The Importance of ‘Sakura’ & ‘Hanami’ in Japan
Known as ‘sakura’, cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japanese culture and are seen to embody the fragile beauty of life itself. As the weather warms in spring, the flowers bloom and Japan will emerge from the long, cold winter. Spirits rise while families and friends gather to wander underneath the beautiful canopy of pink and white, to share a meal, drink, or just ponder the fleeting beauty of the blossoms and enjoy ‘hanami’ (flower-viewing) together.
— The Importance of ‘Sakura’ in Japan
— The Varieties of Cherry Blossoms
— Tours And Charters to View the Blossoms
Continue on below to learn more about why this flower is so beloved in Japan!
THE IMPORTANCE OF SAKURA IN JAPAN
The blossoms can be appreciated on many levels, starting with their simple beauty. On a deeper level, many Japanese associate the blossoms with life itself. Beautiful, fragile and ephemeral, life much like the blossoms must be cherished and celebrated, in acknowledgment that neither will last forever.
Without doubt, there is a tinge of sadness to the appreciation of the blossoms yet overwhelming it’s a celebration of renewal, of new life and the year to come. Undeniably romantic, the emergence of the blossoms each spring brings couples of all ages to wander through the trees, a time when you just might see the uncommon sight of Japanese being openly affectionate in public.
It is a time to spend with family and friends. Parks will be busy with groups seated on rugs and mats, sharing food and drink and lots of laughter. Hanami is especially wondrous at night, when many parks are lit with the pink and red glow of paper lanterns.
Children love hanami. A magical time when they can meetup with family and friends and run excitedly beneath the blossoms, parents spoil them with seasonal treats from the ubiquitous vendors who line the parks.
‘Sakura mochi’ is especially popular, as the sticky rice balls carry the taste and scent of the blossoms. The little balls are deceptively filling and best washed down with ‘sakura tea’ to make room for the inevitable ‘sakura’ soft cone ice cream. It goes without saying that the blossoms present a great excuse indulge with confectionary, snack and drinks makers all taking the opportunity to release cherry blossom-flavoured specials.
THE VARIETIES OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS
You may be surprised to learn that Cherry Blossoms come in many varieties. In fact, there are more than 20! Each type offers a new way to enjoy the beauty of sakura, and learning to recognize the varieties is a fun activity to try during your trip. Please see our page ‘Cherry Blossom Varieties & How They Bloom‘ for more information on the exact types you may see and the order in which they bloom.
TOURS AND CHARTERS TO VIEW THE BLOSSOMS
Cherry Blossoms can be very fickle – they do not bloom at the same time every year, nor at the same time in every region. Timing your trip can therefore be a little difficult without some insider knowledge about where the flowers are blooming for that specific day. Luckily, we are here to help – with group tours and charter services available to bring you to the blossoms.
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano | |
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| Period | April |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:30/18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Available only in Spring (of course!), this group tour combines a trip to the Snow Monkey Park with beautiful Cherry Blossoms, a great combo. Where you will go to see the blossoms is not set – instead, we use our local expertise to pick the best spot for each day that the tour runs and guarantee that you can see the best possible scenery. This is the safest and easiest way to enjoy a day out in nature without any hassle or stress.
If a guided tour is not what you are after, our private charter service may be more your style. With friendly, certifies drivers and clean vehicles, we will pick you up from your accommodation (or wherever you choose to be picked up from) and bring you to any great cherry blossom spot of your choice. If you need advice, just feel free to ask and we can put together an itinerary for you using our local knowledge and experience. Please click HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
