to various types of Sakura including Somei Yoshino, double-flowered, and weeping Sakura. With a vast and expansive area, nearly 70% of which is covered by forests, you do not have to worry about overcrowding.
In addition to this, Aomori is famously known as the birthplace of Fuji apples. A visit here is incomplete without savoring an apple while admiring the Sakura.
Aomori Sakura bloom period: April 21 – May 1
Consistently ranked among the top three Sakura viewing spots in Japan, Hirosaki Park boasts 53 types of Sakura trees. It has nearly 5000 trees of Somei Yoshino, Satomi, and weeping Sakura alone, attracting numerous visitors during the blossom season, especially for the night Sakura viewing.
Moreover, the Sakura festival in Hirosaki is a grand event. In addition to sampling various snacks, delicacies, and specialties, you can also enjoy Tsugaru folk songs, Nebuta festival parades, etc., making your trip far from dull.
Location: 1 Shimoshirakane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
How to get there: Take the Ou Main Line from Aomori or Akita to Hirosaki Station, then take a bus towards Momisawa Kudari and get off at the park entrance.
As one of the top Sakura viewing spots in Tsugaru Peninsula, Ashino Park is always bustling with locals and visitors when the Sakura are in full bloom.
The park’s Ashino Lake is dotted with light pink Sakura, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Ashino Park was also a favorite spot of Dazai Osamu (author of “No Longer Human”) in his childhood, and the park features a literary monument and a statue in his honor.
Location: 84-170 Ashino, Kanagicho, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture
How to get there: Take the Tsugaru Railway to Ashino Park Station.
Famous across Japan for having the longest Sakura avenue, the rows of Sakura trees extend for 20 kilometers along the country roads, not far from Hirosaki Park.
Hokkaido is the last region in Japan where Sakura bloom, suitable for those who can’t plan their trips immediately. Furthermore, May-June is off-peak tourist season, making accommodations and dining cheaper than during the peak season.
Hokkaido also has a long snow season, and a few ski resorts are still open in early May. So after admiring the Sakura, you can also try out the famous powder snow at the ski resorts.
Hokkaido Sakura bloom period: May 1 – May 10
This 7-kilometer long Sakura corridor is a cultural heritage of Hokkaido and offers a unique viewing experience of “Ten Thousand Flowers at a Glance”.
Each year, about 200,000 tourists come to admire the Sakura here. The majority of Sakura in this corridor are Ezoyama Sakura, the representative Sakura of Hokkaido, half of which are over 80 years old.
A distinctive flower tunnel, about 300 meters long, is located at a fork in the corridor. The Sakura here bloom very luxuriantly and are worth admiring.
Location: Shizunai, Hokkaido – Miyano
How to get there: Take the Donan Bus from JR Shizunai Station towards Nota, get off at Sakuragaoka Elementary School, and walk for about 15 minutes.
The earliest Sakura in Hokkaido can be seen at Matsumae Park.
The park is home to around 10,000 Sakura trees of about 250 varieties, most of which are quite old. The double-flowered Sakura is the most common type, known for its long flowering period. So even if you’re in a hurry, you can still see it. There are also Sakura trees with touching legends, such as the Bloodline Sakura and Rain Shelter Sakura.
Furthermore, the Edo period castle and Matsumae Castle are located within Matsumae Park, along with a museum. If you’re interested in architecture and history, you can explore these spots.
Location: Matsuki, Matsumae Town, Matsumae District
How to get there: Take a bus from JR Kikonai Station for about an hour and a half, get off at Matsuki Station, and walk for about 5 minutes.
① Takinoue Shibazakura Park
One of the popular alternative Sakura viewing spots, primarily featuring Shibazakura variety. The park is covered in white, pink, and purple petals arranged in various patterns, making it very photogenic.
② Moerenuma Park
This is a smaller Sakura park but less crowded and serene. It has more than 2600 Sakura trees forming a green belt, reflecting the harmony of human and ecological beauty.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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