Sakura: Cherry blossom in Japan

Sakura in Japan, a lifetime experience

The word Sakura (桜), as pronounced in the Japanese language, designates both typical Japanese cherry trees along with their flowers. Those trees and flowers are anchored within the Japanese society and culture. As a matter of fact, when comes the time of their blooming in spring, many people both Japanese and tourists gather around specific famous spots to contemplate the beauty of cherry blossom: this is called "Hanami" (literally cherry blossom viewing - 花見).

This tradition of Hanami finds its origins in the ninth century, thanks to the Japanese emperor of that time, Saga. Indeed, during his reign, the emperor used to organize flower-viewing parties under the cherry blossom trees of the imperial court in Kyoto, a tradition which gradually spread among the elite and samurai, until finally being shared by common people. 

Different species of Sakura

Among the more than 500 different species of Sakura known up to this day (mainly differing by the shade of their petals varying from pure white to intense pink, sometimes flirting with a pale yellow color), the most common and perhaps the most popular species is Somei Yoshino (染井吉野), a white variety with pale pink tones, the flowers of which are adorned with five petals. It is believed than this widespread specie in Japan was created in the Somei village (near Tokyo in Toshima) in the 19th century.

Best spot to contemplate cherry blossom in Japan

The breathtaking spectacle that you can witness on the picture underneath comes from the Hirosaki Park in the prefecture of Aomori. This park in the vicinity of Hirosaki Castle was created in 1894 when the Japanese government was given property of the premises by the Tsugu clan. 

I would definitely recommend you to visit Hirosaki during the famous Japanese Golden Week holidays towards the end of April / beginning of May. Indeed, often considered as one of Japan's most splendid cherry blossom spot, more than a million foreigners and Japanese enjoy the view of the park's 2600 trees during Sakura Matsuri, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

However, if you don't feel confortable in crowded places, you might want to better think about viewing Sakura blooming in Hirosaki, since the park attracts thousands to millions of people every year during the period from the end of april to the beginning of may. 

In the eventuality where you want to enjoy the view but are still not quite sure of where Sakura are still blooming, don't worry! As a matter of fact, thanks to the Japan Metheorological Corporation, we have access to a very detailed map forecasting cherry blossom across Japan along with a brand new smartphone application called "Sakura Navi" that I strongly recommend you to download and available on both App Store and Google Play.

It tastes like Sakura...

By the way, have you ever had the opportunity to taste special Kit Kat or mochi with sakura flavor? Don't tell me you never heard about the famous McDonald's Sakura McFlurry? Here is a little video to give you a small taste of what Sakura in Japan have to offer you:

また来週！