Cherry blossoms
are given great importance in Japan, so much so that the Japanese even
hold flower viewing festivals or “Hanami” to appreciate them in full
bloom. In Japan, cherry blossoms are not just any other flower that
blooms during fall; it also holds a great significance. It looks
immaculately exquisite during the fall, but its life is short lived.
This
is the main reason why in Japan, cherry blossoms remind them of the
beauty of life and mortality, and of the splendor of both life and
death.
Hanami: the cherry blossom viewing festival
In Japan, every time these cherry blossoms bloom,
people hold grand festivities where they spend their hours picnicking,
drinking, and socializing. All these activities are done beneath the
beautiful cherry blossom trees as it gives them a better view to fully
appreciate their beauty.
Cherry blossoms
in Japan are located all around the country so “Hanami” can be enjoyed
and celebrated in different parts of Japan. Whether you are a tourist or
a resident of this country, it would be impossible for you to miss this
wonderful event.
If you are planning to go to Japan yourself, and would like to experience this heavenly event here are a few tips.
Viewing guide: enjoying the cherry blossoms
The
flowers bloom in slightly different periods depending on region, but
they typically bloom from around January to May. The different climates
and weather conditions all over Japan also make the hues of the petals
slightly different. In Tohoku Region located in the North, for instance,
cherry blossom colors are more intense and vibrant compared to its
Southern counterparts. So if you truly want to experience authentic
Japanese viewing festivals with friends and family, you might want to
read up on the following places.
Mount
Yoshino is actually considered a World Heritage site. There, you will
be able to see at least 30,000 cherry blossoms in full bloom during the
month of April. Not only is the scenery from Mt. Yoshino impeccable and
breathtaking, it also provides you with a 360-degree panoramic view of
the cherry blossoms located in several parts of the mountain like Shimo,
Kami, Oku, and Naka.
- On a Yakatabune on the Sumida River
The
Yakatabune is a pleasure boat in Japan. People enjoy dining and
partying in this boat during viewing festivals because it runs through
eastern Tokyo allowing you to take a peek at around 330 cherry trees
located in certain areas of the banks of Sumida River. Riding a boat
while eating remarkable food and enjoying the view? Don’t mind if I do!
- Hot springs in Okuhida Onsen-go
Okuhida
Onsen-go is a known hot springs area in Japan. In some areas, people
are given a breathtaking view of the cherry blossoms while they dip
themselves into a relaxing hot springs bath. In Tochio, for instance,
cherry trees are placed in a row along the mountain stream so that hot
springs enthusiasts can treat themselves to a day of pampering with a
stunning view of the flowers.
This
is the old-fashioned way – picnicking, drinking, and making lovely
conversations under the cherry blossoms is also an equally excellent
choice to immerse yourself to this rich cultural and seasonal event.
There are plenty of specific locations in Japan where you can do this
like the Nara Park, Arashiyama, and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden to name a few.
Just make sure that you pay attention to the yearly weather broadcasts
posted in Japan so that you will be able to go there when these flowers
are in full bloom.
There are plenty of fantastic ways to enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms.
You can try modern and sophisticated ideas like riding a boat, or
skiing. You can even stick to the traditional ways of embracing the
event. What matters is what makes you connect most to this beautiful and
rich culture that is the Japanese flower viewing festival.
