The word hanami literally means looking at flowers, but it is used to refer to one flower in particular, the sakura or cherry blossom. The act of observing and appreciating cherry blossom in viewing season is called hanami, which translates to english as flower viewing. On japan s southern, subtropical islands of okinawa, cherry blossoms open as early as january, while on the northern island of hokkaido, they bloom as late as may. The flower is adored and honored by most of the japanese like they do for ume, sakura and irises. It is a public park that centers around a 70 year old weeping cherry blossom tree shidarezakura. Having the basic knowledge on how to dress for spring and what temperatures to expect, lets look at how to actually do hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. Even my coworkers were asking why i wasnt already in japan, because cherry blossom season was in full swing in. Every season, there are wonderful flowers blooming in japan and festivals to go with them. Never ever have we seen the viewing of flowers carried out so devotedly that itself became a ritual. The basement food floor of department store is a good place to get a hanami bento. Mar 24, 2020 hanami, flower viewing is the japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. In japan, there are 4 seasons in total, and for each seasons there are many beautiful things to see. Mar 08, 2016 whether it be warriors of old comparing their short lives to the brief, glorious spectacle of cherry blossom season or families, friend and coworkers partaking in hanami or flower viewing.
Known as hanami in japanese, cherry blossom festivals are an important custom and are held all over japan during the spring. There are many other things to do in japan during spring season like visiting nikko, or taking a trip to any of the beer gardens etc. Blossoming of the pink flowers marks the advent of spring, but the exact dates to get the best possible view is. If you are familiar with japan or even not so much, we believe that most of those who have traveled to japan or are planning to visit japan have. Normally a pale blue color, the japanese wisteria is enjoyed by gardeners around the world, and in japan you can find really stunning displays of wisteria. That said, do not expect to see the flowers wherever you go, the trees bloom at different times throughout japan. Cherry blossom season is a huge draw for tourists in japan every year, but their sheer popularity and the resulting crowds can be offputting. From midnovember to early december, the trees turn vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow. The following chart shows the approximate blooming periods for some of the most popular flowers in japan.
The news broke at the end of march, and id booked a trip to japan for the end of april of course, doing everything last minute. And as vegetables and fishes in season are used, you will be able to enjoy the taste of spring in japan. The television and newspapers closely follow this cherry blossom front, as it slowly moves from south to north. During the peak of the blooming season, the japanese people and tourists alike attend festivals and engage in hanami, or picnics beneath the cherry trees. Flower viewing for japans spring feel fukuoka japan.
Where and when to see japans cherry blossom in 2021. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is one of japan s most iconic flowers. Flower viewing article about flower viewing by the free. The map shown below indicates how the cherry blossom viewing season hanami of japan for 2020 goes upward hokkaido from the lower elevations okinawa. Mar 18, 2018 hanami flowerviewing season begins nine days earlier than average as the citys official sample tree sprouts its first blossoms in march every year, the japan meteorological agency keeps a careful eye on tokyos special hyoujunki literally sample tree, which officially heralds the start of the regions longawaited sakura season when it blossoms. Each new year in japan spells the beginning of another spring cherry blossom season that covers the country in a delicate hue of pink. Heres all about when and where to see cherry blossoms in japan in 2020. Japans cherry blossom season famously begins in april and lasts for around two weeks. Hanami, flower viewing is the japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient. The plants mimic the season and signify the change in the year.
Cherry blossom season usually occurs between late march and midapril. Sakura season 2018 officially declared in tokyo as first. The japanese celebrate this time of the year with hanami cherry blossom viewing parties. The japan cherry blossom association developed a list of japan s top 100 cherry blossom spots with at least one location in every prefecture. Since the fiscal and school year both begin in april, in many parts of honshu, the first day of work or school coincides with the cherry blossom season. Usually lasting for only two weeks in march, the sakura cherry blossom schedule changes a bit every year, so its hard to nail down exactly when to come. Here are a few tokyo flower festivals worth checking out.
The cherry blossom is japans national flower and the most beloved flower of the japanese people. Although there are many varieties of cherry tree in japan, most bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The 2020 sakura season in japan has begun, and it is time to begin planning your own hanami blossom viewing excursions. Visitors can enjoy hanami, or flower viewing, and other fun activities during this exciting season. Cosmos is a flower relatively new in japan believed to have been first brought to the country during the meiji period 18671912. For example, the fireworks in summer, the red falling leaves in autumn, the snow in winter, and for spring it is the flower that represents japan s spring. Hanami, which literally translates to flower viewing, refers to the japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of transient flower blooms. Ashikaga flower park, located in ashikaga, tochigi prefecture, two hours away from tokyo, is the biggest and the best place in japan to enjoy the magical wisteria bloom. Pictures of picnics in tokyo happening under a canopy of light pink flowers and they made me panic. Since you come all the way to japan, lets see beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. One of the biggest fields is akeno himawari batake, located in hokuto city, yamanashi prefecture.
Throughout japan, people gather en mass to look at the trees and picnic or even camp. In spring, foreign tourists visit japan the most in four seasons, and their prime purposes are viewing cherry blossoms sakura. Colorful flower blossoms in parts of china recently attracted a number of visitors to marvel the sheer beauty of nature and to welcome spring. In 2020, other early bird cities include fukuoka on march 23. In spring, you can enjoy the tulips, poppies and creeping phlox, in summer the lavenders, dahlias and sunflowers, in autumn, cosmos, marigolds and salvias, and in winter the pansies and stock.
The map shown below indicates how the cherry blossom viewing season hanami of japan for 2020 goes upward hokkaido from the lower elevations. For example, the fireworks in summer, the red falling leaves in autumn, the snow in winter, and for spring it is the flower that represents japans spring. Japan cherry blossom viewing essential japan guide. Hanami literally means flower viewing, however, it commonly refers only to cherry blossom viewing. Officials traditionally observe the pale pink blooms of the yoshino cherry tree japans most common type with the season declared open when at least five or six flowers have opened on a. Mar 31, 2018 the group is well known in japan for its list of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in the country, an essential guide for anyone looking to get their fill of flower viewing. They call it the flower viewing festival and mark it with deep love and respect for nature especially cherry blossom.
During the sakura season, families, friends and colleagues gather in their favourite blossom viewing spots to enjoy food and drink under the trees. There are hundreds site where you can go for cherry blossom viewing, but if you have limited time you probably want to see the best of the best. Sakura originally was used to divine that years harvest as well as announce the riceplanting season. Late april early may 2020 wisteria plants produce a tress of flowers up to 50cm long and with upwards of 100 flowers on just one tress. Though certainly the best known and highly anticipated among all flower festivals in japan, it isnt the only one. Even so, these pink, white, orange, and yellow flowers are also called autumn sakura, representing the fall season. Dec 03, 2016 hanami, in japanese, literally means, flower viewing. Originally introduced from china, the japanese plum. Cherry blossom season is a huge draw for tourists in japan every year, but their sheer popularity and the resulting crowds can be offputting there are so many beautiful flowers, blooms, and iconic plants to see at other times of the year, but they are often overshadowed by the lure of the sakura cherry blossom. Fittingly, flower viewing is a very popular activity in japan as most prominently seen in the annual festivities surrounding the cherry blossoms, but not limited to them. The coming of spring in japan is accompanied by the arrival of cherry blossoms, called sakura in japanese, which when in full bloom blanket the country with a gorgeous pinkwhite hue that transforms the nation into a living impressionist painting. Cherry blossom viewing season or hanami late march to early april japans hanami flower viewing season stretches from the end of march until april, when the sakura are blooming. Each spring, japan comes alive with beautiful soft pink sakura blooms that crown the trees in parks, gardens and streets.
On matcha, find the latest information on bloom forecasts, festivals and events, and when and where to see the best sakura throughout japan. Each year starting around march and april, the japanese archipelago transforms into delicate pink shades. Hydrangea ajisai in japanese is the sign of the rainy season in japan. Where and when to see japans cherry blossom in 2021 times.
Simply enjoy the intensity of the many blossoms by looking at a single tree or a group of trees. Hanami means cherry blossom viewing, and its how people in japan celebrate the season of the beautiful pink flowers. The most wellknown species is the japanese cherry, prunus serrulata, which is commonly called sakura. Mar 22, 2020 as japan shrugs off the cold days of winter, people around the country start thinking about the hanami cherry blossom viewing season, that longawaited time of year when people gather together under the sakura trees to enjoy parties with friends and work colleagues while getting drunk on beers and the beauty of the blossoms. Planning your dream vacation to japan in spring for the cherry blossom festival. Top flower viewing occasions you shouldnt miss this spring. The practice dates back centuries, with people first admiring plum blossoms instead which bloom earlier than sakura. Every year, hundreds of flower festivals are held throughout the country. In most large cities like tokyo, kyoto and osaka, the cherry blossom season normally takes place around the end of march and the beginning of april. Maruyama park is a popular hanami flower viewing spot during the cherry blossom season. Ultimate guide to viewing cherry blossoms in japan not a. Best time to see wisteria tunnels in japan 2020 when. Every spring, people turn out in their millions across the country to celebrate the transient beauty of these flowers, one of the symbols of japan itself. Top flower viewing occasions you shouldnt miss this.
Fittingly, flower viewing is a very popular activity in japan as most. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in japan, most of which bloom for just a few days in spring. I will be a great liar if i say plum blossom is seen only in china and japan. Japan when to visit japan the high and the low season.
The word hana means flower in japanese, and hanami means flower viewing. Every year, japan s first cherry blossoms appear in okinawa southern japan then move northwards to hokkaido by early may. If you want to fully enjoy sakura season in japan you need to learn some cherry blossom season vocabulary first such as hanami. Since its april, its time for what they call hanami, a yearly flowerviewing here in japan.
Every year during its blooming season, hundred of chrysanthemum viewing. In south japan it is already open, but the main season starts in early april. Where and when to see japans cherry blossom in 2021 the times. Here is the list with most popular hanami flower viewing places in japan. Japan cherry blossom tours 20202021, japanese sakura. Japan when to visit japan the high and the low season one of the most important things to know about japan is that they have the biggest internal tourism in the world. In nara period 710784 flower viewing was referred to plum blossom not the cherry blossom. Japan is known around the world for its cherry blossom festivals. Sakura may be japan s most famous blossoms, but that doesnt mean their other petaly compatriots should be overlooked. However, appreciation of the cherry blossom in japan is almost a religion, and therefore hanami has come to refer specifically to cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom viewing season or hanami late march to early. People believed in kami inside the trees and made offerings. On a warm spring day, lovely pink sakura flowers are all set to captivate your heart like tiny ballerinas dancing in the wind just above your head.
Japan 2020 cherry blossom forecast discover japans. The bloom of cherry blossoms 2020 japan national tourism. Our guide on the best time to visit japan with details on the seasons, what weather to expect, and festivals and special events held throughout the year. It also has nice mountainous scenery in the background. Every year, japans first cherry blossoms appear in okinawa southern japan then move northwards to hokkaido by early may. Flower viewing, also known as hanami in japanese, has been a past time activity since as early as the nara period. One of the most highly anticipated season in japan is sakura or cherry blossom season on spring, in this video you can see list of best cherry blossom sakura spots or. Mar 28, 2015 japan glances hanami flower viewing japan glances. Flowers are like mirrors to the seasons, reflecting the passage of time.
So you think that hanami cherry blossom viewing is the ultimate spring experience in japan. Its this combination of cool weather and striking sights that make fall one of the most popular seasons for traveling to japan. Taiyonooka engaru park mombetsugun, hokkaido prefecture. While many people across the world know about the annual blooming of japanese cherry trees, there is another pink flower that is celebrated every year in this incredible country. Picnic under the beautiful flowing trees in any public park during this special season. April 3, 2020 the sakura season has arrived in northern japan with cherry blossoms in sendai and fukushima have reached peak bloom. The timing as to when the cherry trees in tokyo are in full bloom varies from year to year, but the general timeframe. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in japanese culture. Japan best time to visit japan seasons and weather japan climate. Whats the best time for cherry blossom viewing in japan this year. Its popularity was eventually surpassed by that of the cherry tree the plum is associated with the start of spring, because plum blossoms are some of the first blossoms to open during the year. As summer transitions to autumn, japan begins to cool down, offering temperate weather thats perfect for outdoor walks. Cherry blossom blooming forecast date of first bloom 2020 season.
Sakura and the art of cherry blossom viewing in japan. A tradition all over japan, hanami literally means viewing flowers. In the 8th century plum trees were introduced to japan from its neighbor country china. Even though it has become synonymous with cherry blossoms it is not limited to it. Late april early may 2020 beautiful tulip fields are normally associated with the netherlands, but in japan too you can see some really special tulip vistas. March 29, 2020 cherry blossoms are in full bloom in osaka, kyoto, nagoya, hiroshima, yokohama, and fukuoka. At night, the shidarezakura is illuminated for everyone to enjoy during the sakura period. Cherry blossoms seasons are a main theme in the japanese culture. Lets enjoy cherry blossom viewing in tottori tottori. Ashikaga even has a wisteria tree that is over 150 years old. In most major cities in between, such as tokyo, kyoto and osaka, the cherry blossom season typically takes place in early april. Millions of sunflowers were planted to soak up radioactive toxins. Although a wisteria viewing party was also described, the terms hanami and flower party were subsequently used only in reference to cherry blossom viewing.
Caution for spring travelers to japan are you making a plan to travel japan in spring for cherry blossoms in 2020. Aug 31, 2016 cosmos is a flower relatively new in japan believed to have been first brought to the country during the meiji period 18671912. Here we do a deep dive on japan s cherry blossom forecast, about sakura viewing culture, and where are the best places to see cherry blossoms in japan. As a romantic flower it is certainly one to take a date to see.
One nation on the face of planet earth has got its own way of celebrating the spring season. Hanami cherry blossom viewing season begins in japan as. Oct 18, 2018 cherry blossom season is traditionally a time of picnics, picturetaking, and delight. Best time to see cherry blossoms in japan in 2020 japan. The bento for hanami looks pretty as the colorful ingredients like carrot is cut in the shape of a cherry blossom petal. Japans cherry blossoms blooming in fall after extreme. Japans emperor used to held plum blossom viewing party each year. Japan s cherry blossoms blooming in fall after extreme weather. Many roads near popular flower viewing spots tend to be heavily congested in urban areas. The best places to see the blushtinted blooms are in maruyama park. These flowering plants were grown in japan for centuries. A cherry blossom is a flower of many trees of genus prunus.
Many places come alive with color during springtime, and different festivals across the country are held to celebrate the beauty of the flowers. Cherry blossom season in japan 2020 hanami youtube. Though certainly the best known and highly anticipated among all flower festivals in japan, it. In most major cities in between, including tokyo, kyoto and osaka, the cherry blossom season typically takes place in early april furthermore, the blooming time of cherry trees differs from year to year depending on the weather. Due to corona virus, there are no more picnics, food stalls are not allowed inside the park. The variety of food stalls of light snacks takoyaki, taiyaki, and other set up during the cherry blossom season makes flower viewing all the more festive and exciting.
431 328 1048 727 438 809 1420 853 1221 1204 351 1358 473 187 1175 69 83 867 398 1568 429 80 601 1020 153 918 485 1172 865 161 52 330 1016 448 791 616 1485 1362 460 720 118