Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

Are you planning to go to Japan in spring? Cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) and cherry blossom festivals are held all over Japan in spring. Sakura is the national flower of Japan, and it's said that there are over four hundred varieties of cherry trees in Japan. The most popular kind of cherry blossom which can be viewed everywhere in Japan is somei-yoshino (Yedoensis). You can view some pictures of cherry blossoms in Japan.

Sakura is different from the cherry of other countries. Japanese cherry trees do not yield fruits like other cherry trees. Cherry blossom viewing has been a Japanese custom since the 7th century when the aristocrats enjoyed looking at the cherry blossoms and wrote poems.

People drink, eat, and sing during the day and night. It is like a picnic. People bring food, do BBQ, or buy food from vendors. Among various food people eat in cherry blossom viewing, dango is very popular. It is a chewy snack made of rice flour.
Japanese Food for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Cherry blossoms flower at different times throughout Japan. The cherry blossoms begin blooming in January in Okinawa, and they are at their peak in late March to April in Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossom usually become in their peak in May. Please refer to the map which shows the average date of sakura flowering in Japan. The blooming period of cherry blossoms is very short. Don't miss the best time for cherry blossom viewing in your destinations.
Cherry Blossom Forecast Archives

In popular cherry blossom viewing spots, there is even competition for the best spot. If you do not like a crowd, you can go to mountains or other quiet places for cherry blossom viewing. Stop by any castles, parks, shrines, temples, and school yards near you. There are cherry trees everywhere in Japan. If you are planning to visit Kyoto, spring is a good time. Kyoto's historical sites are famous for their cherry trees. Many tourists visit Kyoto for cherry blossoms.

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• When and Where to Go Cherry Blossom Viewing in Japan

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