Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the official flower of Japan. There are dozens of cherry tree varieties that are found in Japan, including the Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino varieties. Most cherry trees feature blossoms that have five petals. However there area varieties that feature as many as twenty petals.

Cherry blossoms are beautiful, fragrant and delicate. They come in shades of light pink and white. Some less common types of cherry blossoms feature blooms in colors like deep pink or even pale yellow. Still other varieties of cherry blossoms have changing leaves that go from white to pink depending on the bloom cycle.

Blooming time depends on the specific variety of cherry tree as well as the climate. Milder, warmer climates usually lead to earlier blooms, while colder climates see later blooms. Most five petaled varieties of cherry blossom bloom in the springtime. Blossoms with more petals usually take longer to bloom and may not open until summer or early fall.

If you want to see cherry trees in full bloom, you have to act quickly. Blooming season only lasts about two weeks and sometimes even less depending on tree species and weather. There are several fantastic places where you can experience the majesty of cherry blossoms, and they include: Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Nagoya Castle, just to name a few.

Japan is home to cherry blossom festivals that celebrate the beauty and wonder of these trees. The earliest festival is the Yaedake Cherry Blossom Festival in Okinawa, however there are many different festivals in various parts of the country.

If you’re going to be in Japan during cherry blossom season, make sure to take a camera along to capture the beauty of these spectacular trees. The blossoms may not last, but your memories certainly can!