Japanese culture is very different compared to Finland.
The country’s culture can fit in harmony with old traditions as well as the latest high technology. Geishas and tea ceremonies are still worth it, but at the same time, streamlined bullet trains and skyscrapers cross the ground like mushrooms in the rain. According to COUNTRYAAH, Japan is a country located in eastern Asia starting with J.
The nature of Japan is also quite unique, and the breathtakingly beautiful scenery comes into its own, especially in the time of cherry blossoms. With the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms envelop the entire country in a gentle pink veil, and the festive atmosphere can be felt everywhere.
What is a Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival?
The flowering of cherry trees, or hanami, is one of the most important annual folk festivals in Japan.
Both Japanese and visiting tourists will then gather in parks and gardens all over Japan to admire the glory of cherry blossoms.
Festive hum can be felt everywhere, and the cherry blossom feast, or hanami, is often celebrated with picnics under the cherry trees.
The cherry blossom or Sakura is a national treasure and the country is very proud of its tradition.
What is the meaning of cherry blossoms?
For the Japanese, cherry trees have a very special meaning.
Nearly 90 million Buddhists live in Japan, and one of the cornerstones of Buddhism is the idea of the disappearance of everything. And it is precisely this cherry blossom that symbolizes. The flowering period provides an opportunity to meditate and reflect on the beauty of nature – and life in general.
Cherry blossom also has another meaning. Namely, it symbolizes the beginning of a new one, as the new school year and the new financial year both begin on 1 April.
In addition to religious and educational symbolism, cherry blossoms also have commercial significance.
Supermarkets at this time are decorated with plastic versions of beautiful cherry blossoms. The decorations actually resemble the Christmas decorations of Finnish shops.
When do cherry blossoms bloom?
If you want to experience Japan’s beautiful and atmospheric cherry blossom festival, you need a little patience. It is very difficult to predict when flowering will begin, as it depends entirely on the weather conditions.
For this reason, Japanese meteorologists have been monitoring the flowering since 1951, even where it is compatible. Modern forecasts are based on advanced technology. Even complex mathematical diagrams are used to calculate the exact flowering time.
It is a good idea to plan your travel time well in advance, but it is not possible to guarantee that flowering will take place “at a normal time”.
The land is large in size, so cherry blossoms bloom in different places at different times. Most often, the first sakuras open in Okinawa in January. In Kyoto and Tokyo, sakuras usually bloom in late March or early April.
If you wish, you can follow the progress of the flowering at www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/.
Where can I experience a cherry blossom party?
You can enjoy a Japanese cherry blossom festival all over the country from north to south.
We’ve put together below examples of places where cherry blossoms are especially fine.
Kanazawa
The parks of the city of Kanazawa, located north of Tokyo, are among the most beautiful in Japan.
Inside the magnificent Kenroku-en Park, in addition to the cherry trees, there is also a geisha quarter and a samurai quarter. Among other attractions, the park has relatively few tourists, so here you can enjoy an authentic Japanese tap atmosphere.
Tokyo
Ueno Park in Tokyo is a great place to admire the blooms of cherry trees, as the center’s corridor is lined with over a thousand trees. In addition to beautiful flowers, thousands of lanterns burn in the park, creating a magical atmosphere. Ueno is a very popular tap destination, so you should head to the site well in advance if you want to secure your place under the cherry tree.
Kyoto
The banks of the Kamogawa River, which flows through Kyoto, are bordered by cherry trees. The former capital is indeed a popular place among Hanamians.
The city’s more than 1,600 temple courtyards and gardens are also great places to enjoy cherry blossoms. One of Kyoto’s most popular and special places to experience cherry blossoms is the old Geisha House in Gion’s Geisha Quarter. You can also walk along the Philosopher’s Path along the canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
Osaka
Kema Sakuranomiya Park and Linnapuisto are some of the best places in Hanaka to spend Hanam.
In Kema Sakuranomiya, about 5,000 cherry trees have been planted on the banks of the Okawa River. Pink cherry blossom clouds get their rights when viewed from the river.
The large park surrounding Osaka Castle is decorated with more than 4,000 cherry trees. With the arrival of spring, the castle is shrouded in a pink flower sea, which is a particularly impressive sight.
Hiroshima
For most, Hiroshima is the first to think of a World War II atomic bomb.
Hiroshima Peace Park is decorated every year with beautiful Pink Cherry Blossoms. More than 300 cherry trees have been planted in the park, providing an impressive contrast to the park’s war memorials.
Hijiyama Park offers great views over the entire city, and the park itself has 1,300 cherry trees. Hijiyama is indeed a popular place among Hanami practitioners.
Okinawa
The first cherry trees burst into bloom on the island of Okinawa, located southwest of Tokyo.
One of the most beautiful places to admire the cherry blossoms is Nakijin Castle, where blossoming cherry trees and beautifully lit lanterns form an enchanting tunnel.
Want to experience Sakurat?
If you want to experience Japan’s beautiful cherry blossom festival, embark on a tour of Asia to fascinating Japan !
