Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.
Their life is very short. After their beauty peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to fall. They enjoy eating, drinking, and barbecuing underneath the cherry blossoms
The blossoming of the cherry trees begins in Kyushu in mid-March and reaches Tokyo after the 20th of the month. The exact timing can differ by up to one week and while 21/22nd is typical the flowers have not come into bloom until the 30th or 31st in some years.
A cherry tree in the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine is used by the Japan Meteorological Agency to officially declare that the flowers are in bloom in Tokyo.
Cherry blossoms have deep symbolic meaning. In China, they represent love and the female mystique of strength, sexuality, and beauty. In Japan, the flowers are most cherished, with the blossoms found in all aspects of Japanese culture, from film to poetry and even paintings
On Japan’s southern, subtropical islands of Okinawa, cherry blossoms open as early as January, while on the northern island of Hokkaido, they bloom as late as May. In most major cities in between, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the cherry blossom season typically takes place in early April
Yoyogi Park is one of the most popular spots for hanami due to its vast open spaces and the fact that you are allowed to bring alcohol into the park and picnic. You’ll need to get there early to get a good spot under or near the trees, and please be sure leave your spot clean and tidy afterwards.
