Guide to Japanese Cherry Blossoms!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 28 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 12 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
History of Hanami( cherry blossom viewing)
Hanami began over 1,200 years ago during the Heian period.
At that time, nobles would hold parties under cherry trees, enjoying themselves by composing poetry.
By the Edo period, (1603-1868)Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune planted many cherry trees, spreading the custom to commoners and establishing it as a spring seasonal event.
Today, it is a Japanese tradition to enjoy meals and drinks under the blossoms with family, friends, and colleagues.
Characteristics of Japanese Cherry Blossom
Japan has over 200 varieties of cherry blossoms.
The most commonly seen variety for 70%, is the Somei-Yoshino—pale pink petals cherry blossom with short blooming period.
Somei-Yoshino was created by gardeners crossbreeding two cherry varieties during the Edo period and is characterized by its beautiful full petals.
Since it cannot bear fruit and can only be propagated by grafting.
So the countless rows of cherry trees across Japan are the result of generations of effort by the Japanese people.
Cherry blossoms symbolize “fleeting beauty” and coincide with the season of graduations and new school year making them deeply intertwined with Japanese culture.
Full bloom lasts only about a week before petals fall, prompting daily TV updates on the cherry blossom front from mid-March to mid-April.
It’s the seasonal event which the entire nation follows with keen interest.
How to Enjoy Hanami( cherry blossom viewing)
Best Practices for Foreign Tourists:
Arrive early to secure a spot (especially popular spots get crowded)
Bring a blue plastic seat or something sit down.
Always take your trash home
Open flames and loud music are often prohibited
Some parks offer food stalls (yakisoba, takoyaki, karaage)
Enjoy nighttime cherry blossoms – Yozakura( night illuminated blossom viewing)is also recommended
Famous Hanami Spots
Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
Ueno Park
Tokyo’s most popular hanami spot
1,200 cherry trees bloom throughout the park
Nighttime illumination is also beautiful
Meguro River
A hugely popular spot with 800 cherry trees lining the approximately 4km riverbank
Many stylish cafes and food stalls
Beautiful illumination
Chidorigafuchi moat
Popular spot along the Imperial Palace moat where you can view cherry blossoms by boat
Famous for romantic nighttime cherry blossoms
260 cherry trees
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Features 1,000 diverse cherry trees with the longest viewing period
Spacious gardens allow for relaxed flower viewing
Alcohol prohibited, creating a quiet atmosphere
Yoyogi Park
Features 700 cherry trees
Beyond the main cherry blossom garden, numerous spots throughout the park offer enjoyment.
Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto
Daigoji Temple
Famous for the large-scale hanami held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century.
Still very popular with huge blooming
Philosopher’s Path
A walking spot where cherry trees bloom like a tunnel along both sides of the path
Maruyama Park
Famous for Kyoto’s representative weeping cherry trees
Nighttime cherry blossoms are especially popular
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Offers a spectacular view overlooking cherry blossoms and Kyoto’s cityscape
The nighttime illumination is breathtaking
Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Osaka
Osaka Castle Park
Beautiful contrast between cherry blossoms and Osaka Castle
Large-scale spot with approximately 3,000 cherry trees
Sakuranomiya Park
Approximately 4.8km of cherry blossom-lined paths
A walking course immensely popular with locals
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Huge park with over 5,000 cherry trees in bloom
Recommended for families
Cherry Blossom flavor foods and products
In Japan you can enjoy Cherry Blossom flavored seasonal drinks , foods and products !
They offer only during cherry blossom season .
Don’t miss them!
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I’m Nobu , one heart enjoy together!!
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