Every year is unique when it comes to Japanese cherry blossom. Spring seems like a miracle in Japan. When this season approaches, the country waits for the first pink blossoms to bloom. Well, the blossoming season is puzzling. Unfortunately, you may have arrived too early or have already missed the deadlines. The main and foremost reason is the unpredictability of the weather. Flowers will blossom early if the weather is warmer before spring arrives.
Cherry blossoms bloom all across Japan from late March to mid-April, or even early May, filling beautiful parks and framing city waterways. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to the country’s renowned Sakura or cherry blossom tree, whose magnificent blooms blanket the land in gentle pink beauty. Although these trees may be found all over the world, nothing beats Japan’s yearly riot of pink petals.
During cherry blossom watching season, the act of observing and admiring cherry blossoms is known as hanami, which translates to English as ‘flower viewing’. It is a big social event in Japanese culture with family, friends, and coworkers gathering under cherry blossom trees with picnic boxes and blankets. The activity of viewing Japanese cherry blossom in the evening is known as yozakura, and it involves tying small lights and lanterns into trees. Therefore, the blooms appear to shine in the dark. The top locations also have booths offering food and drinks. Here is The Greatest Spot in Japan to Observe Cherry Blossoms ;
Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
Himeji Castle is a popular cherry blossom viewing location, with approximately 1,000 cherry trees on its grounds. During the cherry blossom festival, you may take a boat excursion across the moat and admire the pink blossoms.
The Meguro River (Tokyo)
Around 800 cherry trees bloom along Megurogawa, a 3.8 kilometer-long. Although there are no parks here, you can enjoy Japanese cherry blossom gazing, while drinking and eating at one of the river’s cafés and eateries.
Read More : Yoyogi Park, the Unique Park in Tokyo with Its Own Appeal
Kakunodate (Kakunodate, Japan) Bukeyashiki-dori (Akita)
Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture is a renowned tourist destination with 390-year-old streets. Bukeyashiki-dori is a popular location for samurai homes. Every year at the end of April, the streets are adorned with pink weeping cherry trees, which provide a striking contrast with the black board fences that surround the samurai houses.
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Fort Goryokaku and Goryokaku Tower (Hakodate)
It is a star-shaped fort with Japan’s first French-style defenses. Goryokaku is a national special historic monument, and the adjacent park is famed for its cherry blossoms. The 107 meter-high Goryokaku Tower adjacent to the park offers a unique perspective of the beautiful cherry blossom Japan from above.
Read More : Meaning of Sakura Flowers in Japanese Cultures and Japanese People
Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest remaining five-tiered, six-story castle, is notably famed in spring when cherry blossoms bloom all around the castle. During the evening event, Japanese cherry blossom trees that border the outer moat are lighted up. Walking in the soft pink translucent light will make you completely captivated by the lovely scene.
Ueno Park (Tokyo)
Ueno Park, with around 1,200 cherry trees, is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing locations. When the Japanese cherry blossom blooms in the spring, over 2 million people visit the park for hanami. In the evening, bonbori (the paper lanterns) are lighted, and the cherry blossoms glow beautifully in the gentle radiance of paper lanterns.
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Read More : Several Countries in the World Other Than Japan That Have Their Own Cherry Blossom Trees
Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)
Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. There are around 40 different varieties of cherry blossoms and approximately 420 trees planted there, which bloom in mid-April. It has also been named one of Japan’s 100 Best Sakura Spots.
According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s official cherry blossom forecast for 2021, the Sakura flower will begin to bloom around March 11, and it will last until April 22 with the maximum bloom beginning around March 22 and lasting until April 27. Because of Covid-19, several Japanese cherry blossom viewing activities and festivals were canceled or reduced in 2021. A similar pattern is likely to occur in 2022.
You now know when you should go to Japan to participate in the yearly ritual of seeing the cherry blossoms with the natives. There are a lot of them. However, if you want to know which areas have the most tourists (about 2 million), you may choose Kawazu Izu Sakura in Shizuoka, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, and Ueno Park in Tokyo. Alternatively, you may just adhere to the projected blooming dates.
In addition, tourists are also welcome to attend the Japan cherry blossom festival. While it may still be a little cool outside, renting a kimono and walking about while taking photographs is an excellent midday activity.
If you have determined the date and place you want for Japanese cherry blossom, you can check the flight ticket prices on the Airpaz.com website and start saving. You can also book hotels at the places you want to visit through the Airpaz apps.