Community

Image Collection: 20 Awe-Inspiring Photographs of Japan’s Sakura Season

By Maddie - 5 min read

Nothing ushers in spring like the blooming of the cherry blossoms. In Japan, sakura season is short but sweet.

Nothing ushers in spring like the blooming of the cherry blossoms. In Japan, hanami season is an annual event that celebrates the blooming of sakura (Japanese for “cherry blossom tree”). Tourists flood in from around the world to catch a glimpse of these fleeting beauties.

Japan boasts over 100 varieties of cherry trees that only bloom for two to ten days, depending on the weather. Hanami (meaning “flower viewing”) is a national pasttime in Japan, which is accompanied by many festivals, events, parties and cherry blossom-flavored foods and drinks.

Top 5 spots for seeing Japan’s cherry blossom trees

1. Yoshino –Here the cherry blossom trees line the mountainsides forming a beautiful white and pink tapestry.
2. Tokyo –Don’t miss the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of the most famous parks in Japan for hanami.
3. Kyoto –If in Kyoto, don’t miss the Maruyama-kōen with it’s gigantic sweeping tree that is often lit at night.
4. Aomori Prefecture –This part of Japan has many great viewing spots, but the Hirosaki Sakura Festival is not to be missed.
5. Hokkaido –Here you can see the dual blossoming of the cherry and plum trees.

Now feast your eyes on the ethereal beauty of sakura and delight in the coming of a new season.