Sakura(桜) — Japanese cherry blossoming (Prunus serrulata) — the most iconic Japanese calendar event. Stillonly 7-10 daysat a given place, symbolizes the fragility and beauty of passing (mono noware). 63 million Japanese celebrate annuallyhanami(End of “watching flowers”).
When — Sakura front (sakura zensen)
Sakura blooms from south to north — Japanese Meteorological Agency has been publishing forecasts since January. Standard calendar:
- Okinawa: January-February (kanhi-zakura variety, dark pink)
- Cussie (Fukuoka): March 20 — April 1
- Tokyo: March 24 — April 5 (peak March 30 — April 3)
- Kyoto: March 27 — April 8
- Osaka: March 26 — April 6
- Nagoya: March 25 — April 4
- Kanazava: April 3-14
- Sendai: April 8-18
- Aomori (Hirosaki): April 22-30
- Sapporo (Hokkaido): April 30 — May 7
Peak bloom=mankai(満開) = 80% of open flowers, lasts 3-4 days. Check every dayWeathernews.jp/sakura.
Top places on the hanami — Tokyo
Ueno Park
1200 cherries along the main avenue, chōchin (paper lanterns) in the evening — festival atmosphere. Book a picnic place in the morning (7:00 a.m. — competition like Black Friday).
Chidorigafuchi Moat
Fosa of the Imperial Castle, rent a boat (500 JPY/30 min) — you swim under a canopy of pink flowers. At night:Chidorigafuchi Green WayHighlighted from 6:00 to 10:00.
Meguro River
4 km of cherries along the river, 800 pink lanterns in the evening. Street stalls with sakura-mochi, sake, tempura. Peak: March end, crowds but magic.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Imperial garden, 1000 cherries with 12 varieties (they bloom 6 weeks from early to late). Prohibition of alcohol (perfect for families, calm). Introduction 500 JPY.
Top places — Kyoto
Philosophical Path (Tetsugaku no Michi)
2 km of alley along the canal, 500 cherries. A name from the philosopher Nishida Kitary, who walked here meditating.
Maruyama Park
Kyoto's largest hanami park, famousShidare-zakura— 12 m cherry weeping illuminated in the evening.
Arashiyama
West Kyoto, cherries along the Katsura River, Togetsukyō bridge. You can rent a boat.
Daigo-ji
Historically: In 1598 Toyotomi Hideyoshi arranged hereDaigo no Hanami— legendary Sakura banquet with 1,300 guests.
Top places — Japan outside Tokyo/Kyoto
- Yoshino(Prefecture of Nara) —30,000 cherrieson the slopes of the mountain. Inscribed UNESCO. Flowering in 3 throws (lower, middle, upper) — the sacura lasts 3 weeks
- Hirosaki Castle(Aomori) — 2,600 cherries around the castle, moats frozen with pink petals
- Himeji Castle— UNESCO White Castle with 1000 cherries. Japan's Most Photogenic Place
- Takato Castle Park(Nagano) — 1500 cherry varietiesTakato-kohigan(unique)
Hanami Tradition
Take:blue mat(blue tarp),bento(food box),sake,snacks. JUNIORY's colleagues are often seconded to “holding place” from 6am. Tonight:yasakura("night sacura") — illuminated parks.
Seasonal sakura dishes
- Sakura-mochi— mochi in cherry leaf
- Sakura-yu— tea with salty cherry flowers
- Sakura latte— Starbucks JP seasonally
- Sakura Kit Kat— Seasonal Nestle Edition
Practical Tips
- Hotel reservations:for the Sakura period BOOK WITH 6-8 MONTHS PRIVATE. Prices x2-3 vs normal
- Application:"Sakura Guide" (free, park map with current flowering status)
- Forecasts: Weathernews.jp(Japanese),japan-guide.com/e/e2011 when.html(English)
- Label:do not shake the tree, do not break branches (raw penalties)