Pop Japan

Spring in Japan is synonymous with the arrival of blooms blanketing the nation with various shades of white and pink. These are the celebrated cherry blossoms, also known as sakura. The sakura are more than just beautiful cherry blossoms, they are deeply ingrained in the country’s culture, symbolizing a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life.

Their ephemeral beauty peaks for only a few days before the petals start to fall. This short-lived journey of the blossoms is often associated with the transient nature of life, a major theme in Japanese art, literature, and philosophy.

The blooming starts in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. It proceeds into areas at the higher altitudes and northward, arriving in Hokkaido a few weeks later. This progression is known as the “sakura zensen” (cherry blossom front) and is annually published by the weather bureau.

People gather under blooming sakura trees for hanami, a tradition of flower viewing parties, with friends and family. At night, the delicate blossoms are illuminated for yozakura, the evening sakura. These traditions have been held for centuries and are an integral part of spring in Japan. The sakura and spring season are truly a magical time to be in Japan.

Tags: sakura, cherry blossoms, japan, spring, season